Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions received by the Hidden Italy office:

1) Where are you?
Our firm operates from Königswinter, in the Siebengebirge region, near Bonn. Our address is:
Hidden Italy
Bettina Röhrig
Logebachstr. 5
D-53639 Königswinter
GERMANY
Tel: +49-2223-908019
Email: info@hiddenitaly.com

Several of our staff spend part of the year in Italy. This has two benefits. On the one hand, we want to be within easy reach, should you need us during your stay abroad; on the other hand, this gives us the best contacts to the Italian home owners. We regularly add new homes to our repertoire - homeowners contact us directly and suggest their homes, we inspect the houses personally and choose what appeals to us.

2) How long have you been in the business?
Since 1995.

3) Do you have a catalogue?
No, we only work online. We find this to be more of a benefit than a disadvantage. You can look at our web pages together with the rest of your group, irrespective of where the different members live. The apartments are described in great detail on the internet and there are many pictures. In contrast to catalogues, which are only issued once a year, we are able to regularly add new additions to our portfolio - holiday properties which have joined our list during the current season. This helps to keep our service up-to-the-minute.
And last but not least, the search for the right holiday apartment is easily and conveniently solved via the internet: Either use our search engine and your required object will be rapidly found or send us your travel details and wishes per email - we will reply with a list of the available houses, meaning you won't need to do much searching.

4) Does your company really exist? What guarantee can you offer us?
Yes, we exist. Our firm has been officially registered at the Königswinter trade office since 23.02.1995 and in the Commercial Register at the Siegburg district court since 16.06.2000, under the number HRA 3779 and the name "Die Versteckte Toskana, Feriendomizile, Bettina Röhrig, e.K.".
German tax code: Steuernr. 222/5372/0202 - VAT No. DE 811863127

5) What will I find in the house when I arrive?
A properly and functionally equipped holiday property for a pleasant and relaxing vacation. Special luxury can be found in those objects for which it is mentioned - in those apartments which are a class better than the others. You will also find towels, bed and kitchen linen (exceptions are indicated) and a roll of toilet paper.

6) Can we take a look at the property before we decide?
Our houses have been carefully selected and are examined regularly every year. We either check them ourselves or one of our company's employees does. In addition, our house descriptions are as detailed as possible. However, some of our customers still wish to take a look at a house before they book it. This is an understandable request, and in such cases the following conditions apply:
a) Tours will be arranged for houses with a rent of EUR 3000 and higher.
b) We will arrange a tour for a fee of EUR 300 payable by bank transfer before the tour takes place. The amount of EUR 300 will be offset against the total price if you decide to book the house. Otherwise, the fee for the tour will not be refunded.
c) Since we respect the privacy of our guests, no tours are possible during the high season or when the house is occupied. This refers to both the gardens and the house itself.
d) We cannot organise a tour at short notice. Please make sure that we receive your written request and payment of the fee four weeks prior to the day you wish to see the house.
e) If you wish to proceed, we will be happy to arrange a tour date for you. 

7) How is a booking processed?
That is simple. Just select the house and inform us that you wish to book it. The booking conditions and the booking form can be found on our web site, under Booking Information. Submit the booking form online. Depending on the availability, you will receive a booking confirmation/invoice, and we put the property on hold for you. You pay a 50% deposit immediately. This confirms your reservation. The balance must be paid 70 days (10 weeks) before you embark on your trip at the latest. Please also read How To Make A Reservation.

8) Will you send us a reminder before the balance payment is due?
No, we will not send a reminder for the payment of the balance, as the deadline has already been stated in your booking confirmation/invoice.

9) Which forms of payment do you accept?
We accept bank transfer or credit card payment (Visa and Mastercard).

10) When will you send us travel direction for the area?
When we have received the down payment we will send you a route description with the telephone number and address of your destination along with the telephone number of a contact person on the spot.

11) What happens if I am unable to travel?
Thank you for asking. We strongly recommend our clients to take out travel cancellation expenses insurance which in the event of illness or death before departure, covers up to 80% of the cancellation costs. You can take out insurance easily and conveniently over the Internet.

Clients from Great Britain:
http://www.gosure.com/

Clients from all over the world:
http://www.worldnomads.com/

12) When is the best time for a holiday in Italy?
Our favourite times of year are May/June and September/October. But destinations linked to the world of art are not limited to any specific season.

13) How long in advance should I book?
If you wish to travel in a larger group - as soon as possible. You can even book a year ahead. If there are just the two of you, two days in advance could be adequate.