Policies for stay, café & booking.

This Privacy Policy explains how The Rustic (“we”, “us”) handles personal data when you visit https://therustic.in, enquire, book, stay at The Rustic Jibhi, visit our cafés in Jibhi or The Rustic Café Shoja, or apply to volunteer. We are the Data Fiduciary for this data under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (“DPDP Act”) and also follow the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the rules made under it.

1. Who we are

RUSTIC COMFORTS LLP (trading as The Rustic) runs The Rustic Jibhi, a hostel with a café (Khasra no. 1022/821/695/94, Khata Khatoni No. 282/306, Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh 175123) and The Rustic Café Shoja, a café (Shoja, toward Jalori Pass, Himachal Pradesh 175123), India. Contact: reservation@therustic.in · +91 83685 59027 (call or WhatsApp).

2. What we collect and why

• Enquiries (WhatsApp, phone, email, or the contact form): your name, contact details and message — used only to reply to you.
• Bookings: name, phone, email, dates, property, room type, number of guests and any requests you share — used to confirm and manage your stay.
• Check-in: government photo ID details for every guest, and for foreign nationals passport and visa details — collected because Indian law requires lodging providers to register guests (including Form C reporting for foreign nationals).
• Payments: amount, UPI or payment-link reference and invoice details — used for accounting and tax compliance. We never ask for card numbers, CVV, UPI PINs or passwords.
• Stay records: dietary or medical notes you choose to share, incident and damage reports, feedback — used to look after you and handle safety, complaints and claims.
• CCTV: we record video (no audio) in the lobby, common areas and café at both properties, for the safety of guests, visitors and staff and to prevent theft and damage. There are no cameras in bedrooms, dorms or bathrooms. Signs mark the recorded areas.
• Volunteer and artist applications: dates, skills, portfolio or social links you send — used only to assess and arrange your application.
• Website: our hosting provider automatically processes technical data (IP address, browser type, pages requested, time) to deliver the site and protect it from abuse. We do not use analytics, advertising trackers or cookies on this website — see the Cookie Policy.

We only collect what we need for these purposes. Please don’t send ID documents, bank details or other sensitive information unless we ask for it at check-in.

3. Legal basis

We process personal data either with your consent (for example, when you tick the consent box on our contact form) or for a “legitimate use” permitted by Section 7 of the DPDP Act — such as when you voluntarily give us information for a specific purpose like a booking, when the law requires it (guest registration, tax records), or in a medical emergency. We do not use your data for marketing unless you have separately agreed to it, and you can stop marketing messages at any time.

4. Who we share it with

We do not sell or rent personal data, and we do not share it for advertising. We share only what is needed with:

• Service providers that help us operate: WhatsApp (Meta) and our email provider for communications, UPI apps, banks and payment-link providers for payments, and our website host (Vercel) for the website.
• Online travel agencies (e.g. Booking.com, MakeMyTrip), if you booked through them — they handle your data under their own privacy policies.
• Government and law-enforcement authorities where Indian law requires it (for example guest registration, Form C, tax, a lawful order, or CCTV footage requested by police to investigate an incident).
• Our accountant or legal advisers, where needed, under a duty of confidentiality.

5. Transfers outside India

Some of our service providers (for example WhatsApp and our website host) may store or process data on servers outside India. Such transfers are permitted under the DPDP Act except to countries the Government of India restricts, and we will follow any such restriction.

6. How long we keep it

• Enquiries that do not lead to a booking: deleted within 12 months of our last conversation.
• Booking, guest-registration, invoice and payment records: kept for as long as Indian tax, accounting and lodging laws require, then deleted.
• Incident, damage or dispute records: kept until the matter and any related legal claim is resolved.
• CCTV footage: overwritten automatically on a rolling basis, unless we need to keep a clip to investigate an incident or a legal claim.
• Website technical logs: kept by our host for a short operational period.

7. Security and breaches

We use reasonable safeguards, such as limiting access to guest records to staff who need it. No system is perfectly secure. If a personal data breach affects you, we will inform you and the Data Protection Board of India as the law requires.

8. Your rights

• Access: ask for a summary of the personal data we hold about you and who we have shared it with.
• Correction and erasure: ask us to correct, complete, update or delete your data. We may keep records the law requires us to keep.
• Withdraw consent: where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time, as easily as you gave it. This does not affect processing already done.
• Grievance redressal: complain to us, and if you are not satisfied, to the Data Protection Board of India.
• Nomination: nominate someone to exercise these rights on your behalf in the event of your death or incapacity.

To use any of these rights, email reservation@therustic.in with “Privacy request” in the subject. We may need to confirm your identity. We aim to respond within 30 days.

9. Grievance Officer

Grievance Officer · Email: reservation@therustic.in · Phone: +91 83685 59027 (call or WhatsApp) · Address: The Rustic Jibhi, stay & café (Khasra no. 1022/821/695/94, Jibhi) · The Rustic Café Shoja (Shoja, Jalori Pass Rd), Himachal Pradesh 175123.

10. Children

Our website and contact form are for adults (18+). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children through the website. Guests under 18 may stay only with a parent or legal guardian, who provides any details needed and consents on their behalf. If you think a child has sent us personal data, contact us and we will delete it.

11. Cookies

This website does not set cookies or use tracking technologies. See the Cookie Policy for details.

12. Changes to this policy

If we change this policy we will update the “Last updated” date on this page. If a change significantly affects how we use data you have already given us, we will tell you and, where required, ask for your consent again.

1. What cookies are

Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels and tracking scripts.

2. What this website uses

• https://therustic.in does not set any cookies — essential or otherwise.
• We do not use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics), advertising or social-media pixels, heat-mapping or session-recording tools.
• We do not embed third-party content such as maps, videos or social feeds, and our fonts and images are served from our own website, so visiting a page does not send your data to those companies.
• Because nothing is stored in your browser, we do not show a cookie consent banner.

3. Links to other services

When you tap a WhatsApp, Google Maps, Instagram or email link, you leave our website and that service’s own cookie and privacy policies apply.

4. Server logs

Like any website, our host processes technical data such as your IP address to deliver pages and block abuse. These are server logs, not cookies. See the Privacy Policy.

5. If this changes

If we ever add analytics or any non-essential cookie, we will update this page first and ask for your consent before setting them. You will be able to refuse or withdraw consent as easily as you gave it.

6. Controlling cookies

You can block or delete cookies at any time in your browser settings. Blocking cookies will not affect how this website works.

These Website & Booking Terms govern use of https://therustic.in and all reservations for The Rustic Jibhi, café services at The Rustic Jibhi and The Rustic Café Shoja, 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 RUSTIC COMFORTS LLP (trading as The Rustic) for the stay named in your confirmation at The Rustic Jibhi. Rates, taxes, inclusions and special offers are those confirmed in writing (WhatsApp or email) before you pay.

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 show our actual properties but rooms can vary slightly. 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. Blog and travel-guide content is general information, not professional safety, medical or travel advice.

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, 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 (the café at The Rustic Jibhi and The Rustic Café 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

Seasonal offers, 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

Refunds are given only where your cancellation is eligible under the rules above (or under the terms of your offer). We confirm in writing whether it qualifies, and send approved refunds to the original payment method (or UPI) within 7 working days of that confirmation. Your bank or UPI app may take a few more days to show the credit. If a refund has not arrived, write to us with your booking name and dates.

7. Café & retail

Café orders once prepared are non-refundable, except where the order was wrong or not of acceptable quality and you tell us promptly — we will remake it or refund it. Defective merchandise will be replaced or refunded.

• 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.
• Music nights, movie nights, jams and walks are optional; RSVP when asked so we can plan numbers.

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 45 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 your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (including the right to file a complaint with the consumer commission where you live), courts in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh have jurisdiction over disputes arising from stays at The Rustic Jibhi or The Rustic Café Shoja.

Questions or complaints about these policies: reservation@therustic.in · WhatsApp +91 83685 59027 (call or WhatsApp) · https://therustic.in/contact. We acknowledge complaints within 48 hours and aim to resolve them within 30 days.

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.