Policies for stay, café & booking.

This Privacy Policy applies to The Rustic, including The Rustic Jibhi and The Rustic Shoja, our in-house café(s), WhatsApp booking, email, and the website https://therustic.in. By contacting us, making a booking, staying with us, ordering at the café, or using the website, you agree to this policy.

1. Who we are

The Rustic operates mountain hostel / hotel-style stays and café services in Himachal Pradesh, India. For privacy requests, contact reservation@therustic.in or WhatsApp +91 95107 33999.

2. Information we collect

• Identity & contact: name, phone, email, nationality, government ID details shown at check-in (as required by local lodging rules).
• Booking details: property preference (Jibhi / Shoja), dates, room or dorm type, guest count, special requests, arrival plans.
• Payment records: amount paid, UPI / payment-link references, invoices. We do not store full card numbers on our servers.
• Stay & café notes: dietary needs you share, incident reports, feedback, volunteer / artist applications.
• Communications: WhatsApp, email, call notes needed to manage your reservation or enquiry.
• Website / device data: basic logs such as IP address, browser type, pages visited, and referrer (for security and site improvement).

3. Why we use your information

• To confirm availability, take deposits, complete check-in and provide accommodation or café service.
• To comply with Indian lodging, tax, accounting and law-enforcement requirements.
• To communicate about your booking, house rules, weather / road advisories, and property changes.
• To handle refunds, complaints, damage claims and safety incidents.
• To improve operations, website content and guest experience (in aggregated or de-identified form where possible).
• With your consent, to send occasional offers (you may opt out anytime).

4. Legal bases (India)

We process personal data for legitimate uses under applicable Indian law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP) where it applies: to perform a contract (your booking), to comply with law, for employment / volunteer coordination where relevant, and with consent for optional marketing.

5. Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share limited data with:

• Payment providers (UPI apps, payment-link processors) to complete transactions.
• Communication tools (e.g. WhatsApp / email providers) to reach you.
• Professional advisers (accountant, lawyer) when required.
• Authorities when legally required (police verification, court order, emergency).
• Trusted vendors who help run the website or operations, under confidentiality expectations.

6. Retention

Booking, ID and payment records are kept as long as needed for legal, tax and dispute purposes (typically several years). Enquiry chats without a booking may be deleted sooner. Website logs are retained for a shorter operational period.

7. Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards. No method of transmission over WhatsApp, email or the internet is perfectly secure; please avoid sending unnecessary sensitive documents.

8. Your rights

You may request access, correction, or deletion of personal data we hold, or withdraw marketing consent, by emailing reservation@therustic.in. We may retain information we are legally required to keep (for example completed booking and payment records).

9. Children

Our hostels are primarily adult / young-adult travellers. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and disclosed at booking. We do not knowingly market to children.

10. International guests

If you contact us from outside India, your information is processed in India. By booking, you understand transfers may occur as needed to provide the stay.

11. Cookies & analytics

The website may use essential cookies for security and basic function. If we add analytics or advertising later, we will update this policy and, where required, seek appropriate consent.

12. Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date on this page will change. Continued use of our services after an update means you accept the revised policy.

These Website & Booking Terms govern use of https://therustic.in and all reservations for The Rustic Jibhi, The Rustic Shoja, related café services, experiences we organise, and volunteer / artist stays. By booking or paying an advance, you accept these terms together with the Terms of Stay, Café Terms, House Rules and Cancellation Policy.

1. Who you contract with

Your contract is with The Rustic for the property named in your confirmation (Jibhi and/or Shoja). Rates, inclusions and special offers are those confirmed in writing (WhatsApp or email).

2. How a booking is confirmed

• An enquiry is not a booking.
• A booking is confirmed only when we accept your dates/room type in writing and receive the requested advance / full payment as stated.
• Until payment is received, inventory may be released to other guests.
• Website prices and room descriptions are indicative; the written confirmation controls.

3. Accuracy of information

You must provide accurate guest names, ages (if relevant), contact details and arrival plans. False ID, undisclosed extra guests, or misrepresentation may lead to cancellation without refund.

4. Website content

Photos, maps, trek descriptions and amenity lists are for guidance. Mountain conditions, Wi-Fi speeds, power, weather and event schedules can change. We aim for accuracy but do not guarantee uninterrupted services.

5. Intellectual property

Content on https://therustic.in (text, branding, photos, illustrations) belongs to The Rustic or its licensors. You may not copy or reuse it commercially without permission.

6. Third-party links & OTAs

If you book via a third-party platform (OTA), that platform’s terms may also apply. Direct WhatsApp bookings on therustic.in may include website-exclusive discounts; OTA bookings follow the OTA’s cancellation and payment rules unless we state otherwise in writing.

7. Acceptable use of the website

Do not misuse the site (scraping, attacks, fraud, spam). We may block access that threatens security or operations.

These Terms of Stay apply to all overnight guests at The Rustic Jibhi and The Rustic Shoja, including dorms, private rooms and any suite-style accommodation.

1. Check-in & check-out

• Standard check-in: from 1:00 PM. Standard check-out: by 11:00 AM, unless confirmed otherwise in writing.
• Early check-in / late check-out depends on availability and may be charged.
• We may request an estimated arrival time for remote mountain properties.

2. Identification & registration

• Valid government photo ID is required at check-in for every guest (Aadhaar / passport / driving licence or other accepted ID).
• Foreign nationals must present passport and any required visas; we may complete police / Form C style registration as required by law.
• We may refuse check-in if ID is incomplete or appears fraudulent.

3. Occupancy & visitors

• Only registered guests may stay overnight. Extra guests must be approved and paid for in advance.
• Day visitors may be allowed at management discretion and must leave by the time we specify.
• Dorm beds are individual; swapping beds without asking staff can disturb other guests.

4. Age & female dorms

• Guests under 18 require a parent/guardian on the booking and present at check-in unless we agree otherwise in writing.
• Female-only dorms are reserved for guests who identify and book as such; misuse may result in relocation or removal.

5. What is included

Unless your confirmation says otherwise, the room/dorm rate typically includes the bed or room, access to common areas, Wi-Fi (subject to mountain connectivity), and hot water when systems are operating. Meals, laundry, transport, treks and paid experiences are extra unless packaged.

6. Conduct

• Treat staff, guests, neighbours and the property with respect.
• No illegal drugs. No violence, threats, sexual harassment, caste/religion/gender-based abuse, or theft.
• Quiet hours apply in sleeping areas (typically late night); shared spaces may host community events — join or use quieter zones.
• Smoking only in designated outdoor areas, if any. No indoor smoking.
• Alcohol only where and when permitted by management and local law; intoxication that endangers others is not allowed.

7. Damage, breakages & cleaning charges

• You are responsible for damage, breakages and excessive mess caused by you or your visitors beyond normal wear and tear.
• Broken glassware, crockery, furniture, fixtures, locks, windows, mattresses, bedding, electronics or décor may be charged at repair or replacement cost (plus a reasonable handling fee if we must source items remotely in the mountains).
• Vomit, blood, urine, faeces or other biohazard / bodily-fluid mess in rooms, dorms, bathrooms, corridors, common areas or café spaces will incur a deep-cleaning charge. Typical charge starts at ₹1,500 and may be higher if mattresses, carpets, curtains or multiple areas need replacement or professional cleaning.
• If vomit or similar mess is left unreported and soils shared bedding, lockers or another guest’s belongings, you may also be charged for laundry / replacement and any room-night we cannot sell while the space is out of use.
• Cigarette burns, indoor smoking residue, candle/wax damage and unauthorized wall markings are charged as damage.
• Lost keys, locks, towels or linen may be charged at cost.
• Use lockers where provided; keep valuables secure. We are not liable for unattended belongings.
• We will tell you the amount as soon as practical. Unpaid damage / cleaning charges may be collected before check-out or billed to the contact on the booking.

8. Right to refuse or remove

We may refuse service or remove a guest without refund for serious breach of house rules, illegal activity, safety risk, unpaid damage/cleaning charges, or repeated disruption of shared spaces.

9. Belongings left behind

Lost property is held for a limited time when practical. Shipping is at the guest’s cost and risk; perishable or low-value items may be disposed of.

10. Utilities in the mountains

Power cuts, water shortages, road blocks and internet outages can occur despite backup systems. We work to restore services quickly but cannot guarantee uninterrupted Wi-Fi, power or hot water at all times.

These Café Terms apply to food and beverage service at The Rustic café counters / dining areas at our properties (primarily The Rustic Jibhi, and any café service offered at The Rustic Shoja).

1. Menu & pricing

Menus and prices may change with season, supply and property. The price charged is the price displayed or confirmed at order time. Taxes apply as required by law.

2. Orders & payment

• Orders are accepted subject to kitchen capacity and ingredient availability.
• Payment is due as requested (cash / UPI / billed to room where offered).
• We may refuse service for unpaid bills, abusive behaviour, or safety reasons.

3. Allergies & dietary needs

Tell staff about allergies before ordering. Our kitchen handles common allergens (gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, etc.) and cross-contact can occur. We cannot guarantee allergen-free preparation.

4. Outside food & alcohol

Outside food in café seating may be restricted. Alcohol service follows local law and management policy; we may refuse service to intoxicated guests.

5. Quality & complaints

If something is wrong with an order, tell us promptly so we can remake or adjust it. Complaints raised long after consumption are harder to verify.

6. Hygiene & seating

Please keep seating tidy, supervise children, and follow staff directions during busy service or events.

Unless your written confirmation or a special rate states otherwise, the following cancellation rules apply to direct bookings with The Rustic.

1. Standard guest cancellation

• Cancel 48 hours or more before the scheduled check-in time: eligible for a refund of the accommodation amount paid, less non-refundable payment gateway / processing charges if any.
• Cancel within 48 hours of check-in: non-refundable.
• No-show (no arrival, no timely message): non-refundable.
• Early departure after check-in: unused nights are generally non-refundable.

2. How to cancel

Cancel in writing on the same WhatsApp or email thread used for booking. The timestamp of our receipt of your clear cancellation request counts. Phone-only messages may not be sufficient — please follow up in writing.

3. Special rates & long stays

Monsoon Stay, workation months, group bookings, peak festivals, private buy-outs and discounted long-stay packages may have stricter or different cancellation terms. Those terms, shared before payment, override the standard 48-hour rule.

4. OTA bookings

Bookings made on Booking.com, MakeMyTrip or other OTAs follow that platform’s cancellation and refund process unless we explicitly agree otherwise in writing.

5. If The Rustic must cancel

If we cancel a confirmed stay (for example force majeure, safety, or operational impossibility), we will offer alternate dates at the same or another Rustic property where possible, or refund the accommodation amount we received for the cancelled nights. We are not responsible for your transport, flights, visas, third-party tours or consequential costs.

6. Refund method & timing

Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method or UPI where practical. Bank / UPI timelines vary; allow reasonable processing time after approval.

7. Café & retail

Café orders once prepared are generally non-refundable except for quality issues raised promptly. Merchandise is as-is unless defective.

• Keep dorms tidy; make space for others’ sleep and luggage.
• Use headphones for personal media in sleeping areas after quiet hours.
• Wash and return shared kitchen items if a guest kitchen is provided.
• Do not move common furniture or hang items that damage walls without asking.
• Report breakages, spills or vomit immediately to staff — do not leave biohazard mess for the next guest or the morning team.
• Clean up after yourself in bathrooms and common areas; excessive mess may be charged under Terms of Stay.
• Pets are not allowed unless a specific written exception is given.
• Drones, professional shoots and commercial filming need prior permission.
• Follow staff instructions during emergencies, weather events or evacuations.
• Community dinners, jams and walks are optional; RSVP when asked so we can plan food and groups.

House rules may be posted on property and updated for safety. Serious or repeated breaches — including unpaid damage, breakages or vomit/cleaning charges — can lead to removal without refund.

The Rustic may help coordinate or host sunset walks, trek crews, music nights, workshops and similar experiences. Some are free social gatherings; others may be paid or led with local partners.

1. Inherent risks

Himalayan travel involves risks including but not limited to: altitude effects, slips, weather changes, landslides, road closures, wildlife, uneven trails, cold/wet exposure, and limited medical access. You join voluntarily and at your own risk.

2. Fitness & disclosure

You are responsible for judging your fitness and telling us about relevant medical conditions. We may refuse participation if we believe it is unsafe.

3. Third-party operators

Independent guides, taxis, adventure operators or venues have their own terms. The Rustic is not automatically liable for third-party acts or omissions.

4. Weather & cancellations

Activities may be changed or cancelled for weather or safety. Prepaid third-party fees follow that provider’s policy; complimentary hostel events may simply be rescheduled or dropped.

5. Insurance

We strongly recommend travel insurance covering mountain activities, medical evacuation and trip interruption.

• To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Rustic is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential losses (lost work income, missed flights, emotional distress, etc.).
• We are not liable for loss or theft of unattended belongings, vehicle damage in open parking, or force majeure events (natural disaster, strike, government action, epidemic, severe weather).
• Our total liability related to a stay is generally limited to the accommodation amount you paid us for the affected nights, except where law prohibits such limitation (e.g. proven wilful misconduct).
• Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded under applicable Indian consumer or other mandatory law.

• Volunteer / artist stays require a minimum commitment (currently 21 days unless we agree otherwise) and a written acceptance of role, hours and property.
• Exchange benefits (bed, meals, etc.) are as confirmed in writing — not an employment contract unless expressly stated.
• You must follow house rules, safety instructions and local law. Misconduct may end the stay early without remaining exchange benefits.
• Any creative work produced for the property may be licensed to The Rustic for promotional use as agreed in your acceptance message.
• Cancellation of a volunteer stay by either side should be communicated as early as possible; prepaid guest nights (if any) follow the Cancellation Policy.

These policies are governed by the laws of India. Subject to mandatory consumer protections, courts in Himachal Pradesh / as applicable shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising from stays at The Rustic Jibhi or The Rustic Shoja.

Questions about these policies: reservation@therustic.in · WhatsApp +91 95107 33999 · https://therustic.in/contact

If any clause is held unenforceable, the remaining clauses continue in effect. These policies (with your written booking confirmation) form the agreement for your stay and related services.