Mystic River Inn® Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Governing Entities: Mystic River Inn LLC & iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC

Premises Location: 3 Gravel St, Mystic, CT 06355

Welcome to Mystic River Inn®. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) outline the rules, regulations, and policies for using the Mystic River Inn® website and booking portal and for booking accommodations at our boutique inn located at 3 Gravel St, Mystic, Connecticut 06355 (the “Premises”). The “Mystic River Inn®” brand is a registered trademark of Mystic River Inn LLC, operating in partnership with iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Host,” “Inn,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

By accessing our website, completing a reservation, and/or executing the Short-Term Rental Agreement, you (the “Guest,” “Client,” or “You”) agree to be bound by these Terms. These Terms work in conjunction with your signed Short-Term Rental Agreement. In the event of any conflict regarding property rules or operational policies, these comprehensive Terms and Conditions shall prevail.

 

Summary of Core Schedule & Fee Provisions

Policy / Provision	Timeframe / Rule	Financial Term / Penalty
Card Validation Hold	At time of booking	$1.00 temporary pre-authorization hold via Stripe
Full Reservation Balance	30 days prior to scheduled arrival (or immediately if booked within 30 days)	100% of total booking value (plus 15% CT Room Occupancy Tax)
Security Deposit Soft Hold	Placed at check-in; released within 7–14 days post-checkout inspection	Temporary soft hold on card on file
Cancellation: 31+ Days Prior	More than 31 days before arrival	100% refund of amounts paid to Host
Cancellation: 14–30 Days Prior	Between 14 and 30 days before arrival	50% refund of amounts paid to Host
Cancellation: 0–13 Days Prior	13 days or less before arrival	Non-refundable (0% refund)
Smoking / Vaping Violation	Strictly prohibited indoors & around property at all times	$500.00 minimum deep-cleaning fee + applicable CT tax
Strict No-Pet Policy & Penalty	Strictly no pets allowed in any unit (task-trained ADA service animals exempt)	$250.00 minimum penalty + deep-cleaning costs, deposit forfeiture & eviction
Missing Inventory / Restocking	Assessed post-departure within 90-day authorization window	Full replacement cost + $50.00 administrative restocking fee
Unwarranted Chargeback Penalty	Assessed if a disputed charge is decided in the Host’s favor	$150.00 administrative dispute fee + legal/collection costs

 

1. Reservations, Dynamic Pricing, and Guest Screening

1.1 Booking Management (Hostaway): All reservations, guest communications, and booking workflows are managed through our property management system, Hostaway. By booking, you agree that your reservation details will be processed, synchronized, and managed through the Hostaway platform.

1.2 Dynamic Pricing: Nightly rates are dynamic and subject to change based on market demand, seasonality, and availability. The rate provided at the time of your confirmed booking is locked in; we do not price-match previous or future rates if prices fluctuate after your booking is secured.

1.3 Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years of age to book a room at Mystic River Inn®. A valid government-issued ID matching the name on the credit card used for booking is required prior to check-in.

1.4 Mandatory Guest Screening & Identity Verification: All bookings are subject to mandatory identity verification and background screening conducted by our third-party risk management partners, SafelyStay, Inc. (“Safely”) and/or Stripe Identity:

• Verification Process: You agree to complete a secure, automated verification process, which may require uploading a government-issued ID and a real-time photograph (selfie) for identity matching, as well as screening against criminal and public watchlists.
• Safely Score & Eligibility: You consent to the generation of a risk score (“Safely Score”) to determine booking eligibility. Furthermore, data regarding proven property damage, safety violations, or disputes arising during your stay may be reported to Safely and may impact your ability to book other vacation rental properties in the future.
• Failure to Verify: Failure to complete mandatory identity verification prior to arrival may result in the immediate cancellation of your reservation in accordance with our standard cancellation policy.

1.5 Third-Party Booking Platforms: Should the Premises be booked through a third-party rental platform (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO), the terms and conditions of that platform regarding booking mechanics, payments, and cancellations shall prevail in the event of a direct conflict with these Terms. However, all House Rules, identity verification requirements, and liability waivers contained herein remain in full force and effect.

1.6 Right of Refusal: We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, at any time, for any reason not prohibited by Connecticut or federal law.

 

2. Payments, Authorizations, Chargebacks, and Taxes

2.1 Payment Processing (Stripe): All credit card payments and security holds are securely processed and tokenized through Stripe, a PCI DSS Level 1 certified payment processor, integrated via Hostaway. Mystic River Inn LLC and iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC do not store your full credit card number on local servers. Transactions will appear on your bank or credit card statement as “MYSTIC RIVER INN” or “IUGO CO” (in connection with Mystic River Inn).

2.2 Connecticut Occupancy Tax: In compliance with the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-408 et seq.), all reservations of 30 consecutive days or less are subject to the mandatory Connecticut Room Occupancy Tax (currently 15%), as well as any applicable local or booking fees itemized at checkout.

2.3 Payment Schedule:

• Validation Hold: A temporary pre-authorization hold of $1.00 is applied to your payment method at the time of booking for card validation purposes.
• Balance Due: One hundred percent (100%) of the total booking value will be automatically charged to your payment method on file 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• Bookings Within 30 Days: If a reservation is made within 30 days of arrival, the system will immediately process the $1.00 validation hold and the 100% reservation balance as two separate transactions.

2.4 Security Deposit Hold: A temporary security deposit pre-authorization soft hold will be placed on your payment method at check-in. This hold is not a charge and will be released within 7 to 14 days following check-out, pending a satisfactory inspection of the Premises and confirmation that no damage or rule violations occurred.

2.4.1 Pre-existing Damage Reporting Window: Guests must inspect the Premises upon arrival and report any pre-existing damage, defects, or cleanliness issues to management in writing within 24 hours of check-in. Failure to report pre-existing conditions within this window constitutes guest acceptance of the unit in pristine condition and may result in the primary Guest being held liable for damages identified during post-departure inspection.

2.5 Explicit Authorization for Post-Stay Charges (Merchant-Initiated Transactions): By booking, you provide a valid mandate authorizing the Host to charge your tokenized payment method on file via Stripe for up to ninety (90) days after your departure date for any post-stay charges incurred due to your breach of these Terms or the Short-Term Rental Agreement. This includes:

• Repair or replacement of property damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
• Missing or removed inventory (replacement cost plus a $50.00 restocking fee).
• Smoking or vaping violation fees ($500.00 minimum + applicable Connecticut tax).
• Unauthorized pet penalties ($250.00 minimum penalty + deep-cleaning/remediation costs).
• Unauthorized guest fees and excessive cleaning fees.
• Prior Notice Requirement: No post-stay charges for damages will be processed without prior notification to you, including an itemized list and supporting photographic or documentary evidence provided within a reasonable timeframe following departure.

2.6 Third-Party Cardholders: If the payment card used belongs to someone other than the primary Guest, the cardholder must separately agree in writing to be bound by the payment terms of these Terms and the Short-Term Rental Agreement prior to check-in.

2.7 Strict Chargeback Waiver & Proof of Service: To protect against unwarranted credit card disputes (“friendly fraud”), you explicitly agree to the following:

• Electronic Proof of Consumption: Use of the provided smart lock door code, lockbox, or digital key to access the Premises constitutes absolute, irrefutable electronic proof of entry and confirms that the agreed-upon accommodation services were rendered and consumed.
• Evidence Submission: In the event of a credit card dispute or chargeback, you explicitly consent that the Host may submit to the issuing bank: (a) an itemized final invoice, (b) your signed Short-Term Rental Agreement and these Terms, and (c) time-stamped electronic smart-lock access logs demonstrating entry into the unit.
• Waiver & Administrative Fee: You waive the right to dispute charges for reservations canceled outside the permitted cancellation window, force majeure events, or documented damage/rule penalties accompanied by photographic evidence. If you initiate an unwarranted chargeback that is subsequently decided in the Host’s favor, you agree to pay a $150.00 administrative dispute fee to cover management time, plus any associated legal or collection costs.

 

3. Cancellations, Refunds, and Force Majeure

3.1 Tiered Cancellation Policy:

• 31+ Days Prior to Arrival: 100% refund if canceled more than 31 days before the scheduled arrival date.
• 14–30 Days Prior to Arrival: 50% refund if canceled between 14 and 30 days before the scheduled arrival date.
• 0–13 Days Prior to Arrival: Non-refundable (0% refund) if canceled 13 days or less prior to the scheduled arrival date.
• Note on Third-Party Fees: The Host is not responsible for refunding third-party travel insurance premiums or indirect booking platform service fees (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO service fees).

3.2 Force Majeure & Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that Guests purchase independent, comprehensive travel insurance. Mystic River Inn® does not issue refunds or credits for weather events, personal emergencies, illnesses, or travel delays falling outside our standard cancellation window. Neither the Host nor the Guest shall be liable for failure to perform contractual obligations when prevented by Force Majeure events beyond reasonable control—including severe natural disasters, government-mandated travel restrictions or evacuations, public health emergencies, severe infrastructure damage, prolonged municipal utility failures, or acts of God. Should a Force Majeure event render the Premises uninhabitable prior to or during a stay, or force the Host to cancel the reservation, the Host’s liability is strictly limited to issuing a pro-rata refund of all unused nights paid to the Host.

 

4. Property Rules, Operations, and Guest Expectations

4.1 Check-In / Check-Out: Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM (unless otherwise stated on your specific reservation confirmation). Early check-ins and late check-outs must be approved in advance, are subject to availability, and may incur additional fees. Unapproved late check-outs that disrupt housekeeping operations may result in an additional fee up to one night’s rental rate.

4.2 Occupancy, Visitors & Air Mattresses: Occupancy is strictly limited to the total number of registered guests specified on your booking confirmation. Day visitors are permitted only with prior written management approval and must vacate the Premises by 10:00 PM. An “Unauthorized Occupant” is defined as any individual present on the Premises overnight or exceeding approved guest limits without explicit Host authorization. Discovery of unauthorized occupants will result in an immediate fee of $100.00 per unauthorized guest, per night, and/or immediate termination of the reservation without refund. In strict compliance with municipal fire and building codes, the use of air mattresses, cots, or sleeping bags to increase sleeping capacity is strictly prohibited.

4.3 Quiet Hours & No Parties: Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM each night. During quiet hours, music is prohibited and all audio must be kept to a minimum out of respect for other guests and surrounding Mystic residents. Large gatherings, events, and parties are strictly prohibited at all times and constitute grounds for immediate eviction without refund.

4.4 Strictly Smoke-Free Property: Smoking and vaping of any kind (including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, tobacco, and cannabis/marijuana) are strictly prohibited inside the units and around the exterior of the Premises. Violations will result in a minimum $500.00 deep-cleaning fee (plus applicable tax) and potential forfeiture of the security deposit.

4.5 Strict No-Pet Policy & Federal Service Animal Guidelines: To maintain a pristine, allergen-free environment for all guests, pets of any kind are strictly prohibited in all units and across the entire Premises without exception. If an unauthorized pet or animal is brought onto the Premises, a mandatory $250.00 penalty plus actual deep-cleaning and allergen-remediation costs will be charged to the card on file, the Security Deposit shall be forfeited, and the reservation will be terminated immediately without refund.

• Service Animals (Federal ADA & CT Law Compliance): In full compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-64, task-trained Service Animals (dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability) are not considered pets and are welcome in all units without restriction or pet fees.
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Under federal ADA guidelines and Connecticut law, emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as Service Animals and are not permitted on the Premises.
• Service Animal Responsibilities: In accordance with federal ADA guidelines, a Service Animal must remain housebroken and under the handler’s direct control (leashed, harnessed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using them) at all times. A Service Animal may not be left unattended in a guest unit at any time. While no pet fee or deposit is charged for a Service Animal, the Guest remains fully financially responsible via the card on file for any physical damage or extraordinary cleaning caused by the Service Animal.

4.6 Parking & Towing: Due to our historic downtown Mystic location, parking is strictly limited to one (1) dedicated parking spot per booked unit. Parking on the Premises prior to check-in or after check-out is strictly prohibited. Additional vehicles must utilize off-site public parking. Unauthorized, improperly parked, or overstaying vehicles may be towed at the vehicle owner’s sole risk and expense.

4.7 Departure Condition: Although a professional cleaning fee is included in your reservation, Guests must complete three basic departure tasks prior to check-out:

1. Place all trash and recycling in the designated outdoor containers.
2. Remove all perishable food and beverages from the refrigerator.
3. Leave the unit in a generally tidy condition.

Additional cleaning fees will apply if the Premises are left excessively soiled or require biohazard/specialty remediation.

4.8 Safety Compliance, Inspections & Right of Entry: In strict compliance with Connecticut state and local fire safety codes, the Premises are equipped with hardwired/monitored smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked emergency egress pathways. Tampering with, disabling, or obstructing any fire safety device or exit route is strictly prohibited and subject to immediate eviction and penalty fees. Because Mystic River Inn® provides transient lodging accommodations (exempt from the Connecticut Residential Landlord and Tenant Act pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-2(a)(4)), the Host and its authorized staff reserve the right to enter the Premises at reasonable times upon reasonable notice (or immediately without notice in emergencies, suspected utility leaks, fire hazards, or ongoing rule violations) to conduct safety inspections, maintenance, or repairs.

4.9 Mechanical Failures, Utilities, and Internet: Standard utilities (water, electricity, HVAC, trash removal) are included in your reservation. Guests agree to use utilities responsibly and not leave windows or exterior doors open while heating or air conditioning is running. High-speed wireless internet is provided as a complimentary courtesy; no refunds or discounts are issued for ISP outages or connectivity issues. The Host will make every reasonable effort to repair any mechanical failures (plumbing, heating, appliances) in a timely manner upon notification by the Guest.

4.10 Subletting & Assignment: Guests may not sublet, assign, transfer, or re-list the Premises (or any portion thereof) on any platform, nor allow third parties not named on the reservation to occupy the unit in the primary Guest’s absence.

4.11 Illegal Activity: Any illegal activity on the Premises—including but not limited to unlawful drug distribution, underage drinking, prostitution, property destruction, or disorderly conduct—will result in immediate termination of occupancy without refund, notification of the Groton/Stonington/Mystic law enforcement authorities, and forfeiture of all funds paid.

4.12 Accessibility: Only the Mariner’s unit is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramp access and no curbs. Other units in our historic property require navigating stairs.

 

5. Assumption of Risk, Water Activities, and Limitation of Liability

5.1 Liability Waiver — Mystic River & Water Activities: Guests and their invitees explicitly acknowledge that swimming, wading, and the use of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and water floats in or around the Mystic River involve inherent risks, including changing tides, currents, boat traffic, cold water, and drowning. All water activities are undertaken entirely at the Guest’s own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Guests accept full responsibility for any bodily injury, illness, or death to themselves or their party arising from water activities and hereby release and hold harmless the Host and property owners from any associated liability.

5.2 Indemnification & Personal Injury: The Guest agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Mystic River Inn LLC and iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC against any and all claims, damages, or liabilities for personal injury or property damage arising from the Guest’s (or their invitees’) use of the Premises, except to the extent such injury or damage is directly caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Host.

5.3 Personal Property: The Host is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of personal items, valuables, or vehicles left on the Premises or in parking areas. Any personal items left behind after check-out are not the responsibility of the Host; if found and requested within 14 days, items can be shipped back to the Guest at the Guest’s expense plus a $25.00 handling fee.

5.4 Limitation of Consequential Damages: To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Connecticut law, Mystic River Inn LLC and iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your stay or use of our website, and total liability for any contractual claim shall not exceed the total rental fees paid by the Guest for the reservation at issue.

 

6. Website Use and Intellectual Property

6.1 Trademarks and License: “Mystic River Inn®” is a federally registered service mark (U.S. Reg. No. 8,120,915) owned by Mystic River Inn LLC. Unless otherwise stated, Mystic River Inn LLC, iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC, and/or their licensors own all intellectual property rights for all content, photography, and materials on our website and booking portal.

6.2 Restrictions: You may not republish, sell, rent, sub-license, scrape, reproduce, duplicate, or redistribute content, images, or branding from the Mystic River Inn® website without prior written consent.

 

7. Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Attorney’s Fees

7.1 Governing Law & Venue: These Terms and your Short-Term Rental Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising under or in connection with your reservation or stay shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New London County, Connecticut, and you irrevocably consent to such personal jurisdiction and venue.

7.2 Attorney’s Fees & Collection Costs: If the Host is required to retain legal counsel or a collection agency to enforce any provision of these Terms or the Short-Term Rental Agreement—including collecting unpaid property damage costs, rule violation penalties, or defending/recovering funds from an unwarranted credit card chargeback—the Guest agrees to pay the Host’s reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and collection expenses where the Host prevails, to the fullest extent permitted by Connecticut law.

7.3 Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid under Connecticut law, that provision shall be modified or limited to the minimum extent necessary so that the remainder of these Terms shall remain in full force and effect.

 

8. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:

• Management: Mystic River Inn LLC & iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC
• Email: info@mysticriverinn.com
• Phone: (860) 365-1120
• Property Address: 3 Gravel St, Mystic, CT 06355
• Mailing Address: iUgo Vacation Rentals LLC, 26 New London Rd, Salem, CT 06420