Hideaways Booking Conditions

1. Contract

Hideaways, hereinafter referred to as "The agency", acts merely as booking agents on behalf of its owners. The contract entered into is between the owner of the holiday accommodation and the holidaymaker hereinafter referred to as "The hirer". The contract is effective once the required payment has been received from the hirer.

2. Payment

For reservations made more than 8 weeks before the holiday start date this is a deposit of 1/3 of the rental cost. In the case of bookings made less than 8 weeks before arrival full payment is due on booking.

3. Balance Outstanding

The full balance of the total holiday cost is payable to the agency not later than 8 weeks before the arrival date and if not paid the agency reserves the right to cancel the holiday booking, in which case the deposit will be forfeit.

4. Cancellation

The agency has arranged Personal Holiday Insurance for the hirer, which includes cover in respect of cancellation or curtailment. The cost is included in the rental price however, if not required, the hirer should inform the agency and the appropriate premium will be deducted from the rental cost. A Summary of Cover is provided under the section: Insurance and full policy details will be sent to the hirer with the Booking Confirmation and can be provided at any other time upon request. Should the hirer cancel the holiday for a reason not covered under the insurance policy, the deposit (one third of the rental price) will be forfeit. The agency will do its best to re-let the property booked and, if successful, the hirer’s liability for the balance of rental will cease. If the agency has not been successful in re-letting the property by the balance due date, the hirer remains liable for the full cost of the holiday and must pay the balance in the normal way. If the agency re-lets the property after the balance has been paid it will refund the same to the hirer.

5. Prices

Prices and Insurance Premiums quoted in the brochure include VAT and insurance premium tax where applicable. The agency reserves the right to charge the hirer any increases in these forms of taxation.

6. Booking alterations by the hirer

Any alterations to a booking by the hirer will be subject to an administration charge of £25. Any transfer of booking to another property will be treated as a cancellation of the original reservation (see 4. Cancellation). Any change in holiday dates will also be treated as a cancellation unless otherwise agreed to by the agency and owner concerned.

7. Booking alterations by the agency

If, for reasons beyond its control, the agency has to cancel or alter arrangements made for the hirer, it will make every effort to offer an alternative property if appropriate. If the hirer does not accept the alternative property offered, the agency will return to the hirer any monies paid whereupon the agency's liability will cease.

8. Damage or Losses

The hirer is responsible for leaving the accommodation in good order and in a clean condition. The hirer further undertakes to pay for any damage or losses incurred during occupation or any extra cleaning costs incurred. The owner reserves the right to repossess the property if excessive damage has been caused by the hirer or a member of the party.

9. Numbers in party/Suitability/Eligibility

The number of persons occupying a property must not exceed the maximum number stated in the property description. Only those listed on the Reservation Form may stay at the property unless by prior arrangement. The agency reserves the right to refuse any booking which, in its opinion, is unsuitable for the property concerned. The person making the booking must be over the age of 18.

10. Occupancy

Occupancy shall be from 3 p.m. on the day of arrival to 10 a.m. on the day of departure, unless otherwise agreed by the agency or the owner.

11. Pets

The appropriate guidelines set out in the Booking Information section of the website must be observed. Payment for pets is non-refundable except as part of a refund of monies made under the cancellation scheme (see 4. Cancellation). N.B. "Sorry no pets" in a description is not a guarantee that no pets (e.g. the owners' pets) have been present at the property.

12. Property Descriptions

While the agency makes every effort to ensure that property descriptions in its brochure are accurate, it cannot be held responsible for discrepancies, which can occur as a result of changes made e.g. by the owner after publication of the brochure. Nor can the agency be held responsible for discrepancies resulting from events, which are beyond its control e.g. closure of the village post office/shop or public house.

13. Liability

Whilst the agency makes every effort to ensure that brochure descriptions are accurate and that properties let meet its required standards, the agency cannot accept responsibility for any alterations made to the property or its amenities which are beyond its reasonable control. Nor can it accept responsibility for any injury, sickness, loss, damage, additional expense or inconvenience, directly or indirectly caused by or arising out of the use or condition of the property and its appearances, plumbing, gas, electrical or otherwise, exceptional weather conditions or owner's negligence. Further, no responsibility is accepted for inconvenience or significant nuisance occuring locally, which is outside the control of the Agency or for the personal belongings, car and its contents of the hirer or any member of the party during the holiday.

14. Complaints

If the hirer considers that he/she has cause for complaint, the matter must be taken up immediately with the owner or caretaker of the property. If satisfaction cannot be obtained the hirer must then report the matter at once to the agency, so that an investigation can be carried out and corrective action be taken, if required. If the agency considers the complaint to be valid then alternative accommodation will be offered or a refund of monies paid. No liability shall arise beyond a refund of monies paid to the agency. Under no circumstances will the agency entertain claims for compensation lodged by the hirer upon departure or after return home when it is no longer possible to investigate the complaint effectively or take corrective action.