General Policies & Disclosures
As a family owned business representing home owners that also happen to be our friends, and wanting our guests to feel welcome and at home, we'd prefer handshakes and reliance on common decency over written policies and formal agreements. Sadly, others tell us we need to be a bit more formal.
With that in mind, here's a page full of too many words. To further complicate things, these are only our "general policies". The specific policies may vary from one property to the next, based on owner preferences. Refer to the "Rental Agreement" sent out with each quote or rental confirmation for specifics.
Rental Rates
Rental rates vary based on season, holidays, day-of-week, early or last-minute booking, length of stay, total number of guests, and other factors. Rates also vary if booked directly or through a booking site like VRBO or Airbnb. Direct booking rates, either on this website or on our BigBendVacations.com site, are always the least expensive. Direct booking also allows you to avoid the expensive fees charged by 3rd party sites.
Rate Details
Nightly Rate: The nightly rate will often vary from one night to the next.
Cleaning Fee: One-time fee for cleaning regardless of the length of stay. For reservations over ten days, we can offer interim cleaning and restocking if desired. This fee also covers linen service, trash service, and restocking consumable items such a coffee supplies, soaps, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, etc.
Security Deposit: We do not charge a security deposit.
Taxes: By law, we are required to collect and remit 13% Hotel tax (7% to the county and 6% to the state). Stays of 28 days or more are exempt from hotel tax.
Fines: We reserve the right to charge fines for violations of our stated policies. A fine of up to $250 may be assessed for failure to disclose a pet, smoking inside, exceeding the stated occupancy level, or if excessive cleaning is required.
Damages: Guests are responsible for any damages caused to the property by them, other members of their party, or guests. We request that guests advise us of any damages immediately.
Discounts: Discounts for last-minute reservations, long stays, mid-week, and off-season stays are built into our pricing.
Payment Terms
A deposit of 50% of total charges is required to confirm a reservation. Any remaining balance will be automatically charged thirty (30) days prior to arrival. Full payment is required if the arrival date is within thirty (30) days. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card. We do not accept checks, money orders, or bank transfers.
Reservation Confirmation
Reservations are not confirmed until payment has been received. Upon receipt of payment, we will send a confirmation notice.
Cancellation and Refunds
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If you cancel more than thirty (30) days before your scheduled arrival, we will refund 100% of your payment.
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If you cancel between fifteen (15) and thirty (30) days of your scheduled arrival, we will refund at least 50% of your payment.
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If you cancel less than fifteen (15) days prior to your scheduled arrival a refund the cleaning fee. Any additional refund will be contingent on the property being rented to other guests.
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Regardless of the above limitations, we refund cleaning fees on cancellations. We also refund rental charges for any cancelled nights that are then booked and paid by other guests.
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We do not offer exceptions to our cancellation policy based on weather, electric utility outages, park closures, or government shutdowns. We do make exceptions for declared disasters and government imposed travel bans (such as the COVID closures of 2020).
Transfers
Guest request for transfers from one rental property to another, will be treated as cancellations and new rentals. Such cancellations will be subject to the above listed cancellation and refund policy. This is necessary because the properties are owned by different individuals.
Check-In
Self check-in is any time after 4pm. Early check-in may be available upon request and at our discretion, depending on business requirements such as cleaning or maintenance schedules. Most properties have entry doors with touch pad locks. Upon your arrival, use the provided codes or combinations to unlock any gates and the entry door. There is no need to contact us upon arrival, unless you have questions or concerns. Simply let yourself in and make yourself at home.
Check-Out
Standard check-out is any time before 11am. Late check-out may be available upon request and at our discretion, depending on business requirements such as cleaning or maintenance schedules. Prior to leaving, we request that you wash all your dishes, turn off all lights, leave the AC or heat on a moderate temperature. Place all trash in cans, either inside or outside. Please do NOT strip the beds (doing so ourselves provides an opportunity to inspect for wear or special laundering considerations). Close and lock all windows and doors. Please notify us of any damages or maintenance concerns. Sending us a message upon your departure is appreciated, but not required.
Cleaning
Cleaning, including providing fresh linens and bath towels, is provided. Daily maid service is not provided. The cleaning fee covers the cost of thorough cleaning, laundering linens, restocking consumables (soaps, paper goods, trash bags, and more), restocking linens, trash disposal, and more. Our cleaning service is not meant to include washing dirty dishes. We request that guest wash their own dishes. Loading the dishwasher and starting a wash cycle, or handwashing dishes and leaving them on the drying rack, is fine.
Occupancy Levels
There is a maximum occupancy limit of six guests. In some cases, we may make exceptions on the occupancy level, particularly for young children. However, such exceptions are at our discretion. In setting and enforcing occupancy levels, we must consider bedding, available space, water consumption, electric consumption, trash disposal, linens, and septic system capacity. Violation of occupancy level limits without prior approval may result in a $250 fine and possibly a non-refundable cancellation.
No Pets
Pets are not allowed at Casa Abuelo Loco. Violations of this prohibition may result in a fine of $250 and possibly the non-refundable cancellation of your reservation. This policy does not apply to service animals. Service animals that assist our guests are always welcome. Service animals cannot be left unattended and their owners must clean up after them.
No Smoking
Smoking of any sort is not permitted inside. Smoking is allowed outside. Smokers are responsible for managing fire risks and properly disposing of their own cigarette butts or other smoking paraphernalia. Violations may result in a $250 fine and the non-refundable cancellation of your reservation.
Damages
Guests are responsible for any damages caused to the property by them, other members of their party, guests, pets, or service animals. We request that guests advise us of any damages immediately. This will allow us the opportunity to make arrangements for repairs and will typically keep the costs of repair lower by avoiding after hours repairs or extra trip charges. Guests will be billed for the reasonable and necessary cost of repairs.
Maintenance & Service Issues
If maintenance or service is required, please call or text Daryl at 432-271-9477.
For emergencies, please dial 911. The local EMS phone number is 432-371-2536.
Road & Driveway Access
Casa Abuelo Loci is within a quarter mile of FM 170. The access road and driveway are dirt and rock, but well maintatined. The house is easily accessible in any passenger vehicles other than ones with very low clearance. If the road or driveway appears to be impassable due to dislodged rocks, water, mud, or any washed out areas, call us for assistance and repair. If you have questions about road conditions, please call us.
Motorcycles: We do not recommend this property for heavy road bikes due to the potential of loose rock on a fairly steep grade. Dual sport and adventure bikes can easily handle the conditions.
Electric Outages
Power outages may occur, especially when storms are in the area. Due to the vast service area and remote locations, it may take a while for the electric company to locate the problem and restore service. Please call us and/or the electric company to report any power outages. We will do our best to keep you informed on the causes and expected restoration times on outages.
Water
This house has potable water, provided by Study Butte Water Supply. Water is a limited and precious resource in the desert. Please help us by conserving water. Please turn off the water when soaping up, shaving, or brushing your teeth. Please make sure toilets do not continue to run between uses. Please report any water leaks.
Firearms
Due to concerns from neighbors and potential liability, we must prohibit the discharge of firearms.
Hunting
Hunting is strictly prohibited at this property. Hunters on guided hunts or with access to property were legal hunting is permitted are welcome but must comply with our restrictions while at the rental property. Processing of game animals or disposal of animal products or remains is not allowed.
Collecting Artifacts, Rocks, Plants, or Animals
Removing or disturbing any artifacts, rocks, plants, or animals is strictly forbidden.
Off Road Vehicles
The use of cars, trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps is limited to roads and driveways. Off-road recreational vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, or similar vehicles are strictly prohibited on all properties and will result in charges for any damages. The desert looks rugged; however, the plants, soil, and rock formations are extremely susceptible to damage or destruction. Vehicle tracks across desert terrain often remain for years. Many old wagon trails are still visible and causing erosion problems even many decades after their last use.
Injurious Plants
The desert is home to lots of plants with thorns or sharp points. Be careful when outside and keep a close eye on kids.
Dangerous Animals
The desert is home to many wildlife species that can be potentially dangerous to humans or pets. Potentially dangerous wildlife known to exist here include venomous snakes and insects, cone-nosed beetles, mountain lions, Mexican black bears, coyotes, javelina, bobcats, and large birds of prey. However, few people or pets are ever harmed. After two decades of managing multiple vacation rentals in this region, we have not yet had a single guest or pet harmed by any native wildlife, with the exception of a few minor insect stings. Generally, the native critters try to avoid contact with humans.
Venomous Snakes
Many guests have particular fears or concerns regarding venomous snakes. While four species of rattlesnake and one species of copperhead do live in the region, they are rarely seen. In fact, most rural areas or park lands in the southern US have a far higher population of venomous snakes than the Big Bend. Additionally, due to the harsh environment, most of the venomous snakes in the area limit their activity to morning, dusk, and night. Always use a flashlight at night and watch where you put your hands and feet. There is reason to be aware, but no reason for excessive fear or worry. If you see a venomous snake near the house, please call us. We will safely remove and relocate it.
Liability
We are not responsible for any loss, theft, damage, injury or illness. By accepting a rental reservation, guests and all those in their party or visiting them are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the property.