Cancellation & Refund Policy

Last Updated: December 17, 2024

1. Overview

At Swarnathulasi Homestay, we understand that travel plans can change. This Cancellation and Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions for canceling or modifying your booking. We strive to be fair to both our guests and our business operations.

This policy is designed in accordance with industry best practices and applicable Indian tourism regulations.

2. Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Terms

100%

Free Cancellation

Cancellations made 48 hours or more before check-in time receive a full refund (100% of booking amount)

50%

Partial Refund

Cancellations made between 24-48 hours before check-in time receive a 50% refund

0%

No Refund

Cancellations made within 24 hours of check-in time are non-refundable

0%

No-Show

Failure to check-in without prior cancellation results in forfeiture of entire booking amount

Note: Cancellation time is calculated from the scheduled check-in time (2:00 PM), not from the date of check-in.

3. How to Cancel

3.1 Cancellation Methods

You can cancel your booking through any of the following methods:

  • Email: Send cancellation request to swarnathulasi.homestay@gmail.com with your booking ID
  • Phone: Call us at +91 98765 43210 (9 AM - 6 PM)
  • Website: Log in to your account and cancel through the booking management section (if available)

3.2 Required Information

Please provide the following when requesting cancellation:

  • Booking ID / Confirmation Number
  • Guest Name (as per booking)
  • Email address used for booking
  • Reason for cancellation (optional but appreciated)

3.3 Cancellation Confirmation

You will receive a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours of your request. Please retain this email for your records.

4. Refund Process

4.1 Refund Timeline

  • Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days from the date of cancellation confirmation
  • The refund will be credited to the original payment method used for booking
  • Bank processing time may take an additional 5-10 business days depending on your bank

4.2 Refund Method

  • Credit/Debit Card: Refund to the same card
  • UPI/Net Banking: Refund to the source account
  • Digital Wallets: Refund to the same wallet

4.3 Processing Fees

A nominal processing fee of ₹100 or 2% of the booking amount (whichever is lower) may be deducted from refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of check-in.

5. Modification Policy

5.1 Booking Modifications

You can modify your booking (dates, room type, number of guests) subject to the following conditions:

  • Modification requests must be made at least 48 hours before check-in
  • Modifications are subject to availability
  • Price differences will apply if the new dates/room type have different rates
  • One free modification is allowed per booking; subsequent modifications may incur a fee of ₹500

5.2 How to Modify

Contact us at swarnathulasi.homestay@gmail.com or call +91 83744 26900 with your modification request.

6. Special Circumstances

6.1 Force Majeure

In case of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, etc.), we will work with you to find a fair solution, which may include:

  • Rescheduling your booking to a future date (no additional charges)
  • Providing a credit voucher valid for 12 months
  • Full refund (at our discretion based on the circumstances)

6.2 Medical Emergencies

In case of genuine medical emergencies (supported by medical certificate), we may offer:

  • Full refund or rescheduling option
  • Waiver of cancellation fees

Please contact us immediately with supporting documentation.

6.3 Cancellation by Homestay

In the rare event that we need to cancel your booking due to unforeseen circumstances:

  • You will receive a full refund (100%) within 3-5 business days
  • We will assist in finding alternative accommodation if possible
  • We will provide reasonable compensation for any inconvenience caused

7. Group Bookings

For group bookings (3 or more rooms), special cancellation terms may apply:

  • Cancellations must be made at least 7 days before check-in for full refund
  • Cancellations 3-7 days before check-in: 50% refund
  • Cancellations within 3 days: No refund
  • Partial cancellations (reducing number of rooms) follow the same timeline

8. Long-Stay Bookings

For bookings of 7 nights or more:

  • Cancellations made 14+ days before check-in: Full refund
  • Cancellations made 7-14 days before check-in: 50% refund
  • Cancellations within 7 days: No refund

9. Early Departure

If you check out earlier than your scheduled departure date, no refund will be provided for the unused nights. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover such situations.

10. Third-Party Bookings

If you booked through a third-party platform (OTA, travel agent, etc.):

  • Cancellation and refund policies of the third-party platform will apply
  • You must contact the platform directly for cancellations
  • We cannot process cancellations or refunds for third-party bookings

11. Disputes and Complaints

If you have any concerns or disputes regarding cancellations or refunds:

12. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events. Travel insurance can provide coverage for non-refundable bookings.

13. Contact Information

For cancellations, modifications, or questions about this policy:

Swarnathulasi Homestay

Jabbar Colony, Near St Ann's Engineering College
Challa Reddy Palem Panchayathi, Vetapalem Mandal
Andhra Pradesh 523187

Email: swarnathulasi.homestay@gmail.com

Phone: +91 83744 26900

Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mon-Sun)

Tip: To avoid cancellation charges, we recommend booking with flexible dates when possible and reviewing our cancellation policy before confirming your reservation. Consider purchasing travel insurance for added protection.