You are here:
Home 
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Below you will find the questions our clients most frequently ask us. Where possible the answers will direct you to a specific part of our site where you can get more in-depth information.
D: Is it possible to reserve more than one accommodation with just one single booking?
R: No. It is not. In order to reserve more than one accommodation on behalf of a single person, you can start with executing the first reservation. The system will send via e-mail the credentials needed to login to the personal area. Then, if you would reserve another accommodation, you should make another reservation with no need to re-enter your personal data during the user details registration step as the system would automatically retrieve them by using the login credentials. In brief, if John Smith would like to reserve three different accommodation on siciliandreams.com, he should need to submit three different orders but for the second and the third he would not need to re-type his personal information.
R: No. It is not. In order to reserve more than one accommodation on behalf of a single person, you can start with executing the first reservation. The system will send via e-mail the credentials needed to login to the personal area. Then, if you would reserve another accommodation, you should make another reservation with no need to re-enter your personal data during the user details registration step as the system would automatically retrieve them by using the login credentials. In brief, if John Smith would like to reserve three different accommodation on siciliandreams.com, he should need to submit three different orders but for the second and the third he would not need to re-type his personal information.
F.A.Q.: Choosing your Siciliandreams accommodation
Q. Who can give me information about the accommodation I'm interested in?
A. You will always be able to be in contact to someone who knows in details your preferred accommodation. Just write to info@siciliandreams.com or send a fax to +39 0924 040549.
A. You will always be able to be in contact to someone who knows in details your preferred accommodation. Just write to info@siciliandreams.com or send a fax to +39 0924 040549.
Q. What is the maximum capacity of your accommodation?
A. For each villa the maximum capacity is clearly stated either on the accommodation's description or on the more information table (under suitability). NB This number includes children and infants.
A. For each villa the maximum capacity is clearly stated either on the accommodation's description or on the more information table (under suitability). NB This number includes children and infants.
Q. Where can I find prices?
A. Each accommodation page on Siciliandreams.com includes a price table. Prices will be shown in euros per person per night. Payment can be made only in Euros.
A. Each accommodation page on Siciliandreams.com includes a price table. Prices will be shown in euros per person per night. Payment can be made only in Euros.
Q. How can I check availability on-line?
A. We do show availability on line as we think that this could help our customers in organizing their own holidays with no need to "waste" their own time in contacting a service desk or a client manager. Please refer to the "availability and reserve now" table to be able to view the availability calendar of the accommodation. Nevertheless, we welcome you to write to info@siciliandreams.com or to send a fax to to +39 0924 040549 in order to have details about availability on one or more accommodation you might be interested in.
Q. Once I decide on a villa how do I complete my booking?
A. Click here to view a page that shows all the steps needed to submit and then complete a booking.
A. Click here to view a page that shows all the steps needed to submit and then complete a booking.
Q. Is it possible to arrive and/or depart on any day of the week or do you have a set arrival-departure day?
A. All our accommodation have flexible arrival and departure days, especially in the low seasons, letting you arrive and depart on any day of the week and stay for periods of more than 2 nights (more than 4 nights only for self-catering villas). This also means that you can take advantage of cheaper mid-week flights. In the high season, we try to be as flexible as possible though Saturday-Saturday stays are more common.
A. All our accommodation have flexible arrival and departure days, especially in the low seasons, letting you arrive and depart on any day of the week and stay for periods of more than 2 nights (more than 4 nights only for self-catering villas). This also means that you can take advantage of cheaper mid-week flights. In the high season, we try to be as flexible as possible though Saturday-Saturday stays are more common.
Q. Do you only arrange accommodation?
A. No, we will also be happy to arrange a series of exciting experiences for you, including wine tasting, in-house cooking lessons, yoga lessons at sunset on the beach, boat trips and excursions and many other things. We do also provide help to arrange transfers to/from the airport and car hiring through a local agent. See our dedicated pages for more in-depth information or contact us.
A. No, we will also be happy to arrange a series of exciting experiences for you, including wine tasting, in-house cooking lessons, yoga lessons at sunset on the beach, boat trips and excursions and many other things. We do also provide help to arrange transfers to/from the airport and car hiring through a local agent. See our dedicated pages for more in-depth information or contact us.
Q. Can I check the position of the selected accommodation on a map?
R. Yes. Each accommodation page on Siciliandreams.com includes a map table where the accommodation is displayed on a Googlemap in terms of latitude and longitude.
R. Yes. Each accommodation page on Siciliandreams.com includes a map table where the accommodation is displayed on a Googlemap in terms of latitude and longitude.
Please see our "How to make a reservation" page for complete information about booking with Siciliandreams.com.
F.A.Q.: What's included - amenities and extra services
Q. Is gas included?
A. Gas for cooking is included in the price of your rental. Gas for central heating is not included and should be paid for locally at check-out according to meter readings taken with the owner.
A. Gas for cooking is included in the price of your rental. Gas for central heating is not included and should be paid for locally at check-out according to meter readings taken with the owner.
Q. Is water included?
A. Yes, water is included in the rental price.
A. Yes, water is included in the rental price.
Q. Is cleaning included?
A. All our accommodation (self-catering villas and apartements) have a weekly clean included, ensuring that your accommodation will be clean when you check-in. If you are staying two or more weeks you will also have a clean and change of bed linen/towels included every 7 days. B&B rooms have cleaning made every day or every two days depending on the selected accommodation. At the vast majority of villas it is possible to organise extra cleaning on request for a small extra fee.
A. All our accommodation (self-catering villas and apartements) have a weekly clean included, ensuring that your accommodation will be clean when you check-in. If you are staying two or more weeks you will also have a clean and change of bed linen/towels included every 7 days. B&B rooms have cleaning made every day or every two days depending on the selected accommodation. At the vast majority of villas it is possible to organise extra cleaning on request for a small extra fee.
Q. Are bed sheets and bath towels provided?
A. Yes. On arrival you will find all the beds made up and bath towels for all your party.
A. Yes. On arrival you will find all the beds made up and bath towels for all your party.
Q. How often are sheets and towels changed?
A. Generally, sheets and towels are changed once a week for self-catering villas and apartments. For B&B rooms, sheets and towels are changed every two days.
A. Generally, sheets and towels are changed once a week for self-catering villas and apartments. For B&B rooms, sheets and towels are changed every two days.
Q. Is there a washing machine?
A. The vast majority of our accommodation are not equipped with washing machines. Laundry service (charged as an extra) can be selected during the reservation process.
A. The vast majority of our accommodation are not equipped with washing machines. Laundry service (charged as an extra) can be selected during the reservation process.
Q. Is there an iron and ironing board at my accommodation?
A. Usually, there is not.
A. Usually, there is not.
Q. Will I be able to access the Internet at my accommodation?
A. A little number of our accommodation now have some form of Internet access, usually an ADSL connection (with or without Wi-Fi). Please check the description for the accommodation you might be interested in.
A. A little number of our accommodation now have some form of Internet access, usually an ADSL connection (with or without Wi-Fi). Please check the description for the accommodation you might be interested in.
Q. Is it possible to have a cook at the selected accommodation?
A. Yes, only for some B&Bs, the owner will be happy to arrange the services of a cook for you (to be paid as an extra selectable during the reservation process).
A. Yes, only for some B&Bs, the owner will be happy to arrange the services of a cook for you (to be paid as an extra selectable during the reservation process).
Q. Ok, we would like a cook. What will we be eating? Can we choose from a menu or will the cook decide? Two of my party are vegetarians, will this be a problem?
A. Generally you will be eating traditional Sicilian food. We can provide menus for some of our B&Bs, or give you a pretty good idea of the kind of things you are likely to eat. Let us know your preferences / dietary requirements (i.e. fish, meat, no sea-food etc.) and we'll pass on your requests. Many Sicilian dishes are vegetarian so members of your group who don't eat meat/fish will still have an amazing gastronomic experience!
A. Generally you will be eating traditional Sicilian food. We can provide menus for some of our B&Bs, or give you a pretty good idea of the kind of things you are likely to eat. Let us know your preferences / dietary requirements (i.e. fish, meat, no sea-food etc.) and we'll pass on your requests. Many Sicilian dishes are vegetarian so members of your group who don't eat meat/fish will still have an amazing gastronomic experience!
Q. Is electricity included?
A. Electricity is included in the rental price but not for excessive use (for example using air-con with windows open, leaving air-con on all day when you are out, etc.).
A. Electricity is included in the rental price but not for excessive use (for example using air-con with windows open, leaving air-con on all day when you are out, etc.).
For complete information about amenities please see the individual pages of the villas you are interested in.
F.A.Q.: Getting to your villa, checking-in and checking-out
Q. How will I find the accommodation and get inside?
A. Before you leave we will send you detailed directions of how to get to the selected accommodation. These directions will be stated in the conformation e-mail. If you are having problems you can call one of the contact person provided in the confirmation e-mail who will help you arrive. There will be someone waiting for you at the selected accommodation - either the owner or the caretaker. They will give you a complete introduction to the house and leave you the keys.
A. Before you leave we will send you detailed directions of how to get to the selected accommodation. These directions will be stated in the conformation e-mail. If you are having problems you can call one of the contact person provided in the confirmation e-mail who will help you arrive. There will be someone waiting for you at the selected accommodation - either the owner or the caretaker. They will give you a complete introduction to the house and leave you the keys.
Q. When can I check in?
A. Standard check-in times are between 3.00pm and 7.00pm. It is usually not possible to arrive earlier, as the houses need to be cleaned and prepared thoroughly before your arrival (usually other guests have just checked out that morning). Sometimes, however, it may be possible to drop off your luggage earlier and then return at 3.00pm. Please note that it is important to confirm an estimated check-in time and to be as punctual as possible - often the owners/caretakers live a long way from the selected accommodation and make a special trip to welcome you to their home. Should you be delayed, please call the contact person provided in the confirmation e-mail.
A. Standard check-in times are between 3.00pm and 7.00pm. It is usually not possible to arrive earlier, as the houses need to be cleaned and prepared thoroughly before your arrival (usually other guests have just checked out that morning). Sometimes, however, it may be possible to drop off your luggage earlier and then return at 3.00pm. Please note that it is important to confirm an estimated check-in time and to be as punctual as possible - often the owners/caretakers live a long way from the selected accommodation and make a special trip to welcome you to their home. Should you be delayed, please call the contact person provided in the confirmation e-mail.
Q. If I am going to arrive later than 9.00pm?
A. We do not charge for late check-ins (i.e. after 9.00pm) but we strongly recommend you to advise us by making a phone call to the contact person whose details are stated in the confirmation e-mail. This would then avoid us to think you are getting lost somewhere in Sicily!
A. We do not charge for late check-ins (i.e. after 9.00pm) but we strongly recommend you to advise us by making a phone call to the contact person whose details are stated in the confirmation e-mail. This would then avoid us to think you are getting lost somewhere in Sicily!
Q. What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive late at the selected accommodation? Who do I tell?
A. You should call the contact person whose details are stated in the confirmation e-mail.
A. You should call the contact person whose details are stated in the confirmation e-mail.
Q. When do I have to check out by?
A. Standard check-out time is by 10.00am. It is not generally possible to check-out after this time as the houses need to be cleaned and prepared thoroughly for the arrival of other guests. If there are no other guests arriving that day, and the owner does not need the accommodation for their own purposes, it may be possible to extend check-out time by a couple of hours. This must be arranged locally with the owner/caretaker.
A. Standard check-out time is by 10.00am. It is not generally possible to check-out after this time as the houses need to be cleaned and prepared thoroughly for the arrival of other guests. If there are no other guests arriving that day, and the owner does not need the accommodation for their own purposes, it may be possible to extend check-out time by a couple of hours. This must be arranged locally with the owner/caretaker.
Q. I'm arriving late on Saturday evening - the shops will be shut. What can I eat?
A. In all our accommodation you will find a "Welcome Pack" with the basic essentials but not enough for a meal. If you are arriving late we will be happy to organise a welcome shop for you (you will be charged based on the shop receipt which never exceed 20.00 euros). Please submit the request for a welcome shop at info@siciliandreams.com stating the booking reference number linked to your reservation.
A. In all our accommodation you will find a "Welcome Pack" with the basic essentials but not enough for a meal. If you are arriving late we will be happy to organise a welcome shop for you (you will be charged based on the shop receipt which never exceed 20.00 euros). Please submit the request for a welcome shop at info@siciliandreams.com stating the booking reference number linked to your reservation.
Q. How many sets of keys will I get?
A. You will get only one set of keys.
A. You will get only one set of keys.
F.A.Q.: During your stay at the selected accommodation (only for self-catering villas and apartments)
Q. Who do I contact if I have a problem at the selected accommodation?
A. You should always refer to the accommodation owners and caretakers. Nevertheless, they are supported by Siciliandreams managers, who are available 24/7 to ensure that your holiday runs smoothly. Our contacts are always stated at the bottom of the confirmation e-mail.
A. You should always refer to the accommodation owners and caretakers. Nevertheless, they are supported by Siciliandreams managers, who are available 24/7 to ensure that your holiday runs smoothly. Our contacts are always stated at the bottom of the confirmation e-mail.
F.A.Q.: Travelling to and around Sicily
Q. Should I take out travel insurance for my holiday?
A. It is a condition of booking with Siciliandreams.com that you take out adequate travel insurance. Many credit card companies include holiday insurance as do other more general insurance companies, so you should first check these.
A. It is a condition of booking with Siciliandreams.com that you take out adequate travel insurance. Many credit card companies include holiday insurance as do other more general insurance companies, so you should first check these.
Q. Do we need to rent a car?
A. For the majority of our accommodation, which are not easily accessible by any other means, we strongly advise you to rent a car. This is also the case if you are intending to tour around and see the sights: public transport is often not terribly reliable or available. If you prefer not to drive, take a look at our selection of apartments/rooms to rent within walking distance of shops and restaurants, thus being based in Castellammare del Golfo.
A. For the majority of our accommodation, which are not easily accessible by any other means, we strongly advise you to rent a car. This is also the case if you are intending to tour around and see the sights: public transport is often not terribly reliable or available. If you prefer not to drive, take a look at our selection of apartments/rooms to rent within walking distance of shops and restaurants, thus being based in Castellammare del Golfo.
Q. Where can we fly to/from?
A. At the moment Sicily has three international airports (a fourth is in the pipeline) in Palermo, Catania and Trapani. There are dozens of direct flights from all over Europe and even some from the US. In order to discover the western part of Sicily, where we are based, we do suggest to fly to Trapani or Palermo as Catania would need 3 hours extra driving to get to the west.
A. At the moment Sicily has three international airports (a fourth is in the pipeline) in Palermo, Catania and Trapani. There are dozens of direct flights from all over Europe and even some from the US. In order to discover the western part of Sicily, where we are based, we do suggest to fly to Trapani or Palermo as Catania would need 3 hours extra driving to get to the west.
Q. What's driving in Sicily like?
A. In the larger cities, such as Palermo and Catania, driving can sometimes be a little challenging, as in most large, busy cities around the world. It is not dangerous, however, partly because the traffic rarely moves fast enough to be so! Sicilians are quite "inventive" drivers and tend to consider that they always have right of way. They are not aggressive, however, and one merely needs to get used to their unspoken rules. Many visitors actually rather enjoy it! Driving around Sicily is very easy: the motorways are not often busy except in the week ends during summer months when a lot people used to escape from big "hot" cities in ordr to find a cool and relaxing place.
A. In the larger cities, such as Palermo and Catania, driving can sometimes be a little challenging, as in most large, busy cities around the world. It is not dangerous, however, partly because the traffic rarely moves fast enough to be so! Sicilians are quite "inventive" drivers and tend to consider that they always have right of way. They are not aggressive, however, and one merely needs to get used to their unspoken rules. Many visitors actually rather enjoy it! Driving around Sicily is very easy: the motorways are not often busy except in the week ends during summer months when a lot people used to escape from big "hot" cities in ordr to find a cool and relaxing place.
F.A.Q.: General questions
Q. How safe is Sicily?
A. Sicily is a very safe place - don't believe the stereotypes and cliches! Large cities, such as Palermo and Catania, are much safer than other cities in Italy (and indeed the rest of the world) and as long as you take the normal precautions you should not have any problems. In the smaller towns muggings or bag-snatching are virtually unheard of.
A. Sicily is a very safe place - don't believe the stereotypes and cliches! Large cities, such as Palermo and Catania, are much safer than other cities in Italy (and indeed the rest of the world) and as long as you take the normal precautions you should not have any problems. In the smaller towns muggings or bag-snatching are virtually unheard of.
Q. What is the voltage in Italy? Should we bring adaptors or something?
A. Electricity in Italy and the rest of Europe is 220v (as opposed to 110volts in the US). Most laptops are designed to work at both 2s0v and 110v. If you have an appliance which only works at 110v you should bring a voltage converter with you as they are difficult to find in Italy. You will also need a universal plug adaptor as Italy's sockets are designed for 2 round-pronged plugs.
A. Electricity in Italy and the rest of Europe is 220v (as opposed to 110volts in the US). Most laptops are designed to work at both 2s0v and 110v. If you have an appliance which only works at 110v you should bring a voltage converter with you as they are difficult to find in Italy. You will also need a universal plug adaptor as Italy's sockets are designed for 2 round-pronged plugs.
Q. Can I smoke at the selected accommodation?
A. Smoking is not permitted in the bedrooms of any of our accommodation. Both Siciliandreams.com and the owners prefer, wherever possible, that smokers take their hobby outside! Cigar and pipe-smoking are not permitted inside the accommodation.
A. Smoking is not permitted in the bedrooms of any of our accommodation. Both Siciliandreams.com and the owners prefer, wherever possible, that smokers take their hobby outside! Cigar and pipe-smoking are not permitted inside the accommodation.
Q. Do your accommodation accept pets?
A. Pets are generally not allowed in our accommodation. However, some owners will accept pets depending on size, length of stay and other factors. Please let us know via e-mail if you are thinking of travelling with your pet.
A. Pets are generally not allowed in our accommodation. However, some owners will accept pets depending on size, length of stay and other factors. Please let us know via e-mail if you are thinking of travelling with your pet.