Ts & Cs

Booking Terms and Conditions

The terms “reservation” and “booking” are used interchangeably throughout this section. “You” refers to the person making the reservation and providing payment details. “We/Us” refers to Hoot House, Alderney.

1. Age Policy

Hoot House is an adults-only bed and breakfast. Guests must be at least 18 years old to make a booking or stay with us, although we are happy to accommodate guests aged 16 and over.

2. Smoking Policy

Hoot House is a non-smoking property. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas, including the roof terrace (subject to availability).

3. Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in is available from 2:00pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is by 10:00am on the day of departure. If you arrive early or need to leave later, we’re happy to store your luggage.

4. Booking Confirmation

A booking is only confirmed once the required deposit has been received and a confirmation has been sent, usually via email. If an automated confirmation is sent but the payment is declined for any reason, the booking will be considered invalid unless an alternative payment method is provided.

5. Deposits and Payments

A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking to secure your stay. The remaining balance is due upon arrival and can be paid by card, cash, or bank transfer.

6. Cancellations by Guests

If you need to cancel your reservation, please let us know at least 48 hours before the scheduled check-in time (2:00pm on your arrival day) by phone at 07781 145645 or email at stay@hoothousealderney.com.

  • Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will result in the deposit being retained, and we reserve the right to charge the full booking amount.
  • We understand travel to Alderney can be affected by weather and transport disruptions. In such cases, we will do our best to accommodate changes, such as rescheduling your stay without charge, though extensions may not always be possible if your room is already reserved. We will review each case individually with fairness and flexibility.

7. Cancellations by Hoot House

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your booking due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical or family emergencies, force majeure), a full refund will be issued. If preferred, we will be happy to reschedule your stay to an alternative date.

8. Amendments and Transfers

Should you need to amend your reservation after confirmation, we will do our best to accommodate your request, though we are not obligated to do so. Reservations may be transferred to another guest provided we receive at least 24 hours' notice.

9. Damage to Property

We kindly ask guests to respect the property and its contents. If any damage is caused to the building, furnishings, fixtures, or fittings during your stay by you or a member of your party, we reserve the right to charge for repair or replacement.

  • The person who made the booking will be held responsible for any such costs if the individual who caused the damage is unwilling or unable to pay.
  • Normal wear and tear is, of course, understood and accepted.

10. Liability Disclaimer

We are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by you, any member of your party, or your property, whether occurring on or off the premises, unless it is the direct result of proven negligence on our part. This includes — but is not limited to — the use of borrowed items, personal belongings, and any equipment or appliances provided for guest use.  We strongly recommend that guests carry appropriate travel insurance to cover personal injury, loss, or damage during their trip.

11. Lost Property

It is the guest’s responsibility to report lost items. We will do our best to return any reported lost property via post at the guest’s expense. Unclaimed items may be disposed of after 14 days.

12. Cyclists and Bicycle Storage

Cyclists are welcome at Hoot House. However, guests are responsible for the collection, maintenance, and return of any hired bicycles. We provide storage space only and accept no liability for loss or damage to bicycles or related equipment.

13. Use of Borrowed Items

We are happy to offer guests the use of various items during their stay, such as beach equipment (e.g. parasols, windbreaks), umbrellas, and walking sticks. While we are pleased to make these available for your convenience, we kindly ask that you treat them with care.

  • If any borrowed item is lost, damaged, or not returned, we reserve the right to request payment for its replacement or repair.
  • Guests use these items at their own risk. Hoot House does not accept liability for any injury or accident resulting from the use of borrowed equipment.

14. Self-Service Breakfast and Use of Appliances

Breakfast at Hoot House is self-service, and guests have access to various kitchen appliances such as a toaster, hot water urn and a microwave. Each guest room is also equipped with a kettle for your convenience. While all equipment provided is safe for general use, guests are responsible for using it appropriately and at their own risk.

  • All appliances are provided for your convenience, and we kindly ask that you use them responsibly.
  • Hoot House accepts no liability for any injury, damage, or incident arising from the use or misuse of these items, whether in the shared areas or within guest rooms.

15. Travel Insurance

As there is no reciprocal health agreement between the UK and the Channel Islands, EHIC cards are not valid in Alderney. We strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical costs and repatriation if necessary.

16. Guest Conduct

Hoot House is a private home, and we ask all guests to behave respectfully towards us and fellow guests. Any form of verbal or physical aggression will result in the immediate termination of your stay with no refund. Please be considerate with noise levels and always treat our home and other guests with courtesy.