Búzios

• How far is the hotel from the main downtown area?
  • Casas Brancas is located just a short walking distance to the heart of town. It takes around five minutes to arrive to the center
• How many beaches are there in Buzios?
  • Buzios offers 21 different type of beaches, from those great for snorkeling and diving to those perfect for surfing, kite-surfing, etc.
• How is the nightlife?
  • During low season, Buzios offers a mellow and laid back atmosphere. The restaurants are opened during the week and most of the nightclubs on the weekends during the times when Buzios is frequented by people seeking an alternative to the Rio lifestyle.
    
    With bars and night clubs packed with beautiful and fun people it is easy to understand why visitors are so fascinated with Buzios.
    
    During high season, the nightlife is very exciting, filled with people from all over the world enjoying the restaurants, bars and club scenes.
• What to wear?
  • Spring
    
    Beach: Bikinis, shorts, sarong, hat, sunglasses, sun block, sandals with no heals, light long-sleeve shirt to use at the end of the beach day, when the sun starts to settle.
    
    Day: Clothes for temperatures averaging 25ºC.
    
    Night: The temperature can drop to 20ºC, so a light sweater is always recommended; a scarf can also make you happy on a chillier night.
    
    Summer
    
    Beach: Bikinis, shorts, sarong, hat, sunglasses, sun block, sandals with no heals, and the lightest clothes you have.
    
    Day: Clothes for temperatures averaging 30ºC.
    
    Night: Dresses, skirts, tops, sandals, shorts, t-shirt. A very light long-sleeve shirt only to use if the wind picks up.
    
    Autumn
    
    Beach: Bikinis, shorts, sarong, hat, sunglasses, sun block, sandals with no heals, light long-sleeve shirt or light sweater to use at the end of the beach day, when the sun starts to settle.
    
    Day: Clothes for temperatures averaging 24ºC.
    
    Night: The temperature can drop to 20ºC, so a light sweater, closed-toe shoes, scarf, and pants.
    
    Winter
    
    Beach: Bikinis, shorts, dresses or cozy long pants, sarong, hat, sunglasses, sun-block, sandals with no heals, light long-sleeve shirt or light sweater to use at the end of the beach day, when the sun starts to settle.
    
    Day: Clothes for temperatures averaging 24ºC.
    
    Night: The temperature can drop to 18ºC, so sweaters, closed-toe shoes, scarf, long pants, and a jacket.

How to Get Here

• How to get a private transfer and cost?
  • A private transfer can be arranged through us if desired. Being that this is an outsourced service, we would like to clarify that the hotel is not liable for any problems that may arise on the matter.
    This service can be scheduled directly through you by email. To book your private transfer contact: recepcao@cb.casasbrancas.com.br or guestrelations@cb.casasbrancas.com.br.
    The cost of this service may vary depending on the season, however, it usually starts at R$ 400,00 (Brazilian currency) one-way.
    Please note that bookings, modifications or cancellations are only accepted at least 24 hours prior to pick up time. We do not schedule transfers through agencies or any kind of intermediates.
    
• How to rent a car in Rio and cost?
  • Rental cars stores are available throughout the city and within the international airport. The cost of renting a car starts at R$ 185,00 /day
• How to rent a car in Buzios and cost?
  • In general two types of cars are rented in Buzios, you can choose between the everyday car or an opened beach car known as Bugre (buggy).
    These can be arranged at front desk, but, being that it is an outsourced service, Casas Brancas is not responsible for the efficiency of these services.
    The cost of these services may vary depending on the season, however, prices usually start at R$ 120,00 for buggies and R$ 150,00 for cars (Brazilian currency).
• Does the hotel have secured free parking?
  • The hotel offers twenty four hour parking to guests, however, Casas Brancas is not responsible for any damages caused by other guests.
• How to get to the hotel by public transportation and wich will be the cost?
  • Buses from Rio de Janeiro Central Bus Station leave every 2 hours, from 06:00 am to 08:00 pm. The trip takes on average three hours and the cost p/person each way is around R$ 40,00 (Brazilian Currency).

Bookings & Payments

• Can I book online?
  • You can use our booking-online system on the link ";Book Now".
• Do I have to give my credit card details?
  • Your credit card details are required in order to guarantee your booking.
• Is pre-payment required?
  • All reservations require full payment prior to arrival.
• Will I receive a confirmation for my reservation
  • Once your credit card has been charged, a final confirmation with the booking number will be sent by e-mail.
• How can I cancel my reservation?
  • Cancellations or modifications shall be requested by e-mail. If you made your reservation through a booking online system, cancellations or modifications shall be requested by the same way.
• When will my credit card be charged?
  • Your credit card will be charged according to the cancellation policy confirmed for the period of your booking.
• Are taxes included in room rates?
  • +10% taxes shall be added to room rates.
• What credit cards are accepted?
  • Casas Brancas accepts Mastercard and Visa credit cards.

Cancellation Policies

• What is the cancellation policy for Low and Middle seasons?
  • Low Season: from May 3 to September 29, 2013
    Middle Season: from March 1 to May 2 and from September 30 to December 15, 2013
    
    If cancelled up to 10 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged
    If cancelled later: 50% of the total price of the reservation will be charged
    No-show: 100% of the total amount is not refundable
    
    The same rules apply to alterations and / or cancellations
    
    These conditions do not apply in cases of Best Rate for the Rate Period or Last Minute. These special rates require full payment at time of booking and is non refundable.
• Which is the cancellation policy for High Season?
  • High Season: from December 17, 2012 to February 28, 2013
    
    If cancelled up to 20 days before date of arrival, no FEE Will be charged
    If cancelled up to 10 days from the date of check-in: 50% of the total amount will not be refundable
    10 days until the date of check-in 100% of total will not be refundable
    No-show: 100% of the total amount is not refundable
    
    The same rules apply to alterations and / or cancellations
    
    
    
• Which is cancellation policy for Christmas and New Year s Eve packages?
  • Christmas: from 22 to 25 December or 25 to 28 December, 2012
    New Year: from December 28, 2012 to January 2, 2013
    
    Until 20 days after requesting the Reservation: No Cost
    Until 30 days prior to check-in: You will be reimbursed 50% of the total booking.
    Until 20 days prior to check-in 100% of the total reservation will not be reimboursed
    
    No-show: 100% of the total shall not be reimbursed
    
    The same rules apply to alterations and / or cancellations
• Which is the cancellation policy for the Caranval and Easter Packages?
  • Carnival: from 8 to 13 February 2013
    Easter: from 27 to 31 March, 2013
    
    Until 30 days prior to check-in date: No charge
    30 to 10 days prior to date of check-in: 50% of the total reservation will not be reimboursed
    10 days until the date of check-in: 100% of the total reservation will not be reimbursed
    The same rules apply to alterations and / or cancellations

Facilities, Rooms & Breakfast

• Are the daily values per apartment or per person?
  • The daily values are valid for double occupancy, whether occupied by one or two people.
    In some apartments a third bed can be placed, which will add a total of 30% of the daily cost of the room.
• Which are the different type of rooms that the hotel has?
  • Casas Brancas has 32 rooms, all individually decorated, devided into six different categories:
    
    Standard : Rooms with a relaxing view to the garden.
    
    Classic : Cozy apartments with panoramic views over the sea without a balcony.
    
    Superior : Cozy partments with a panoramic view to the sea, with small balconies.
    
    Deluxe : Larger apartments with a panoramic view over the sea and larger private balcony.
    
    Junior Suite Spacious apartments with a panoramic sea view and a small veranda.
    
    Master Suite Spacious apartments with an exclusive panoramic sea view and a private veranda.
    
• Do all rooms have ocean view?
  • No, while some of the rooms have a direct ocean view, others have a garden veiw.
• How is the arrangement of beds in the apartments?
  • The apartments have 1 single bed, which, depending on the room, can be split into two twins. If this is necessary, a special request must be mentioned in the comments field when making your reservation.
    Quadruple room offers a double bed in one room and 2 single beds in another (separate rooms), sharing a bathroom.
    If 3 beds in one room is needed, a special request must be mentioned in the comments field when making your reservation.
    Children are considered in the maximum capacity of people in each apartment and this must be informed at the time of booking.
    
    Please note that any special requests are subject to availability.
• Is breakfast included in your room rates?
  • Yes, a tropical breakfast, served at the terrace facing the ocean is included in our room rates.
• Is there a GYM?
  • Yes, we do have a gym.
• Is there a meeting room?
  • Yes, we have a conference room with maximum capacity of 35 people.

Check in & Check out

• Which is the check-in time?
  • Check-in time is 2:00 PM
• Which is the time for the check-out?
  • Check-out time is 12 PM
• Can I store my luggage?
  • We can´t guarantee luggage storage, but we always do everything possible to satisfy our clients.

Immigration Requirements - Visa and Passport:

• Immigration Requirements - Visa and Passport
  • Visitors from many countries do not require a visa for a stay providing their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
    
    No visa is required for travelers from member countries of the European Community, including the United Kingdom. For citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Japan, it is necessary to obtain a tourist visa.
    
    At check-in, the guest will be asked to show official identification issued by his/her country.

Children

• As of what age children are admitted at Casas Brancas?
  • We welcome children ages 5 and older.

Other Questions

• Is internet free of charge?
  • Yes, internet is free of charge.
• Do you have satellite TV?
  • Yes, we have satellite or cable TV.
• Electricity and plugs
  • Electricity is 110 volts and wall outlets take standard two pin-plugs
• What is the Lost & Found policy ?
  • Should any guests lose personal belongings whilst staying at Casas Brancas Boutique-Hotel & SPA. Casas Brancas Boutique-Hotel & SPA will store them at our Lost & Found safety box,so that the owner can come claim his personal belongings . Any items in the Lost & Found, which are not claimed within ninety (90) days, will be donated to a local charity or discarded.