Ocean Sounds Accommodation Terms & Conditions
Welcome to Ocean Sounds! By making a reservation at our accommodation and retreat, you (the “Guest”) agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions outline the standard policies for bookings, payments, cancellations, house rules, and liabilities at Ocean Sounds. Please read them carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for everyone.
Booking & Reservations
- Reservation Channels: Bookings can be made directly with Ocean Sounds or via authorized third-party platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Booking.com). All bookings are subject to these Terms and Conditions regardless of the booking channel.
- Booking Confirmation: A booking is confirmed once the required deposit or payment has been received and a confirmation email/number is issued. Ensure that your contact details are correct when booking so you receive the confirmation.
- Pricing: All rates are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) per night. Rates typically include accommodation and may consist of specified meals or services if stated. Prices are subject to change until a booking is confirmed, but your rate is guaranteed once you have a booking confirmation. Any incidental charges are not included in the room rate and must be paid upon check-out.
Rates, Payment & Deposit
- Payment Terms: For direct bookings, a 50% deposit may be required to secure the reservation, with the balance due before check-in. For online bookings via platforms, full payment may be required in advance. No cheques are accepted; payments can be made by credit card, EFT (bank transfer), or other approved methods.
- Security/Damage Deposit: A refundable breakage/security deposit of R1,500 is required for each booking. This deposit covers any potential theft, damage, or rule violations (such as smoking in the room) during your stay. The deposit is refunded after check-out upon inspection of the room.
- Taxes and Fees: All standard taxes (VAT) are included in the rate unless stated otherwise. A one-time cleaning fee of R500 may be charged only if there is a violation of the no-smoking policy or extraordinary cleaning is required.
Cancellation Policy
- Free Cancellation Period: Guests may cancel free of charge up to 5 days before check-in. If you cancel more than 5 days before your scheduled arrival date, any deposit will be refunded in full (minus bank charges if applicable).
- Late Cancellation (Within 5 Days): If you cancel within 5 days of the arrival date, or shorten your stay during this period, you may be charged the full price of the reservation if the room cannot be rebooked.
- No-Shows: If a guest does not arrive on the scheduled check-in date without notice, it will be treated as a late cancellation, and the total price of the reservation will be charged.
- Third-Party Platforms: For reservations made via third-party platforms (like Airbnb or Booking.com), the specific cancellation policy you agreed to on that platform applies.
- Cancellation by Ocean Sounds: In the unlikely event that we must cancel your booking, we will inform you as soon as possible and provide a full refund, or assist in arranging alternative accommodation if feasible.
Check-in & Check-out
- Check-in: From 14:00 (2 PM) on the day of arrival. Please arrange in advance if you plan to arrive after 20:00 (8 PM).
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM on the day of departure. Late check-outs are by prior approval and may incur additional charges.
- Early Departure: Departures before the booked check-out date are subject to the cancellation policy.
- Identification & Registration: Guests may be asked to present a valid ID and the credit card used for booking at check-in. All guests must be registered for security reasons.
House Rules and Guest Conduct
- No Smoking or Vaping Indoors: Smoking or vaping inside rooms or enclosed areas is strictly prohibited. Evidence of smoking indoors will result in a R500 cleaning fee and may lead to eviction without refund.
- No Outside Alcohol: Guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol onto the premises.
- Visitor Policy: Only registered overnight guests are allowed. Day visitors must be arranged in advance, must sign in, and depart by the specified time (no later than 22:00).
- Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are enforced from 22:00 to 07:00.
- Children & Supervision: Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising children at all times, especially around the swimming pool. Use of the pool is at your own risk.
- No Pets: Pets are not permitted unless by prior arrangement. Service animals may be exempt by approval.
- Damage & Cleanliness: Guests must treat the property with respect. Any damages or excessive mess will be charged against the deposit.
Security Deposit & Damages
- Use of Deposit: The R1,500 deposit may be withheld in part or in full for damages, theft, or rule violations.
- Refund of Deposit: Refunded after inspection at check-out if no issues are found.
- Guest Liability: Guests are liable for any damages or losses caused during their stay. Costs exceeding the deposit amount will be charged to the guest.
Limitation of Liability & Indemnity
- Guests’ Own Risk: Guests use the premises and facilities (including pool and sauna) at their own risk. No lifeguard or supervision is provided.
- No Liability for Loss/Theft: Ocean Sounds is not responsible for theft or loss of guests’ personal property. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.
- Indemnity: Guests indemnify and hold Ocean Sounds harmless from any claims or liabilities for injury, loss, or damage incurred during their stay.
- Force Majeure: Ocean Sounds is not liable for disruptions caused by events beyond its control (e.g., natural disasters, power outages).
General Provisions
- Privacy: Personal information collected for bookings is protected under South African law and will not be shared except as required for bookings, payments, or by law.
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is provided unless otherwise stated. Linen is changed every few days for longer stays.
- Right to Refuse Service: Management reserves the right to refuse service or accommodation to any guest who violates these Terms & Conditions.
- Updates to Terms: These Terms & Conditions may be updated. The version in effect at the time of booking applies.
- Governing Law: These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
- Agreement: By confirming a booking or staying at Ocean Sounds, guests acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
