Festive Season Booking Survival Guide: Deposits, Amendments & Non-Refundable Dates Explained

Planning a festive season escape should feel exciting—not stressful. This Festive season booking guide explains the exact deposit rules, non‑refundable dates, amendment windows, and cancellation terms so you can secure your preferred dates with confidence at Bequia Beach Hotel.

Use this walkthrough to understand what’s due when, how to stay flexible, and the simple steps that keep your reservation protected during the busiest weeks of the year.

Festive season at a glance

The Festive period runs from 20 December to 5 January and follows the Winter & Festive Period policy (valid 20 December – 18 April). Key rules differ during these peak dates. Here’s a quick reference:

What makes Festive season booking unique?

• Deposits for stays during 20 Dec – 5 Jan are non‑refundable.
• Date amendments for these peak dates must be made at least 60 days before arrival.
• Written communication is required for any change or cancellation.

Deposits, balances, and refunds—how it works

Booking during the Winter & Festive period requires a 75% deposit at the time of reservation. Your remaining balance is settled on check‑in.

• For stays that fall within 20 Dec – 5 Jan, the deposit is non‑refundable.
• For other dates within the Winter & Festive window, standard cancellation penalties apply relative to your arrival date.
• If a refund is due, it will be processed net of non‑refundable card processing fees and a 5% booking charge.

Pro tip: To keep your plans flexible, confirm your travel dates and flight schedules before you place your deposit—especially for Festive dates where deposits are non‑refundable.

Amendments: how to keep flexibility (and your deposit)

You can amend your stay dates once. To avoid forfeiting your deposit:

• Festive stays (20 Dec – 5 Jan): submit changes in writing at least 60 days prior to arrival.
• Other Winter & Festive dates (outside 20 Dec – 5 Jan): submit changes in writing at least 21 days prior to arrival.

Important: If you amend a booking and later cancel it, a 100% deposit penalty applies.

All amendment requests must be emailed to reservations@bequiabeach.com.

Cancellations: deadlines and deposit penalties

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. For Winter & Festive dates (20 Dec – 18 Apr), the following deposit penalties apply based on when the hotel receives your written notice:

• Within 60 days of arrival: 30% deposit penalty
• Within 45 days of arrival: 50% deposit penalty
• Within 30 days of arrival: 75% deposit penalty
• Within 14 days of arrival: 100% deposit penalty

For Festive stays (20 Dec – 5 Jan), deposits are non‑refundable. No‑shows and early check‑outs are charged 100% of the cost of stay.

How Festive compares to Summer (for context)

If your dates are flexible, note the Summer Period policy (valid 19 April – 19 Dec):

• Deposit at booking: 50%
• Amendments: at least 10 days prior to arrival, in writing
• Cancellation penalties (relative to arrival):
  • Within 14 days: 10% deposit penalty
  • Within 7 days: 50% deposit penalty
  • Within 48 hours: 100% deposit penalty

If you’re deciding between peak and shoulder periods, this context helps you weigh flexibility versus travel dates.

Festive season booking FAQs

What is the deposit for Festive season bookings?

A 75% deposit of your accommodation charges is required at booking during the Winter & Festive period. For stays that fall within 20 Dec – 5 Jan, this deposit is non‑refundable.

Can I change my Festive booking without losing my deposit?

Yes—submit your date amendment in writing at least 60 days before arrival. Guests may amend dates once; if an amended booking is later cancelled, a 100% deposit penalty applies.

How do cancellations work?

Cancellations must be emailed to reservations@bequiabeach.com. Deposit penalties apply based on how close you are to arrival. For Festive stays, deposits are non‑refundable.

When is my remaining balance due?

On check‑in.

Are there additional nightly fees?

Yes. Rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars and inclusive of VAT. A US$ 9 per night Tourism Sustainability Fee and a Government‑mandated US$ 3 nightly Climate Resiliency Levy apply per room.

What’s the policy for extra guests or children?

Children under 5 years sharing stay free. Each additional adult or child over 5 years sharing is US$ 75 per person, per night on a B&B basis (subject to room occupancy).

What are check‑in and check‑out times?

Check in from 16:00; check out by 12:00. No‑shows and early check‑outs are charged 100% of the cost of stay.

Plan like a pro: practical takeaways

Use these steps to secure your space and stay flexible during peak weeks.

1) Lock your dates early

• Festive weeks sell quickly and require a non‑refundable deposit. Confirm flight times and travel companions’ schedules before booking.

2) Put everything in writing

• Email all amendments and cancellations to reservations@bequiabeach.com. Keep confirmations for your records.

3) Set calendar reminders

• Mark the 60‑day (Festive) and 21‑day (non‑Festive Winter) amendment deadlines to avoid accidental penalties.

4) Consider travel insurance

• Policies can help protect against unforeseen changes. The hotel recommends that guests consider travel insurance.

5) Understand one‑time amendment limits

• You may amend dates once. If that booking is later cancelled, a 100% deposit penalty applies—plan any changes carefully.

6) Budget for nightly levies and any additional guests

• Factor in the US$ 9 Tourism Sustainability Fee and US$ 3 Climate Resiliency Levy per room, per night.
• If you’re adding guests, note the US$ 75 pp/night charge for each additional adult or child over 5 on B&B.

7) Align your stay with on‑property plans

• If you’re staying 10 nights or more on the standard Bed & Breakfast plan, complimentary airport transfers are included—handy for planning arrivals and departures.
• Upgrading your meal plan can simplify peak‑week dining:
  • Half Board: three‑course à la carte or buffet dinner (drinks not included). Upgrade US$ 95 pp/day.
  • Full Board: lunch (two courses) and three‑course à la carte or buffet dinner (drinks not included). Upgrade US$ 125 pp/day.
  • All Inclusive: lunch (two courses), three‑course à la carte or buffet dinner, plus a selection of non‑alcoholic and alcoholic beverages as listed. Upgrade US$ 195 pp/day.

8) Respect on‑property policies

• Pets and service animals are not accepted.
• Dress appropriately when dining and moving around shared spaces.

9) Need family‑friendly options?

• Bequia Beach Hotel welcomes families and offers room types suitable for different ages. A Kids Club runs until 4pm; babysitters are available on request (additional fee). For tailored room advice, contact the team.

10) Have questions? Use official channels

• For Booking Policies / F.A.Q., Meal Plans, and Travel / Getting Here guidance, explore the relevant pages—or reach out to the Reservations team directly.

Featured‑snippet quick answers

• What are the non‑refundable dates? 20 December – 5 January (Festive). Deposits for stays within these dates are non‑refundable.
• How much is the Festive deposit? 75% of accommodation charges at booking; balance on check‑in.
• How late can I amend my Festive booking? At least 60 days prior to arrival, in writing. One amendment allowed.
• How do I cancel? Email reservations@bequiabeach.com. Penalties apply; Festive deposits are non‑refundable.
• Are there additional nightly fees? Yes: US$ 9 Tourism Sustainability Fee and US$ 3 Climate Resiliency Levy per room, per night.

Conclusion: Book the Festive season with confidence

With clear steps and firm dates, Festive season booking is straightforward: place your 75% deposit, keep amendment deadlines in view (60 days for Festive), and submit any changes in writing. Factor in nightly levies, consider a meal plan upgrade, and you’re set for a seamless peak‑season escape.

Ready to secure your Festive week? Email reservations@bequiabeach.com or call +1784 458 1600 to reserve your preferred dates.