These Terms & Conditions apply to everyone who uses Ecovilla Rentals. Part A applies to all users. Part B applies specifically when you book a stay as a Guest. Part C applies specifically when you list a property as a Host. If you do both, both Part B and Part C apply to you.
1. Introduction & Acceptance
These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") govern your use of Ecovilla Rentals (the "Platform"), an online marketplace connecting Guests and Hosts of properties within the Machuca Valley community, Costa Rica. By creating an account, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement in its entirety, including whichever of Part B or Part C applies to your use of the Platform.
2. Eligibility & Accounts
2.1 You must be at least 18 years old to create an account or make a booking on the Platform.
2.2 You agree to provide accurate, current information when creating your account and to keep it up to date, including a valid email address used for booking and account notifications.
2.3 You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account.
3. Platform Role & Disclaimer
3.1 Ecovilla Rentals is an intermediary marketplace. We connect independent Hosts with Guests, process bookings, and facilitate payments — we do not own, manage, or operate any listed property.
3.2 The rental agreement for a specific stay is between the Guest and the Host. Ecovilla Rentals is not a party to that agreement and does not guarantee the condition, safety, or suitability of any property beyond requiring Hosts to list accurately under Section 13.
4. Prohibited Conduct
The following apply to all users of the Platform, whether acting as a Guest or a Host:
- Any activity that is illegal under the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica
- Discrimination of any kind — based on nationality, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
- Circumventing the Platform to arrange payment outside of Ecovilla Rentals for a booking originated on the Platform
- Harassment, threats, or abusive communication directed at another user or at Ecovilla Rentals staff
- Attempting to interfere with, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to the Platform or other users' accounts
5. Privacy & Cookies
5.1 Our collection and use of your personal information is described in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of this Agreement.
5.2 Our use of cookies and similar technologies, and your choices around them, are described in our cookie banner and are available at any time via the "Cookie Settings" link in the site footer.
6. Limitation of Liability
6.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ecovilla Rentals is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform, your stay at or hosting of a property, or your interactions with other users.
6.2 Our aggregate liability to you for any claim arising from your use of the Platform shall not exceed the total fees you paid to Ecovilla Rentals in the twelve months preceding the claim.
6.3 Nothing in this Agreement excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable Costa Rican law.
7. Suspension & Termination
7.1 Ecovilla Rentals reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account, with or without notice, for violation of this Agreement.
7.2 You may close your account at any time. Any obligations that arose before closure (such as an active booking or an outstanding payout) continue to apply, and role-specific closure terms in Section 18 apply to Hosts.
8. Governing Law & Disputes
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Costa Rica.
9. Booking & Payment
9.1 When you submit a booking request, you are asking a Host to confirm your stay. No payment is taken while a request is pending, and you may withdraw a pending request at any time at no cost.
9.2 Once a Host accepts your request, you authorize Ecovilla Rentals's payment processor to charge the total price shown at checkout, which includes the accommodation total plus a 3% Community Give-Back Fee and a 7% Ecovilla Rentals Platform Fee — made up of a 3% Card Payment Processing Fee and a 4% Platform Fee. These are the only booking fees charged to Guests, and the total price shown reflects the complete cost of your stay.
9.3 Where a booking includes a refundable security deposit, this is disclosed before you confirm payment and is handled as described in Section 12.
9.4 If your booking is later cancelled and a refund applies, note that the 3% card payment processing fee charged by our payment processor is not returned to us and is therefore not refundable — see Section 10.2.
10. Cancellations & Refunds
10.1 You may cancel a confirmed booking from your account dashboard. Your refund depends on how far before check-in you cancel, calculated on the accommodation total:
- Full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in;
- 50% refund if you cancel between 7 and 13 days before check-in;
- No refund if you cancel fewer than 7 days before check-in, or fail to check in (no-show).
10.2 Where you are entitled to a refund under 10.1, the Community Give-Back Fee and the 4% Platform Fee are refunded in the same proportion as your accommodation refund. The 3% Card Payment Processing Fee charged by our payment processor is non-refundable in all cases, as it is not returned to us when a payment is refunded.
10.3 If the Host cancels your confirmed booking, or the property is materially not as described, you receive a full refund of all amounts paid, including the Community Give-Back Fee and the 4% Platform Fee. The 3% Card Payment Processing Fee remains non-refundable per 10.2.
10.4 Approved refunds are returned to your original payment method and may take several business days to appear.
11. Conduct During Your Stay
11.1 You agree to comply with the maximum occupancy and any house rules disclosed by the Host for the property, and to treat the property and surrounding community with respect.
11.2 You may not host ticketed or paying events, sub-let the property to undisclosed third parties, or use the property for any commercial purpose not agreed with the Host.
11.3 You are responsible for the conduct of anyone you bring onto the property during your stay.
12. Damage, Deposits & Guest Liability
12.1 You are liable for any damage to the property, its contents, or shared community areas caused by you or your guests during your stay, beyond normal wear and tear.
12.2 Where a booking includes a refundable security deposit, it is held by Ecovilla Rentals's payment processor and released after check-out if no damage is reported. Where damage is reported, Ecovilla Rentals may deduct a reasonable amount from the deposit to cover the cost of repair or replacement before releasing the remainder.
12.3 If the cost of damage exceeds the security deposit held, you remain liable for the difference directly to the Host.
13. Listing Accuracy & Representation
13.1 All property listings must contain accurate and truthful descriptions, current nightly pricing, high-quality photographs that genuinely represent the property, and an up-to-date availability calendar.
13.2 Any material misrepresentation of property features, amenities, location, or condition may result in immediate listing suspension without refund of any fees paid.
13.3 Hidden fees of any kind are strictly prohibited. Pricing displayed to Guests must reflect the complete total cost of their stay.
14. Host Responsibilities
14.1 Response Time: Hosts must respond to all booking requests within 24 hours of receipt. Consistent failure to do so may result in listing suspension.
14.2 Property Standards: All properties must be maintained in clean, safe, and habitable condition throughout the rental period.
14.3 Check-in Instructions: Hosts must provide Guests with clear and accurate check-in instructions no later than 24 hours before their scheduled arrival.
14.4 Inspections: Properties are subject to inspection by Ecovilla Rentals staff or designated representatives upon 24 hours' prior notice. Failure to accommodate an inspection may result in listing suspension.
15. Host Cancellations & Fees
15.1 Hosts who need to cancel a confirmed booking must notify Ecovilla Rentals at least 72 hours before the scheduled check-in date.
15.2 Hosts who cancel more than two bookings within any 90-day period may have their listing temporarily or permanently suspended at Ecovilla Rentals's discretion.
15.3 If a Host cancels within 72 hours of check-in, the Guest is entitled to a full refund under Section 10.3, and the Host may be subject to a penalty fee.
15.4 Platform & Community Fees: Guests pay a 3% Community Give-Back Fee and a 7% Ecovilla Rentals Platform Fee (3% Card Payment Processing + 4% Platform Fee) on each confirmed booking (see Section 9.2). Separately, each property carries a Host Fee — a percentage set by the Community Admin for that property and deducted from the Host's payout — which is contributed to the property's community fund. The Host Fee varies by property and is never shown to Guests.
15.5 Payout Schedule: Host payouts are processed within 48 hours of confirmed guest check-in, subject to no active disputes.
15.6 Disputed Payments: In cases of dispute, Ecovilla Rentals reserves the right to withhold payout in escrow until the matter is fully resolved.
15.7 Hosts are responsible for all applicable taxes on income earned through the Platform under Costa Rican law.
16. Guest Relations & Code of Conduct
16.1 Hosts must maintain professional, courteous communication with all Guests at all times.
16.2 Discrimination against Guests of any kind — based on nationality, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic — is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate and permanent account termination.
16.3 Hosts who fail to meet the 24-hour response requirement on three or more consecutive occasions may have their listing suspended pending review.
17. Host-Specific Prohibited Activities
In addition to Section 4, the following are strictly prohibited on all Ecovilla Rentals listed properties:
- Commercial farming, agricultural operations, or livestock management
- Permitting sub-letting of the property to undisclosed third parties
- Permitting ticketed or paying events with more than 20 attendees without prior written approval
- Misrepresenting the property's environmental certifications or eco-credentials
18. Host Account Closure & Indemnification
18.1 Hosts wishing to voluntarily close their account must provide 30 days' written notice. All active bookings must be honoured before termination takes effect.
18.2 Upon termination, all listing data will be removed from the platform within 30 days.
18.3 Ecovilla Rentals acts solely as an intermediary platform. Hosts are solely responsible for the condition and safety of their property. Hosts agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ecovilla Rentals from any claims, damages, or losses arising from their property or actions as a Host.