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Vital Info Important Information
Things you SHOULD know...!
Hotel and Resort Descriptions
The latest dictat from Brussels demands that we give CATEGORIES for our hotels. Throughout the destinations we feature, there are NO standard grading systems. Indeed some of the grading awards require the hotels to pay subscriptions! If you are travelling to the USA, one factor to take into account, is the way that Americans actually describe their hotels. They call them "Inns", "Lodges", "Motels" and even "Hotels". "Motels" can include some of the nicest possible properties.
Please note that facilities and standards can vary between hotels of the same rating throughout the world. For example city hotels can have higher standards overall than a beach resort. If you compare the single supplement charges shown in the hotel's price box you can get a general idea of how hotels, of the same rating in the same resort ot country compare.
The hotels we feature are generally open year round so will have quieter times occasionally. This will enable you to take advantage of, for example, uncrowded parks and a more personal service from staff. However, this may mean that hotels and resorts scale down the availability of some facilities such as the number of restaurants open or their opening hours, to reflect the number of guests.
We have decided to award Virgin  s to our hotels. We range from two to five. On this website there is no hotel with less than TWO VIRGIN STARS. The information on these websites about our hotels and resorts is accurate to the best of our knowledge and is updated as soon as we are advised of any alterations and/or omissions. (When we have written our description, they are sent to the hotels for checking). However, subsequent to the publication of the text there can be changes - facilities can become unavailable, and sometimes redecoration work or rebuilding work can commence at or near a hotel. These circumstances are beyond our control but we try to keep on top of them. Sometimes we will be notified after a change has happened. Our Local Representatives are on hand to consult, advise and assist where necessary. See the Booking Conditions for more details. Wherever we have stated that swimming pools are heated kindly note that pool heating is as required by weather conditions - we don't want you to over heat.
Security - What extra measures are Virgin Atlantic taking to ensure safety on board the aircraft?
The door to the Flight Deck is kept locked at all times and access is vigorously controlled. Sadly that means that no passenger visits to the Flight Deck are permitted, but we are sure our customers will understand. Additional measures are also under discussion with the Government.
You may be asked to provide information, such as passport number, etc. for the carrier airline(s) at any time between booking and boarding the aircraft which will only be used for security purposes and not disclosed to third parties not related to your travel arrangements.
Important Note About Beds in Hotels
Some hotels have TWO DOUBLE BEDS and can therefore sleep 4. Ideal for a family with 2 children but not so ideal for four adults who don't know eachother THAT well! Rooms can also come with ONE large or extra large DOUBLE BED. Perfect for a couple. Rollaway beds can usually be supplied by the hotel to a maximum of TWO but this rather depends on the room size. Some hotels charge locally for these. Most hotel descriptions detail the bedding arrangements.
Don't Forget... PASSPORTS!
You must have a FULL and VALID passport to visit the destinations we feature on these websites. It needs to be valid for 6 months after the date of departure. Also, please ensure that the names and initials on your flight tickets are the same as your passport. Please see our FAQs.
Visas
Visas are required by British citizens for a number of our destinations. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation. All passport holders should check with the relevant Embassy or consulate. We have details of where a VISA is required.
All the above is very important because if you turn up for one of our flights with an invalid passport or no Visa when you need one we will be very sympathetic... but you cannot board the flight!
Unaccompanied Age Restrictions
For those wishing to travel unaccompanied by a parent or guardian the minimum age is 18 years. However, some hotels and resorts do not allow under 21s in a room by themselves - please check at time of booking for details or call 0871 222 5825.
Inoculations & Medical Precautions
For the Latest information we recommend you check with your Doctor for the latest advice or pick up DHSS Leaflet T4. However for all of our destinations it is a good idea to be up to date with your injections for Polio, Tetanus and Hepatitis. See our list of recommended vaccinations.
Power Cuts
Hotels in certain worldwide destinations are sometimes subject to power or water cuts, although they do endeavour to keep inconvenience to a minimum.
Alcohol
Liquor laws are strict in the USA. Sorry you young 'uns but if you are under 21 or even LOOK under 21 you will not be able to buy alcohol! Carry some identity with you to prove your age! Remember that you cannot carry booze in your car unless it is safely locked up in the trunk (boot). DO NOT drink and drive - you know it makes sense!
Ramadan
In Muslim countries you may find that there are restrictions on alcohol consumption, restaurant facilities and entertainment during the month of Ramadan (commences 24 Oct 03).
Foreign Travel Advice
We recommend that you seek advice from the Foreign Office regarding your holiday destination(s) prior to your reservation - this is easily available by telephone, teletext or through the Internet.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 Ceefax page 470 onwards, on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, or by telephone on 0207 238 4503/4504. Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls are charged at 50p/minute).
Sorting Out Your Seat
PLEASE READ (VERY IMPORTANT!)
For Virgin Atlantic flights only:
A limited number of seats are available for advanced booking BUT please note:
- You must ring LESS THAN 180 DAYS before departure.
- The request HAS to be made direct to Virgin Atlantic on 0871 222 0050 (Mon-Fri).
- We'll do everything possible to meet your seat request, but NO GUARANTEE CAN BE GIVEN.
- Bulkhead seats are requested for Virgins requiring a 'Sky Cot' for infants under 12 months.
- Seats in EXIT rows can only be allocated at check-in and then only to passengers over the age of 16 who are 100% physically fit!
- ALL FLIGHTS ARE NON SMOKING
Delayed Departure
Our Holidays are based on scheduled flights between here and the Caribbean. It is Virgin Atlantics responsibility to assist all passengers in the event of a delay or re-scheduling. However Virgin Holidays staff will be on hand to provide assistance and information whenever possible. We provide FREE DELAYED DEPARTURE INSURANCE when you take our Insurance Policy. With any prolonged delay, the airline will provide meals and accommodation where necessary.
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