ITALIAN VACATION RENTAL PROPERTIES

It is important to understand that the properties we offer are not official tourist accommodations, such as hotels and resorts, but private houses owned by individuals.  Being such, they do not have standards or categories that are internationally recognized.  Indeed they reflect, in their architecture and furnishings, the local traditions and the personal taste of the owner.

This is precisely the kind of vacation experience that we offer you: the chance to partake in the culture of the area chosen, living for a few weeks in the same surroundings as a native would.  In order to live this experience in the right spirit, it is important not only that you accept but also that you will be able to appreciate the differences in the properties we propose in comparison with those where you normally live. 

For their part, our Italian associate agencies have carefully chosen properties using a minimum and maximum quality range within which they believe that any European and indeed a citizen of the world can find a memorable experience.  However, we cannot exclude the possibility that these differences can sometimes result in minor inconveniences due to the special nature of the architecture and traditions of the area.

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Following your selection of a property from our online catalog, we ask that you register with us on our web site with some basic information that is used only for the purposes of completing and servicing your requested booking.  Our privacy policy is shown online and is strictly followed.

Booking is accomplished by completing and faxing to us the first two pages of the Booking Contract.  The reservation becomes effective as soon as a down payment of 30% of the total rental accommodation price is made and the signed Booking Contract has been received by the Gira! reservation office.  The balance is due at least 60 days before the start of the rental period.  There is a one-time non-refundable Euros 40 booking fee per booking.

As part of the booking procedure, you will be asked to identify a single contact person who is responsible for all communication regarding the reservation.  You are asked to also name a secondary contact person (does not have to be part of the travel group).  Travel documents are provided either electronically or by mail once final payment has been received and will be sent to the contact person.  Upon request, one additional travel packet may be mailed to another member of your group for a charge of US$ 40.

For bookings made less than 60 days prior to the start of the rental period, full payment is due at the time of booking.

It is your responsibility to provide us with your expected date of departure from home as soon as you know it to ensure that you receive all the travel documents on time.

For bookings less than $4000, we accept checks drawn on a US bank, bank wire, Visa and MasterCard.  For bookings of $4000 or greater, we accept checks drawn on a US bank and bank wire. 

When additional onsite services are arranged (such as cook, babysitter, driver, etc.) a valid Visa or MasterCard number must be provided as guarantee.  This card will be used only for a guarantee or deposit on these services, or for reimbursement to the owner in the event of cancellation or forfeiture of pre-arranged services.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CURRENCY ADJUSTMENTS

Prices are in US dollars per week and are based on Euros.  Prices are subject to change at any time prior to full payment.  Balance amounts on your contract may increase if there is a substantial increase in the value of the Euro to the U.S. dollar before full payment is due.  If there is such a change, you will be notified at the time your final payment is due and it will appear on your final invoice.  If you pay in full at the time of booking, no price adjustment will be done.
 
This policy applies only if you are making a deposit at the time of your booking and paying the final balance later.  On the day of your booking, we note the wire transfer rate as of that day for payment of Euros from the U.S. to Europe.  We note this once again on the day your final payment is due.  If this difference is greater than .05 (five cents) Dollars/Euro, your final balance due will be adjusted proportionally. 

For example:

At the time of your booking:
           
Your rental amount is:                       US$   2000.00
Your deposit paid is:                          US$     600.00
Dollar/Euro exchange is:                   1.25 Dollars / 1.00 Euro

On the date of your final payment:

Your balance due is:                         US$  1400.00
Dollar/Euro exchange is:                   1.32 Dollars / 1.00 Euro
Percent of change is:                        5.6%  (1.32 / 1.25)

Your adjusted booking price is:         $ 2000 x 1.056 = $ 2112
Your final balance due is:                 $ 1512

Please note that this example ignores the non-refundable booking fee, which is charged at the time of booking.

RENTAL PERIODS

Most rentals run from Saturday to Saturday, with a minimum stay of one week.  Arrival is between 5:00pm and 8:00pm.  In the event that this is not possible, you are required to inform the owner or caretaker ahead of time.  There may be a fee associated with an arrival outside of the stated time period and this is at the owner’s discretion.  You are expected to vacate the premises (after they have been inspected by the owner or owner’s representative and after any supplementary charges have been settled) by 10:00am on the Saturday departure date.  When departing before Saturday, it is mandatory that you contact the owner or the owner’s representative to arrange for a departure time and inspection.

Telephone support is available from our local representative agency on your Saturday arrival day between the hours of 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

LENGTH OF STAY

Under no circumstances may you, or any member of your group, exceed the period agreed upon nor may you exercise any right to remain on the premises at the end of the rental period unless an agreement has been made between you and the owner of the property.

LIABILITY

Individual property owners and Gira! cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen events, acts of God or war, riots or civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, adverse weather conditions, or the actions of any person outside of Gira!. The responsibility of Gira! and its agents is limited. They act only as agents in regard to the services described in these Booking Conditions. 

In booking through Gira!, you agree that Gira! shall not be liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity resulting from acts or defaults of others, including our Italy affiliates and their representatives or of the individual owners.  Except as specifically provided in this agreement, Gira! expressly disclaims any representations or warranties in connection with this agreement, whether express or implied, statutory or otherwise, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, without limiting the foregoing, the rental properties hereunder are available in accordance with these Booking Conditions and Gira! does not warrant that the services provided hereunder shall result in any particular level of customer satisfaction.

BALANCE PAYMENT

You agree to pay the balance to the Gira! reservation office at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the stay. If the balance has not been paid by this date, the booking will be considered canceled, the contract will be void and the property will be available for rental again.

LATE BOOKING

In the event that the booking occurs less than 60 days in advance of the beginning of the rental period, the total payment is required at the time of reservation.

CANCELLATION

All cancellations must be sent by letter, fax or email to the Gira! reservation office and, if you have a cancellation policy, to your insurance company. 

For the cancellation of a booking, even if it is substituted by another one, the following penalties must be paid:

§          30% of the total rental price if the cancellation is made at least 45 days before the start of the rental period
§          50% of the total rental price if the cancellation is made between 44 and 30 days before the start of the rental period
§          70% of the total rental price if the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the start of the rental period
§          90% of the total rental price if the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the start of the rental period
§          for cancellations 6 or fewer days before the start of the rental period or in the event of a no-show, 100% of the total rental price, in addition to any other extra charges

The booking fee is non-refundable.  Upon request and approval of the owner, you may transfer the booking (same accommodation and booking period) to another party for a fee of US$ 70.

INSURANCE

The Gira! reservation office does not offer travel protection insurance.  You are strongly advised to have insurance to cover potential cancellation or delay.  Upon request, Gira! will provide you with a short list of reliable insurance providers. 

RESPONSIBILITY OF CLIENT

It is the responsibility of the client to communicate to Gira! your expectations, requirements, and any special needs.  We must be informed BEFORE your villa selection of any health conditions in your group such as allergies, heart conditions, walking problems, etc.

You are expected to treat your vacation home with the same respect as you would your own home.  Doors and windows must be closed and locked each time you leave, even if for just a short time.  It is your responsibility to find out at check-in time how appliances and equipment (e.g. washing machine, dishwasher, breaker box, etc.) work as well as other pertinent details of the house.  Kitchen clean up and trash removal is the duty of the client.  If this is not done, the owner or the caretaker may deduct up to 30 Euros from the security deposit for additional cleaning costs. 

INTERRUPTION OF THE HOLIDAY STAY

In the event of interruption on the part of the client, no refund will be made.

NUMBER OF GUESTS ALLOWED

The rental contract is established for a specific number of persons.  Only the number and names of persons on the rental contract may occupy the reserved accommodation.  Any substitution of persons during the stay is forbidden without the previous consent of Gira!

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Gira! will not accept any liability or grant refunds for any improper, expired or invalid documents (passport, visa, medical certificate, vaccination) which might be motive for cancellation or modification of your trip or holiday stay.

FORMALITIES UPON ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, you must show your passport to the owner or the owner’s representative.  You will also be required to pay the security deposit in Euros cash to the owner, the sum of which is indicated on the contract.  In some circumstances, the final cleaning fee is also collected at arrival time.

HOUSE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

The final cleaning is either included in the rental price or charged as a supplemental cost, as indicated on the first page of the Booking Contract.  This amount does not however include the cleaning of the kitchen area and the removal of trash, which are your responsibility.  If this has not been done, the owner or his/her representative may charge an additional fee.  The owner is allowed on the property for maintenance and gardening purposes.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

The security deposit is paid in Euros cash to the owner upon arrival.  The sum is indicated on the booking contract. The security deposit will be returned to you, subject to the premises being left in good order upon departure.  When the deposit has been retained, deductions for damage/refurbishment/renewal will be made as appropriate.  If such costs or damage exceed the deposit, you will be informed by the owner and agree to pay the owner in Euros cash.  The owner can refuse client occupancy of the rental property if the security deposit is not paid.  Gira! is not responsible in the event of complaints and disagreements about the security deposit between the you and the owner.

AMENITIES

The use of amenities, such as swimming pool, moorings, boats and bicycles is entirely at your own risk.  Gira! is not liable for injury to a user or visitor and loss or damage to the your belongings.

DAMAGES

You are responsible for all damages caused by you, your family or your guests.

SUPPLEMENTARY COSTS

If the booking contract states that there are charges not included in the rental price such as electricity, final cleaning, gas, heating, firewood, or linens, you must pay the owner or owner’s representative all such charges upon departure.  These sums may be deducted from the security deposit and you will be required to pay any sum exceeding the deposit.

CLAIMS/DISPUTES 

Gira! declines all responsibility for any modifications to available services or to the property made by the owners without our knowledge.  All discrepancies relating to the general specifications or the inventory of the premises must be communicated to the owner/caretaker immediately and s/he be allowed the necessary time to fix the problem.  If the matter cannot be corrected, you must contact Gira! by telephone and then in writing within 2 days.  No reimbursement will be made for a late arrival or early departure.  Whenever possible you are urged to settle minor grievances (burnt-out light bulbs, faulty appliances, etc.) with the owners before filing a formal complaint.  Often the owner is not aware of these minor problems.  No consideration will be given to complaints that are received following the end of your rental period.

JURISDICTION

In the event of legal claims or disputes, this contract shall be governed by the laws of the United States and the State of Colorado.  Any legal action brought against Gira! shall be brought in Denver, Colorado.