1. General

1.1 Glossary

1.1 These are the terms & conditions that apply to the Contract (as defined below). 

1.2 Please read these terms carefully before you submit your Order to us. These terms tell you who we are, how we will provide goods and services to you, how the Contract may be changed or ended, what to do if there is a problem and other important information. If you think that there is a mistake in these terms, please contact us to discuss. 

1.3 The following definitions apply to these terms:

• “Booking” means a booking to stay at Ulva Hostel and/or campsite and/or yurts any other facility made available to book, and includes accommodation and any additional product or service from us.
• “Contract” means:
  (a)    the agreement between you and us (made subject to these terms) to fulfil a Booking with us or purchase a Product from us; 
• “Data Protection Legislation” all applicable privacy and data protection laws. 
• “Exclusive Hire” refers to Ulva Hostel and/or campsite and yurts hired for exclusive use.
• “Extra Services” means early check in, late check out, kit transport, sauna use, laundry use, firewood supply and dog supplement.
• “Group” means an organised, official group formed with a constitution and/or memorandum and articles (to include but not limited to schools, universities, the Scout Association or similar organisations) and as explained in further detail in clause 6 of these terms.
• “Hostel” means Ulva Hostel run by us – House of Ardalum LLP – as an independently owned hostel.
• “Leader” means an individual nominated by a Group to travel with and take responsibility for people within that particular Group.
• “No-Show” means a guest who does not arrive at the Hostel (but has made a Booking) and does not give any advance notice or indication of such intent to us.
• “Order” means your order for a Booking using the online booking facility or by calling or emailing us or visiting the hostel and placing an order at the hostel.
• “Sole Use” refers to the sole-use of the Hostel, section or grounds of Ulva Hostel.
• “We, us, our, Hostel” means Ulva Hostel Campsite and Yurts, a Limited Liability Partnership that is limited by guarantee and trading as House of Ardalum LLP whose registered office is Ardalum House, Isle of Ulva, Isle of Mull, PA73 6LZ  – registered company number SO307111
• “Writing” means letter, email or other document.
• “You, your” means any customer who places an Order with us for a Booking and/or Product.
• “Young Person /People” means an individual aged 16 and under, travelling as part of a Group.

1.4 These conditions and any matters referred to by us, form the entire understanding between you and us and supersede any prior promises, representations (unless fraudulent) or undertakings.

1.5 Any omission or error in any sales literature, web page or site, order form, quotation, price list, order acknowledgement, dispatch note, invoice or other document issued by us may be corrected by us without liability. We will advise you of any changes at the time of placing an Order or as soon as is reasonably possible thereafter.

2. Our contract with you

2.1 All Orders for a Booking at Ulva Hostel and/or extra services must be placed via our website at https://ulva hostel.co.uk or by telephoning us on 07538 969 967 or, by directly emailing Hostel.

2.2 Our acceptance of your Order for a Booking with us (or purchase of an extra service from us) will take place when we email you to accept it (Booking Confirmation), at which point a Contract will come into existence between you and us (for a Booking with us or purchase of a Product from us). 

2.3 If you place multiple Orders (e.g. for Bookings on various dates), the Contract will only come into force for the part of the Order which is confirmed as successful by us in the Booking Confirmation.

2.4 Please note all Bookings are subject to availability and:

2.4.1 we reserve the right to decline an Order for any Booking or an extra service at our sole discretion. If we are unable to accept your Order (for whatever reason) we will inform you of this and will not charge you for the Booking or extra service ordered. This might be because there is not availability at the Hostel for the requested Booking, because of unexpected limits on our resources which we could not reasonably plan for and/or because we have identified an error in the price or the description of the service or Booking; and

2.4.2 the provision of a Booking Confirmation does not guarantee that you will be provided with a room on the date you have requested. In some circumstances,  we may be unable to honour this and where this is the case, we will, upon providing you with at least 2 months’ notice (prior to the date on which you are intending to attend the Hostel) contact you to amend the Order. We will try our best to offer you another room, and where you refuse to take up this request, we will cancel your Order and provide you with a refund of any sums you have paid in advance for that Order.

2.5 Where we provide you with a Booking Confirmation, it is your responsibility to check the Booking Confirmation and confirm all details stated within it are correct. If you do not receive a Booking Confirmation it is your responsibility to notify us of this, to enable us to check and where relevant, issue the Booking Confirmation.

2.6 If you believe that there is an error in the Booking Confirmation, you must notify us within 48 hours of receiving it, or prior to the date of your arrival at the Hostel (whichever is the earlier). Failure to notify us in accordance with the provisions of this clause 2.6, shall mean the terms set out in the Booking Confirmation are binding on both you and us.

2.7 Orders can only be discussed and amended by you (being the person that has placed the Order with us) and whose details we hold on record, unless consent has been given to discuss with another named person.

2.8 By placing an Order with us you confirm that you are legally capable of entering into a binding contract and that the information you have provided to us is correct. All Orders made by telephone, online or other forms of distance communication are made subject to these terms and conditions and by submitting an Order you warrant that you have the full authority to do so on behalf of all and any persons on whose behalf you are submitting the Order. You further confirm that all such persons are aware of and accept these conditions.

2.9 The maximum length of stay at any Hostel is 28 consecutive nights. Following any stay of 28 nights, or greater, you (and any of your guests that you have made a Booking for) will not be permitted to stay in the Hostel for at least 7 nights. We are not authorised to, and therefore we do not, provide semi-permanent housing. We cannot be used as a primary place of residence. 

3. Valid ID required and children

4.1 To ensure we provide safe and suitable accommodation for everyone, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person who is 18 years or older. Children at the age of 12 and over can stay in public dormitories if accompanied by an adult, who they checked into the Hostel with. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to stay in public dormitory accommodation and should be booked into a private room. Children who are ages 16 or over may stay in any accommodation. Groups of guests of mixed genders, who wish to stay in the same room, must book private accommodation.

4.2 We work hard to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all of our guests. To assist with this, you will be asked to provide valid ID on arrival at the Hostel. The ID must match the name and address on the Booking. We reserve the right to ask for ID from any guest on check in. We reserve the right to refuse accommodation at our discretion.

4.3 Where a Booking is for more than 1 person the named person on the Booking will need to provide proof of identity that matches the name and address on the Booking. ID is requested from all those age 18 and over in the Booking, which must match the name they sign in with. If your Booking is only for those aged 16 & 17 you will be asked to provide ID when you check in.

The exception to the above is with Exclusive Hire Bookings where only the Leader need show ID. 

4.4 Any of the following is accepted by us as an appropriate form of ID:

• Passport – this is mandatory for non-UK residents, unless they have a recognised or national identity card if the guest is from within the European Union.
• Valid, photographic, driver’s licence.
• Government-issued identification with details (names, date of birth) entered centrally by the issuing department, including identification for employees of:
  • Fire
  • Police
  • Forces
  • NHS
  • Local Authorities
• Identification card for EU Residents, where it features a photograph
• Young Scot card
• Photographic student identity card, from a UK educational facility with a current admissions date
• Travelcard with photograph
• YOTI digital identification through smart phones: www.yoti.com [1]
• UK citizen card www.citizencard.com [1]
• An image of any of the above items displaying a clear picture of the person, which can be held in the form of a smart phone image or photocopy

[1] These are low-cost cards that provide young people with a quick form of centrally issued identification. These are available to people of all ages and therefore gives access to our premises for those who want it. We cannot accept applications as evidence of identity, they must present the actual card.

5. Payment and discount

5.1 Payments shall be made in such format as we agree with you when you place an Order. As set out in our Privacy Notice we use direct bank transfer or Stripe to process card payments for Bookings. 

5.2 In order for us to confirm your Booking you must pay us the appropriate sum as set out in the terms below:

Family and individual bookings

5.2.1 For all Orders, full payment is required on receipt of the booking confirmation invoice that is sent via our booking system, or emailed invoice.

Group bookings

5.2.2 Group Bookings made more than 12 weeks (84 days) in advance of arrival date:

A provisional Booking can be held for up to a maximum of 21 days without payment. To confirm a Booking an initial deposit of 20% of the total Booking value is required. Your first deposit payment will confirm acceptance of the group Booking terms and conditions stated in this document. The remaining full balance is due 8 weeks (56 days) before arrival at the Hostel.

5.2.3 Group Bookings made within 12 weeks (84 days) of arrival date

A provisional Booking can be held for up to a maximum of 7 days without payment. The total Booking value should be paid at least 8 weeks (56 days) before arrival at the Hostel.

5.2.4 We will require you to confirm final group numbers no later than 8 weeks (56 days) prior to arrival at the Hostel.

5.3 We will, where applicable, send you an invoice for all payments at least two weeks (14 days) before the payment due date, based on the latest guest numbers provided. If payment is overdue at any stage, we reserve the right to remove any discounts or eligibility for exclusive hostel usage or cancel your Order for the relevant Booking.

5.4 If any payment under these terms and conditions is overdue, then without prejudice to our other rights and remedies we may cancel your Order for the relevant Booking and/or we may suspend the supply and/or deliveries of any other services being provided to you by us.

6. Group bookings

6.1 Groups are defined as being an part of an official organisation having a constitution or memorandum and articles and comprising of 8 or more people. These ‘Groups’ are subject to the standard group terms and conditions set out above. If a Group of less than 8 people book, they will be subject to non-Group Family and Individual terms and conditions (set out above) and will have to make full payment at the time of placing the Order for the Booking.

6.2 Group Bookings must have a nominated group leader, who is responsible for making and overseeing the Booking, including financial and legal responsibility.

6.3 Leaders accompanying the Group are responsible for the safeguarding, discipline and behaviour of their Group. Leaders are responsible for all damage caused by their action or inaction, or the actions or inactions of those in their Group.

6.4 We do not allow adults from educational establishments and youth groups to share bedrooms with children under the age of 18. The exception to this is where a child’s health or wellbeing would prevent them from staying with us otherwise, for example carers. We will require confirmation in writing that the parent or guardian of the child has provided written consent naming the adult they permit to share with the child or young person.

6.5 Groups shall not offer for sale to the general public (or publicly advertise the sale of) our Hostel facilities or services without our prior written agreement.

6.6 Sole use of the Hostel may be offered by us but will be subject to explicit agreement at the time of placing your Order. Unless specifically highlighted in the Booking Confirmation, you will not be entitled to, nor should you expect sole-use of any Hostel, wing, section or grounds of the given property. In the case of placing an Order for the Booking of a Hostel on a sole-usage basis, you may be asked to pay for a minimum number of beds or be charged an additional supplement. These conditions will be agreed and confirmed prior to issuing you with a Booking Confirmation. Please note, sole-usage will not be guaranteed should the number of paying guests reduce below the agreed minimum number at a later date. If sole use is released, any sole use supplements or surcharges are subject to cancellation fees set out in clause 8.4.

6.7 An Order for a Booking relating to the sole use of a property shall only be accepted on the understanding that the total number in your party shall not exceed the total number of beds available at the Hostel. You must seek special permission from us via email before making a Booking for sole use, if you wish to hold any kind of event where the number of guests exceeds the bed capacity and/or you wish to bring any additional equipment or temporary accommodation to the Hostel (including additional cooking equipment, tents, marque, gazebos or similar). We reserve the right to terminate the hire immediately should this take place without our prior written consent.

7. If you change your booking

Individual bookings 

7.1 Changes requested from the date your Booking is confirmed with payment will be treated as cancellations (see clause 8 below).

8. If you cancel your booking – our refund policy

8.1 All Booking cancellations are subject to our refund policy, contained within this clause. We recommend that you cover your Booking with appropriate travel insurance.

8.2 All refunds are calculated according to the time between notification of the cancellation being received by us and the time of the first night of your stay at the Hostel. The first night of your stay is defined as starting at 12pm (12 noon) on the day of arrival at the Hostel.

8.3 Family and Individual bookings: to cancel your Booking, please contact us via email or, if you are due to arrive in the next 48 hours, please call or email us.

8.3.1 Please note that you cannot cancel part of a Booking on the online  booking system. If you wish to do this, you must cancel the whole Booking and re-book. Such cancellations will be subject to our refund policy below.

NOTICE PERIOD	CANCELLATION OF THE WHOLE BOOKING
If you cancel before 12pm/12noon on the day prior to your booking arrival	You will be entitled to a refund of 80% of the total Booking, except for any Third Party Services
If you cancel after 12pm/12noon on the day prior to your booking arrival	No refund
No show	No refund

8.4 Group Bookings: To make an amendment and/or a cancellation of a Group Booking, the party leader must notify us via email. Our cancellation charges depend on the notice period given and are shown below:

DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL	CANCELLATION CHARGE PAYABLE
56 days or more	Any booking deposits already paid or due
55 – 28 days	50% of the total cost of your booking
27 – 0 days	100% of the total cost of your booking

8.5 Applying for a refund: please apply within 90 days of cancellation by email.

8.9 Applications are usually processed within 28 days of receipt. 

For any queries please call or email us.

9. Your responsibility, behaviour and liability

9.1 We pride ourselves on creating friendly, welcoming and above all safe places for people of all ages to enjoy. Any breaches of our admission, behaviour or safety policies will be treated seriously and regarded as a breach of these terms and conditions.

9.2 Whether a Group Booking or a Booking made by or on behalf of individuals, if the behaviour of yourself or any member of a party is considered likely to cause danger, damage or offence, we reserve the right at our reasonable discretion for a Booking with us to cancel or terminate a stay at the Hostel completely. If we consider that the behaviour of any member of your party is unacceptable, we are authorised to end the stay and you will be asked to leave the premises. Should this situation arise our responsibility for your Booking will cease and we will not be obliged to cover any expense which may be incurred by the party concerned, neither will we consider any claim for compensation or refunds.

9.3 You are responsible for the cost of any damage caused by yourself or your party during your stay at the Hostel; these charges will be levied by and should be paid to us prior to departure. Should any such behaviour halt or interrupt our ability to continue to trade any bed, room or other product, you will be responsible for compensating us in full for all losses directly incurred. Such behaviour or damage may lead to civil or criminal proceedings where appropriate. 

9.4 Leader responsibilities: As a Leader making a group Booking you are also accepting responsibility for the safeguarding and behaviour of your party. There should be at least one responsible adult on duty at all times, this is in order to ensure all participants behave according to our policy.

9.5 When using social spaces within our hostels, yourself and your party are responsible for following any advice or guidance which is set out for guests to follow. This will ensure the safety of yourself, your party and other guests staying in our property along with our team members.

9.6 Our guests are free to take their own alcohol into the Hostel although we maintain responsibility for the behaviour of guests and therefore we expect the same level of conduct as in licensed premises.

10. Camping & Yurts

10.1 Arrival and Departure Times: On arrival, please contact us before pitching. We are unable to allow under 16-year olds to camp at our sites without adult accompaniment.

10.2 Noise policy and behaviour: We reserve the right to reject guests who are deemed as causing unnecessary disturbance, noise or behaviour which affects the peaceful enjoyment of the camping, hostel and yurt facility by other guests.

10.3 Campfires: Open fires and ground level barbecues are permitted in designated locations. The use of generators is also not permitted on our sites. Cutting or damaging trees and other vegetation is strictly prohibited and we request that all campers respect the natural conditions of, and around, the campsite.

10.4 Disposable BBQs and Camping Stoves must not be used inside or near the entrance to tents and Yurts due to the risk of Carbon Monoxide.

10.5 Cancellations: If you wish to cancel your Booking please see the cancellations policy in Clause 8.

11. Exclusive Hire

If you wish to make an Exclusive Hire Booking or require further information on Exclusive Hire, please see the Exclusive Hire terms & conditions.

12. Dogs

Dogs are permitted by prior agreement, but we reserve the right to refuse dogs staying with guests on the premise at our discretion, at the time of booking.

14. If we change your booking

14.1 In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to change your Booking, in total or in part, we will inform you as soon as is reasonably possible of any necessary changes. You will have the choice of:

• Accepting the changed arrangements
• Making an alternative Booking with us, subject to availability (and paying or receiving a refund in respect of any differences)
• Cancelling your Booking and receiving a full refund of all payments made

15. Delay or failure to perform

15.1 We will not be liable to you if we are prevented or delayed in the performing of any of our obligations to you if this is due to any cause beyond our reasonable control including (without limitation): an act of God, explosion, flood, fire or accident; war or civil disturbance; strike, industrial action or stoppages of work; any form of government intervention; a third party act or omission.

15.2 Ulva Hostel is located on a remote, wild and beautiful island off the west coast of Mull, in Scotland. During periods of extreme weather we will endeavour to remain open and to keep you informed of the latest conditions. We recommend you check with us before commencing your journey. If the Hostel is open, but you choose not to travel because of the weather, this will be treated as a normal cancellation and the terms outlined above will apply. (see clause 15.3 for specific Calmac ferry cancellations).

15.3 If you are delayed by Calmac ferry cancellations between the mainland and Mull on the day of your expected arrival – and inform us prior to the time of expected arrival by email or telephone – we will endeavour to alter your booking accordingly, subject to availability. (This does not override clause 15.2.)

16. Our liability to you 

16.1 We will ensure that the accommodation and /or other services you order from us are provided in accordance with these terms and conditions and shall be provided by us with reasonable skill and care. 

16.2 Where an element of your Booking is not provided to the standard stated in clause 16.1 you must notify us within 28 days. We shall then investigate the matter and where necessary agree an appropriate level of compensation; depending on the nature and severity of the breach; compensation may take the form of partial / full refund, credit note towards a future Booking, complementary service or other agreed benefit.

16.3 Our entire liability in connection with the Contract will not exceed the value of the services purchased or the Booking made with us less any amendment charges paid to us..

16.4 Except in relation to death or personal injury caused by our negligence our liability remains, at all times, limited to the value of the services purchased or the Booking made, excluding any amendment charges paid to us.

16.5  Nothing in these terms and conditions or a Contract as a whole is intended or will operate to exclude anyone’s liability for fraud, death or personal injury caused by negligence or for any other matter for which liability cannot be contractually excluded or limited under the law. An individual’s mandatory statutory rights as a consumer, if applicable, are also not to be affected by anything in the Contract.

17. Communication

17.1 When using our website or speaking to us on the telephone you accept that communication with us will be mainly electronic. We will contact you by e-mail or provide you with information or by posting notices on our website. By Booking with us you agree to this electronic means of communication and you acknowledge that all contracts, notices, information and other communications that we provide to you electronically comply with any legal requirement that such communications be in Writing. This condition does not affect your statutory rights.

18. Severability

18.1 If any of these terms and conditions or any provisions of a Contract with you are determined to be invalid unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, such term, condition or provision will to that extent be removed from the remaining terms, conditions or provisions which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.

19. Changing these terms & conditions

19.1 We have the right to revise and amend these terms and conditions from time to time. You will be subject to the terms and conditions in force at the time that you make a Booking or purchase Products from us, unless any change is required to be made by law or if we notify you of the change to these terms and conditions before we confirm that your Booking or purchase has been successful.

20. Your information and privacy statement

For information on how we use, store and process your personal data and your rights under the Data Protection Legislation please see our Privacy Notice.