Frequently Asked Questions

Payment will be accepted by the following:  Credit card, PayPal, wire transfer, business check, money order, electronic online check.

Some resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, and elsewhere are "all-inclusive" resorts. That means, depending on the resort and season, meals, drinks, tours, transportation, resort activities, resort amenities, services and facilities may be included if the all-inclusive resort is selected and the additional fees are paid to the resort upon check-in. Anyone who stays at an all-inclusive resort pays a per person fee for this service.  Some resorts offer optional all-inclusive packages, while at others, it is a requirement for all guests.  The additional fees for all-inclusive resorts can be considerable, and we strongly suggest that the booking agent contacts the resort directly and gets a quote for the specific dates of travel, as fees do vary widely depending on your travel date.  All-inclusive fees and amenities are set by the resort AND PAID FOR AT THE RESORT, and we have no control over them. 

Up to 1 year in advance.

You may fill out an online reservation request form with your request. We have many sources for weeks and not all of them make it online.  If possible, give two or three date and area options-if you are flexible in your vacation requests it will be easier to find something that will fit your needs.

To avoid check-in problems, guests should be advised to BE SURE to notify the resort directly in advance and advise them if they expect to arrive past the check-in time or date listed on their reservation.  While some properties have 24 hour security, many do not.  Resort management will be happy to make individual arrangements and advise accordingly regarding procedures for an after hours check-in.

Because of problems with cleaning and the fact that many people have pet allergies, pets are NOT allowed under any circumstances.  Please note that resorts have the authority to evict guests from their accommodations if pets are found on premises, and NO refund will be issued in these instances.

Travel insurance is available through a link provided on our home page and on our checkout page.  We strongly recommend that guests secure travel insurance to protect the investment in their vacation.  Insurance is secured through the agency at a nominal fee based on the total cost of the guest's reservation.  If cancellation becomes necessary, simply contact the insurance provider and they will provide the  necessary forms to be submitted.  Upon approval a refund will be issued that will cover most or all of the original cost of the reservation.

it is IMPORTANT that guests take the confirmation provided with them to the resort!  Confirmations have the necessary information for the resort to verify your reservation, and may also have specific information that will get you to the resort's check-in office or directly to your accommodations. Don't leave home without it!!

After you have confirmed your reservation, you will receive an invoice via e-mail.  If credit card or PayPal payment is submitted online, you will receive your confirmation via e-mail shortly after your payment has been received.  If your payment is sent via check, your confirmation will be forwarded ahortly after payment has been received.

Usually there are no additional fees. However, while most properties do not charge cleaning or check-in fees, there MAY be additional fees depending on the location of your stay. Some properties in the Caribbean (and a few in the U.S.) charge nominal government fees, energy surcharges, etc. Most properties do require a security/cleaning/damage deposit (just as all hotels do), which is generally refundable upon checkout. These are outside of the control of Gimmie Shelter and are collected upon check-in or check-out at the resort. It is advisable to check with the property directly to get up-to-date, accurate information regarding fees they may assess, if any.

Because most properties are acquired at wholesale rates and must be secured and paid for at the time they are confirmed, there are no cancellations and no refunds allowed for reservations confirmed through Gimmie Shelter. We strongly suggest that you secure travel insurance for your trip-the cost is nominal, and the insurance protects you against unforeseen circumstances that may necessitate cancellation of your trip.

Occupancy limits are posted with every available resort listing.  It is important to note that most properties adhere strictly to occupancy limits due to regional fire code and safety restrictions.  If a unit is listed as a two bedroom that sleeps six people, please adhere to the resort's occupancy limit, or you may not be allowed to check in.

Handicapped units may be available at some properties, but this would have to be checked on a case-by-case basis.  It's best to start checking EARLY if a guest has special needs, as those units may be limited in availability and will book up early.

The majority of properties have moderate to full kitchen facilities.  When a request is submitted and results displayed online, you will note that each condo unit is designated as FK (full kitchen), PK (partial kitchen-may have full fridge, sink, microwave and/or stove), MK (mini-kitchen-usually with mini-fridge and two or four burner stove and microwave), LK (limited kitchen-may have a combination of mini-rfidge, microwave, wet-bar or small sink, small stove, toaster oven, etc.), or NK (no kitchen).  Kitchen configurations vary widely from resort to resort.  Many (but not all) condos do have dishwashers.  Most hotel units and some studio units may not have kitchen facilities.  All properties do come fully equipped with linens and towels.  Some properties allow mid-week towel and linen exchange, if needed. 

There are a few ways to find information on resorts.  You can pull up the Resort Directory and put in the name of the resort, and a page will display the available information for that property.  Or, after doing an availability search, click on the name of the desired resort in the availability list and another page will pop up displaying interior and exterior photos, information regarding amenities on site and nearby, etc.  Also, doing a Google search frequently provides excellent additional information on listed resort properties.