REFUND AND CANCELLATION

Effective Date: December 22, 2025
Property: Insta Suites, Pahalgam
Address: Pahalgam rafting point, Movera, Pin: 192126, Pahalgam, J&K.

1. PREAMBLE AND BINDING AGREEMENT

This Refund and Cancellation Policy ("Policy") governs the financial relationship between Insta Suites (hereinafter referred to as "the Hotel," "Management," "We," or "Us") and the guest or booking entity (hereinafter referred to as "Guest," "You," or "Your") regarding the termination, modification, or failure to utilize reserved services. By confirming a reservation at our 14-room Deluxe facility, you expressly acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the specific timelines and penalty structures outlined herein.

2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF CANCELLATION

As a boutique resort with a limited inventory of 14 Deluxe Rooms, our business model relies on the predictability of occupancy. When a room is reserved, it is removed from the global distribution system and held exclusively for you, preventing other potential guests from booking. Consequently, our cancellation charges are designed to offset the lost opportunity cost and operational expenses incurred in preparing for your arrival.

3. STANDARD CANCELLATION SCHEDULE (INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS)

For standard individual reservations (defined as bookings of fewer than 4 rooms), the following penalty tiers apply based on the time elapsed between the cancellation request and the scheduled check-in time (3:00 PM on the arrival date):

• Cancellations made 30 Days or more prior to arrival: A full refund will be processed, subject to a 5% administrative and payment gateway processing fee.
• Cancellations made between 15 and 29 Days prior to arrival: 25% of the total booking value (or the full deposit amount, whichever is higher) will be retained as a cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made between 7 and 14 Days prior to arrival: 50% of the total booking value will be retained as a cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made less than 7 Days prior to arrival: 100% of the total booking value will be retained. No refunds, partial or full, shall be issued for late-stage cancellations.

4. PEAK SEASON AND HOLIDAY POLICY

During defined "Peak Periods"—which include the Amarnath Yatra season, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and local festival weeks—all bookings are considered Non-Refundable and Non-Modifiable.

• Payment for Peak Season bookings must be made in full (100%) at the time of reservation.
• Any cancellation of a Peak Season booking, regardless of the notice period provided, will result in a 100% forfeiture of the paid amount.

5. GROUP BOOKINGS AND CORPORATE EVENTS

For reservations involving 4 or more rooms, or bookings intended for corporate retreats or family events, a separate "Group Contract" may apply. In the absence of a specific contract, the following applies:

• Deposit Requirement: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure group inventory.
• Final Payment: The remaining 50% must be cleared 21 days prior to arrival.
• Attrition: Reduction in the number of rooms within 14 days of arrival will be charged at 100% of the original room rate for the vacated inventory.

6. NO-SHOWS AND EARLY DEPARTURES

No-Show: If a guest fails to arrive at the Hotel by 11:59 PM on the scheduled check-in date without prior written communication, the booking will be flagged as a "No-Show." The entire reservation for all subsequent nights will be automatically cancelled, and 100% of the total booking value will be retained by the Hotel.

Early Departure: If a guest chooses to check out before their scheduled departure date (shortened stay), no refund or credit shall be provided for the unused nights. The Hotel is under no obligation to resell the room or return any portion of the payment once the guest has checked in.

7. MODIFICATIONS AND DATE AMENDMENTS

Amendment Requests: Requests to move booking dates are subject to availability and the prevailing room rates for the new dates.

Modification Fees: A standard modification fee of INR 1,500 plus taxes applies to any change in dates made more than 15 days before arrival.

Prohibited Modifications: No date modifications are permitted within 7 days of arrival; such requests will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and subject to the penalties in Section 3.

8. FORCE MAJEURE AND MOUNTAIN-SPECIFIC CONTINGENCIES

The Hotel is located in a high-altitude Himalayan region prone to extreme weather.

• Weather Events: In the event of heavy snowfall, landslides, or road closures preventing access to Pahalgam, the Hotel will offer a Credit Note valid for 6 months for a future stay. Cash refunds are not issued for weather-related disruptions.
• Civil Unrest: In cases of government-imposed travel restrictions or civil disturbances, the Hotel will adhere to official directives. Refunds in these cases are processed only if the Hotel is legally required to remain closed or is inaccessible by law.

9. REFUND PROCESSING PROTOCOL

Method of Refund: All approved refunds will be credited back to the original payment method (Credit Card, Debit Card, or Bank Account) used during the booking.

Processing Time: While we initiate refunds within 7 business days of approval, the actual reflection of funds in your account depends on your financial institution and may take between 10 to 21 business days.

Bank Charges: The Hotel is not responsible for any foreign exchange fluctuations or bank-levied transaction fees during the refund process.

10. THIRD-PARTY BOOKINGS (OTAs)

If your reservation was made through an Online Travel Agency (OTA) such as MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, or Expedia, the cancellation and refund rules of that specific platform will supersede this Policy. All refund requests for such bookings must be initiated through the respective platform, not directly with the Hotel.

11. EXCURSION AND ACTIVITY REFUNDS

Third-Party Activities: Payments made for trekking, rafting, or SXR Airport transfers are non-refundable once the service provider has been dispatched.

Bonfires: Riverside bonfires are weather-dependent. If the Hotel cancels a bonfire due to rain or wind, a full refund of the bonfire fee (if paid in advance) will be issued.

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any dispute regarding the interpretation or application of this Policy shall be settled through the courts of Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir. By proceeding with your payment, you waive any right to a "Chargeback" through your credit card provider that contradicts the terms of this Policy.