• Why should I book with you?

• Is the house better value than a hotel?

• Can I discuss this with someone?

• Are there any hidden extras to the prices quoted on the Rates page?

• What if I need more than one villa?

• There are a lot of villa choices, why yours?

• Is there a security deposit and what is it for?

• Does the villa have a phone and do you offer free Internet access?

• Do you accept smokers in the villa?

• Do you allow pets in the home?

• Is the Pool heated?

• Is the Pool being cleaned?

• Is the Villa cleaned?

• Are there shops, restaurants and other conveniences nearby?

• How easy is it to drive in Florida?

• What is provided in the homes - what do I need to bring?

• Is the Villa far from the main Orlando attractions?

• How do I get the keys for the Villa?

• How safe will our money be?

Why should I book with you?

A lot of people still book their holiday villa through a traditional travel agent. Quite often, you get your villa allocated upon arrival with no specifics as to the property you will be occupying and on which development it will be situated. Booking directly with us/the owners means you avoid this inconvenience and worry. You are able to ask us as many questions you need to beforehand, you can see the pictures on our website and know exactly what you are paying for.

Unlike so many other vacation homes, PatricksVilla and our guests are always being cared for by us, the owners. You don't have to deal with a management company, we are available 24/7.

When we bought PatricksVilla we made sure that it is a property that offers privacy. When you compare our pictures with pictures of other vacation homes you will find that a lot of them are either build in a long row, one next to each other, or directly opposite each other, overlooking the neighbors pool. You don't want to go for a swim in your own private pool only to find that the guy next door is just a few feet away, admiring your beautiful body.


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Is the house better value than a hotel?

The rate for our home is for the whole villa, not per person. In addition to the well equipped bedrooms and bathrooms, you have the luxury of two lounges, your own very well equipped kitchen, your own pool, relaxing pool deck and a double garage. We have got a variety of games for our Nintendo Wii, SONY Playstation 3 and the Playstation 2, books and DVDs in the home, together with interesting visitor information.

Recently we upgraded PatricksVilla with another large LCD TV and a Panasonic Home Theatre System. We have also produced an in depth "Welcome Book" to inform you about everything you need to know about PatricksVilla. It includes general information about the area as well as important telephone numbers and information on how to operate the various electrical equipment including TVs, DVDs and Videos.

 Please contact us should you like to view this booklet in advance. We will be more than happy to send it to you.


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Can I discuss this with someone?

We would be more than happy to discuss any aspect of your holiday with you. We are very familiar with Orlando, Central and Southern Florida as we have lived there and can offer you advice on practically anything you need to know. .
All you need to do is call us on +1 863 223 0132 (USA),  or you can just email us. ( dirk@PatricksVilla.com )

We also invite you to view our on-line guestbook to see what previous guests had to say. You will find this here:

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Are there any hidden extras to the prices quoted on the Rates page?

No, the prices quoted are the prices you pay. The only optional additional charge is for electrical pool heating which we would be happy to arrange for you in advance (please see our rates page for further details) and for cleaning should you stay with us for less than 7 days.

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What if I need more than one villa?

Please contact us, friends of ours are also villa owners on the Southern Dunes community and we would be more than happy to arrange a further villa should you require one.

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There are a lot of villa choices, why yours?

Because ours is the best ... No jokes aside,

• Our villa is set on an established community, there is no building work being done and you are not overlooked by anyone else, in-fact you have a great view over the 12th fairway of the  Southern Dunes Golf course!

• The houses to the right and left are far away, a fact that guarantees your privacy only a few other villas can offer.

• We are constantly changing and improving our villa to ensure it is kept to the highest standard possible. Only in December of 2011 we installed hard-wood flooring and fitted a wonderful designer kitchen.
  Make sure you regularly check the picture gallery page.

• Solar heated Pool

• Additionally PatricksVilla is a large two story, 4 bedroom, 3 bath property with all the amenities you require to ensure you have the luxury you deserve during your stay with us. 

• Our costs are for our villa that is kept to a very high standard with everything you could require for a fantastic holiday at a reasonable and sensible cost.

• You will not find many villa owners who look after their guests direct and take great pride in the customer service. Due to the fact that we now live in the USA again (we are originally from Germany) you only have one contact.... Us, the owners....
  
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Is the Villa cleaned?

The villa is professionally cleaned by our cleaning lady ready for when you arrive. We take great pride in the cleanliness of PatricksVilla and make sure that everything is up to our high standards. In addition, every quarter, we do a "spring clean" ourselves (if you knew the lady of the house, you would know what that means), 
There is no cleaning service during your stay (although we would be happy to arrange that for you at an extra cost [US $100 / £ 70 / € 100 per clean - please contact us] but the villa will be cleaned once you have departed, ready for our next guests.


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Is there a security deposit ?

A refundable security deposit of US$ 500.00 / £ 300.00 must be paid at the time of final payment (8 weeks prior to your arrival date). This deposit will be refunded to the original form of payment within 2 weeks of your departure from PatricksVilla, providing there has been no reported damage or loss to the property or its contents and all keys have been returned to either the property management or the lock box as instructed. We reserve the right to retain the security deposit (either in part or in full) to cover breakages/losses or damage to the property or its contents as deemed necessary. Please ensure to report any damages upon arrival to our management company. Any breakages or losses not reported  may be charged. If a key is lost the costs of replacing all the house locks and keys will be charged.


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Does the villa have a phone and do you offer free Internet access

For your convenience we have got three wireless, digital phones in the house. The base station is fitted with a digital answering machine.

Free phone calls to anywhere in the USA to Canada and to landlines to the following countries

We also offer free wireless (WiFi), fast access, Cable-Internet access. All connection details will be given to you shortly before you arrive. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 

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Do you accept smokers in the villa?

We would kindly ask you not to smoke inside the house. We have provided ashtrays for use on the pool deck and are happy for you to smoke outdoors.

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Do you allow pets in the home?

Sorry, but we do have a strict NO PETS policy in our house. 

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Is the Pool heated?

The pool can be electrically heated for an optional / nominal charge, however this is generally not required between March and October.
Prices are: US$ 140 / £ 90 / € 130 per week

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Is the Pool being cleaned?

Yes, of course. The pool and all the filters are being cleaned and serviced once a week by a professional pool cleaning company. They will make sure that the hygiene standards are never compromised. 

For your Comfort and Health we have installed the latest Pool Cleaning Technology
(Aqua Rite Electronic Chlorine Generator )

Our Pool is good for you and the environment:

No more chlorine smell, dry skin, or red eyes!  The electronic system uses approximately  1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. This low level of salt is below the taste level for most people, but still has all the beneficial effects of softening the water and helping to prevent the dry skin and stinging eyes that you experience from other pools.

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Are there shops, restaurants and other conveniences nearby?

Yes, very nearby in fact. A large selection of stores are available just outside the gated community of Southern Dunes and include a 24h Wal-Mart, Winn Dixie, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Walgreen's, CVS, Dominos Pizza, Pizza Hut etc.  Please visit our shopping information page and see a full list of shops available near the villa as well as outstanding Shopping Malls within  20 minutes driving distance.

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How easy is it to drive in Florida?

Floridian roads are not too congested, compared to major cities. Obviously for some countries, the driver has to remember the cars are left hand drive.

In Florida, unless stated, you may turn right at a red traffic light providing it is safe to do so and that you came to a full stop before proceeding.

Headlights must be turned on during rain or reduced visibility.

You are required to 'Stop' if a school bus stops, even if you are on the other side of the road.  It is illegal to overtake a school bus when it is stopped for loading or unloading of passengers.  You should remain stationary until all the children are clear of the road and the bus moves off. When entering a school district watch out for reduced speed signs and follow it.

You may be required to pay in advance before filling up your car at most petrol stations. 

If the police stop you for any reason you must stay in your vehicle until the officer approaches your vehicle.  Do not attempt to get out of the car and leave your hands visible on the steering wheel. You must have both your driving license and rental agreement with you.  Failure can result in a fine.
 
You must report any accidents to the local police.  You must not leave the scene of an accident.  You must ask for a copy of the report for your car rental company.

Never drink and drive. It is also illegal in the State of Florida to carry alcohol in the passenger area of the car or to have an opened container of alcohol in the vehicle. Always transport any alcoholic beverages in the boot/trunk of your car

For more information on the Florida Highway Code please click on www.hsmv.state.fl.us .


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What is provided in the homes - what do I need to bring?

Our home is completely furnished and equipped with bed linen and towels and there is a washer and dryer (including ironing and ironing board) in the villa for you to attend to any laundry, should you wish to do so.

All kitchen utensils including cups, plates, glasses (including plastic versions for use outside by the pool), cutlery, pots, pans and bakeware and of course a dishwasher. 

There is also a hairdryer in each of the bathrooms as well as an alarm-clock in each of the bedrooms. 

In fact we have tried to include as much as possible to make your stay as enjoyable as possible - your home away from home.  The house will have a basic supply of guest soap and toilet paper on your arrival.

Please click here to see a full description of what is available in PatricksVilla.


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Is the Villa far from the main Orlando attractions?

No, PatricksVilla is situated on the US-27, about 20 minutes from the Disney theme parks and alo about 20 minutes from International Drive, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, depending on the traffic and there are several routes to choose from.

Please see our location page to find out where PatricksVilla is located as well as our attractions page for a full list of the main area attractions.
 

Another useful tool is "www.maps.google.com". Please enter "Southern Dunes, 33844" in the searchbox.


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How do I get the keys for the Villa?

Once the booking has been confirmed and the full balance has been paid we will send you instructions on how to get the keys and directions to the villa from your arrival airport. The key will be deposited in a lockbox next to the door on the day of your arrival. As we change the combination of the box after each guest has departed we will let you know YOUR combination a few days before your arrival.
You can use the same code to operate the electrical garage door.

Should you require to code earlier than a few days in advance, please let us know.


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How safe will our money be?
A concern some guests have is "how safe will our money be when we are sending it to someone we have never met".  Rest assured, we are very trustworthy people who are approachable and reliable. Think of it this way: "We trust you with our dream home -  and we may never have met".

Should you require proof of ownership of the villa, we will gladly provide you with that.
 

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1. BOOKING
The booking email or booking letter must be completed by the party leader (hereafter called the Guest(s)) who must be over 18 years of age. The payment of the 20% booking deposit shall be deemed to constitute the acceptance of the Booking and Payment Procedure plus Terms & Conditions by the Guest and shall be a warranty by the person so signing that they have the authority to act on behalf of the persons named on the booking email including any substitutions or additions by any subsequent agreed amendments to the booking.

The procedures and conditions will still apply even if for any reason the booking email has not been completed by the client, e.g. in the case of a late booking requested by telephone which necessitates immediate commitment.

The booking is not accepted until the appropriate deposit has been received and the Acknowledgement/Receipt has been issued. If the booking is not accepted for any reason the deposit will be refunded in full. Amendments to, or cancellation of a booking by the guest will be subject to the provisions of sections 6 and 8 of these terms and conditions.

The accommodation cannot be shared, assigned or sublet and only the persons shown on the booking form are permitted to stay in the property. Persons/children under the age of 18 years are not acceptable unless accompanied by parents or an adult. Pets are NOT permitted.
Should the property be accommodated by more guests than advised during the booking, an additional charge may apply.

2. PAYMENT
Deposits and Payments are to be made in accordance with the Booking & Payment Procedure. Failure to comply with the payment procedure will be deemed to be a cancellation by the guest and will be subject to the cancellation charges as detailed in Section 8.

3. THE RENTAL PERIOD
The villa is available for occupation from 16.00h (local time) on the day of arrival, until 10.00h (local time) on the day of departure. Vacating after 10.00h has to be agreed by the owners and may incur charges equivalent to one day's accommodation cost.

4. RENTAL CHARGES
The villa rental charges and the items included are as detailed under "Rates" and "The Villa". The interior of the villa is subject to change and is not guaranteed at the time of booking.

5. PRICE GUARANTEE
The rental price for the villa is fully guaranteed when the deposit has been paid and the acknowledgement / receipt has been issued.

6. AMENDMENTS
The effective date of any amendment is the date on which details of the proposed amendment are received in writing. Whenever possible, any amendment to the booking requested after the booking has been confirmed, will be accommodated. Dependant on the nature of the amendment additional costs may be incurred.

7. THE SECURITY DEPOSIT
A refundable security deposit of US$ 500.00 / £ 300.00 must be paid at the time of final payment (8 weeks prior to your arrival date). This deposit will be refunded to the original form of payment within 2 weeks of your departure from PatricksVilla, providing there has been nor reported damage of loss to the property of its contents and all keys have been returned as instructed.

We reserve the right to retain the security deposit (either in part or in full) to cover breakages/losses or damage to the property or its contents as deemed necessary. Please ensure to report any damages upon arrival to the owners of PatricksVilla. Any breakages or losses not reported may be charged. If a key is lost the costs of replacing all the house locks and keys will be charged.
The Guest is solely responsible for any damages or breakage's that may be caused to the property or to its contents and also for any loss of items in the inventory during their stay. The villa is inspected both before and at the end of each occupation. Charges for damages / losses or any maintenance / repairs to the Villa, equipment, amenities or fixtures necessitated by misuse will be at the discretion of PatricksVilla and will be charged to your account. In the event of any damage / loss, the Guest will be held responsible for full reimbursement of the outstanding amount within fourteen days of notice of such costs. It is important that the property be left reasonably clean and tidy at the end of the rental period.