Jean Bartlett Holiday Cottages

Booking Conditions

These Booking Conditions contain important information and set out contractual terms and conditions which apply to the booking you make with Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays.  These Booking Conditions include some exclusions and limitations of liability and it is therefore important that you read them carefully. You can print off a Booking Form at the bottom of this page.

The Right Choice
It is our aim to help you choose the right property in the right location for your holiday. Please let us know if you have any special requirements prior to booking.

Inside Every Property
Unless we say otherwise, you can expect to find:

• Kitchen with full size electric or gas cooker, kettle and fridge, sink, cutlery, china and glass, iron and ironing board.
• Bathrooms have bath or shower and WC.
• All have colour digital TV.

Bedlinen and Towel Hire
Many properties include bedlinen in the rental and this is clearly stated under "Facilities" in the brochure description. Properties which do not provide bedlinen will provide uncovered duvets. You will need to either bring your own bedlinen or hire it through us when you complete your Booking Form. We can advise you of a properties specific linen arrangements at time of booking. Please note, when hiring linen from us, one set is provided for the duration of the holiday unless otherwise requested. Please Note:  Beds can be made up for an extra charge.  Please enquire when booking.

Pets
We believe that pets are a very important part of the family and understand the need to include them in holidays. We encourage our owners to accept them.

We ask you, the pet owner, to tell us the breed/type of pet of your pet on your Booking Form, as some Owners will only accept very small dogs or breeds which do not readily shed hair. Therefore, please do not book a Border Collie or Labrador into a property which specifies a "small" pet, as we will have to move or cancel your booking. If in doubt, please ask us!

To encourage property owners to continue to allow pets, we make a realistic charge so they will continue to do so. Please ensure that pets remain on the ground floor of the property at all times, do not sit or climb on any furniture and are never exercised on the premises, as children may be using the premises. Pets must never be left unattended in the property at any time.

Old Cottages
Many of our 'character' properties are very old and were built before the days of insulation and damp proof courses. As a result, they may sometimes have a tendency to be damp or have a damp smell, particularly after periods of wet weather. We would therefore advise against taking elderly people, very young babies or anyone susceptible to damp to an older cottage.

Country and Sea Life
We respectfully advise that despite normal cleaning efforts, it is part of nature and country life to find occasional spiders (and their cobwebs) daddy long legs, flies, woodlice, ants and other insect species in and around a country cottage, (particularly thatch). Please do not choose a country cottage if you have any concerns about encountering them!  In the same way seagulls are usually to be found on the rooftops of coastal properties. They can be noisy and messy so please NEVER FEED them.

Inspected Properties
All properties in this brochure are inspected annually. Whether you choose a 1 or 5 star property, each property meets the given quality standard and some properties far exceed it!  We also routinely re-inspect properties at regular intervals to ensure that these standards are maintained. We advise you to read our descriptions carefully and bear in mind that you usually get what you pay for.

1 Star
Is basic i.e. all the basic necessities, but contains little or nothing that is new or smart

2 Star
Good overall level of quality. All units self contained - two bathrooms where there are 8 guests or more guests

3 Star
(in addition to what is provided at 2 star)
Good to very good level of quality. Good standard of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwave provided

4 Star
(in addition to what is provided at 3 star)
Excellent overall level of quality. Very good care and attention to detail is obvious throughout. Access to washing machine & drier.

5 Star
(in addition to what is provided at 4 star)
Exceptional overall level of quality. High levels of decor, fixtures and fittings together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of accessories and personal touches. Bedlinen and towels will be included.

Prices
All prices are £ per week per property. Where applicable, rents are inclusive of VAT. The price includes Booking Fee. The prices are specified for Saturday changeover dates. For Friday changeovers, the following Saturday price applies. Security deposits are payable on selected Christmas and New Year Holidays.

Short Breaks
Short Breaks (minimum 3 days) are usually available at selected properties during October to March, excluding school and bank holiday periods and the Festive weeks.

Unless specified, short breaks prices are calculated as follows:

• 3 nights: 75% of advertised weekly price
• 4 nights: 80% of advertised weekly price

Availability
Please use our on-line availability checker or contact us to check availability, as this differs at each property through the season.

How to Pay
We are please to accept payment by cheques or postal orders made payable to " Jean Bartlett Holiday Cottages."
We will accept payment by credit card, but a commission charge of 2% inc VAT will be added to your account.
We also accept Maestro (Switch) and Delta cards at no extra charge.
Holidays booked or monies paid within one week of arrival date are payable by credit/debit card or cash only.
Payments for overseas bookings can only be made by direct bank transfer in Sterling to our account at Lloyds TSB, Trinity Square, Axminster Devon EX13 5AL, Account Number: 1573527.  Sort Code: 30-90-37.

BOOKING CONDITIONS & CANCELLATION INSURANCE
These booking conditions contain important information and set out contractual terms and conditions which apply to the booking you make with Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays. These booking conditions include some exclusions and limitations of liability and it is therefore important that you read them carefully.

1. General
Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays. acts only as a letting agent for the Property Owner and is referred to in this agreement as the agent. Once the holiday confirmation has been issued, the contract between the Property Owner and the holiday maker who is referred to in this agreement as the Hirer. The name and address of the Property Owner can be provided.

2. Brochure Information
We take every care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure. All information is given in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of printing. The Hirer must accept that minor differences may arise between photographs and the actual property. All distances given are approximate. Occasionally, 'force majeure' or problems outside our control and that of the Property Owner may arise which will mean that some facilities or services become unavailable. If this situation should arise, we will contact you as soon as is reasonably practical. Similarly, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes or closures to local amenities mentioned on this website or by our representatives or advertised elsewhere.  It is also the responsibility of the Hirer to make any specific requirements/needs known at the time of booking and to ensure that the holiday property selected is suitable for their own needs.

3. Payment
Once a booking is confirmed, the Hirer is responsible for the total cost of the holiday shown on the invoice. The balance is due to be paid 8 weeks prior to the start of the holiday. If a booking is made less than 8 weeks before arrival, the full cost of the holiday is due. We do not send reminders - the balance due date is detailed on your Booking Confirmation Statement.

4. Cancellation by You
If you wish to cancel your holiday, you should notify us in writing immediately. In the event of your cancelling, we will endeavour to re-let the property, however, you should note that you will remain liable for payment of the full amount shown, although we will give you credit for any rents received as a result of re-letting less the expenses we have incurred in doing so. Pet and equipment hire charges will only be refundable where these are recovered in any re-letting.

You should note that in the event of your cancellation it is not always possible to re-let the property. If we are not able to do so you will be liable to pay the cost of the booking in full. We operate a cancellation plan at no extracharge to yourselves, details of which are given under the heading Cancellation Plan below.  Where a cancellation is covered by the plan, full repayment will be made, less £45.

5. Cancellation by Us
We accept all bookings in good faith on behalf of the Property Owner. In the event that we, for any reason, have to make alterations to your accommodation, we will endeavour to offer you accommodation of a comparable standard and price. If the only alternative property is of a higher price, we reserve the right to charge the difference. If you decline to accept the alternate accommodation for whatever reason, the limit of our liability will be a full refund of the amount you have paid to us.

6. Alterations by You
Alterations of a confirmed holiday booking cannot usually be made. However, occasionally we can change a holiday week. Any amendments will be charged at £30 to cover our costs. Any duplicate invoices will be charged at £10.

7. Hirers Obligation
Under the terms of this agreement, the Hirer agrees:

i) To pay for all fuel and telephone charges where levied during this hire period.

ii) To pay for any damage however caused, excluding reasonable wear and tear.

iii) To take good care of the property and leave it in a clean and tidy condition. If the property is left excessively dirty or untidy, a £40 cleaning surcharge will be payable within 7 days of departure and the Agent/Owner reserves the right to disqualify the Hirer from making any future booking with the agent.

iv) not to allow the property to be occupied by more than the maximum number of persons stated in the brochure.

v) Where pets are permitted, but not declared, the Hirer will pay the appropriate pet fee and will reimburse the property owner for any unpaid pet consent fees, costs, damages and other losses incurred as a result of the pet's stay.

vi) Not to allow pets to be left in the property unattended at any time.

vii) Not to cause nuisance or annoyance.

viii) The Owner and Agent are allowed reasonable access to the property and its garden at all times and in the case of an emergency where the Owner/Agent may enter without prior notice.

ix) To authorise the Agent to deduct sums from the Hirer's debit/credit card as payment for damages, fuel or additional cleaning not declared at time or on the Hirer's departure in accordance with Clause i, ii and iii above.

8. Party Booking
The person named as head of the party on the booking form will be responsible for all members of the party and will ensure that they are fully aware of and comply with these Booking Conditions. If the conditions and not complied with, the Owner/Agent can refuse right of entry and in this situation, no monies will be refunded. Bookings will not be accepted from persons under 18 years of age or from all male or all female parties in excess of 2, without specific agreement. Bookings are usually non-transferable and any changes to guest details must be agreed by the Agent in advance. The number of persons occupying the property must strictly never exceed the number stated in the brochure description unless otherwise agreed by the owner in advance in writing. Persons includes infants.

9. Pets

Pets are only permitted at properties with our prior consent or that of the Owners. Charges are made for pets and these are specified on the booking form. If a property contains a description with states no pets are permitted, you should be aware that this description does not make any guarantee that there have been no pets at the property on any earlier occasion. Pets must never be left unattended in the property, are not allowed on beds or furniture and must not be exercised on the premises.

10. Complaints
Whilst every care is taken to ensure complete satisfaction with your holiday accommodation, in the unhappy event of your having cause for complaint, all complaints must be notified to the Agents as soon as possible as we must be given chance to rectify the situation. You can contact us on 01297 23221 (office hours) or on the number displayed on our office door (restricted hours only). Failure to notify us at the earliest opportunity may hamper our investigations and delay may reduce or extinguish any claim you have.  No complaint can be entertained at the end of the holiday or after the Hirer has returned home.

11. Provisional Reservations
Provisional reservations can be accepted by telephone but must be confirmed within five working days by the arrival of a deposit equal to one third of the total rent. Provisional reservations will automatically be cancelled after the five days has expired without further reference to you.

12. Overseas Bookings
Payment for overseas bookings can be made by credit card or by direct bank transfer to our account at Lloyds TSB - Trinity Square, Axminster, Devon EX13 5AL.  Account Number 01573527.  Sort Code 30-90-37. (The remitter to pay all bank charges).

13. Alteration of Prices
We reserve the right to amend the prices quoted in the brochure due to error, omission, changes in the VAT rate or seasonal promotions.

14. Time of Letting
The accommodation is available between 3.00pm and 5.00pm on arrival day and must be vacated by 10.00am departure day. These times differ at some properties - please refer to your Holiday Statement. During high season/school holidays, the Hirer must notify the Agents if their arrival time is likely to be later than 5.00pm when the office closes so that late key collection arrangements can be made. During the quiet season, office opening times differ and we will advise you of any specific key collection arrangements.

15. Liability
Neither the Property Owner nor ourselves as Agents will be responsible for any loss or damage to the property of the Hirer or any member of his/her party (including pets, vehicles, and contents) other than if this arises from our negligence or default or negligence of default of our employees and or agents.

16. Contract
This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions and is deemed to be made at Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays  Fore Street, Beer, Devon. This contract will be governed by English law subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. If any booking conditions are found to be invalid or unenforceable then the remainder will not be affected.

17. Previous Brochures
This brochure and these booking conditions supercedes and cancels all previous issues.

Cancellation Plan - Applicable to all bookings
No extra charge is made for this plan.
The cancellation plan is operated by Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays whose decision is final. Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays must be telephone immediately you become aware that you cannot take your holiday. All cancellations must be notified in writing within four working days of telephoning us with details of your cancellation, giving full details of the reason for cancellation, together with a doctor's letter or other supporting documents as required. Where a cancellation is covered by the plan, full repayment will be made less £45. For comprehensive cover we recommend taking out your own insurance.

COVER
death or serious injury of any member of the party or close relative jury service of any member of the party
posting of any member of the party in the armed services

EXCLUSIONS

• pregnancy
• death/injury/illness as a consequence of a condition known or occurring prior to booking
• any member of the party (or relative causing the cancellation) aged 70 years or over at the time of travel
• government regulations
• strikes
• war
• terrorist actiity
• revolution
• domestic disputes
• bed weather
• disinclination to travel
• change of employment
• changes to leave by employer

claims of any nature relating to or connected with pandemic or epidenic illnesses or diseases (e.g.bird flu, foot and mouth disease). Restrictions on travel or activities due to government or other advice relating to the containment of pandemic or epidemic diseases or other reasons of national interest.

Any claim for which the claimant is covered by an insurance policy
In the event of a cancellation not being covered by the plan, Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays will use their best endeavours to re-book the holiday on your behalf and will refund the amount paid less £45 and any discount given to sell the holiday. Any such refund will not be paid until after the end of the holiday date.

Retrospective claims will not be entertained.
If you require comprehensive medical/cancellation cover, please request details.

The cancellation plan is not a personal travel insurance policy and we strongly recommed that you take out full personal travel insurance.