Cancellation Policy
This Cancellation & Refund Policy (“Policy”) governs all bookings made through The Circle Stays platform, operated from India, and applies to both Guests and Hosts. By confirming a booking, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms of this Policy.
1. Definitions
- Guest: A person who books accommodation through The Circle Stays.
- Host: A person or entity offering accommodation through The Circle Stays.
- Platform: The Circle Stays website, mobile application, and related services.
- Booking Amount: Total amount paid for the booking, including applicable fees and taxes.
2. Cancellation Policies
The Host sets a cancellation policy for each listing. The applicable policy will be displayed prior to booking confirmation.
a. Flexible
- Full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before check-in.
- If cancelled less than 24 hours before check-in, the first night is non-refundable.
b. Moderate
- Full refund if cancelled at least 5 days before check-in.
- If cancelled less than 5 days before check-in, 50% of the Booking Amount will be refunded.
c. Strict
- 50% refund if cancelled at least 7 days before check-in.
- No refund if cancelled less than 7 days before check-in.
3. Host Cancellations
If the Host cancels a confirmed booking:
- The Guest will receive a full refund.
- The Circle Stays reserves the right to impose penalties on the Host, including but not limited to:
- Calendar blocking for affected dates
- Listing suspension or removal
- Loss of “Preferred Host” status
4. No-Show Policy
- If the Guest fails to check in on the scheduled date without prior notice, the booking will be treated as a No-Show and is non-refundable.
- The Host will receive payout as per the original booking agreement.
5. Refund Process
- Refunds will be processed within 7–14 business days to the original payment method.
- The Circle Stays is not responsible for delays caused by banks, payment gateways, or currency conversion.
- Service fees, payment processing fees, and currency conversion charges are non-refundable unless required by law.
6. Extenuating Circumstances
In rare cases, The Circle Stays may override a Host’s cancellation policy for events beyond the Guest’s or Host’s control, including:
- Government travel restrictions
- Natural disasters
- Public health emergencies
- Death or serious illness of the Guest or an immediate family member
Supporting documentation will be required. The decision of The Circle Stays in such cases will be final and binding.
7. Fraud & Abuse
The Circle Stays reserves the right to withhold or deny refunds in cases of suspected fraud, abuse of the cancellation policy, or violation of the Terms & Conditions.
8. Modifications to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on our website, and continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
This Host Protection Addendum (“Addendum”) supplements and forms part of the Terms & Conditions and Cancellation & Refund Policy of The Circle Stays (“Platform”), operated from India. It applies to all Hosts listing accommodations through the Platform.
1. Host Responsibility for Refunds
- If a booking is cancelled due to the Host’s fault, including but not limited to:
- Double-booking
- Listing inaccuracies (incorrect location, amenities, or photos)
- Accommodation being unsafe, unclean, or inaccessible
- Host’s failure to respond or provide check-in instructions
- The Host is financially responsible for refunding the Guest in full.
- The Circle Stays may, at its sole discretion, process the refund to the Guest and deduct the amount from the Host’s future payouts.
2. Deduction of Funds
- The Circle Stays is authorized to withhold future payouts to the Host until the full refundable amount is recovered.
- If future payouts are insufficient, the Host must pay the outstanding amount within 7 days of notice.
3. No Payout Guarantee for No-Shows or Early Departures
- If a Guest cancels, does not arrive (No-Show), or departs early due to proven Host fault (e.g., uninhabitable conditions), the Host will not receive payout for the affected nights.
4. Chargeback Liability
- If a Guest initiates a chargeback for reasons attributable to Host fault, the Host agrees to indemnify The Circle Stays for the chargeback amount plus any associated fees.
5. Documentation & Evidence
- In the event of a dispute, the Host must provide photographic, video, or written proof that the accommodation was as described and ready for check-in.
- Failure to provide adequate proof will result in The Circle Stays deciding in favor of the Guest.
6. Fraud & Misrepresentation
- Any fraudulent activity, deliberate misrepresentation, or breach of this Addendum will result in:
- Immediate removal of all listings
- Permanent ban from the Platform
- Possible legal action
7. Extenuating Circumstances
- In cases covered by the Platform’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions), the Host is not held liable for cancellations or refunds.
8. Amendments
The Circle Stays reserves the right to update or modify this Addendum at any time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Contact – Host Relations
📧 Email: hostsupport@thecirclestays.com
📍 Location: India
