Conditions of Booking

1. CONTRACT.
   1. A contract is formed when the Owners receive a Completed Booking Form with a deposit of one quarter of the rent. In the case of payment by cheque any booking is provisional until such time as the cheque is cleared.
   2. The composition of the party must be shown on the Booking Form and any changes notified in advance. On no account may the stated maximum capacity of the property be exceeded without the prior agreement in writing of the Owners.
   3. If any member of the proposed party suffers from a disability which might affect his/her ability to enjoy a holiday at Sítio dos Gaviões this must be declared to the Owners and discussed with them.
   4. The Owners reserve the right to refuse bookings. Single-sex groups of young persons are not normally accepted.



2. TENURE.
   
   The property is let for holiday purposes for the stated and agreed period only under the provisions of legislation relating to self-catering holiday accommodation.



3. PRICES.
   
   Prices are shown separately.



4. BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT.
   1. Bookings are normally for one or more whole weeks, up to a maximum of 28 days.
   2. Bookings for “part-weeks” will sometimes be accepted by special arrangement, in which case the cost will be calculated on the basis of one fifth of the weekly rent per day.
   3. Bookings made by telephone will be accepted provisionally pending confirmation by post within 7 days, and the receipt of a Booking Form and deposit. If postal confirmation has not been received within 7 days the booking may be presumed to have been cancelled.
   4. The payment of the balance is due 28 days before the start of the holiday.
   5. Payments are to be made in Sterling. Any transfers to Euros will be at the prevailing exchange rate, and any transaction costs must be paid by the client.
   6. All cheques are to be made payable to: M. J. A. Bond



5. BREAKAGE DEPOSIT.
   
   A deposit of £100.00 is payable against the possibility of damage or breakages over and above “fair wear and tear” or the property being left unreasonably dirty or untidy. A separate cheque is required, receipt of which will be acknowledged. The cheque will be returned after the end of the visit so long as there is no damage etc.



6. CANCELLATION.
   1. Notification of any cancellation must be confirmed in writing to the Owners.
   2. In the event of a Cancellation the Owners will endeavour to re-let the property on the same terms as existed and in such case a full refund will be given less an administration fee of £25.00. If the accommodation can only be re-let by accepting a reduced rent the shortfall is also payable. If the property cannot be re-let the full cost is payable.



7. INSURANCE.
   
   It is a Condition of Booking that guests take out insurance against cancellation to provide for reimbursement of the cost in event of cancellation, and to provide for payment for medical treatment in the event of illness or injury while in Portugal. The Owners require to see evidence of such insurance cover before a booking is confirmed. A photocopy of a suitable and valid policy must be sent with the Booking Form and deposit.



8. TIMINGS.
   1. The property will not normally be available for occupation before 3.30pm local time.
   2. On the day of departure guests are required to move out of the property by 10.30am, except that luggage may be left just inside the front door until 12.30pm.



9. ACCOMMODATION.
   1. The property is cleaned and made ready for occupation prior to guests’ arrival and guests are requested to leave the house clean and tidy on departure.
   2. Any breakages or damage should be notified to the Owners or their agent as soon as possible. Items of broken crockery etc should not be replaced.
   3. The Owners and their agent will endeavour to ensure that the property is fully equipped before guests arrive but will not be liable for any damage, faulty, or missing equipment or defects in the property. Guests are asked to advise the Owners or their agent of any damage, faulty, or missing equipment, or defects in the property, whereupon the Owners or their agent will try to arrange for a repair or replacement to be effected as soon as possible.
   4. There are mature trees in the grounds of Sítio dos Gaviões. Those staying at the property must not climb those trees or allow children to do so. The Owners accept no responsibility for injuries arising from tree climbing which is dangerous. Damage to trees must be paid for.
   5. Any car including a hire car parked at or close to Sítio dos Gaviões is so parked at the sole risk of the owner or hirer of the car.
   6. Bed linen is provided and must be used on all occupied beds.
   7. Whilst the Owners and their agent will try to locate and return to guests any items left at the property after departure, no liability for such items is accepted by the Owners.



10. PETS.
    
    Pets are not permitted at Sítio dos Gaviões.



11. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS.
    
    Guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for ensuring that they possess valid passports and any other travel documents that may be necessary, and that anyone intending to drive a hire car has a valid full U.K. Driving Licence in his/her possession.



12. “WINTER LETS”.
    
    The property may be available for long “Winter Lets” of more than 28 days during the winter months (October-March). The reduced rent for “Winter Lets” does not include the cost of electricity, laundry, or the service of a maid.



13. GUESTS UNDERTAKING.
    
    In making a booking of Sítio dos Gaviões guests undertake to occupy and use the property for the purpose of a holiday; to occupy and use it carefully; to pay the cost of repairing or replacing any item lost or damaged during their occupancy if called upon to do so; not to do or permit to be done anything which may cause damage to the property; not to use the property for illegal or immoral purposes; not to do or permit to be done anything which may render invalid the insurance of the property; not to waste electricity, water, or gas; not to cause blockages in drains especially by allowing rags, nappies, etc to enter the system; and to permit the Owner or the Owner’s agent with or without workmen to enter the property upon reasonable notice, or at any time without notice in an emergency.



14. RIGHT TO CANCEL.
    
    The Owners reserve the right to cancel any booking if the property becomes uninhabitable due to circumstances beyond their control. In such cases guests will be offered alternative accommodation if available or in the absence of suitable accommodation, a full refund of rent will be made. The Owners will not be liable for any other losses or damage in such a case.



15. GUESTS RISK.
    
    The property is occupied and used by guests at their sole risk, and the Owners accept no liability whatsoever for any injury or illness to guests, their invitees or licensees, or for any loss or damage to their property unless resulting from the negligence of the owners or their agents or employees.