Casa Uthando terms and conditions

1. Scope

These terms and conditions apply to every booking request and stay at Casa Uthando, Blije Rust 1, apartment 2, Sint Michiel, Curaçao.

Casa Uthando is rented out by Hedy & Ruben. In these terms, the word "guest" refers to the person making the reservation and everyone staying at the property under that reservation.

The agreement covers only the rental of Casa Uthando. Hedy & Ruben do not offer flights, rental cars, excursions, or combined travel packages. The reservation therefore does not constitute a package vacation or linked travel arrangement.

Any different arrangements are valid only if Hedy & Ruben confirm them in writing, by email at info@casa-uthando.nl or via WhatsApp.

These terms supplement the booking confirmation and apply from the moment the reservation is definitively confirmed.

2. Booking and confirmation

A reservation starts with a request through the booking widget, by email at info@casa-uthando.nl, or via WhatsApp. The request becomes final only after Hedy & Ruben confirm the reservation.

After confirmation, the guest receives payment information and, where applicable, an invoice. The invoice states the amount due immediately and any amounts to be paid later.

After final confirmation, Hedy & Ruben create a WhatsApp group with the guest and the local property manager. The group is used to coordinate practical arrangements, such as arrival, key handover, cleaning, any airport transfers, and grocery services.

Casa Uthando accommodates a maximum of 4 guests. Infants and children count toward this maximum.

Because Casa Uthando is reserved for specific travel dates, no statutory cooling-off period or right of withdrawal applies after final confirmation, except where mandatory law provides otherwise.

3. Rates, discounts, and additional charges

Accommodation costs depend on the travel dates, number of nights, number of guests, and any selected additional services. The rates on the website apply unless Hedy & Ruben confirm a different price in writing.

The nightly rate is based on 2 guests. Each additional guest beyond 2 costs € 5 per person per night. Children under 3 are exempt from this surcharge.

The required final cleaning fee is € 125. At least one mid-stay cleaning is required for stays longer than 14 nights. The guest is responsible for this cost.

Optional extras, such as airport transfers, can be arranged directly with the local property manager or added during booking when available. Grocery services are arranged after confirmation in the WhatsApp group with the local property manager and paid to her separately.

Curaçao sales tax (OB) of 7% is charged on accommodation costs. Any discounts are applied automatically according to the booking terms.

If there is an obvious error in the price, reservation, or description, such as a typing, calculation, or technical error, Hedy & Ruben may correct it. If payment has not yet been made, the correct price applies. If payment has already been made, the invoice will be adjusted and, where necessary, a refund or additional payment will be made based on the correct price.

4. Payment

Payment is by bank transfer to a Dutch IBAN account.

The guest must pay a 35% advance payment within 5 days of the invoice date. The remaining 65% must be paid no later than 6 weeks before arrival.

The security deposit must be paid no later than 1 week before arrival. For reservations made shortly before arrival, the invoice may show a higher amount or the full amount, including the security deposit, as immediately due.

If payments are not received on time, Hedy & Ruben may contact the guest, request additional security, or cancel the reservation.

The sender is responsible for bank fees, currency conversion charges, and third-party transfer costs.

5. Security deposit, Aqualectra, and damage

The security deposit is € 250 for stays of up to 14 nights. For stays longer than 2 weeks, the deposit increases by € 50 per additional week.

Water and electricity are not included. Usage is calculated after your stay based on meter readings taken at check-in and check-out and charged at the applicable Aqualectra rates, with no surcharge or markup. Actual usage depends heavily on air conditioning use.

Any damage, missing or damaged inventory, additional cleaning charges, or other costs arising from the stay may be deducted from the security deposit.

The guest will receive a final statement within 14 days of check-out, unless further investigation of damage is necessary.

Deductions from the security deposit will be itemized and, where reasonably possible, supported by photos, meter readings, invoices, or repair costs. Normal wear and tear will not be charged.

Any remaining security deposit will be refunded. If the costs exceed the deposit received, the guest will receive a final invoice for the difference.

6. Travel documents and insurance

The guest is responsible for valid travel documents and proper identification on arrival. If necessary, Hedy & Ruben may ask the guest for a copy of a valid passport or identity document and/or any required authorizations.

The guest is responsible for valid travel and health insurance and any additional insurance, such as cancellation, baggage, or accident coverage.

When traveling with minors, the guest is responsible for all required authorizations, accompanying or travel documents, and any other requirements imposed by airlines, governments, and border authorities.

If missing or incorrect documentation causes delays or check-in problems, the guest is responsible for any additional costs or changes to arrival or the stay.

7. Cancellation and force majeure

For cancellations up to 6 weeks before arrival, the advance payment remains due and is nonrefundable.

For cancellations within 6 weeks of arrival, the full invoice amount, excluding the security deposit, is due.

If Hedy & Ruben cannot provide the stay due to force majeure, serious damage, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances, they will work with the guest to find a suitable solution.

If the stay cannot take place, amounts already paid for unused nights will be refunded to the extent that they do not relate to costs already incurred.

Force majeure includes natural disasters, extreme weather, government measures, prolonged utility outages, and other circumstances beyond Hedy & Ruben's reasonable control.

8. Check-in, check-out, and your stay

Check-in is from 4:00 PM. Check-out is at 11:00 AM, unless Hedy & Ruben confirm otherwise in writing.

Late check-out is available only when no new check-in or blocked period is scheduled for the same day and must be confirmed in advance.

The guest must take good care of Casa Uthando, respect neighbors and house and resort rules, and leave the property tidy.

9. House rules and acceptance of resort rules

Pets are not allowed.

Smoking is not allowed indoors.

Parties and events are not allowed.

The shared swimming pools at Blije Rust 1 are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please be considerate of other guests and residents.

By finalizing the reservation, the guest agrees to follow the applicable house and resort rules, including rules on quiet hours, noise, access, and use of shared amenities.

The above is a selection of important house and resort rules. A complete overview of all applicable rules will be shared before arrival in a separate document in the WhatsApp group.

10. Amenities, liability, and care

Casa Uthando includes two air-conditioned bedrooms, a bright living room with a ceiling fan, fast fiber-optic Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a private terrace, and its own parking space.

The guest must report any faults or defects in the property or amenities to Hedy & Ruben or the local property manager as soon as possible so that a suitable solution can be sought.

The guest is responsible for careful use of the property, inventory, keys, access devices, and other amenities.

Hedy & Ruben are not liable for indirect or consequential damage, lost vacation days, flight costs, rental car costs, or damage caused by disruptions beyond their reasonable control, except in cases of intent, gross negligence, personal injury, or statutory liability that cannot be excluded.

11. Information, communication, and privacy

Hedy & Ruben use the guest's information solely to fulfill the reservation, including communication, invoicing, payment, the stay, security deposit settlement, and any follow-up care.

Communication may take place by email, phone, and WhatsApp. The email address is info@casa-uthando.nl. By making a reservation or request, the guest agrees to receive necessary booking-related messages through these channels, including messages in the WhatsApp group with the local property manager to coordinate practical arrangements in Curaçao.

Information is not retained longer than necessary for administration, legal obligations, and proper handling of the reservation.

12. Governing law and jurisdiction

The agreement is governed by the law of Curaçao, except where mandatory consumer law provides otherwise.

Disputes will be submitted to the competent court in Curaçao, unless mandatory law designates another court as competent.

13. Complaints procedure

If anything is unclear, appears incorrect, or a problem arises during the stay, the guest is asked to report it as soon as possible. Hedy & Ruben or the local property manager can then help prevent further escalation.

The guest may submit a complaint in writing by email (info@casa-uthando.nl) or WhatsApp, stating their name, booking dates, and a clear description of the problem.

Hedy & Ruben will provide a substantive response within 14 business days and, where appropriate, propose a solution. A practical resolution will then be agreed upon together.

This complaints procedure is an additional out-of-court step and does not affect the right to pursue further legal action.