Questions & Answers
Q: What should I take with me that I can't readily acquire in Mexico?
A: A camera and film, insect repellent, suntan lotion, toothpaste, shampoos, prescription medicines. A needle and thread is helpful for those unexpected tears, as well as safety pins. Facial tissue, Band-Aids and antiseptic cream may also come in handy. For your room, an extra beach towel is helpful, especially if you are planning afternoons at the beach. Sunglasses are essentials especially when driving. Also binoculars may be helpful with your sightseeing.
Q: Who should I contact in case of an emergency, lost passport, etc?
A: U.S. and Canadian embassies and consulates should be contacted for emergencies such as a lost passport or tourist card, and an English-speaking doctor for accidents. Also please complete our emergency contact information included in your reservation packet.
Q: What can we expect from the staff during our stay?
A: The staff is at your disposal during your stay. All the condominiums and villas come with daily maid service. The cooks (in Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and select other locations) at the villas will shop for your groceries and cook what you request. All staff are off Sundays and all major Mexican holidays.
Q: What is the best time of year to travel?
A: When you have the time! A vacation to Mexico is best taken during the months of October through June. While the weather in the U.S. is cold and wet, the tropical climate in Mexico is seasonally mild and warm. Summer is very affordable, however, it is also usually hot and humid. No matter when you choose to visit, Mexico is a great vacation destination.
Q: How far in advance should I book my Mexico vacation?
A: It depends on the time of year and size of your party. If you are planning a Christmas vacation with your family or a vacation during other holiday seasons with a large group, a year in advance will allow the best choice of accommodations. If you're planning to travel in a small group during the high season we recommend making your reservations 6 to 9 months in advance. The best rule of thumb is to plan as far in advance as you can, for this allows you the best choice of dates and accommodations.
Q: What type of documents do we need to bring?
A: Upon entering and leaving Mexico, you will need a passport. Children under 18, traveling without both parents, will also need a notarized affidavit for permission to travel. You will be given a tourist card by the airlines, which will need to be completed prior to arrival in Mexico and must be turned in upon leaving Mexico
Q: Do I need to rent a car to get around?
A: Not usually, most of our villas are within walking distance to town and the beach. For greater distances, we recommend taking one of the many taxis, which are inexpensive. If you wish to rent a car, your Villas of Mexico, Inc. representative can help with the arrangements.
Q: Do we tip the villa staff during our stay?
A: Yes, we recommend approximately $100-$125 per week per staff member. This of course will vary from situation to situation. One group may have different needs and thus deal more closely with a particular staff member. The degree of service and your satisfaction is the best gauge.
Q: How do I make plans for golf, tennis, skin diving, horseback riding, or deep-sea fishing?
A: Villas of Mexico resident managers can make all of these arrangements for you. All arrangements can be made for reservations with our representative in Mexico upon your arrival.
Q: How do I know I am getting the quality, service and support that I will need during my vacation? A: With 28 years in the vacation rental business, Villas of Mexico, Inc., has a reputation of being able to provide quality accommodations and expert service to our guests. Be wary of Internet deals and remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Planning your vacation takes a lot of time, experience and involves many particulars and Villas of Mexico can help you handle all the details to perfection so you can relax in confidence.
Rental Agreement
Make your reservations or bookings as far in advance as possible to ensure the best choice of dates, villas or condominiums. You are agreeing to rent the above mentioned property sight unseen. A deposit of 50% of the grand total is due in U.S. funds with your request. Your request and the deposit funds are due in our office within five (5) working days of your telephone request to confirm your reservation/booking. We reserve the right to treat any booking as cancelled by you if funds due are not paid on time. Upon the receipt of your reservation request, a rental agreement and information packet will be sent to you for your completion and must be returned by the date indicated on this contract. For reservations made within 60 days of your departure date, full payment is required upon making your reservation request. For reservations made within 15 days of your departure date, full payment is required in secured funds (bank cashiers check, US postal money order, or other secured instruments), and must be received in our office within two (2) working days of the booking date. A service charge for special document handling or express delivery service may be charged. All checks and requests should be sent to: Villas of Mexico, Inc., P.O. Box 3906, Chico, California 95927. Express deliveries should be sent to: #1 Williamsburg Lane, Suite C, Chico, CA 95926.
Tourist Card: This card is required for United States and Canadian Citizens. It is issued to you free of charge on your flight to Mexico. Presentation of your proof of citizenship is necessary. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with each country’s CONSULATE for entry requirements. All passengers must carry a passport. MINORS: Any person under 18 years of age traveling alone (not accompanied by parents or legal guardian(s)), or with only one parent/legal guardian must have a notarized letter of permission signed by absent parents/legal guardian(s). If signature is not obtainable by reason of 1)single parent; 2) one parent deceased; 3) parents divorced or legally separated; or 4) parent waiting for child in any foreign country: a notarized letter stating same must also be in the possession of the minor. Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 must also carry a letter stating the name, address and phone number of the person(s) meeting them upon arrival.
Cancellations and Refunds:
All holiday reservations/bookings/deposits are non-refundable. This includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter week. Payments of either deposits or payment in full are refundable when applicable as follows: 365 to 180 days prior to departure 100% of amount paid, less cancellation fees (which is 15% of total amount received); 180 days to 120 days prior to departure 50% of amount paid plus cancellation fees (which is 15% of total amount received); less than 120 prior to departure total amount is non-refundable. Notice of cancellation must be given to Villas of Mexico, Inc. in writing and non-refundable charges depend on the length of time prior to departure that notice is received. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended and is available through a travel agency. No refunds for unused services. All refund requests must be made in writing no later than 21 days upon return. Any refunds shall be limited to funds paid directly to Villas of Mexico, Inc. and in no circumstances shall refunds exceed funds received by Villas of Mexico, Inc. No refunds will be made for unused accommodations or services. In the event any property becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond the control of Villas of Mexico, Inc. after a deposit is received, Villas of Mexico, Inc. will have the option of moving the reservation to a like property or will refund the deposit in full. Changes in inventory, items and décor may occur from time to time and such changes will not void or alter the terms of the rental agreement.
(Some homeowner’s may also have additional fees for cancellations.)
Restrictions:
ONLY THOSE PERSONS STIPULATED ON THE BOOKING FORM MAY USE THE PROPERTY. SHOULD THE MANAGER OF THE PROPERTY FIND MORE PERSONS THAN THOSE STATED, IT IS AT THE MANAGEMENTS' DISCRETION TO EITHER TO ASK THE PERSON/PERSONS TO VACATE OR CHARGE ADDITIONAL FEES. Anyone caught in the use of selling of drugs or in possession of drugs or paraphernalia will not be tolerated. Such action is grounds for automatic dismissal of all parties from the premises without refunds (no exceptions). Tenants occupying the property will be responsible for any damages caused by themselves, or their guests, to the property, or it's contents during their stay. Costs, for damage, will be limited to repairs or replacement value of item(s) damaged. No pets will be allowed in the rental properties without written permission prior to arrival. Unlawful activities, boisterous or rowdy behavior will not be tolerated.
Villas of Mexico, Inc. represents:
and holds forth what is represented in their brochure, no more, no less. Guests acknowledge and understand these are tropical destinations in Mexico. The properties have stairs between each level and open to natural air breezes. Guests acknowledge and understand that we are not owners of these properties and do not warrant their condition or service. The owner shall be responsible for their care and upkeep. Unless directly specified in this contract, properties are naturally cooled, have no elevators, TV's, room service, cooks, cars, boats, telephones, or other services. Refundable telephone and security deposits are required at some destinations. All staff has Sundays off and all major Mexican Holidays as follows: January 1 for New Years Day, February 5 for Constitution Day, March 21 for Benito Juarez Birthday, May 1 for Labor Day, September 16 for Independence Day, November 20 for Revolution Day, and December 25 for Christmas.
Non-responsibility:
Villas of Mexico, Inc. is acting as intermediary or agent for independent suppliers in selling services or in accepting reservations or booking for services which are not directly supplied by Villas of Mexico, Inc. Villas of Mexico, Inc. shall not be responsible for misrepresentation, breach of contract or any intentional carelessness or negligent actions or omissions on the part of suppliers, which result in injury, accident, death, damages, losses, costs, expenses, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, unfulfilled expectations, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical or mental, as a result of, or in connection with 1) any delays, or changes in schedules or itineraries; 2) the act or omission of any party, other than Villas of Mexico, Inc. or its employees; 3) monetary crises, political or social unrest, labor problems, economic changes, mechanical maintenance or construction difficulties or construction noises, climatic aberration, local laws, diseases, novel or unexpected conditions; 4) absence of travel documents, passports, visas and health certificates where required, in which cases customers' failure to follow instructions including, but not limited to, check-in and check-out times and baggage handling; 5) disturbance or inconvenience to guest and invitees while occupying property, or for the actions of its neighbors or the surrounding area; 6) cancellation or change for any reason in the travel services offered; 7) customer's medical or health problems or physical disabilities; 8) fires, explosions, strikes, accidents, floods, earthquakes, acts of insurrection or civil disobedience, acts of God and of the public enemy or any other causes beyond the control of Villas of Mexico, Inc. Villas of Mexico, Inc. is not responsible for providing special facilities or services to those with medical or health problems or physical disabilities. Villas of Mexico, Inc. reserves the right to cancel or alter the travel services at its discretion. In the event of changes or complete cancellation, Villas of Mexico, Inc.’s liability shall be limited to the cancellation and refund clause stated above. No agent, employee or representative of Villas of Mexico, Inc (or any person whose services are used by Villas of Mexico, Inc.) has the authority to alter, modify or waive any of the provisions herein. This is a California contract executed in Chico, California, County of Butte. Jurisdiction and venue of disputes between the parties or their agents shall be in Butte County, California.
