NEED TO KNOW—

VILLA XOCABO! TERMS AND CONDITIONS; SATISFACTION GUARANTEE.
DAMAGE DEPOSIT AND GOOD CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
It is important that the financially responsible party, the person who has rented the home, convey to his/her fellow guests this information so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and/or costs during the course of the visit.
Villa Xocabo may almost seem to some excited guests to be like a hotel, but, of course, it is NOT a hotel or resort, and the owners of Villa Xocabo! have the right to expect excellent conduct and respectful use of the HOME by those visitors and the guests of the person(s) who are renting the privilege of guesting in the home.

Villa Xocabo! makes reasonable efforts to maintain the property in top condition and employs a staff of two or more housekeepers, one groundskeeper, and an English-speaking Chef. But Villa Xocabo! is NOT a business such as a hotel or resort with an extensive team of hospitality and facilities maintenance personnel. Minor wear and tear and occasional instances of damage committed by prior guests may be encountered. The guest rents the home with this condition understood. That disclaimer stated, the villa is nonetheless extremely proud of its reputation, strong standards of upkeep and especially its personalized hospitality style.

GUEST SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

To absolutely ensure guest satisfaction the guest may inspect the home for up to 2 hours after arrival to determine if the facilities meet their needs and standards. If the facilities are not acceptable the guest may cancel the reservation by so notifying management via text message to [052] 624- (number available after check-in) and on condition that all guests vacate Villa Xocabo! by 11 AM the following morning and no damages were committed. The guest will then receive a refund on the rent for the balance of the stay past one night. We want only satisfied guests, and we respect the fact that you want and deserve an excellent vacation! This provision has never been exercised, but it’s there just in case….

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS / CITATIONS

As advised within the property listing the community of Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, is highly secure AND frequently patrolled by its "Vigilancia", the friendly but no-nonsense 24/7 local security guards--numbering 35. Pedregal enjoys a well-regulated quality-of-life standard as determined by the Colonos del Pedregal Home Owners Association (HOA). You will receive the RULES of Pedregal at the entrance casita which includes this information in detail as well as the schedule of fines that will be levied for infractions of the rules. Pedregal/Cabo San Lucas is a well-known recreation destination and the HOA recognizes and supports that guests come here for a wonderful escape from the routine. That said, it is still a residential neighborhood. The community expects and tolerates reasonable recreational fun but draws the line short of house parties, whooping, hollering, chanting, etc. You might hear some of that during your stay, but the chance is strong that a sobering fine starting at $1,000 will be assessed per penalties identified on the "Welcome to Pedregal" handout you are given at the entrance. “Take the crazy stuff to town"--that´s what Cabo is famous for and built to handle.

especially after 9 PM. BUT BE ASSURED, WHISPER QUIET IS NOT WHAT IS EXPECTED. The home has portable Bluetooth audio speakers that are available for your listening pleasure. It is recommended that you direct the speakers toward the house, and away from the neighbor homes.  

You don't want these to meet these nice guys if they are not smiling! 

pictured are Aretemio, Eddy, and the former sheriff of Loring Park

Villa Xocabo has an “Age-Mix” rule—at least 50% of the guests must be 30 years of age or older—so as to protect the property from frat-house style conduct. HOWEVER, Villa Xocabo may offer an Age-Mix Waiver on condition of a supplementary refundable deposit of $2,000 USD posted by the guests to ensure compliance with the damage and good conduct expectations explained further on in the listing. The supplementary deposit must also be posted in CASH.
DEPOSIT GUARANTEE –
Groups of (a LOT of) guests or more, and/or when Villa Xocabo allows an exception to the AGE-MIX rule stated in the property rental description, Villa Xocabo requires a SUPPLEMENTAL DEPOSIT OF $2,000, paid in cash + credit card information (a photocopy will be saved by VXoC), held on-file to ensure full final payment of any extra dinners, premium liquor selections, or damage to the property, if that should occur. Every guest staying at VXoC is required to “sign-in” and show government issued ID at the door, so please have that ready and let your fellow travelers know of this requirement.

Since we developed the "good conduct guarantee deposit" we've returned every deposit in-full, eliminated problems with rowdy groups, and our bookings have increased.

That said.... the billing of damage/infractions charges described below, if necessary, will be according to Good-Faith on the part of Villa Xocabo! Photographic evidence will be acquired and transmitted to the client pertaining to assessments, if any. The charges assessed by Villa XoCabo! for Damage and Infractions are NOT SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATION with the client.

Schedule of costs (approximate) for damages and/or infractions of community rules include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

CLEANING
Use of tobacco or any smoking materials interior to the home is not allowed. Violation of this ban...$75/day of stay
Excessive cleaning resulting from littering, including cigarette butts on outdoor floors and in trees & plants--(yes, the home furnishes numerous ash trays and sand pots expressly for deposit of smoking materials), as well as broken glass, food/beverage spills, stained/soiled upholstery, stained bedding (food, beverages, blood), soiled rugs/carpet, bio-hazard litter (yup, spent condoms—sorry, yuck)--varies pending extent of the clean-up—minimum $50
Kitchen use by guests requires that the kitchen be well cleaned after each meal that is prepared. Soiled dishes, cookware, and cooking equipment invites sanitation issues. Otherwise, KITCHEN CLEAN-UP BY VILLA XOCABO EMPLOYEES…$75 / DAY additional.

DAMAGE
Visitors under the influence tend to collide with closed insect screens with some regularity causing damage...$50-$75 per screen. Or with glass panel doors, and that can be costlier. Watch those things.
Smoking burns to upholstery or carpeting invoke both the indoors smoking charge of $75 + the cost of the upholstery and/or carpet repair or replacement...this can be quite costly.
Broken beverage ware and/or dishes/special objects...$2-$5/glass or cup; $4-$10/plate/bowl/serving platter; unique items--artisan objects— vary by item.

NOISE CITATIONS disturb nearby residents and impact Xocabo's H.O.A. good-neighbor standing. Fines for noise violations are the responsibility of the guest. HOA Security will provide one courtesy warning.  A second warning carries a $1,000 USD fine levied by the Pedregal H.O.A. + $500 charged by Xocabo to the guest.  Fines increase for 3 or more complaints and may result in termination of the Guest stay and without refund.

CHECK IN / CHECK OUT
Villa XoCabo! is "flexible" regarding check-in/out times. CHECK-IN standard is 2 PM.  Contact us if you plan to arrive earlier.   Standard CHECK-OUT is 11 AM. However, guest overstays past 11 AM on day of departure are sometimes allowed, but only if the home is not booked by incoming guests that same day.  Late CHECK-OUT may be charged $100 USD per hour rounded up to full hours.   HOWEVER, see the next item, and if House Employees have been thoughtfully considered, VXoC may be extra "flexible". 

GRATUITY TO HOUSE EMPLOYEES
Villa XoCabo operates in accordance with hospitality industry standards throughout the United States and in much of Mexico as well. You will observe the house staff works discreetly and diligently to ensure your stay is pleasurable, clean; in keeping with the high standards of the best resorts in Mexico. Please remember to reward the staff directly with tips to supplement their wages (that are above industry scale, but VXoC believes in being generous). It is recommended that guests leave $10/guest/day of the stay which is pooled and shared with all the VXoC employees.  Ciria is the trusted agent to be sure all the employees are covered.

ADVISORY –IN CASE OF STORMY WEATHER

Cabo San Lucas experiences only a few rainy days each year—almost exclusively in the months of July-October. Villa Xocabo’s living room is wide-open to the nearly year-round perfect climate, ocean breezes, and sensational views. But when a rare rain is on the horizon, we may quickly close the room with storm shutters.  This is a safety feature for the protection of our guests and for the property. During a hurricane or heavy “tormente” (storm) large windows can break (and did). The shutters are engineered to withstand much more force.  However, while they are in place, the ocean views from the living and dining rooms will be limited.  All the bedrooms are protected by glass doors and smaller sliding windows—unlikely to break even during a big weather event.  If it looks like the rains will be light, we may shutter some but not all the windows, and keep a couple of mops handy.  Please bear with our employees as they protect you and the home from the elements. It takes about 30-45 minutes to put them in place. As soon as the coast is clear, we will remove the shutters to let the sun shine in once more. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this protective measure.

JUST A FEW POINTS OF HOUSE POLICY TO ENSURE CLARITY

COMMUNICATIONS All communication prior to check-in is via email. This ensures that both you and Villa Xocabo will avoid any potential misunderstandings or assumptions that can occur over the phone or the shorthand of texting, etc.  Only ONE (1) designated guest may communicate with us per group--customarily the person that makes the reservation. However, if desired, the responsible party may delegate another to serve as the group communicator by so notifying and introducing the designated correspondent. We accommodate an exception to this rule to facilitate a SURPRISE something-or-other... we understand, but also need to reduce the confusion of too many voices.

DINNER ORDERS 

• Require 24-hours advance notice—typically.
• Dinners are usually available any nights EXCEPT Sundays due to a senior Chef's outside obligation, although that may be flexible with a little more notice.
• Dinners are also limited to every-other-night of the stay. Though, there again, there may be flexibility if an additional gratuity is offered to the staff that works overtime— as much as 14 hours/day when dinners are prepared. DISCUSSABLE via emails or in-person directly with the Chefs.
• Dinners are usually served BUFFET-style— check out our website (www.Xocabo.com) or request the “Xocabo Dinners and Cooking” pdf we have put together that colorfully highlights the style and quality of our meal presentations.
• Each main menu item ordered is subject to the 15-person minimum charge. Most guests select just one entrée which includes accompanying side-dishes and dessert. If a second entrée selection is ordered a $10 per person discount will be given, though the 15-person minimum charge per entree ordered applies.
• The “NO SURPRISES” invoice indicates the price charged. Menus and prices posted to the Xocabo website and/or the Xocabo Airbnb listing may not be current, so refer to the invoice.

NO 'PARA LLEVAR'--The pre-stock food and beverages are for in-house consumption only--NO TAKE-AWAY. However, Premium Bar products purchased by the guests may be removed.

SERVICES, OUTSIDE GOODS & SERVICES, & RESPONSIBILITY LIMITATIONS Villa Xocabo provides lodging, food, & beverage services. Villa Xocabo does not promise to provide ‘Extra Services’. The staff of Xocabo are usually happy to help GUESTS whenever possible and reasonable so long as those requests do not conflict with normal work responsibilities, are legal, and courteously solicited. It is important that the GUESTS clearly understand that assistance with extra services by Xocabo personnel is a favor rather than an included service.

GATED COMMUNITY ACCESS: GUESTS of Xocabo assume full, 100% responsibility for delivery of any outside goods or services to the gated community that the Guest may invite to Xocabo. Those may include ADDON GUESTS not counted in the original check-in number, Musicians, DJ's, Massage Therapists, Decorators, Amazon.com or other similar type deliveries, etc.  With advance notice permission is typically quickly granted for ADDON GUESTS and legitimate service providers. Staff of Xocabo are usually happy to help, but we do not guarantee access. GUESTS may solicit permission from Pedregal Security on their own: Seguridad@pedregalhoa.mx; and Ciria has the phone # of Pedregal Security personnel.  A word to the wise: Security personnel of the H.O.A. may be familiar with individuals known to traffic in illegal goods and services. Xocabo and its employees will not attempt to facilitate access of anyone denied access by Pedregal security. To expect UberEATS-style delivery of anything not on a legitimate menu invites complications.

TIPS or GRATUITIES (PROPINA) are discretionary, of course. However, the "suggested gratuity" calculation of 4% of the overall tab as shown on the Invoice is a fair gesture and will be split by the 7-Full-Time employees that are dedicated to your service and enjoyment while staying at Xocabo. Bear in mind, when dinners are served the employees work continuous 12-to-14-hour days, and a full day before and after your stay. Again, as mentioned earlier, I have decades of experience owning and managing restaurants in the U.S.--both casual and fine-dining. A $100 tip to each Xocabo team member, among the best and most dedicated I've enjoyed working with, for 6-days' work compares to one short shift tips of a server.

REGARDING GUEST HEADCOUNT

Xocabo understands that guest count changes are common with groups planning of vacations. We are prepared to adjust the arrival invoice accordingly. However, we need to limit the number of times the guest wishes to amend the invoice and set a ‘lock-in date’ as follows:

The initial expected guest count at the time of confirming the reservation may be revised by the guest up to on-week prior to arrival. Villa Xocabo provides the guest a “NO SURPRISES” cost quote either before or very soon after the reservation is confirmed. Then, if there are changes to the original anticipated guest count, up or down, the guest shall notify Villa Xocabo administration (the email contact you have been connecting with), of the final guest count at least ONE-WEEK BEFORE check-in. If there will be a variable number of guests over the course of the stay, some arriving day(s) later, or leaving earlier, that needs to be communicated as well. If this information is not emailed to us by this ‘Lock-in” date, the original expected headcount will apply, or a greater number if the headcount increases, but the charges will not decrease from the lock-in date headcount.

PRE-STOCK AND COOKING CHARGES ARE BASED ON A 15 PERSON MINIMUM…Xocabo has a minimum charge based on 15 guests. If the guest count is less than 15, nonetheless, the invoice will charge the minimum. While we welcome groups of any size up to the maximum— (currently a lot!), we must apply the minimum charge to cover expenses of maintaining the house, the inventories we stock, and most importantly the employment of our full-time staff.

JUST A FEW POINTS OF HOUSE POLICY TO ENSURE CLARITY

COMMUNICATIONS All communication prior to check-in is via email. This ensures that both you and Villa Xocabo will avoid any potential misunderstandings or assumptions that can occur over the phone or the shorthand of texting, etc.

Only ONE (1) designated guest may communicate with us per group--customarily the person that makes the reservation. However, if desired, the responsible party may delegate another to serve as the group communicator by so notifying and introducing the designated correspondent. We accommodate an exception to this rule to facilitate a SURPRISE something-or-other... we understand, but also need to reduce the confusion of too many voices.

DINNER ORDERS require 24-hours advance notice. Dinners are currently available any nights EXCEPT Fridays and Sundays due to a senior Chef's outside obligation, although that may be flexible with a little more notice. Dinners are also limited to every-other-night of the stay. Though, there again, there may be flexibility if an additional gratuity is offered to the staff that works overtime--as much as 14 hours/day when dinners are prepared. DISCUSSABLE via emails or in-person.

NO 'PARA LLEVAR' –the pre-stock food and beverages are for in-house consumption only--NO TAKE-AWAY. However, Premium Bar products purchased by the guests may be removed.

TIPS or GRATUITIES (PROPINA) are discretionary, of course. However, the "suggested gratuity" calculation of 4% of the overall tab as shown on the Invoice is a fair gesture and will be split by the 6-Full-Time employees that are dedicated to your service and enjoyment while staying at Xocabo. Bear in mind, when dinners are served the employees work continuous 14-hour days, and a full day before and after your stay. Again, as mentioned earlier, I have decades of experience owning and managing restaurants in the U.S.--both casual and fine-dining. A $100 tip to each Xocabo team member, among the best and most dedicated I've enjoyed working with, for 6-day's work compares to one short shift tips of a server.