Useful Information

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES

SEASON DATES 2008

STAR RATINGS

Every year Visit Britain inspect more than 11,000 self-catering units. The Quality in Tourism star ratings help guests choose the accommodation that's right for them. Assessors have been visiting flats, houses, cottages and serviced apartments assessing quality, including comfort, space, facilities and most important of all, cleanliness.

Quite simply, the more Stars the higher the overall level of quality. Establishments at higher rating levels also have to meet some additional requirements for facilities. All properties have to meet an extensive list of minimum requirements before they can be considered for a Star rating. From there, increased levels of quality apply. For instance, you'll find acceptable quality at One Star, good to very good quality at Three Star and exceptional quality at Five Star.

One Star Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.

Two Star Good overall level of quality. All units self-contained - 2 bathrooms where there are eight or more guests.

Three Star Good to very good level of quality. Good standard of maintenance and decoration, with ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwaves.

Four Star Excellent overall level of quality. Very good care and attention to detail will be obvious throughout. Either access to washing machine and drier, if not provided in the unit, or a 24-hour laundry service.

Five Star Exceptional overall level of quality. High levels of decor, fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services, with excellent range of accessories and personal touches.

SHORT BREAKS

Short breaks are available in many of our properties from October-April inclusive excluding Bank Holiday week and October half term. Four nights short breaks prices are shown in individual property details where applicable. Some properties will also be available for short breaks between May-September but only at short notice, the charges for these are shown with the property description.

The short break can start on any day and can be from 4-6 nights. The prices quoted are for the standard 4 night break, 5 & 6 nights are charged at the normal weekly rate. Please note that short breaks are not available over Christmas, which is charged weekly at the high season rate. Short breaks are only available during the mid and high seasons on a last-minute basis, subject to availability.

ELECTRICITY AND HEATING

Electricity and heating are included in the rental cost of nearly all of our properties. Please check the property description which will provide details where these utilities are not included.

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR

As both Christmas and New Years Day both fall on a Thursday in 2008/90, those weeks, for the purposes of booking, will run from a Tuesday start day. Please note that short breaks are not normally available during Bank Holidays, but may be available in selected properties over the New Year period - please ask.

FLEXI LETS

Many FHH holiday homes and other properties are offered for rental from one week to a five month period. Please enquire for availability.

WELCOME PACK
Many Homeowners provide a welcome pack or tray for visitors and this will be shown by the cup symbol. What is provided will differ from property to property but the minimum included should normally consist of tea, coffee, sugar, milk and biscuits. Sometimes there will be more provided so please ask for details.

PRICES
Prices for each property are shown on the individual property description. The prices show the basic cost of the holiday. Individual cottages may have extra charges, e.g. towels, extra beds, etc, details of which will be shown clearly in the brochure description. Cancellation protection is included in the brochure price.

PETS

Many FHH properties will accept pets and these will display a Pet symbol. More details are given in the property description. Bookings that include pets are taken on the understanding that all flea, worming treatments and vaccinations are up to date. Please remember that pets should not be left unattended in properties and that some homeowners insist on pets remaining downstairs and off the furniture at all times. You, as pet owner, will be responsible for removing any evidence left by your pet and reimbursing the owner for any damage caused. For all properties accepting pets, a charge of £20 per pet, per week will be made.

EXTRA PERSONS

Some properties have extra beds or sofa beds. There may be a charge if used; this will be stated in the property description. In no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons indicated occupy a property (see Booking Conditions 10).

BABIES

Cots and highchairs are available at properties displaying the relevant symbols. No cot linen is provided.

CLEANING

All FHH cottages are cleaned thoroughly between holidays. We would ask that you leave the property and its contents clean and tidy (see Booking Conditions 11).

ALTERATIONS TO BOOKINGS

FHH  cannot accept a change of holiday property once we have received your payment. It may be possible to change your holiday week providing you advise FHH not less than six weeks prior to your original holiday start date. This is not always possible, although FHH is able to rearrange this for you, a charge of £35 will be made to cover administration costs. No change of dates is operative until the administration fee is paid and written confirmation sent to you.

SECURITY DEPOSITS

For some FHH properties a security deposit is taken as a guarantee against any breakages or damage ocurring during your stay, or any excess cleaning required at the end. It should be paid on arrival to the owner or keyholder with cash, a guaranteed sterling cheque or signed travellers cheque unless requested with the reservation balance (see property descriptions). After inspection of your property it will be returned to you at the end of your stay or, if this is not possible, by post within two weeks of your departure. Breakages or damage should always be reported to the keyholder and holiday homes should be left in a clean and tidy condition. Freedom Holiday Homes reserved the right to increase the security deposit for Christmas, New Year, party groups and long let bookings.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

If you have any special requirements for any member of your party, do call us to discuss the suitability of the property selected. Our staff will be pleased to advise you or make further recommendations.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. If you are unhappy with your booking or the way it has been handled, please inform FHH immediately.
2. The contract is between you (the Hirer), and the Home Owner, so if any problems arise during your stay, you should contact the Home Owner or Keyholder immediately , who should put the matter right as soon as possible.
3. If the matter is not resolved, let us know as soon as possible. No correspondance can be entered into in the case of complaints made after you return home when it will be appreciated that it is quite impossible for them to be effectively investigated.
4. If you have an urgent problem, please contact the Home Owner or Keyholder. If you cannot contact the Home Owner or the Keyholder, telephone our office on 01580 720770 durning office hours.
5. Please leave a telephone number or location where you can be contacted.
6. We will do all we can to rectify the matter - if we are unable to do this and in our opinion, your complaint is justified, we will try to find alternative accommodation for you.
   i. This may involve an increase or decrease to your holiday cost, depending on the price category of the alternative property.
   ii. It may not be possible to re-locate you in high season. In such cases, where you do not stay in your booked property, we will arrange a reimbursement of the cost of your holiday or part therof.
7. FHH's liability and that of the Home Owner is limited to the price you paid, except in the case of legal liability for personal damage or injury, for which purpose public liability insurance is carried by the Home Owner.

PERIOD PROPERTIES
Many of the properties within the brochure and website are older cottages dating back to the 19th century or earlier. It is important to remember before booking your holiday that part of the charm of such properties are the characteristically low ceilings, doorways and beams. They often have steep and narrow stairs and because of low or sloping ceilings, may have limited clothes hanging facilities. Many were also built before the introduction of damp proof courses and cavity insulation. These points are particulary important to note if your party has any elderly or very young members. Thatched roofs and beams can attract spiders, and cobwebs reappear very quickly after being removed.

FHH feel that these are aspects of the properties that add character and charm and would not hesitate to recommend them to you given the aforementioned features are understood.

This information supersedes previous issues.