BOOKING CONDITIONS
1. Definitions
In these Conditions:
“Booking” means the letting of a Property by PPA to a Client. “Client” means the person whose signature appears on the Booking form and all other persons on whose behalf the Booking is made “Owner” means the owner of the Property “PPA” means Art Study Tours Limited (company number 2162331) “Property” means a property (house and grounds) offered for letting by PPA “Rentals” means the full rental payments due in respect of the period of the Booking.
2. Making a Booking
2.1 These conditions and the terms contained in the Important Information section of the brochure shall apply to all Bookings made with PPA. Payment of any sums to PPA or confirmation (whether written or verbal) of a booking or any other act consistent with a confirmed booking will be deemed acceptance of both these conditions and the terms contained in the important information section of the Brochure.
2.2 Receipt of all or part of the money due in respect of a Booking by PPA does not constitute acceptance of a Booking. A Booking is only accepted and becomes legally binding when PPA issue a confirmation receipt. PPA reserves the right to decline any Booking.
3. Payments and Charges
3.1 In the case of Bookings made more than eight weeks prior to the start of the period of the Booking a deposit of 30% of the Rentals is to be paid on making the Booking and the balance of the Rentals is payable eight weeks prior to the start of the period of the Booking. In the case of Bookings made less than eight weeks prior to the start of the period of the Booking, the Client will be required to pay the full cost of the Rentals at the time of Booking.
3.2 In the event of payment not being made in accordance with these conditions PPA shall be entitled (without prejudice to any other of its right or remedies) to terminate the Booking. A late final payment, if accepted, will attract a surcharge at 2.5% of the rental.
3.3.1 The Rentals and charges stated by PPA are calculated on the basis of costs and rates of exchange prevailing at the time of going to press (October 2011).
3.3.2 PPA reserves the right to revise the charges quoted to take account of alterations in exchange rates or any increase in the cost of quoted property rental or services etc to protect Owners from adverse currency fluctuations. Invoices are issued in either UK sterling or for certain properties in Euro as listed.
3.3.3 In the event of an adverse change in the rate of exchange between £ Sterling and Euro/US$ occurring between the date on which a Booking has been accepted and the date on which the invoice is issued for the final balance, which causes the total Rentals to increase, PPA reserves the right to invoice the Client for the full amount of the increase. If increased by more than 10% the Client will then be entitled to cancel the Booking with a 60% refund of the non-refundable deposit monies paid to date. Should the Client decide to cancel they must do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice., and such cancellation must be in accordance with the provisions of Clause 4.1 below.
3.3.4 Should there be a favourable currency fluctuation between the date on which a Booking has been accepted and the date on which the invoice is issued for the final balance, which causes the total Rentals to decrease by more than 10%, PPA shall issue a refund to the Client or deduct such reduction from any outstanding Rentals within 14 days. PPA reserves the right to reduce prices published in the brochure for the purpose of allowing special offers.
3.4 The prices quoted are per week, and in high season (for period of which see brochure) Bookings are for a minimum of 7 nights, or as stated in the brochure, and in most cases include staff, gas, electricity, water, linen and household laundry. Electricity charges apply during low, mid and occasionally during high season. House and/or pool heating are not included in the price and are charged extra. Telephone, fax, minitel, personal laundry, food, drink and sometimes swimming towels, are not included in the price. PPA will confirm with the client at the time the Booking is made, what services are included in the Rental price.
3.5 A refundable inventory deposit per Property to cover any property damage, telephone account and any additional charges due to the stated number of people exceeded, (as set out in condition 6.2 below) will be requested with final payment. Telephone accounts can take some time to be processed. Please pay prior to a departure if a unit counter is in place. The inventory deposit will be returned to you within 12 weeks of return less any charges that PPA are entitled to deduct in respect of property damage, telephone/fax bills and charges for extra guests under condition 6.2 below.
4. Cancelling a Booking
4.1 The cancellation of a Booking will be accepted only if it is in writing and signed by the person who signed the original Booking form. In the event of a cancellation, the charges below apply. Additionally, PPA shall be entitled to retain a further sum in respect of clerical, administration and other expenses incurred by it in relation to the Booking and subsequent cancellation. In the event that such sum exceeds the proportion of the forfeited charges which are retained by PPA, the Client shall be further liable to pay such amounts to PPA.
4.2 Should the Client cancel the Booking the following charges will apply (save where such cancellation is in accordance with right to terminate under condition 3.3.3 above upon receipt of a surcharge invoice): More than 8 weeksprior to the start of the period of the Booking: forfeiture of deposit. Between 1 day to 8 weeks prior to the start of the period of the Booking: 100% of total Booking cost to be retained by PPA on behalf of the Owner.
5. Alteration to Booking
5.1 PPA reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify, withdraw or alter in any way Booking or other arrangements. PPA will only do this for a valid reason (for example the Owner not being able to make the Property available for the period of the Booking) and will notify the Client as soon as possible. In the event of any cancellation, modification, withdrawal or alteration, PPA shall at the Client’s option:
a) offer an alternative property of an equivalent standard for the period of the Booking; or
b) offer an alternative property of a lower standard for the full period of the Booking and refund the difference in Rentals; or
c) bear the reasonable cost of hotel accommodation incurred by the Client during the period of the original Booking [on a room only basis and not to exceed the original rental cost); or
d) reimburse all money paid by the Client.
5.2 If, after PPA’s written confirmation of a Booking, the Client wishes to make an alteration to the Booking, PPA will use its reasonable endeavours to make the changes, provided that notification is given to PPA at least six weeks before departure. This must be accompanied by a payment of £50 to cover PPA’s administration costs. If the changes cannot be accommodated and the Client decides to cancel the Booking, the cancellation provisions (including the charges) set out in condition 4 above will apply.
6. Accommodation
6.1 Descriptions of the Property contained in the brochure or referred to by PPA are based on the latest information available at the date of publication of the said details and are given by PPA in the belief that the same are accurate. If any changes are made to the descriptions PPA will notify the Client of these before the Booking is confirmed.
6.2 Under no circumstances can the number of people in each Property exceed the number stated except where written permission has been received from the Owner or PPA. If no written permission has been obtained PPA shall have the right to make additional reasonable charges. The printed maximum includes children under 4 years and guests.
6.3 PPA does not accept responsibility for any failure of the facilities available at the Property, including, without limitation, breakdown of public utilities, swimming pool filtration systems, swimming pool heating systems or infestation etc, though we will through our local agents use our best endeavours to arrange for these problems to be solved. Neither PPA nor the Owner is responsible for noise or disturbance originating beyond the boundaries of the Property or which is beyond our control. No complaint will be accepted after departure from the property unless the problem was not resolved to your reasonable satisfaction; you must put your comments in writing within 7 days of your return. If a client fails to follow this procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify any complaint whilst clients were in residence and this will affect a client’s rights under this contract.
6.4 The Client is responsible for correct and decent behaviour of the party. Unacceptable, anti-social behaviour may result in eviction from the Property without compensation.
6.5 Visiting dogs or pets are only allowed by special arrangement in any of the Properties.
7. Liability of PPA
7.1 PPA acts only as agent in arranging Bookings on behalf of the Client and the Owner of the Property. PPA accepts responsibility for its commitment to the Client in these Booking Conditions and also for loss or damage sustained by the Client as a result of our negligence. PPA’s liability for any loss or damage suffered by the Client which is not the fault of PPA shall be limited to the amount of the rental.
7.2 Abandonment If you choose, in the course of your holiday, to abandon the arrangements made by us on your behalf and make your own arrangements, unless PPA is at fault and has been afforded the opportunity to rectify the situation, (see 6.3) PPA accepts no liability and no refunds will be made for the services you choose not to take.
8. Law and Jurisdiction
8.1 These conditions and the Booking to which they apply are governed in all respects by English Law.
8.2 All disputes which may at any time arise between the parties arising from
the acceptance of a Booking concerning its subject matter, construction or
effect or the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties shall be subject to
the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
Insurance: IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO INSURE YOUR HOLIDAY. Your insurance should cover the full rental cost.
Clients are recommended to take out their own insurance against loss of life, personal injury, medical expenses, accidents, weather, fire, infestations, etc. PPA have negotiated special insurance cover for UK Clients with Eastwood & Partners Ltd, Northumberland House, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield HD1 1DT. Telephone: 01484 820 000
Insurance Cover per person plus insurance premium tax at the current rate. Offer open to UK residents only. Price on application to Eastwood & Partners.
Registered Office: Art Study Tours Ltd, South Hill, Whixley, York YO26 8AT, UK.
Company Registration Number 2162331 London.
VAT Registration Number 494 5477 96