Booking a Riviera Apartment
  Booking, Maintaining, and Using PROPERTIES

   Booking    Business Guidelines    Check-In/Out
   Furnishings/Equipment    Housekeeping    Local Transportation
   Pets    Medical    Security
   Telephones & Mail    Travel Insurance    Who to Call

"If you're still thinking the Côte is just for movie stars and millionaires with yachts and money to burn, let me assure you that it's also an affordable destination, with rental apartments offering all the conveniences and comforts of home for those who are neither rich nor idle." Discovering the French Riviera by Fred Perry

 Flights Under $200

APARTMENT BOOKING

To reserve a property for your use, contact the individual property owner from the appropriate RivieraRental property listing. Owners will reserve their property for you immediately upon their receipt of your initial Reservation/Confirmation Payment.

Agreement for the use of any property listed on RivieraRental.Com is made exclusively between the Property Guest and respective RivieraRental Property Owner.

BUSINESS GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION

RivieraRental properties are self-catered. This simply means that each Guest is responsible to maintain their rental property in a clean and well-maintained condition at all times during their stay. Guests are expected and required to use a property responsibly, and to be respectful of all furnishings and personal property belonging to the Property Owner. The Guest who reserves the property shall be held liable for any damages, if any.

While a Property Owner may provide instructions that are specific to their property, all Guests are advised that it is generally the Guest's responsibility to provide for their own personal use items and to replenish consumable items such as paper products, toilet and cleaning materials, or other sundry items necessary for routine maintenance. Additionally, and unless otherwise notified by an Owner, it shall be a Guest's responsibility to perform minor maintenance during their stay to keep all property furnishings and household equipment in a well-maintained and operable condition. The Property Owner will inspect your rental property following departure.

Depending on the property selected, a Property Owner may be close by to offer assistance if needed, or they may provide a local point-of-contact to assist if needed. Such agent or representative of the Property Owner may be "on call" and capable of responding to such on-site issues as stopped drains, broken lights, broken shower hose, TV, etc. However, this is not always the case and responsibility for such issues will remain with the Guest, who should be prepared to handle this, and then discuss reimbursement with the Owner after presenting appropriate receipts. 

Guests must remember that they are entering into a legally binding contract for the use of property belonging to the Property Owner who has listed their property on RivieraRental. Guests are therefore responsible for reading the property listing, including any special instructions provided by the Property Owner, as well as their accepted payment methods. The Property Owner who lists their property on RivieraRental shall assume all responsibility for their property listing, and for the accuracy of any information provided for their property therein.

Guests are also advised to consider in advance whether use of self-catered rental property is best suited to their individual or family needs. Self-catered rental property is most often appropriate to a seasoned international traveler who is independent, comfortable and experienced in their destination environment, with the ability to take care of general household-related issues. On rare occasions, a Guest may also have to deal with major issues that occur with any property e.g. plumbing, electrical, etc. If not, then they should be comfortable in their ability to contact others who can handle such matters.

Minimum Stay/Discounts - Owners generally require a one-week minimum stay. This may not apply to special events requiring a longer period such as the Cannes Film Festival. This is often a fixed rate for the entire period of up to two weeks in mid-May. Occasionally, and at the discretion of a Property Owner, a discount may be provided for rental periods beyond one week. If Guests require a longer stay, then they should request clarification on pricing from the Property Owner. Arrangements for additional days beyond any weekly or monthly period may be prorated according to the appropriate seasonal and/or weekly rate.

Reservation/Confirmation Payment - RivieraRental's guidance to Property Owners is that telephonic or E-mail reservations be accepted tentatively for a period of up to forty-eight (48) hours, pending receipt by the Owner of a Reservation/Confirmation Payment. Often this may be half (1/2) of the total rent, but amounts vary depending on the Owner. Guests should therefore seek clarification from the respective Property Owner, who may have other more specific instructions, and protect themselves. (See below regarding Trip Cancellation protection)

Reservations are considered confirmed upon receipt of the Reservation/Confirmation Payment. If this is not received as stipulated above (or as otherwise provided by the Property Owner), then the respective Property Owner reserves the right, at their sole discretion and without further notice, to cancel such tentatively scheduled use of their property and to re-assign its use.

Final Payment - It is RivieraRental's guidance that the balance of any Rental payments, Security/Damage deposits, and/or other fees or payments be provided to the Property Owner at least forty-five (45) days prior to a Guest's arrival. Again, Guests should check with their respective Property Owner in the event a Property Owner has separate requirements.

Following Final Payment, the Property Owner will provide keys or other instructions concerning arrival, transfer of keys, driving maps and instructions, and any other specific property use information. If it is necessary for an Owner to use international "express delivery," "overnight" or similar services to send keys, maps, etc. in order to meet a Guest's planning requirements, then upon advanced notification being provided to the Property Owner, plus mutual agreement between Owner and Guest, the Property Owner may choose to deduct and retain this amount from the Security Deposit, prior to returning the Deposit after the Guest's use of the property and return of all keys.

If a prospective Guest desires to reserve a property within the forty-five (45) day period prior to arrival, then they will be asked to provide the entire Rental amount, to include the Security/Damage Deposit, any express delivery fees (if any), or any other charges necessary to meet a Guest's requirements.

Security/Damage Deposit - The refundable Security Deposit is generally required with Final Payment and the amount is determined by each Owner. This covers and reimburses the Property Owner for any other incidental damages, repairs, replacement of broken or missing items, unauthorized phone usage, extraordinary or non-routine cleaning requirement, or other unforeseen event not covered by the advertised Rental rate. Provided there are no problems, all keys are returned, and the property is left in good condition, then the Security Deposit is refunded to the Guest. If there is any problem or damage, as stated above, then a written explanation and the cost will be provided to the Guest, which the Property Owner may then deduct from the Security Deposit. If such charges exceed the Security Deposit amount, then it is expected that the Property Owner will provide the Guest with an invoice for payment, with an explanation of the costs incurred to resolve it. If anything is damaged during your stay, then please advise the Property Owner or your onsite contact prior to departure.

Method of Payment - Property owners will provide specific payment instructions, but RivieraRental recommends that a payment be made by credit card via Paypal (), International Money Order ("IMO"), or wire transfer. Guests should make checks or IMOs payable to the individual named by the respective Property Owner. In the event a Property Owner accepts wire transfers, then the Guest should let the Owner know, so that bank account and routing details can be coordinated.

A subsidiary of eBay, Paypal is a secure online instant payment system that debits your credit card and credits a beneficiaries' Paypal account. It then sends a confirming E-mail to both parties. Transactions can be made in most major currencies, e.g. EUR (€), GBP (£), USD ($), etc. Several property owners request payment in their local currency. You must have your own Paypal account to make a payment. It does not cost anything, but does require you to register. This is easily done online and takes only a few minutes. You simply need a credit card and an E-mail address. A Paypal account may be established in many countries and you can sign up here now and select the country you are in.

Pay securely online using PayPal!

Official PayPal Seal BBBOnLine Privacy Seal

"The apartment had everything you could possibly need. Breakfast on the balcony was the perfect way to start our day.  Location - - excellent!"  New York, NY

 

CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIMES

Property Owners may provide specific times, but Guests should generally plan to arrive on the afternoon of their arrival date and plan to check out before noon on their departure date. Guests are requested to observe the following procedures prior to checking out.

Checkout Procedures

  1. Dispose of all perishable food items

  2. Wash all dishes and return to shelves

  3. Sweep floors

  4. REMOVE ALL TRASH: perishable food, personal items, newspapers, magazines and any other materials.

  5. Return all household items, equipment, furniture, and porch equipment to their original locations and configurations

  6. Strip linens from beds, with exception of bedspreads, mattress pads, and blankets. Soiled linens and towels may be left in a central location such as a bathtub

  7. When washing linens before departure, please leave them hanging on any drying racks provided

  8. Roll-up canvas porch awnings, close all window shutters, and secure all doors and windows

  9. Return all keys as soon as possible to ensure the return of your Deposit.

 

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Property Owners may provide valuable local transportation information for your requirements. AngloInfo.Com has the most comprehensive information with a web page that is dedicated to local transportation. If you have a special requirement, then let us know and we will do our best to help you through our local contacts.

To assist with your planning we provide the following links, which you may find useful for your plans:

 

FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT

Generally, individual properties are fully-equipped with most modern and standard appliances such as coffee makers, microwave ovens, etc. Information about individual properties will be provided through the property listing or through contact with the individual Property Owner.

Linens may be supplied as part of your rental payment, or provided separately for an additional fee. This may be determined by either from the property listing you are interested in, or through contact with the Property Owner prior to reserving a property, or prior to or after arrival. We recommend that you bring a spare towel, especially a beach towel if you plan to visit the local beaches.

If you are traveling with a baby or young children, then you should ask the Property Owner in advance about any special needs (e.g. cribs) before your arrival. Most properties are NOT "child-proofed." If you plan to visit with small children, then please take appropriate personal precautions to supervise and keep your children safeguarded at all times.

Villas and larger properties may have a full-sized washing machine and dryer. Smaller properties may only have a very compact washing machine, if any, but no clothes dryer. Instructions for such equipment may be provided by the Property Owner. In the event there is no dryer, then be prepared to use a drying rack, which is often provided by the Owner. This is often found folded and stored in a closet or utility area on the premises. Clothes dry quickly here in the sun and dry air. Additionally, there are often local launderettes (laveries automatiques) nearby. Note: Always respect locked closets within a property as Property Owners often keep personal tools and equipment onsite.

Property Owners may provide books (sometimes in English) and board games (checkers, backgammon, cards, etc.), but consider bringing something along, particularly if you have small children.

Check individual property listings for other requirements or amenities you may need such as air-conditioning, elevators, high speed internet connections, cable or satellite television, or English language access to Sky News, Fox News, CNN, etc.

Property Owners can often be helpful in arranging maid services, grocery provisioning, bar supplies, general meal preparation services, chef services, day trips, transportation or even a private massage on your patio to relax from your trip!  Just let them know in advance what you need and they will do their best to ensure you have it.

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Property Owners will provide you with specific instructions for their property, but we provide a general overview of most requirements. Most Property Owners provide general apartment preparation and maintenance, however all listed properties are SELF-CATERING. This means that you are required and expected to maintain a property during your stay and leave it clean, undamaged and with all food and garbage removed, if you expect to have your security deposit returned.

A property may have typical cleaning items such as brooms, mops, buckets, etc.  However, cleaning materials and other incidentals, if not present, are to be obtained by any Guest at a local supermarket such as Intermarché, Casino, etc. On departure, in addition to leaving the apartment clean, you are required to return all furniture, windows, shutters, and other household equipment to original locations and configurations.

Following your departure. the Property Owner or an associate or agent will check the property. While the desire is that you should have your Security/Damage Deposit returned in full, it is ultimately your responsibility to maintain the property during your stay, to return all keys, and to leave the property in a high standard of cleanliness in order to qualify for a full refund of your Deposit.

 

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

A good comprehensive reference to medical information for U.S. citizens is located at the U.S. State Department website. If you are arriving from a Commonwealth country, or elsewhere, then please check with your respective national authorities for more info about the presence of their diplomatic and/or citizens' services locations in France or Italy.

In case of an emergency, the U.S. State Department has an Overseas Citizens Service at (202) 647-5225. Relatives can contact this number and State Department representatives in the country you're visiting will be contacted to try to reach you. The US Embassy has numerous resources with guides to English-speaking doctors and hospitals, mostly in Paris, but in a few other places also.  In case of emergency, their number is 01.43.12.22.22. Write it down, or print this, and take it with you. More US embassy and consular contacts throughout France are available here. The Nice consular office has doctors listed here. The address to the US Consular agency is: # 7 avenue Gustave V, 3rd floor, 06000 Nice; Tel: 04-93 88-89 55 Fax: 04-9387-0738.

For emergency assistance the number for Police service is "17" - for Fire the number is "18." The non-emergency number for the Police is 04.92.90.78.00.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Your reservation payment is an investment and we advise that you protect it through the use of some form of Trip Cancellation insurance, in the event you must alter your plans. We've also been advised that French law requires travelers to be covered by comprehensive Travel Insurance - including personal liability coverage.  In the U.S., the American Automobile Association (AAA) offers travel insurance through Access America, Inc. (World Access) in Richmond, VA 1-866-807-3982 (toll-free), which in most instances may cover most any loss. Based on the experiences that have been related to us by a few of our guests (these are horror stories that could have happened to us!), we strongly recommend use of a travel and trip cancellation policy to protect your vacation investment. The Travel Insurance Center offers free quotes from a variety of reputable and reliable carriers such as M. H. Ross, Travelex, TravelGuard, TravelSafe and more.

The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is highly advised. Neither RivieraRental nor any any affiliated property owners, representatives, or agents shall make any refund following a reservation payment, due to our Property Owners' commitment of property, staff and resources towards your holiday.

Depending on your personal or family health circumstances, we also recommend that Guests consider Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) insurance. Such policies can pay for emergency evacuation to more well-equipped hospitals near your home of residence should you be injured in a remote locale. These policies also add features such as legal assistance, diplomatic help, and even cash. We advise you to check for any exclusions such as rock-climbing, para-gliding, if you plan those activities. MedJet offers annual yearly assistance and will transport you to any facility you wish. International SOS Assistance and American Express provide platinum and centurion cardholders with evacuation insurance free, but will themselves determine if and where they'll send you. Most US-based health care plans only cover basic transportation to a local French medical facility, whereas a specialized policy can cover expenses in your destination country, or else a MedEvac policy can return you to your own home country. For your information and convenience, we provide more information on a variety of reputable carriers we have reviewed and selected for consideration by our clients with links above, and more detailed information here...

 

SECURITY

Garde á vous. On guard.  BE ADVISED. Securing money, travelers' checks, papers, passports, and other valuables at all times is always a consideration when traveling and is a Guest's responsibility.

RivieraRental recommends the following simple precautions:

1. Always remain "on guard," particularly in crowds

2. Always retain a sense of "situational awareness" i.e. people around you, surroundings (think "escape routes"), etc.

3. Carry only enough cash for your immediate needs and a limited number of credit cards.  Remember that cash, credit cards, purses, and shopping bags etc. are targets for pickpockets and snatchers

4. When you travel by car, keep your car doors locked at all times

5. Don't leave anything in a parked car - locked or unlocked 

6. Report loss or theft of a passport immediately - only carry a copy and keep the original in a safe place. Detailed instructions to report lost or stolen passports can be found here: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States.

7. Remember..."an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

TravelPassportVisaCenter.com is the fastest way to get a passport or visa, often in just 7 hours!

 

TELEPHONES & MAIL

Each Property Owner will have their own instructions for telephone use and mail, which should be provided by the Owner. However, a Guest should request a telephone number so they may be contacted by friends or family in the event of an emergency.

Generally, when dialing France check your local dialing instructions to access the international network; then dial the country code for France i.e. "33"; (leave off the "0" us the 0 when dialing in-country) and then dial the appropriate property telephone number.

Guests are advised that they are solely responsible to inform friends, relatives, or associates of any telephone number where they can be reached in the event of any emergency.

RivieraRental, its agents, representatives, and the individual Property Owner's are not responsible for providing a telephone number or for being able to contact any Guest in the event of an emergency.

Local calls are often complimentary; however, no direct dialed long distance calls, directory assistance calls, or incoming collect calls are permitted. Often telephones are restricted to local use ONLY. In such a case you will need an international long distance calling card (ATT, C&W, MCI, etc.) with the corresponding French toll-free access number order to make out-going long distance phone calls.

Alternatively, you can purchase pre-paid calling cards from any French Post Office (P.T.T.) phone store, or sales outlet (they're everywhere) which are purchased with varying totals of call minutes. You can also make telephone calls from the local Post Office.

If excessive use or any long distance calls are recorded on a Property Owner's telephone account during your stay, then they may send you a copy of the bill and expect payment for any calls made during the period of your use.

If you have a laptop, then check with the Property Owner about internet access. More:

  • AT&T Worldwide Traveler Web (ATT.com)

  • AOL International Access (AOL.com)

  • GSM Phones (Cellularabroad.com)

  • Pre-paid SIM Cards (UStronics.com)

  • Global-access pre-paid phone cards (formerly UK Phonecards) - 1st4phonecards.com (cards that can be used to call anywhere in the world from about 35 different countries. It offers toll-free access numbers with no connection or other maintenance fees.

  • La Telecarte - French Phone Card (50 Units - One "unit" provides a 3-minute call during the normal rate period, and up to 9 minutes after 10:50 pm)

PETS

Generally, pets are not allowed except perhaps for perhaps service or guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired; however, this varies with each Property Owner, so we advise each Guest to check with their respective Property Owner in advance to booking a property.

 

WHO TO CALL

Agents - Each Property Owner should provide you a contact name and phone number in case of emergency or should you need assistance. Owners or their Agents should be able to help you in the event you need child sitter assistance or other services, such as paid cleaning assistance, transportation, or any other kind of help.

Police/Emergency and Assistance Services - Police Emergency tel: "17."

Maintenance (plumbing/electrical, etc.) - RivieraRental properties are operated as "self-catering" accommodations. By accepting use of any RivieraRental listed property, a Guest has full responsibility and is expected and required to clean and maintain their own property, unless otherwise provided for by the Property Owner. Guest responsibilities include any and all immediate "do-it-yourself" issues, as well as any issues which may require a Guest to call for outside services, e.g. plumbers, electricians, etc. The Property Owner may permit a Guest to send receipts for any materials used or services engaged to assist in fixing a problem, in which case the Guest should expect be compensated for expenses. For any problems, a Guest must contact the Property Owner directly.

   

Home | Properties | Area Info | Daytrips
Advertise | About | Site Map | Contact
 

 

RivieraRental.Com, Inc. Copyright © 1997-2010  All rights reserved
® Registered marks of RivieraRental.Com, Inc.
Terms of Use