Terms & Conditions
1. General Information
O Azinhal is a privately owned historic estate located in the Alentejo, Portugal, operating as a premium rural guesthouse. All stays are hosted on an exclusive-use basis, ensuring complete privacy, tranquillity, with the property being used by a single booking at a time. By making a reservation, using this website, or booking a stay, the guest accepts these Terms and Conditions.
2. Reservations & Confirmation
Reservations are only considered valid following email confirmation and upon receipt of the agreed payment. Specific booking conditions may vary depending on the time of year, length of stay, or the booking channel.
3. Payments
Reservation confirmation requires an advance deposit equivalent to 50% of the total cost of the stay.. The remaining balance, along with the applicable security deposit, must be settled at check-in, unless agreed otherwise.
4. Security Deposit
At check-in, a security deposit equivalent to the rate of 1 night’s stay must be provided. This deposit is intended to guarantee the proper use of the property, its contents, and equipment. The security deposit will be fully refunded within a maximum of 7 (seven) days after check‑out, provided the property is returned in the same condition in which it was delivered, discounting normal wear and tear resulting from responsible use.
In the event of damage, losses, or additional costs attributable to the guests, the security deposit may be partially or fully withheld, with the corresponding amount deducted to cover the assessed costs.
Whenever applicable, detailed information regarding the withheld amounts will be provided. If the damages or costs incurred exceed the security deposit amount, the guest agrees to settle the remaining amount. The security deposit is not intended to cover previously contracted services or additional consumption agreed upon outside the scope of damages or losses.
5. Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policy applied to the reservation is as follows:
- Cancellation up to 90 days before check-in: full refund of the amount paid
- Cancellation up to 45 days before check-in: 50% refund of the amount paid
- Cancellations made less than 45 days before check-in: non-refundable
In exceptional circumstances or situations of force majeure, both parties will seek, whenever possible, a balanced and reasonable solution.
6. No-shows, & Early Departures
In the event of a no-show, early departure, delayed arrival, or early checkout initiated by the guest, no refund — full or partial — will be issued. Similarly, no refunds will be granted as a result of flight cancellations, alterations, or delays, transport difficulties, errors in the booking process, or any other factors beyond the control of O Azinhal.. The responsibility for accurately verifying dates, the number of guests, and all other reservation conditions rests exclusively with the guest at the time of confirmation.
7. Check-in & Check-out
Check-in: from 5:00 PM | Check-out: by 11:00 AM. Alternative times may be considered subject to prior agreement and availability.
8. Property Use
The property is intended exclusively for tourist accommodation purposes, to be occupied solely by the number of guests confirmed at the time of booking. Sub-letting, sharing, or commercial use of the property is not permitted without prior written authorisation.
9. Maximum Capacity
The maximum number of guests cannot exceed the capacity of 16 people. The presence of additional guests beyond this limit requires the explicit, prior approval of O Azinhal’s management.
10. Pets
To preserve the comfort, integrity of the property, and overall experience of all guests, pets are not permitted at O Azinhal. Exceptions may only be considered in very specific circumstances, upon prior written request and express authorisation before reservation confirmation. Bringing animals onto the property without prior authorisation constitutes a breach of the stay conditions and may result in additional charges or early termination of the stay.
11. Events, Celebrations & Special Uses
The hosting of private events, family celebrations, corporate retreats, photoshoots, or audiovisual productions are subject to prior written approval. These uses may involve differentiated pricing and are subject to specific limitations and/or supplemental fees to be agreed upon prior to booking.
12. Noise, Behaviour & Surroundings
O Azinhal is set in a calm, rural environment. Guests agree to respect the surrounding area, the tranquillity of the location, and any neighbours, maintaining appropriate behaviour at all times.
13. Damages & Liability
Guests are responsible for the proper use of the property, its contents, and equipment during their stay. Any damages, losses, or breakages may be financially charged to the responsible guest.
14. Services Available on Request
Additional services may be arranged through trusted external partners. O Azinhal accepts no responsibility for the conduct of third-party service providers who are not booked directly through O Azinhal management.
15. Safety & Use of Facilities
The use of all facilities, including the swimming pool and outdoor areas, is the guests’ responsibility. Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
16. Swimming Pool Rules
The swimming pool at O Azinhal is unattended (no lifeguard on duty). Use of the pool is entirely at guests’ own risk; guests agree to behave with due care and responsibility. Access to and presence in the pool area by children or minors must always be conducted under the direct and permanent supervision of a responsible adult.
Diving, jumping, running in the pool area, or any behaviour likely to cause accidents or injury is strictly prohibited.
O Azinhal shall not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages arising from use of the pool, including as a result of improper, reckless, or unsupervised use.
17. Smoking Policy
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the house and in all covered interior spaces of O Azinhal. Outdoors, smoking is only permitted with proper use of an ashtray and with all necessary precautions to protect the property, garden, and surroundings. Given the natural environment and heightened fire risk, discarding ash, cigarette butts, or any waste onto the ground, gardens, or surrounding areas is not permitted. Any damages, extra cleaning costs, or risks arising from non-compliance will be the sole responsibility of the guests.
18. Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
O Azinhal, along with its owners, representatives, managers, or staff, accepts no responsibility for illness, injury, accidents, or death affecting guests or visitors during their stay, nor for any incidents of any nature occurring within or around the property. O Azinhal shall not be held liable for any incidents arising during travel to or from the property. O Azinhal accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to guests’ personal belongings, regardless of cause. Use of the property, its facilities, and surroundings is entirely at the guests’ own risk.
19. Force Majeure
O Azinhal shall not be held responsible for non-performance or inability to execute the stay resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, fires, government restrictions, or infrastructure failures affecting essential utilities.
20. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by Portuguese law. Any disputes arising from their interpretation or enforcement shall be subject to Portuguese jurisdiction. O Azinhal reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions whenever necessary, notifying guests through appropriate channels.
