Normally non-refundable and used to reserve the unit exclusively for your agreed dates.
The Turquoise Letterbox · Kolkata
Reservation & Cancellation Policy
We are a small, family-run homestay with only three guest units. Every reservation therefore matters. Our policy follows a simple idea: the commitment to a stay should be shared fairly between the guest and the host.
The remaining balance can normally be paid during the stay or at check-out.
If advance payment is genuinely difficult, speak to us. At our discretion, a sincere personal commitment may be accepted instead.
1. Reservation confirmation
To reserve a unit exclusively for a guest, we normally request an advance payment equal to 50% of the total reservation value. Once this advance is received, the reservation is treated as confirmed and the accommodation is blocked for the agreed dates.
2. Balance payment
The remaining 50% may be paid during the stay or at check-out, unless another arrangement has been agreed in advance.
3. Cancellation by the guest
The 50% advance payment is non-refundable. If a guest subsequently cancels the reservation or is unable to travel, we retain the advance payment and ordinarily do not ask for the remaining 50%.
We consider this an equitable sharing of the risk: the guest may lose half of the reservation value, while we accept the possibility of losing the other half as well as the opportunity to sell the accommodation again, particularly when cancellation happens close to the arrival date.
4. No-show or last-minute cancellation
In case of a no-show or cancellation close to check-in, the advance payment will remain non-refundable. We normally waive the unpaid balance rather than charging the full reservation amount, unless different terms were specifically agreed for that reservation.
5. When advance payment is difficult
We understand that international transfers, payment restrictions, travel arrangements or other practical circumstances can occasionally make advance payment inconvenient.
In such cases, please speak with us directly. At our discretion, we may accept a clear personal or verbal commitment instead of advance payment and reserve the accommodation on the basis of mutual trust.
We value the human side of hosting and do not wish to treat every guest merely as a business transaction. We simply ask that such a commitment be made sincerely and that any later change of plan be communicated as early as possible.
6. Changes to dates
Where possible, we will try to accommodate genuine requests to change travel dates. Any adjustment is subject to availability and the tariff applicable to the revised dates. A change of dates is not automatically guaranteed and should be agreed with us before the original arrival date.
7. Reservations made through Booking.com or another OTA
Reservations originating through Booking.com, Agoda, MakeMyTrip or another booking platform may be offered on a Pay at Property basis. In such cases, the booking platform may not collect the accommodation payment or applicable cancellation charge on our behalf. Payment and reservation commitment therefore need to be arranged directly with The Turquoise Letterbox.
For Flexible / Free-Cancellation reservations, we request the usual 50% non-refundable advance to secure the accommodation exclusively for the guest.
Until that advance has been received, or an alternative commitment has been expressly agreed with us, we may continue to accept enquiries for the same dates rather than treating the accommodation as permanently blocked throughout a long free-cancellation period.
If we receive another genuine request from a guest who is ready to make a firm commitment, we will always contact the existing guest first. The existing guest will be given a reasonable opportunity to confirm the stay by completing the requested advance payment or by agreeing another arrangement directly with us. We will never reallocate a reservation without first communicating with the guest.
If the guest is unable or unwilling to confirm the reservation at that stage, we may ask them to release the dates or take the appropriate steps through the booking platform so that the accommodation can be made available to another traveller.
Guests whose plans are firm are encouraged to choose our Non-Refundable Rate, which is normally our best available tariff and represents a clear commitment from both sides.
This approach is intended to discourage placeholder reservations while remaining fair to genuine travellers. Where any action involving an OTA reservation is required, we will communicate with the guest and follow the applicable platform process.
8. Cancellation by The Turquoise Letterbox
In the rare event that we are unable to provide the confirmed accommodation for reasons within our control, any advance payment received will be refunded in full. Where possible, we will also try to assist the guest with a suitable alternative.
9. Communication
Guests are encouraged to contact us after booking, preferably through WhatsApp, so that payment, arrival and accommodation details can be confirmed personally.
WhatsApp: +91 89106 58806
Our philosophy
At The Turquoise Letterbox, we believe hospitality works best when neither the guest nor the host is placed on a higher pedestal.
A reservation is a mutual commitment.
You trust us to prepare and hold a welcoming home for you. We trust you to genuinely intend to come and stay.
That is the spirit in which we host.