Cancellation Policy
Royal Vintage Houseboats - Your Luxury Stay on Dal Lake, Srinagar
Last Updated: March 20241. Introduction
At Royal Vintage Houseboats, we understand that plans can change. This Cancellation Policy outlines the terms and conditions for canceling bookings made directly with us or through our authorized partners. We strive to be fair and transparent in our cancellation procedures while maintaining the sustainability of our operations.
Please Note: All cancellation requests must be received in writing via email at bookmyhouseboatstay@gmail.com or through our official WhatsApp number +91 9858780126.
2. Cancellation Timeframes & Charges
Our cancellation policy is based on the timing of your cancellation relative to your check-in date. Please refer to the table below for detailed information:
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Charges | Refund Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 30+ days before check-in | 10% of total booking amount | 90% refund |
| 15-29 days before check-in | 25% of total booking amount | 75% refund |
| 7-14 days before check-in | 50% of total booking amount | 50% refund |
| 3-6 days before check-in | 75% of total booking amount | 25% refund |
| 48 hours before check-in | 90% of total booking amount | 10% refund |
| Less than 24 hours / No-show | 100% of total booking amount | No refund |
Important: All time calculations are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Check-in time is 12:00 PM.
3. Peak Season & Special Periods
During peak tourist seasons and special periods, different cancellation policies may apply:
Peak Seasons Include:
- Summer Season: April 15th to June 30th
- Autumn Season: September 15th to October 31st
- New Year Period: December 25th to January 5th
- Eid Holidays: As per Islamic calendar (3 days before and after)
- Diwali Week: 5 days during Diwali festival
- Christmas Week: December 20th to December 30th
Peak Season Cancellation Policy:
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Charges |
|---|---|
| 30+ days before check-in | 25% of total booking amount |
| 15-29 days before check-in | 50% of total booking amount |
| 7-14 days before check-in | 75% of total booking amount |
| Less than 7 days | 100% of total booking amount |
4. Booking Modifications
We understand that sometimes you may need to modify your booking rather than cancel it entirely.
Date Changes:
- Date changes requested 15+ days before check-in: Free of charge (subject to availability)
- Date changes requested 7-14 days before check-in: ₹1000 modification fee
- Date changes requested less than 7 days before check-in: Treated as cancellation and new booking
Room Upgrades:
- Upgrades are subject to availability
- Difference in room rates will be charged
- No additional fees for upgrades requested 7+ days before check-in
Flexible Modification: We allow one free date modification per booking (minimum 15 days before check-in). Additional modifications may incur charges.
5. Early Departure & No-Show
Early Departure:
If you check out before your scheduled departure date:
- No refund for unused nights
- Early departure fee of ₹2000 may apply
- Must inform reception at least 24 hours in advance
No-Show Policy:
If you do not arrive without prior cancellation:
- Entire booking amount will be charged
- Booking will be held until 6:00 PM on check-in day
- After 6:00 PM, booking may be released for resale
6. Force Majeure (Unforeseen Circumstances)
In case of unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone's control, our policy is as follows:
Natural Disasters / Weather Conditions:
- If Dal Lake freezes or becomes inaccessible due to extreme weather: 100% refund or free rescheduling
- Flight cancellations due to weather: Rescheduling with minimal fees (subject to availability)
- Road closures to Srinagar: Flexible rescheduling options
Government Restrictions:
- Curfews or lockdowns: 100% refund or credit for future stay (valid for 1 year)
- Travel bans: Full refund minus nominal processing fees (5%)
Travel Insurance Recommended: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances not covered by our policy.
7. Group Bookings (4+ Rooms)
For group bookings of 4 or more rooms, special cancellation terms apply:
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Charges |
|---|---|
| 45+ days before check-in | 25% of total booking amount |
| 30-44 days before check-in | 50% of total booking amount |
| 15-29 days before check-in | 75% of total booking amount |
| Less than 15 days | 100% of total booking amount |
Note: Group bookings require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.
8. Refund Process
Refund Timeline:
- Credit Card Payments: 7-10 business days
- Bank Transfers: 5-7 business days
- UPI Payments: 3-5 business days
- International Payments: 10-15 business days
Refund Method:
- Refunds will be processed to the original payment method
- Processing fees (if any) are non-refundable
- Bank charges for international refunds may apply
Processing Time: Refund requests are processed within 48 hours of approval. Actual credit to your account depends on your bank's processing time.
9. How to Cancel Your Booking
To cancel your booking, please use one of the following methods:
- Email: Send cancellation request to bookmyhouseboatstay@gmail.com with your booking details
- WhatsApp: Message us at +91 9858780126 with your booking reference
- Phone: Call us at +91 9858780126 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM IST)
- Online Portal: If booked through our website, use the cancellation link in your confirmation email
Required Information for Cancellation:
- Booking Reference Number
- Name used for booking
- Check-in and check-out dates
- Reason for cancellation (optional but helpful)
10. Contact Us for Cancellations
Need help with cancellation? We're here for you 24/7
Phone / WhatsApp
Address
Dal Lake, Near Nehru Park
Srinagar, J&K 190001
11. Additional Terms
- This policy applies to direct bookings only. Bookings through third-party platforms (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.) are subject to their respective cancellation policies.
- Special packages and promotional rates may have different cancellation terms as specified at the time of booking.
- Royal Vintage Houseboats reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without prior notice.
- Any disputes regarding cancellations will be resolved under the jurisdiction of Srinagar courts.