Frequently Asked Questions



PAYMENTS AND POLICIES



Do I need to pay for my reservation in advance?
If you choose a non-refundable rate, you will need to pay the full amount of your reservation in advance. On the other hand, if you choose a flexible booking, you will only need to make a 30% prepayment; the rest will be paid at the check-in day.

What are the accommodation's cancellation policies?
When you select a rate, you will have the corresponding cancellation conditions available at the time of booking.

How can I pay?
We accept payments by bank transfer, credit/debit cards or in cash at check-in. For more information, please call the numbers available on the website.

Which credit/debit cards are accepted?
We accept Visa, Master Card, Maestro.

What is the price policy for children?
Children from the age of 3 pay for their stay. There is no charge for children up to the age of 2. If you would like a crib, please let us know (subject to availability).

Are all taxes included in the price of the stay?

Only VAT is included in the price. The tourist tax is not included and must be paid at check-in in cash.
In the city of Porto, the tourist tax applies to guests aged 13 and over and is €3 per person per night, up to a maximum of €21 per person per stay.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, the tourist tax applies to guests aged 16 and over and is €2.5 per person per night, up to a maximum of €17.5 per person per stay.
In Estoril, the tourist tax applies to guests aged 12 and over and is €2 per person per night, up to a maximum of €14 per person per stay.

Is there a security deposit? How is it charged?
Yes. A security deposit of €150 is charged for Amber Star accommodations located in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. For the Charmy Villa Estoril accommodation, the security deposit is €300. By booking one of Amber Star Rent's accommodations, the client agrees to the conditions regarding the security deposit.
The security deposit will be debited from the bank card at the time of check-in and it is essential that the client ensures that the corresponding amount is available. If this amount cannot be guaranteed, check-in cannot take place and the reservation will be subject to cancellation, according to the selected policy.
We do not accept cash payments for the security deposit.
The amount of the deposit will be refunded by the same payment method used, within 7 days after check-out. However, it is important to note that the time it takes for the amount to reach the client's account is subject to possible delays, depending on the policies and procedures of the banks and how they operate.



APARTMENTS




How are Amber Star Rent accommodations?
Amber Star Rent's apartments offer an experience of incomparable comfort and serenity. Each accommodation is carefully furnished and equipped to ensure a pleasant stay. Our kitchens come fully equipped with all the necessary utensils, including a dishwasher and washing machine, at no extra cost for their use.
The “Charmy Villa Estoril” is an equally comfortable option, ideal for family vacations. This spacious villa is fully furnished and equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay. In addition, you can enjoy a large outdoor garden with a swimming pool and barbecue, providing relaxing moments and pleasant family time.

Do I have to bring sheets and towels?
We provide sheets per stay and one set of towels per guest.

How often are the apartments cleaned during my stay?
The cleaning service is carried out at the end of each stay. For stays longer than 10 nights, we also offer an intermediate cleaning. This intermediate cleaning is a free supplement to your stay and is only carried out once. It only takes place on working days, from Monday to Friday.


Items such as shower gel or toilet paper are replaced during my stay?

No. We provide a limited number of items such as: shower gel, dishwashing detergent, tablets for the dishwasher and washing machine, garbage bags for the bathroom and kitchen, as well as rolls of toilet paper (quantity depending on the number of guests) are made available at the accommodation before the start of your stay, and are not replenished. Items such as condiments, olive oil and shampoo are not provided. 

What is not included in the cleaning fee?
The cleaning fee does not include the cleaning of carpets, furniture (such as sofas, chairs, mattresses) and curtains. The amount of the additional cleaning will be deducted from the security deposit.

Do all apartments have Wi-Fi?
Yes. All apartments have free Wi-Fi internet access.

How many people are allowed per apartment?
All apartments have different maximum occupancy capacities. Check the apartment descriptions beforehand and simulate the number of adults and children you want.

Can I have an extra bed in my room?
It is not possible to add extra beds. Each type already indicates its maximum capacity.

Do you have apartments for people with reduced mobility?
Only Bessa Luxury Flat apartment allows access for people with reduced mobility.

What are the rules for our apartments?
Only guests who check in at the accommodation are allowed to stay overnight.
Pets are not allowed, nor is smoking allowed inside the accommodation, nor are parties, events and get-togethers allowed in the accommodation.
No noise after 9pm.

What are the rules at Charmy Villa Estoril?
Only guests who have checked in, according to the number of people on the reservation, are allowed to stay overnight in the accommodation.
Please be aware that we do not allow pets, smoking on the premises or parties, events or get-togethers on the property.
To maintain a peaceful environment for all our guests, we kindly ask you to avoid making noise after 10pm.
Unjustified trips to the accommodation are subject to a charge of €20.
The regular cleaning service includes a 3-hour cleaning of the villa. However, please note that this fee does not cover the cleaning of carpets, furniture (such as sofas, chairs, mattresses) and curtains.
We also ask you to pay attention to dirty dishes, with possible leftover food. If an excessive amount of dirty dishes is left, an additional cleaning fee of €15 will apply.
Garbage cans are available outside the property.

Under what conditions the security deposit is not refunded?
The value of the security deposit will not be refunded if damage to the accommodation is identified and/or if the rules of the accommodation are violated and additional costs are incurred.



CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT




What is the check-in time?
You can check in from 15:00 (local time) at the accommodations in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Check-in at the “Charmy Vila Estoril” villa is from 16:00 (local time).
Early check-in is subject to availability.

What is an accommodation form? Is it required?
All people who host foreign citizens who pay for their stay are obligated to communicate this information to SEF, by means of an accommodation bulletin, within three working days.
In order to simplify and speed up this process, we send out a check-in form in advance which asks for all the necessary information. Links to the form will be sent by email or WhatsApp.
Please be aware that failure to complete the check-in form gives the accommodation the right to refuse check-in.

What is the check-out time?
The normal check-out time is 12:00 (local time) at the accommodations in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Check-out time at Charmy Vila Estoril is until 11:00 (local time).
To check out, simply leave the apartment keys visible on the living room table and lock the door.
Make sure that the windows are closed and that the electrical equipment is turned off, especially the air conditioning/heating and the light switches.
Also, check that the entrance door to the building is open (not locked with the keys) before leaving the keys inside the apartment.

How do I collect the keys to my apartment?
We don't have an on-site reception in the apartments, so a member of our team will meet you in front of the building door at a pre-arranged time to welcome you and hand over the keys to the apartment. You will receive instructions on how to make the appointment 3 days before check-in.

Can I store my luggage? Is there a charge?
We are unable to store your luggage before check-in or after check-out. We recommend using the CITY LOCKERS throughout Porto and Lisbon. https://www.citylockers.pt/

But we also recommend other services such as
- Luggage Spot
- Luggagehero
- Porto Luggage Storage

If our flight is delayed, is it possible to check in late?
Check-in until 20:00 (local time) is free of charge. Check-in from 20:00 to 00:00 has a cost of 20€. Check-in after 00:00 has a cost of 30€.
If your flight arrives in Porto late in the evening and the estimated time of arrival is very close to the end of the stipulated check-in time, we suggest that you arrange a cab transfer with us from the airport to your apartment. This way you are guaranteed late check-in at no extra cost, as you only pay for the cab service.