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HOW IT WORKS
The Cama e Café Network is a Brazilian adapted version of the bed and breakfast system, originated in Ireland, by which visitors stay at a house of a local resident, who offers, every day, a delicious breakfast, included in the rate. The model fits perfectly the personality of Brazilians, who are captivating and hospitable by nature.
A reservations central service structures and serve as agent to a network of hosting residences. It connects the guest and the host, offers information about the residences and their rates, and keeps track of payments.
Choosing the right residence may be a decision made based on location, advantages and facilities offered, or according to the host’s profile. The guests can, if they choose to, fill in a more detailed form, with information about their own habits – for instance, whether he/she smokes, likes pets, what are his/her hobbies, work, etc. – so that, with those info in hands, the reservations central may suggest the house and the host that appear to be the most suitable to the guests’ tastes, interests and expectations.
What makes Cama e Café Network unique is the opportunity for a traveler to be around locals on a daily basis, experiencing their habits and their culture.
OTHER ADVANTAGES OF STAYING AT CAMA E CAFÉ
RIO PASS Card
When a guest chooses to stay at one of the residences of Cama e Café Network in Rio de Janeiro, in addition to enjoying the stimulating experience of discovering the site from the perspective of local residents, he/she receives also a special courtesy and discount card to be used at bars, restaurants, cultural activities and tours – the RIO PASS. Visit the website http://www.riopass.com/ and check the advantages.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What should I expect from Cama e Café houses?
Each house is a different case. What you will find always, for a good price, is a relaxing house or apartment where to go back to after a busy day of visits to interesting places and historical sites. You will have good nights of sleep in a comfortable bed and, in the morning, a delicious breakfast will be served. The furniture and the interior design are different at each house, but you will always find a tidy and clean place. The best of all is that you will have the chance to chat with an friendly host, who, many times will share with you his/her experience about interesting places to go around town, giving you tips about the best restaurants, belvederes, stores, etc.
- Where are the houses located?
Santa Teresa – Rio de Janeiro
All houses are located in Santa Teresa, a charming neighborhood of Rio close to the downtown area of the city, where artists and interesting people live or hang out. Nightlife there is amazing, because the neighborhood is also very close to Lapa, where the most traditional Brazilian bars are located, in addition to a number of historical buildings. To find out more about Santa Teresa, check the website www.santateresa.tur.br
Olinda – Pernambuco
The houses are located at Olinda’s Historical Site and surroundings, a place with countless cultural attractions, such as art studios of many artists who live in the city and a rich architecture and historical heritage.
- How to choose a house?
Each house offers something unique. Please read each one’s description and contact us (reservas@camaecafe.com.br) so that we can help you choose the best place for your stay.
- How are the hosts like?
Even though hosts have different profiles, all of them live in very good houses and apartments, are hospitable and friendly and offer a warm welcome. Cama e Café offers a discerning selection of hosts who receive constant training. Also, there has been many times where guests and hosts have become really good friends!
- How is it to stay at someone’s house?
It means to have the comfort and privacy of a hotel mixed with that cozy type of atmosphere found at friends and relatives’ houses.
- How are the houses rated?
We have our own quality and inspection standards, and all hosts must meet our criteria. There are four categories: Economy, Tourist, Superior and Premium. Comfort, size and breakfast items vary accordingly.
- Which items are offered at breakfast in each of these categories?
At Cama e Café you will always find a delicious breakfast, cooked with care. Variations reflect the network categories and regional habits. So, under each category bellow, you may be sure to find the following items at the breakfast table:
Economy = fruit, coffee, tea, 100% fresh fruit juice, milk, bread, cheese, butter, jam, sugar, sugar low and chocolate powder;
Tourist = Economic + 1 fruit, ham or turkey breast, honey and cookies;
Superior = Tourist + 2 extras*;
Premium = Tourist + 3 extras;
*Extras: yogurt, cereals, 3 types of bread, 2 types of cake/pie, eggs;
**Other extras may be included upon Cama e Café approval.
- Will I have some privacy in the house?
Cama e Café hosts are specially trained to welcome their guests the best possible way, respecting their privacy. All of them know that you are, more than anything, interested in enjoying your trip on your own way, and that premise will always be respected. Don’t worry, everybody will cooperate so that you may enjoy you Brazilian vacations to the most!
- What languages do Cama e Café Network hosts speak?
Many hosts speak other languages. To find out the languages spoken in the houses of your preference, visit the website and check each house’s icon.
- Are there other services being offered aside from lodging?
Cama e Café offers tours and extra activities to its guests, and also sells flight and other transportation tickets. Please check our website and contact our agents (booking@camaecafe.com.br).
- How long in advance should I book my stay?
As much in advance as possible. The longer one takes to book a stay, the smaller are the chances of getting the desired place, especially for groups of more than two people. Usually, we answer the requests on the same day or within 48 hours. The period between the months of December and March is the high season – so it is important to book in advance in order to assure your stay. Check out the travel packages for holidays and book your stay way in advance.
- How can I book my stay?
The rates offered are for one, two or three people in a bedroom. To confirm your reservation, you must pay 1/3 of the total amount plus a R$ 15.00 (fifteen reais) reservation fee. Payment may be done by wire transfer or credit card (Visa and Mastercard). Our bank details are:
Banco do Brasil (001)
Branch: 3118-6
Account #: 17001-1
CNPJ: 05.414.108/001-44
For those who live abroad, using Western Union may be an option. To find the closest store, visit www.westernunion.com. Don’t forget to fax us the receipt (+55 21 2221-7635)!
- When and how should I pay the rest of the total rate?
At our office, at check-in, you will be requested to pay the remaining 2/3 of the total rate, as well as the transfer cost, in case you have ordered it. Payment may be in cash (real, dollars and euro) or credit card (Visa and MasterCard).
- What happens if I cancel?
If you cancel, you may loose your deposit. If you need to cancel the reservation, please do it as soon as possible to give the host the opportunity to re-book the room. Cancellations must be made in writing and sent by e-mail or fax, and meet the deadlines and fines determined by Embratur (161/85):
MMore than 21 days of notice – 10% of the price
Between 20 and 8 days – 20%
Between 7 and 4 days – 50%
Less than three days – 100%
- Do you have full week and full month rates?
Yes, some hosts offer long stay packages. To apply to discount rates, it is necessary that guests stay at least 30 (thirty) days at a house.
- In case I have special needs, what is the best way to choose and book a place to stay?
If you have special needs, do not hesitate to contact us so that we can try to assist you in the best possible way. Count on the Cama e Café Team to help you out!
- When should I check-in?
Check-in takes place at our offices. Your host will be waiting for you at the time scheduled by you, and your room will be available at 2pm. It is important that you inform us the details about your flight and your arrival time so that your hosts may be at home to welcome you. In case you are late, please, let us know!
- How about check-out?
You must leave your bedroom before 12pm on the last day of your stay. If you need to depart later than that, you must check with your hosts if they can keep your luggage until the time you leave.
- Is there a curfew policy to leave or to get back to the houses?
No, you will have a key of the house and will be allowed to get in or out as you wish. The Cama e Café Network does not determine rules about entering or leaving the houses, for your own comfort. If you get back to the house very late at night, try to keep quiet, since you will be at a family’s home.
- Do you offer family bedrooms?
Yes, we also offer bedrooms for three or four people. There are also houses with more than one bedroom available.
- What time is breakfast?
Usually, between 7am and 10am But you may also set up the most convenient time with your hosts.
- Do they offer other meals?
No, because Cama e Café would like to stimulate guests to check out the variety of bars and restaurants in the cities where the network is operating.
- Are there linen and towels available?
Yes. Your host will change sheets and towels on alternate days or twice a week, depending on the house category.
- What about the bathrooms?
Bathrooms may be shared, suites or private, as listed on the house description. The suite (with exclusive bathroom, inside the bedroom) has direct access to the bathroom from the bedroom. The private bathroom (also exclusive, but located outside the bedroom) is close to the bedrooms and will be used only by you. The shared bathroom will be used by you and the other guests or hosts.
- How long does it take to get to the house from the airport, and how do I get there?
Santa Teresa – Rio de Janeiro
By car, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Santa Teresa from the International Airport (Galeão) and about 15 minutes from Santos Dumont Airport. During rush hours (from 7:30am to 9:30am and from 5:30pm to 7:30pm), it may take longer. We may book a transfer, with a bilingual driver, if you prefer. We recommend this option, because we will pick you up at the airport, will take you to our office for check-in procedures and then take you to the house where you will stay. Otherwise, you will need to take the street-car or a taxi from our office to the house.
Olinda – Pernambuco
By car, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Olinda from Guararapes Airport. During rush hours (from 7:30am to 9:30am and from 5:30pm to 7:30pm), it may take longer. We may book a transfer, with a bilingual driver, if you prefer. We recommend this option, because we will pick you up at the airport, will take you to our office for check-in procedures and then take you to the house where you will stay. Otherwise, you will need to take a taxi or walk from our office to the house.
- If I have questions about things to do or see, will my host be able to help me?
Our hosts are citizens who enjoy their city and will be happy to clear up all your doubts. You may also check out our tours and talk to us about our suggestions.
- Are children welcomed?
Yes. Some houses are more appropriate for children than others. Please read the detailed information of each house and choose the one that suits you best.
- Is smoking allowed?
At some houses smoking is allowed, at others it is not. Please read the detailed information of each house and choose the one that suits you best.
- How about pets?
Many hosts have dogs or cats at their houses. If you are allergic, please make sure, at reservation, which house is the most convenient for you. Guests’ pets are welcomed at some houses, but it is essential to confirm this with our reservations central or to check the house details at our website.
- Is it easy to park nearby?
Some houses have parking areas. Please check this on the website under the details about the house that your interested in or contact our reservation staff to find out.
- What do I do if I have a complaint?
We hope that you get satisfied with everything. But if there is any inconvenience, please try to solve the problem with the host at the moment when it happens. It is always best to give the host the chance to fix the problem than to create reasons for future complaints. If the problem persists, please contact us as soon as possible.
- How can I become a Cama e Café host?
The number one pre-requisite to be a Cama e Café host is to enjoy having people at your home and getting to know other cultures and habits. Objectively, the first step is to access the “Register your house” link and follow the instructions. The information will be analyzed by our team, who will schedule an interview. After those two procedures, we will visit your house to inspect and evaluate possible improvements, and define if it will be part of the network and under which category it will be set.
- Anything else?
Hosts are always available to help and clear your doubts. They are very helpful and may give you detailed information about local entertainment and interesting places, helping you to enjoy your visit. At last, remember that you are at the home of a family, enjoying the benefits offered by them. Each house is unique and offers a different experience. Each one has a different way of having things done and that's where the pleasure of staying at a home, instead of a hotel, comes from.
If you have questions, please contact us by e-mail at (booking@camaecafe.com.br).
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