Here, you'll find answers to common questions about enjoying your stay at our properties and making the most out of your investment as a property owner. Our FAQ section is designed to quickly address your needs, whether you're a guest looking forward to a memorable Sicilian vacation or an owner seeking to enhance your property's value.
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us for personalized assistance.
How can I book a villa with Shades of Sicily?
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Booking a villa is simple and convenient! Navigate to your preferred villa's page, and use the booking engine located directly on the villa’s page. Select your dates and the number of guests, then follow the straightforward steps to confirm your reservation.
To secure your booking, a payment of 50% of the total amount is required at the time of reservation. The remaining 50% must be settled 7 days prior to your arrival to complete the payment process.
On the day of your arrival, a damage deposit of €500 will be reserved on your credit card. This amount will remain reserved until 7 days after your checkout, ensuring the property is returned in the same condition as it was received.
For your convenience, our villas are also available on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO. However, booking directly through our website guarantees the best rates and exclusive offers.
What payment methods do you accept?
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We accept secure credit card payments directly through the booking engine available on each villa's page. The process is seamless and user-friendly, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free booking experience.
All payments are processed securely to provide peace of mind while confirming your reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
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You can cancel your booking up to 30 days before check-in to receive a full refund of the deposit.
How can I modify my booking?
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If you need to modify your booking, please contact us directly. Depending on availability, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that changes to your booking may affect the total price or availability, and additional terms may apply.
What is included in the cost of the stay?
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The cost of your stay covers all essential utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, as well as final cleaning to ensure a seamless departure. Local taxes are included in the total price displayed during the booking process, so there are no hidden fees.
The only additional cost is the damage deposit of €500, which will be reserved on your credit card on the day of your arrival. This amount is released within 7 days after check-out, provided the villa is returned in the same condition as it was delivered.
Please note that any applicable tourist taxes are not included in the rental price and must be paid separately upon arrival.
Are the villas family-friendly?
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Yes, our villas are ideal for families. Upon request, we can provide cribs and high chairs at no extra cost, ensuring a comfortable stay for the little ones.
Do the villas have Wi-Fi access?
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Yes, all of our villas offer free Wi-Fi to ensure maximum convenience during your stay.
How does check-in and check-out work?
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Check-in starts at 4:00 PM, while check-out must be completed by 10:00 AM. If you need more flexibility, let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you at no additional cost.
We also offer self-check-in for greater independence. To use this option, the balance must be paid at least one day before arrival. Self-check-out is automatically available for all guests. If you prefer, we can arrange assisted check-out at no extra cost.
Can I arrive and depart on any day of the week?
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Yes, we offer maximum flexibility for arrivals and departures on any day of the week to accommodate your travel plans.
Can I request additional services like airport transfers?
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Yes, we can arrange airport transfers or taxi services upon request. However, we recommend renting a car to explore Sicily more freely, as public transportation can be limited.
Can I arrange local experiences or activities?
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Absolutely! We work with local providers to arrange activities such as boat tours, wine tastings, and more. Contact us for more details or to book an activity.
What should I do if I need assistance during my stay?
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We are available 24/7 for any needs. You can contact us via WhatsApp for quick and direct assistance at any time.
Is smoking allowed in the villas?
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No, smoking is only allowed in the outdoor areas of the villas to keep the interiors clean and pleasant. We kindly ask guests to respect this rule.
What happens if there is damage to the villa during my stay?
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A damage deposit of €500 will be reserved on your credit card on the day of your arrival. This deposit will be released within 7 days after check-out, provided no damage has occurred to the property. In the rare case that damages exceed the deposit amount, we will contact you to arrange for the additional costs to be covered.
Do I need to rent a car to stay at your villas?
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Considering the limited efficiency of public transportation in Sicily, we highly recommend renting a car to fully enjoy the freedom of exploring the island. For those who prefer not to drive, we offer a reliable taxi service upon request.
How do you optimize the visibility of my properties on major rental channels?
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To ensure maximum visibility for your properties, we use a multi-channel marketing strategy, promoting them on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, as well as our website. We use SEO techniques, social media campaigns, and create appealing visual content, such as professional photos and virtual tours. We work with you to highlight the unique features of your villa in our marketing campaigns, ensuring it stands out in the market.
What are the selection criteria for including a villa in your portfolio?
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We select villas based on strict criteria to ensure high quality and comfort. The criteria include:
How many properties can you manage in a year?
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The number of properties we manage varies, as we focus on quality rather than quantity. We are always open to adding new villas, provided we can maintain our high service standards.
Do you also manage apartments and B&Bs besides villas?
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Currently, we only manage private villas with swimming pools to ensure a unique, high-level experience for our guests. We do not manage apartments or B&Bs at the moment.
Do you operate only in Sicily or elsewhere as well?
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For now, we focus on managing properties in Sicily, where we can guarantee the highest level of service. However, we are open to exploring collaborations throughout Italy and abroad.
How do you determine the rental price of properties?
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We determine the rental price based on the location, unique features, and amenities of the villa. We then apply a dynamic pricing strategy, considering factors like seasonality, market demand, and local events.
Are there any additional costs beyond the agreed management percentage?
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No, there are no additional costs or hidden fees beyond the agreed management percentage. Our approach is based on transparency, and all costs are clearly outlined in the contract.
How do you manage bookings, cancellations, and customer service?
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In the PRO plan, we support booking management and marketing, while cleaning and villa management remain the owner's responsibility. In the ELITE plan, we handle everything, including guest arrivals and departures. Our customer service is available 24/7 to ensure complete support for guests.
Do you provide periodic reports on property performance?
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Yes, we provide detailed periodic reports including occupancy rates, financial performance, and guest feedback. Transparency is at the heart of our collaboration with owners.
What is the process for integrating a new villa into your portfolio?
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Integration begins with a meeting with the owner, followed by a property evaluation. We prepare high-quality visual content and engaging descriptions for marketing. The entire process generally takes one month.
Is an exclusive contract required, or can I collaborate with other managers?
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Yes, we require an exclusive contract to ensure optimal, personalized property management with full dedication for both owners and guests.
What is the duration of the management contract, and is it automatically renewed?
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Contracts are valid for one year and do not renew automatically. At the end of the term, we review future opportunities together, allowing owners to renew the collaboration only if satisfied.
How can I terminate my collaboration if my needs change?
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Collaboration contracts are established to ensure mutual commitment and consistency in managing bookings. As such, only we retain the right to terminate the collaboration unilaterally if necessary. If you have concerns or need to discuss adjustments, please contact us directly, and we will do our best to address your needs within the framework of our agreement.
At Shades Of Sicily, we offer two distinct property management plans tailored to meet your needs: the Pro Plan and the Elite Plan. Whether you prefer to be hands-on with your property while leveraging our marketing expertise or seek a completely worry-free management solution, we have you covered. Our Pro Plan includes extensive marketing on major platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, and Google Maps, alongside professional photography, a customized welcome book, and dynamic pricing, all supported by our comprehensive guest services. For those looking for an all-encompassing approach, our Elite Plan adds in-depth social media campaigns, drone video tours, interactive property tours, stylized floor plans, and Wi-Fi speed certification, ensuring every aspect of property and guest management is handled with the utmost care. Both plans are designed to enhance your property's potential and provide exceptional experiences for your guests.
Ready to maximize your property's value and ensure a delightful experience for your guests? Contact us to find out more about how our Pro and Elite plans can work for you.