Covid-19 cancellation policy for Charles Marlow holiday rentals

The holiday and travel sectors are under a lot of pressure at the moment due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the insecurity that comes with it. That is why, on 13th March, Charles Marlow took the initiative to add some clauses to our contracts to create a Covid-19 cancellation policy. This way, we can work to try and secure our rental guests better cancellation options.

Why do I need a special Covid-19 cancellation policy?

The Charles Marlow team together in Deia in early March 2020. 10 days later, travelling in and out of Mallorca was made impossible due to Spain’s state of emergency.

First, in spring, many who thought they would be travelling in 2020 were afraid of losing money or – just as commonly – of the disease.

Now, as we are in the midst of summer season, the scare is political: will there be a quarantine? Will my flights be cancelled? Can I get a travel insurance?

At Charles Marlow, we thoroughly understand these fears. Our regular strict cancellation policy can no longer stand alone given the circumstances of Covid-19.

Therefore, we will always aim to add temporary clauses to our booking forms, the contract between us and our holiday guests. Our hope is that creating every booking form after your needs – in a conversation with the homeowner opening his or her doors to their homes – will give you the confidence to book a villa on The North West Coast of Mallorca or on the entire island of Ibiza in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

If you booked a holiday in Mallorca or Ibiza before 13th March, we can’t change the legal terms for that. You are well protected by Spanish law, though, if there is a travel ban or direct border closure. This is because Covid-19 is a ‘force majeure’ which was not expected at the time your booking was made. Get in touch for more information.

If you booked your holiday after 13th March, you will need to thoroughly make sure the terms and conditions make you feel safe. Because the virus and the effects it may have on the travel and holiday sectors, are no longer considered force majeure. Therefore, even if there is a quarantine, or if you suddenly can’t get a travel insurance, you can’t claim a refund by default.

We will always try to get you a good booking form (contract), but ultimately, depending on supply and demand the owners decide how much leverage they are willing to give.

Typical clauses in Charles Marlow’s Covid-19 cancellation policy

Most bookings made since 13th March have the following clauses added to their booking forms. We can no longer guarantee it due to the fact that Spain is no longer in a state of emergency. But we will try to add it whenever we can, so please be aware.

Final payment

Normally, our guests have to wire the final payment (75% of the total price) 6 weeks prior to check in. Until further notice, we aim to shorten the due date for final payment to 28 days prior to check in (4 weeks).

Cancellation prior to final payment

If you wish to cancel your trip due to Covid-19 up until 28 days prior to check in (prior to making the final payment), our aim is always for you to do so with a full refund within the last 28 days of your final payment date (so 56 to 28 days, 4-8 weeks, prior to arrival).* This is not guaranteed, and of course, if you book a villa at the last second, this does not help you.

Rescheduling after your final payment

If you wish to reschedule your trip due to Covid-19 after making your final payment (so, within the last 28 days prior to check-in), we aim to help you do so without losing any money.* / ** It is important that you are aware of this being written into your contract, as there are some homeowners that don’t wish to sign up to this clause.

Note:

*This only applies if there is a travel ban between your country and Spain (or Mallorca specifically). Some home owners also accept this if your country’s Foreign Office (like the FCO in the UK) is advising “against all but essential travel” or “against all travel” to Mallorca and/or Spain.

**Be aware that if you reschedule to dates that are more expensive than your original holiday dates, you have to pay the price difference.

Remember that if you have any questions or doubts regarding our Covid-19 cancellation policy, you can contact us for a chat or a video call to discuss in detail. We’d love to speak to you.