Booking Conditions
In these Booking Conditions, “you” and “your” means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) or any of them as appropriate for the context. The “Owner” means the owner(s) of Villa Hippocampo as represented by SCP HIPPOCAMPO, ℅ MPA 21 Blvd. Princesse Charlotte, 98000 Monaco.
1. General
1.1 When you make a booking for Villa Hippocampo, you will enter into a contract with the Owner for the use of the property and any services which the Owner agrees to provide or arrange for you. These Booking Conditions will form the basis of your contract with the Owner. Owners, however, reserve the right to vary or add to these conditions either generally or in relation to any particular booking. Where this is the case for your booking, the Owners will provide an Addendum which outlines any variances from a standard booking.
1.2 The Owner reserves the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason.
2. How to Book
2.1 You must contact the Owner at hello@villahippocampo.com to obtain confirmation of availability. Subject to availability, and on your request, a provisional reservation with the Owner will then be made. The following must then be sent to us within 24 hours:
(a) The payments referred to in clause 3.1 below. (Payment in euros MUST be made by bank transfer within 48 hours of the provisional reservation being made. Wiring instructions are included on the Booking Form. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a cancellation of the provisional booking).
(b) The completed booking form. The hard copy booking form needs to be signed by the person who makes the booking (“lead name”) and e-mailed to us.
2.2 All bookings are subject to these booking conditions (as varied or added to by the Owner). The lead name on the Booking Form confirms that he/she and all persons named on the booking have read, understand, and agree to these booking conditions. The lead name must be at least 25, be a member of the party occupying the property, and confirms he/she is authorized by you to make the booking on the basis of these booking conditions. Bookings cannot be accepted from parties of young people of less than 25 years of age. The lead name is responsible for making all payments due in respect of the booking.
2.3 Owners are authorized to confirm a booking without a signed booking form where we consider it appropriate to do so. Acceptance of any such booking is subject to clause 2.2.
3. Payment
3.1 A deposit of 30% of the total rental cost must be paid within 48 hours of making your provisional reservation. This can only be refunded as set out in these booking conditions.
3.2 The balance must be paid not less than 8 weeks prior to your arrival at the property.
3.3 The security deposit must be paid (see clause 6) within two weeks of occupancy.
3.4 The Owner is entitled to treat your booking as canceled if you fail to pay the balance and security deposit on time. (See Cancellation, clause 8)
3.5 Bookings taken within 8 weeks of your arrival at the property must be paid in full at the time of booking.
3.6 All payments must be made by bank transfer and in Euros.
4. Contract
4.1 Once we have received your payment, we will confirm your booking by issuing an Owner’s
Confirmation Invoice. This invoice will be sent to the lead renter. Please check this invoice carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information which appears on the confirmation or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later.
4.2 A binding contract between you and the Owner will come into existence upon dispatch of your confirmation invoice.
5. Rental
5.1 The prices given are in euros and the rental price is per week unless otherwise stated.
5.2 There is generally a minimum booking period of two weeks during “high season”.
5.3 Properties are rented fully furnished and equipped. The price for all properties includes linen, towels, utilities, telephone, cleaning services, a welcome basket, fresh flowers, and toiletries for all guests. ***
5.4 The Owner reserves the right to make changes to and correct errors in advertised prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. We will advise you of any change or error of which we are aware at the time of booking.
6. Security Deposits
6.1 A €10,000 security deposit will be required with the balance due which will be paid by bank transfer to the Owner to cover the cost of any damage or breakage to or at, or loss from the property, any additional cleaning, and the cost of other services/utilities that are not included in the rental price.
***The villa has a telephone service which allows guests to call most parts of the world free of charge. It must be used according to the instructions provided or charges will ensue. Please familiarize yourself with these instructions. Utilities are included in a liberal amount for the typical average (plus!) use for a fully occupied villa during the month of rental. However, if guests leave windows and doors open while the A/C is on, for example, these average utility costs may be exceeded and charges for the overage will ensue. A mid-week cleaning, weekly change of linens, and final cleaning is included. If the cleaning exceeds the hours allotted for a typical stay, charges may apply.
6.2 Any damage must be reported as soon as it occurs to the Owner or property manager. It is your responsibility to point out any pre-existing damage or missing items to the Owner or Property Manager at the beginning of your stay.
6.3 Any security deposit paid in accordance with clause 6.1 will usually be refunded in the same manner it was paid within two weeks of your return from holiday, unless deductions are required. However, delays may occur while waiting for utility bills or proof of damage / the cost of repairing or replacing damaged, broken or lost items. Any amount of the security deposit that remains after any deductions will be refunded as soon as we are able to do so.
6.4 The cost of utilities and/or other services used by you, any additional cleaning and any damage or loss caused by you will be charged to you. If the security deposit paid is not sufficient to cover the cost of any and all such utilities and/or services, additional cleaning, damage and loss, the Owner is entitled to recover any additional costs from you and you agree to indemnify the Owner against such additional costs.
6.5 Damage or loss may not be immediately obvious to the Owner upon your departure. The Owner reserves the right to charge you for any damage or loss noted in the property after your departure.
6.6 Owner reserves the right to hold any security deposit for longer than two weeks if there is a dispute over damage or loss, or we are awaiting bills or proof of damage / the cost of repair or replacement.
6.7 Any complaint or other issue which you may have with respect to the security deposit or any deductions from the deposit or claim for any damage, loss or any other sum in connection with your rental should be addressed directly to the Owner or the Property Manager.
7. Alternations/Cancellation by the owner
The Owner reserves the right to cancel or make changes to your booking where necessary for reasons outside the Owner’s control. In the unlikely event of a significant change or cancellation of your booking, the Owner will inform you as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation or a significant change which you are not prepared to accept where the Owner cannot offer you an acceptable alternative (such as changing to different dates), all monies you have paid to the Owner will be refunded to you.
8. Cancellation by you
8.1 Any cancellation by you (for whatever reason) must be notified in writing (including email). The effective date of cancellation is the date we receive written notification. Cancellation is subject to the Owner’s cancellation policy.
8.2 If you cancel 8 weeks or more prior to your arrival at the property you will lose your deposit.
8.3 If you cancel less than 8 weeks before your arrival at the property or the booking is canceled due to your non-payment, the Owner is entitled to the full cost of the booking from you.
8.4 Comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation insurance is strongly advised. In the event that you need to cancel your holiday for a reason outside your control, no refund will be made by the Owner but you may be able to submit a claim under your travel insurance policy.
9. Your Responsibilities
9.1 You must keep the property and all furniture, contents, fittings, facilities, equipment, grounds and the swimming pool in the same condition as at your original date of occupancy, and in the same state of cleanliness and general order in which they were found. You will be responsible for payment for any breakages, loss or damage to the property or its contents caused by you or anyone you invite or allow into the property.
The Owner is entitled to claim such sums from the lead renter or any other member(s) of the party without having to prove they were personally responsible for the damage, loss or breakage. We recommend that you take out adequate insurance to cover this liability. The Owner reserves the right to charge you for any extra cleaning, over and above the amount normally required on departure, and for any telephone or other utility charges which are not included in the rental and to claim against you for damage or loss (see clause 6).
9.2 The parking of caravans/pitching of tents at the property is strictly forbidden.
10. Number of people using the property
Only the number of persons stated on the Booking Form may use the property. The maximum number of people, including infants, allowed at the property may not exceed eight, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Owner. The Owner has the right to terminate your rental without prior notice and without refund or compensation if the maximum number is exceeded or if persons not shown on the Booking Form use the property.
11. Access
The Owner or their representative must be allowed access to inspect the property prior to your departure. They also have a right to access the property during your stay to carry out urgent maintenance or repairs or in the event of an emergency. Gardeners and pool maintenance staff may enter the grounds during your stay, sometimes in the morning. We will make every effort not to disturb your holiday.
12. Behavior
The lead tenant is responsible for the correct and decent behavior of the party. Should you not behave in such a manner, the Owner may use their absolute discretion to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned or the entire party. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the property. The Owner will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and the Owner will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
13. Additional Services at the Property
13.1 Some services such as maids and cleaners may be included in the price. However, additional services are available and if you would like to book these services, please give us as much notice as possible and we will endeavor to arrange them on your behalf. Please note that we do not take any commission, nor do we act as agent in respect of these services. Any contract you enter into for these services is directly with the supplier of the services concerned and is subject to the supplier’s terms and conditions. We do not accept any responsibility for these services or make any representations as to their quality or suitability.
13.2 Payment for additional services is normally made on location, although some suppliers may require a deposit to be paid prior to departure for items such as food. Where the supplier asks us to collect and pass on such deposits to them this does not give rise to any liability on our part for these services.
13.3 The villa has a high speed Internet connection. The Owner cannot accept any responsibility for any problems you may encounter in connecting to the Internet for reasons out of the Owners’ control. The supply of relevant plugs and cables in order to connect are the responsibility of the client alone although the villa is equipped with ample connectivity devices. An Internet service may not always be possible.
14. Linen & Towels
14.1 Linen and towels are included in the rental of the property. Linen is changed once a week. If you require more frequent changes you should request this at the time of booking for an additional cost.
14.2 Pool towels are provided but beach towels are not. Therefore you should bring beach towels with you.
14.3 We recommend that you take your own cot linen for your baby’s comfort. If you do not wish to take your own, please check that cot linen is provided.
15. Swimming Pool
15.1 The swimming pool is not normally open all year round. If your rental period falls outside of the warmer months (June-September), you may wish to have it heated during your stay. The pool is not heated unless otherwise advised. The Owner cannot be responsible for water temperatures at any time.
15.2 If pool heating is required, there is an extra charge of 300 Euros/week if available, which can be paid on booking or locally to the owner or his/her representative in some instances. Please give us ample notice of a request for pool heating to ensure that it is heated upon your arrival. During the colder months, heating may not be practical.
15.3 Please note that swimming pools carry their own inherent risks. Upon arrival at the property you must take time to familiarize yourselves with the location, layout and depths of the swimming pool at the property. Please take note of any pool warning signs, depth markings (which may not be accurate) and other instructions for use, which may be displayed. Young children must not be allowed to wander unaccompanied on the grounds. You are responsible for the safety of those using the pool at all times. Children must be properly supervised at all times while using or in the vicinity of any swimming pool. You should not enter the water if you have consumed alcohol. The Owner is not liable for any accidents involving the swimming pool.
15.4 You must ensure you are familiar with any pool protection in place. You are fully responsible for ensuring that the alarm/fence or cover is in place at all times when the pool is not in use.
16. Social Events and Other Functions
If you intend to organize a function (e.g. party, wedding, cocktail party) at the property, you must seek prior written permission from the Owner. Additional charges and/or an increased security deposit may be sought at the Owner’s discretion.
17. Security and Valuables
Any valuables left at the property are left at your own risk. The Owner is not responsible for any loss. When provided, burglar alarms must be activated, safes used and proper care be taken against theft and burglary. It is essential and your responsibility to ensure all doors, shutters and windows are closed and locked when leaving the property, or when by the poolside/on the grounds outside the villa. No refund can be given should you decide to vacate the property as a consequence of a burglary.
The property must be kept locked at night and whenever unattended. Failure to do so may result in invalidation of the property insurance and any losses or damage caused as a result of your failure to secure the property will be passed on to you in full. You are responsible for ensuring that the property is left secure on departure (see clause 18.2).
18. Arrival and Departure
18.1 Arrival is between 16:00 (4 pm) and 20:00 (8 pm) local time. If your arrival is delayed you must inform the contact person, and/or the local representative noted on the directions sheet that you will receive upon payment of the balance. If you arrive after 20:00 (without making arrangement to arrive late) you may not be able to gain access to the property until the following day. If prior agreement is reached with the Owner to arrive outside of these hours (e.g. late at night), or if you arrive at the property at an unreasonable time without prior arrangement and access to the property is granted, a charge may be applied.
18.2 You must vacate the property by 11:00 am on the day of departure to enable the cleaning staff to prepare the villa for the next guests. You are responsible for ensuring the property is left secure and for the safe custody of the keys. Failure to vacate on time may result in charges.
18.3 If these times cause you difficulty, please advise us at the time of booking. We will pass on your request, but this cannot be guaranteed, nor will we be able to guarantee any changes requested after the booking has been made.
19. Transport Arrangements
You are responsible for arranging your transport to and from the property. We can provide you with details of companies who can help with your transportation needs. Payment and contracts for these services are made directly to and with the company providing the same and are subject to their applicable terms and conditions. We do not take a commission for passing on such details nor do we act as agent on their behalf. We cannot accept any responsibility for any problems or claims arising out of any transport services.
20. Information
20.1 While we make every effort to ensure the descriptions supplied by us are accurate on our website and informational handouts, we cannot accept responsibility for any descriptions which contain inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information or errors. You must accept that minor differences between the photograph/illustration/text used and the actual property may arise. Changes after publication or booking may occur.
20.2 Owners reserve the right to make modifications to the property specification that are considered necessary or appropriate from time to time. Owners reserve the right to alter furniture, amenities, facilities, activities or any part of any activities, either advertised or previously available, without any prior notice (see also clause 7).
20.3 If we become aware of material changes after your booking has been confirmed we will endeavor to advise you before departure if this is possible.
20.4 Property locations indicated on individual property maps and distances given are approximate. Times are approximate, based on driving, not walking unless otherwise stated.
21. Pets
Pets are rarely allowed and only with the explicit written permission of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to charge a supplement, and/or request an increase in the security deposit. The number and type of pets must be agreed prior to acceptance of booking. If the particular pet(s) concerned has not been agreed by the Owner in advance, the Owner reserves the right, at his/her discretion, to request the pet is placed in kennels at your destination for the duration of your stay, or to terminate your rental of the property without refund or compensation.
22. Complaints
22.1 In the event that you are disappointed with the property or have any other reason to complain, we will attempt to assist you to reach an acceptable resolution. Please contact the Owner or the Owner’s representative as soon as possible and give him/her the opportunity to deal with your complaint.
22.2 Complaints received at the end of the holiday will be graciously received. However, if you vacate the property before your departure date without notifying the Owner or Property Manager, you deprive the Owner of the opportunity to attempt to rectify the problem. You will therefore forfeit your right to compensation.
22.3 If the problem was not resolved to your reasonable satisfaction during your holiday, please put your comments in writing and provide them to the Owner within 7 days of the end of your stay. We will try to reach a satisfactory settlement for all justifiable complaints.
23. Liability
23.1 We do not accept any liability for any act(s) or omission(s) of the Owner or anyone representing, or employed, contracted or otherwise used by, the Owner. Further, we cannot accept any liability for any shortcomings or defects with or in the property.
23.2 Our maximum liability to you if we are found to be at fault in relation to any service we provide is limited to the rent we have earned or are due to earn in relation to the booking. We do not accept any liability for death or personal injury which arises as a result of our negligence or that of our employees while acting in the course of their employment.
23.3 The Owner cannot be held responsible for noise or disturbance originating beyond the
boundaries of the property or which is beyond the Owner’s control. In the event that a source of
reasonably obvious noise has been in existence prior to your arrival and we are informed of this, we will endeavor to contact you to inform you of the disturbance (see clause 7).
23.4 The Owner cannot be held responsible for the breakdown of, or technical problems with, mechanical equipment such as pumps, boilers, swimming pool filtration systems or domestic equipment, nor for the failure or non-availability, for any period of time, of utilities such as water, gas and electricity.
23.5 The Owner cannot be held responsible for any event or circumstance which is beyond his/her control or for the consequences of any such event or circumstance including any resulting loss or damage.
24. Insurance
24.1 It is a condition of your contract with the Owner that all members of the party have comprehensive travel insurance which includes cancellation insurance and cover for damage or loss to the property. We do not typically check insurance policies; however we reserve the right to request written details (insurer’s name, policy number and emergency contact number) of your policy.
25. Low Slung Cars
People taking low/sports cars are advised to check at the time of booking that the access to the property is suitable. The main parking area is accessed via a steep entryway which may damage some types of vehicles. There is ample street parking available adjacent to the villa as well as one covered garage space if requested and available. The Owner accepts no responsibility for any damage caused to vehicles which cannot safely access the main parking area.
26. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These booking conditions and all matters arising out of them are governed by U.S. law. Where you wish to make a claim against the Owner or have any dispute with the Owner in relation to any service provided by the Owner (see clause 23), we both agree this will be dealt with by the Courts of the U.S. in Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia).
C. S. Givens, Owner
On Behalf of SCP Hippocampo
Mobile and WhatsApp: + 1.301.503.8855
hello@villahippocampo.com