House Policies

Breakfast Options

Coffee shops in walking distance

Over time, the majority of our clients have indicated that they prefer a reduced room rate without breakfast being served because there are several delightful eateries and coffee shops within a few minutes walking distance of our facility that offer a wide selection of options and are far more cost effective and convenient. At Shelley's Coffee Shop, for example, a full 2 egg, bacon and 2 slices of toast breakfast (Sea Breeze Breakfast) costs as little as R65.

Order take-outs

There are several fast food outlets that will deliver food direct to you. Please provide them with your contact mobile number when ordering so that they can call you when your food is being delivered.

Breakfast packs

We offer a freshly prepared breakfast pack (R150 per person) that can be consumed on site or “to go” should that be your preference, but we need to be informed of your request 24 hours prior to your arrival in order to facilitate preparation.

Meal rebates

Many companies and government organisations prefer to provide a monetary amount specified on our tax invoice for their staff's meals, and we EFT this money direct into each guest's personal bank account so that they are free to purchase what they like from the different outlets to suit their choice and dietary preferences.

Reservations & Payment

• Please note that to make a reservation, a 50% deposit of the accommodation booked value is required and needs to be paid within 12 hours of making the reservation to secure the reservation, else it will be automatically cancelled. Any telephonic or e-mail reservation will only be held in place once the reservation deposit is paid.
• Any reservation made less than 24 hours prior to the commencing occupation date requires full payment to be made immediately on reservation.
• The reservation deposit may be made either via credit card or directly into our banking account via direct deposit or electronic funds transfer. Payments via EFT must be done as instant payments and the proof of payment must be sent to us via a bank-issued proof of payment that is a direct bank sent SMS sent to 072 140 4898 or e-mail: accommodation@thewhitehousebandb.co.za
• Check-in time is from 14h00 to 18h00 unless otherwise arranged. If your arrival will be later, then please advise us on the date of your arrival.
• Check-out time is from 6am until 11h00 on the morning of your departure. Should you need to depart earlier, then please arrange in advance with reception.
• Kids under 10 stay free if sharing a room with 2 Adults.
• Regrettably no pets are allowed.
• Credit card facilities are available at reception to settle your account upon arrival. We accept Master & Visa debit and credit cards. All bookings must be settled upon arrival.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted in writing by e-mail. The applicable cancellation fee will be calculated as a percentage of the total accommodation reservation value.

• If a reservation is cancelled 30 days or more prior to the arrival date, a cancellation fee equal to 10% of the total accommodation reservation value will apply.
• If a reservation is cancelled between 20 and 29 days prior to the arrival date, a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the total accommodation reservation value will apply.
• If a reservation is cancelled between 10 and 19 days prior to the arrival date, a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the total accommodation reservation value will apply.
• If a reservation is cancelled less than 10 days prior to the arrival date, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total accommodation reservation value will apply.
• In the event of a no-show, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total accommodation reservation value will apply.

Please note that any refund due, after deduction of the applicable cancellation fee and any direct banking or administrative charges, will be processed within a reasonable period.

Payment Policy

All guests are required to settle the full outstanding balance for the entire reservation period upon arrival and before check-in is permitted. Partial payments, for example paying only for the first night, are not permitted.

Payment may be made by cash, Visa or MasterCard using our on-site card machine, or via EFT.

If payment is made via EFT, the following conditions apply:

• The payment must be processed as an instant / real-time payment so that the funds reflect immediately in our account.
• Proof of payment must be a bank-issued confirmation sent directly from your bank.
• This proof must be sent via the bank’s SMS notification system to 072 140 4898.

Meal Rebate Policy

Upon request, we will bill for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (or any combination of meals) per Company / Reservation Agency or Government organisation request and we will instant EFT the monies to each guest upon arrival (A payment release form must be completed by each guest on arrival). As our business is a registered VAT vendor, we are required to pay over to SARS the 15% VAT as the guest is not a VAT vendor. (The Company / Reservation Agency claims the VAT portion back in their accounting process). The meal(s) amount reflected on our Tax invoice will therefore be reduced by the 15% VAT amount as well as a further 5% which covers our instant banking transaction and admin fees, so the guest will receive the meals amount reflected on the Tax Invoice less 20%.

Noise and Music Policy

In accordance with the applicable municipal by-laws of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality governing noise and public disturbance in residential areas, all guests are required to ensure that music, amplified sound, and excessive noise are strictly limited after 22:00 (10:00 pm).

As our guesthouse is situated within a residential neighbourhood in Gonubie, we are committed to maintaining a peaceful environment for both our guests and the surrounding community.

Accordingly:

• Music, loud gatherings, and amplified sound must be reduced to a reasonable level and effectively cease by 22:00.
• Guests are requested to move social activities indoors and keep noise levels low after this time.
• Any behaviour that may constitute a disturbance under municipal by-laws is not permitted.

Management reserves the right to request that noise levels be reduced immediately and, in the event of continued disturbance, to terminate the gathering or require guests to vacate the premises without refund in order to comply with municipal regulations. By confirming a group booking, guests acknowledge and agree to abide by this house rule and all applicable local by-laws.