Hilken Lodge

Important Information

1. Booking Confirmation and Payment:

* This agreement applies to short-term holiday accommodation only and does not constitute a lease agreement.
* A booking is confirmed once the required reservation deposit has been received and an official booking confirmation has been issued.
* Keys will only be handed over once full and final payment has been received.
* Full payment is required:
60 days before arrival for standard bookings.
Immediately for bookings made less than one month before arrival.
Two months before arrival for December bookings.
* If the reservation deposit is not paid within the required timeframe and another guest secures the dates, the provisional booking may be cancelled and any late deposit refunded.

2. Occupancy and Use of Property:

* Guests may only occupy the property according to the number of guests stated on the booking confirmation.
* Additional overnight guests are not permitted without prior written approval.
* Exceeding the approved occupancy limit may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.
* The property may not be sublet or used for commercial purposes.

3. Visitors and Functions:

* Day visitors are permitted for activities such as braais, drinks, or dinners.
* Additional charges may apply if more than 6 visitors are brought onto the property.
* The property may not be used as a function or event venue.
* Visitors remaining on the premises after 01h00 will be considered overnight guests and charged accordingly.

4. Guest Conduct and Residential Etiquette:

* Hilken Lodge is located in a residential area, and guests are required to respect neighbours at all times.
* Excessive noise, disturbances, and hooting are strictly prohibited.
* Guests must comply with all applicable municipal regulations and by-laws.

5. Liability and Indemnity

* Guests use the property, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and all facilities entirely at their own risk.
* Hilken Lodge, its owners, employees, and agents accept no liability for injury, illness, accidents, death, loss, or damage to personal belongings.
* Guests indemnify Hilken Lodge against any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from their stay or the actions of their visitors.

6. Property Condition, Damages and Maintenance:

* Guests accept the property in its existing condition and must report any damages or discrepancies immediately upon arrival.
* Guests are responsible for breakages, missing items, damages, or additional cleaning required during their stay.
* Costs may be deducted from the applicable breakage deposit.
* Appliance breakdowns are not the responsibility of Hilken Lodge; however, reasonable efforts will be made to address reported issues.

7. Early Departure and Unforeseen Circumstances:

* Guests remain liable for the full accommodation fee if they choose to depart earlier than the booked departure date.
* If the property becomes uninhabitable before arrival due to unforeseen circumstances, a refund may be issued. No further compensation will be provided.

8. Cancellation Policy:

* Cancellation penalties apply once the reservation deposit has been paid:
* After confirmation: 20% cancellation fee.
* 60-21 days before arrival: 40% cancellation fee.
* 21 days or less before arrival: 100% forfeiture of the booking value.

* If the reservation deposit has not been fully paid, all monies received may be forfeited upon cancellation.
* Bookings may be transferred with prior approval.
* If a replacement booking is secured, cancellation fees may be reduced.
* No penalties apply in cases of death or hospitalisation, provided valid supporting documentation is supplied.

* December bookings:
* Full payment is required two months before arrival.
* Cancellations after this date result in full forfeiture.
* Cancellations before this date result in forfeiture of the reservation deposit.

9. Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi Safety:

* Swimming pool use is at guests' own risk.
* Children must be supervised at all times.
* The pool safety net must be replaced after every use.
* Jacuzzi use is also at guests' own risk.

10. Jacuzzi Baths:

*Guests must:
* Shower before using the jacuzzi.
* Limit use to 15-20 minutes.
* Avoid use when ill, injured, or experiencing infections.
* Do not use alcohol or drugs while using the jacuzzi.
* Do not dive, jump, or stand on the jacuzzi cover.
* Use only plasticware around the jacuzzi area.
* Replace the cover after use.
* Children under 5 years old may not use the jacuzzi. Older children must be supervised.
* Pregnant guests or guests with medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.
* Any damage caused to the jacuzzi or cover will be charged to the guest.
* Jacuzzi baths must be used responsibly and under adult supervision when children are present.
* Use of jacuzzi baths is entirely at the guest's own risk.

11. Pets:

* Pets are not permitted unless written approval has been provided in advance.

12. Insurance:

* Guests are encouraged to arrange their own travel and cancellation insurance.

13. Breach of Agreement, Force Majeure and Jurisdiction:

* Hilken Lodge reserves the right to terminate a stay and require guests to vacate without refund in cases of:
* Property damage.
* Excessive noise or disturbances.
* Unauthorised occupancy.
* Breach of these terms and conditions.
* Neither party will be held liable for circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, or utility failures.
* This agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and any disputes will fall under South African jurisdiction.

By making payment and/or occupying the property, guests confirm acceptance of all terms and conditions.