There is no worldwide grading standard across all the hotels with work with so grades vary greatly from one country to the next.
To make things easier, we decided to award all of our hotels a V-rating, giving you a general idea of how hotels compare across the world.
Our V-rating is reviewed every time we complete our health and safety on each and every hotel, from our value collection to top end 5V resorts.
We will consider special requests such as high floor, pool view, vegetarian meals, seating requests etc, if we are advised at the time of booking. Whilst we will do our best to meet any requests, no guarantee is given as this does not form part of your holiday contract.
We will book your accommodation for you with the number of bedrooms requested. However, accommodation can vary in the amount of equipment and bedding provided and this will be allocated in accordance with the number of people shown on your invoice. If additional people join you while utilising the accommodation booked, we accept no responsibility or liability for any shortfall in equipment or facilities.
It is standard practice worldwide for a hotel to ask for a credit card imprint to cover incidentals like room service, telephone calls or other hotel services being charged to your room. Most hotels will obtain authorisation on the required amount, which can range from $50 to $350 per room per night, subject to the range of chargeable activities offered. If you do not have a card, and wish to use the charging facility, a cash deposit will be required.
Tipping is essential to most American restaurants and hotels and is a more important part of US culture than in Europe. It is usual to leave a 15% tip at most bars and restaurants and with taxis, while airport porters expect $1 per bag and hotel chambermaids $1 per person per day. Some restaurants do add an automatic service charge for groups of 6 or more, so check your bill carefully before tipping.
Cruise Line gratuities and service charges are not included in the advertised prices. They are an additional on board charge, and will vary by cruise line.
Please note that height, weight and health restrictions may apply for some excursions.
Please be aware that some hotels may charge a small fee per room per day for some services, where available, e.g. daily phone charge or safety deposit box. You should be given these details at check in.
Most rooms in American 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 each other that well!
Rooms can also come with one large double bed - ideal for a couple. Rollaway beds can usually be supplied by the hotel but this rather depends on the room size. Some hotels charge locally for these. Most hotel descriptions detail the bedding arrangements.
Liquor Laws are strict in the USA. If you are under 21 or even look under 21 (lucky you)! you'll not be able to buy alcohol unless you provide some identity with you to prove your age!
You're also not allowed to carry booze in your car unless it is safely locked up in the trunk (boot).
Need we say - Do not drink and drive - you know it makes sense!
We take the safety and security of our clients extremely seriously. Sadly, crimes against both people and their property are a fact of life the world over and when in a foreign country it is very important to be extra vigilant and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
We recommend that you seek advice from the Foreign Office regarding your holiday destination(s) before you book your holiday. You can easily contact them:
Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 2015050 (calls are charged at 50p/minute).
Travellers have the same responsibility for their own safety and that of their possessions as they do at home.
Virgin Holidays send customer to many parts of the world, some of which dont conform to British health and safety standards. We request that all hotels/operators comply with the local regulations but we cannot guarantee that these meet British standards and therefore urge you to undertake reasonable precaution whilst on holiday.
Sometimes redecoration work or building work can commence at or near a hotel. These circumstances are beyond our control and we do not always receive advance notification. We will notify you as soon as possible, if we consider that building work will have a significant effect on the enjoyment of your holiday. See the Booking Conditions for more details.
Some islands in the Caribbean prohibit camouflage print material, this can be extended to items of clothing and baggage. To avoid any inconvenience we would advise all passengers to refrain from packing/carrying such items.
The standard international practice is to let rooms from 12 noon to 12 noon, Check-in times are usually between 2.00pm and 3.00pm, check-out times between 11.00am and 12 noon on the day of departure, however times do vary. Therefore, if your flight arrives early in the morning, you may not be able to check in to your hotel room right away. Similarly, if your return flight is at night, you will normally be required to vacate your room at 12 noon. Day rooms are subject to availability and cost and can usually be arranged locally.
Please note that we do NOT refund unused services. Any voluntary changes made by you while on holiday will incur additional charges.