Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Acceptance

Welcome to Royal Vintage Houseboats. By accessing our website, making a booking, or staying at our property, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

2. Booking Terms

2.1 Reservation Confirmation

• All bookings are confirmed only after receipt of advance payment or full payment as per the booking policy
• A valid government-issued ID (Passport, Driver's License, Aadhar Card, Voter ID) is required at check-in
• Foreign nationals must present their passport and valid visa upon arrival
• Bookings made by individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

2.2 Group Bookings

For group bookings of 4 or more rooms, special terms apply:

• 50% advance payment required at the time of booking
• Balance payment due 15 days before check-in
• Group discounts may be available - contact us directly for custom quotes
• Special cancellation policy applies (see Section 5)

3. Room Types & Rates

Our houseboats offer various room categories to suit different needs:

3.1 Rate Inclusions

• Complimentary: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, bottled water, houseboat amenities
• Taxes: All applicable taxes as per government rates (currently GST 12%)
• Services: Housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, security

3.2 Rate Exclusions

• Shikara rides (available at additional cost)
• Airport/taxi transfers
• Meals other than breakfast (lunch and dinner available at nominal charges)
• Laundry services
• Personal expenses and incidentals

3.3 Child Policy

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Accepted Payment Methods

4.2 Payment Schedule

5. Cancellation & Refund Policy

5.1 Standard Cancellation

5.2 Peak Season Cancellation

During peak seasons (Summer: Apr-Jun, Autumn: Sep-Oct, New Year, Christmas, Eid):

6. Check-in & Check-out

6.1 Early Check-in / Late Check-out

• Early check-in (before 12:00 PM): Subject to availability, charges may apply
• Late check-out (after 11:00 AM):
  • Until 2:00 PM: 50% of room rate
  • After 2:00 PM: Full day charge
• Luggage storage available free of charge

7. House Rules

7.1 General Conduct

• Guests are expected to behave respectfully towards staff and other guests
• Loud music and disturbances are not permitted after 10:00 PM
• Parties or events without prior approval are strictly prohibited
• Visitors must register at reception and are not allowed in rooms after 9:00 PM

7.2 Smoking Policy

• All rooms and indoor areas are strictly non-smoking
• Designated smoking areas are available on the open deck
• Smoking in rooms will incur a deep cleaning fee of ₹2000

7.3 Pet Policy

• Pets are not allowed on the houseboats
• Service animals may be permitted with prior notification and documentation

8. Liability & Damages

8.1 Property Damage

• Guests are responsible for any damage caused to the room or property during their stay
• Damage charges will be assessed and billed to the guest's credit card on file
• In case of major damage, legal action may be pursued

8.2 Lost & Found

• We keep lost items for 30 days
• Shipping of found items is at the guest's expense
• We are not responsible for items left behind

8.3 Liability Limitation

• Royal Vintage Houseboats is not liable for loss or damage to personal belongings
• We recommend using in-room safes for valuables
• We are not responsible for circumstances beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, government restrictions)

9. Food & Beverage

9.1 Dining Options

• Breakfast: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM (included in room rate)
• Lunch: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (available at additional cost)
• Dinner: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM (available at additional cost)
• Room service: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

9.2 Special Dietary Requirements

• Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies
• We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests
• Traditional Kashmiri Wazwan available with 24-hour notice

9.3 Outside Food

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the dining area
• Special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries) may be accommodated with prior arrangement

10. Shikara Rides & Activities

10.1 Shikara Bookings

• Shikara rides can be booked at the reception
• Rates vary based on duration and route
• Sunrise and sunset rides are most popular - book in advance

10.2 Activity Guidelines

• Life jackets must be worn during Shikara rides
• Follow guide instructions for safety
• Not responsible for loss or damage during activities

11. Website Usage & Intellectual Property

11.1 Content

• All content on this website is the property of Royal Vintage Houseboats
• Images, text, and videos may not be reproduced without permission
• Reviews and feedback may be used for marketing purposes

11.2 Accuracy

• We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee all information is error-free
• Room photos are representative; actual rooms may vary slightly
• Rates subject to change without notice

12. Force Majeure

Royal Vintage Houseboats shall not be liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control including:

• Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, extreme weather)
• Government restrictions, curfews, or lockdowns
• Strikes, civil unrest, or terrorist activities
• Pandemics or health emergencies
• Power outages or technical failures beyond our control

In such events, we will offer:

• Rescheduling of stay (subject to availability)
• Credit for future stay (valid for 1 year)
• Refund as per applicable laws (minus any non-recoverable costs)

13. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

13.1 Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.

13.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising out of these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

13.3 Dispute Resolution Process

1. Informal negotiation (14 days)
2. Mediation (if both parties agree)
3. Arbitration as per Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
4. Courts of law as last resort

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

16. Acknowledgment

By making a booking with Royal Vintage Houseboats, you acknowledge that:

• You have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions
• You are at least 18 years of age
• The information provided is accurate and complete
• You consent to the use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy