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 $30 booking fee per booking.
As part of the booking procedure, you will be asked to identify a
single contact person who is responsible for all communication
regarding the reservation. You are asked to also name a secondary
contact person (does not have to be part of the travel group).
Travel documents are provided either electronically or by mail once
final payment has been received and will be sent to the contact
person. Upon request, one additional travel packet may be mailed to
another member of your group for a charge of US$ 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.
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 any cancellation on the part of the
client, the sums withheld by the Gira! reservation office are as
follows: cancellation 60 days or more in advance of the beginning of
the holiday stay, 15% of the total rental will be withheld. For
cancellation between the 59th day and the 45th
day before the holiday stay is begun, 30% of the total rental will
be withheld. For cancellation between the 44th day and
the 8th day before the holiday stay is begun, 80% of the
total rental will be withheld. For cancellations within one week of
the beginning of the stay, there will be no refunds. The booking
fee is non-refundable.
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.
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