Policies

ForFriends Inn Policies

ForFriends takes great pride in having established a uniquely comfortable and social environment for adults seeking a memorable getaway amidst the rolling hills, vineyards, and country charm of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. We cherish our Inn and all of the guests who visit here. The following policies reflect our desire to meet guest’s expectations, to provide all with a memorable and pleasurable experience, and to protect our wonderful inn.

Separate Agreements.  Our General Guest Policies are described below.  However, there are separate policies for several different scenarios not fully covered herein.  Each may require a formally signed agreement prior to check-in.  If any of the following pertain to your stay, please immediately give us a call at (805) 693-0303 to avoid issues at check-in or during your stay.

– Group Room Blocks

– Corporate Retreats and Other On-Site Meetings (formal or informal)

– On-Site Activities (with or without outside vendors)

– On-Site Events (of any size and formality)

Travel Conditions.  Understandably, ForFriends Inn cannot be held responsible for cancellations due to traffic, travel conditions, illness, acts of God, change of plans, or any other causes.  If this is of concern, guests are encouraged to consider travel insurance available at a nominal cost from any travel agency or online at www.insuremytrip.com, (800) 487-4722.  ForFriends Inn offers this information as a courtesy and is not formally affiliated with the site or any insurance carriers.

Check-in Time.  Check-in times are 3:00-6:00 daily.  Our front desk is not staffed overnight.  If you plan to check-in after 6:00pm, please call us at (805) 693-0303 and we’ll be happy to make arrangements for your late arrival.  If you plan to check-in before 3:00, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  Please call ahead to check availability for an early check-in.

Check-out Time.  Check-out is 11:00am.  If you would like to check-out after 11:00, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  Please call ahead to check availability of a late check-out.

Pets.  We apologize in advance that we cannot accommodate pets at either ForFriends Inn or ForFriends Village.  Pets accompanying guests will be assessed a service fee of $500/night.

Service Animals.  We welcome service animals that have been properly licensed and trained in accordance with ADA requirements. We fully comply with all ADA requirements. Service Animals may NOT be left in guest rooms alone at any time. Also, we do not automatically charge a cleaning fee but will exercise our right to charge the guest for any related damage (such as damage to comforters) discovered during the stay or after check-out.  Also, we ask that you please let us know at the time of booking if your Service Animal will accompany you on your visit.  Please note that Comfort, Companion, Emotional Support, and Therapy Animals are not formally recognized as Service Animals.  Therefore, ForFriends cannot accommodate animals that are not formally trained and recognized as a Service Animal.  Finally, ForFriends dutifully reports all incidents of Service Animal fraud.

Meals & Dietary Requests. All stays include a delicious homemade breakfast each morning and a friendly and fun wine and hors d’oeuvres hour each evening. We apologize in advance for we are unable to offer room service.  We are happy to accommodate any reasonable dietary requirements but do ask for 72 hour notification.

Reservation Deposit.   Reservations are not considered formal until receipt of 50% deposit.

Reservation Balance & Non-Refundable Period.   Balances for individual reservations are taken 7 days prior to check-in which is when the entire reservation becomes non-refundable.  Balances for large group reservations (4 rooms or more) are taken 60 days prior to check-in which is when the entire group reservation becomes non-refundable.  Exceptions, such as a shorter non-refundable period, must be agreed at time of booking.

Cancellations and Refunds.   Requests for cancellations received outside of the non-refundable period will result in a return of funds collected less i) credit card transaction fees, and ii) a $75 service fee per room booked.  Once inside the non-refundable period, no refund or credit towards a future stay can be issued.

Postponements.   Postponement of a stay is considered the same as a Cancellation.

Consideration for Extra Guests & Non-Registered Guests. Guest Rooms: Unless otherwise noted, room rates are for double-occupancy (two persons per room). Select rooms can accommodate additional guests at $50/nt for each extra adult or $25/nt for each extra child (ages 2-11 years old). There is no extra charge for children under the age of 2 years old.  Breakfast: We invite guests who may be staying elsewhere but wish to dine with their friends staying at ForFriends.  Since all of our meals are prepared fresh, we require 24 hr notice for non-registered guests.  If wishing to dine with guests staying at ForFriends Inn, cost for breakfast is $30/person.  If wishing to dine with guests staying at ForFriends Village, cost for Bungalow Breakfast Basket is $40/person. Daily Wine Hour: We also invite guests who may be staying elsewhere but wish to socialize with their friends already staying at ForFriends at our daily wine and hors d’oeuvres hour.  Advanced notice of 24 hours is required.  Cost is $25/person Sun-Thu and $30/person Fri & Sat.

Children. Children are welcomed at the inn but we want guests to know that ForFriends Inn is a uniquely adult establishment.  Adults agree not to leave any minor 12 years of age or younger unattended at any time during their stay.  They also agree to monitor minors closely at all times so as to avoid injury to the child, damage to the inn, and disruption of the experience of the other guests.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in the party being asked to leave without refund.

Handicap Access. Our dining area, powder room, front porch and the guest room off of the front porch are handicapped accessible. In addition to a private entrance, the guest room features a fully handicapped accessible bathroom along with a handicap parking space. Please check availability prior to booking.

Registered and Non-Registered Guests. Our intimate size requires that use of the property — including all inside and outside common areas along with guest rooms — are generally limited to registered guests only.  With advanced notice, we will do our best to accommodate requests for non-registered guests to visit.

Smoking.  The entire property is no smoking or vaping – including the Wine Garden, balconies, porches, decks, parking areas, and especially guest rooms. If found having smoked or vaped in the room, the guest will be charged a minimum of one additional night at the standard rate.  ForFriends Inn reserves the right to charge additional fees if additional time is required to fully deodorize the guest room.  We also reserve the right to ask guests to check-out immediately without refund.

Common Areas and Quiet Times. Guests are encouraged to quietly enjoy our common areas including the Wine Garden, living room, and front porch.  When doing so, all activity is expected to be conducted in a manner appropriate for a quiet inn in a neighborhood setting.  Quiet Time for the property is 9:00p to 9:00a with the exception of the garden. In consideration of our neighbors, Quiet Time in the garden is 8:00p to 9:00a.

Kitchen. Due to insurance regulations, our kitchen is off-limits to guests.  Groups wishing to host a catered meal at ForFriends must read and agree our separate Catering Agreement.

Clean-up and Trash. Typical clean-up (eg. dirty linens, vacuuming, dusting, general cleanup, normal wear-and-tear) is expected.  Otherwise, rooms and common areas are expected to be free of excess trash, clutter, and debris. Guests are asked to take their extra trash, including empty wine boxes or excessive number of wine bottles, with them at check-out.  ForFriends, at their sole discretion, may apply a $75 per 40-gallon trash can to the card on file.

Damage. Damage to any part of the site, the inn, or its contents, beyond normal wear and tear, will be assessed, repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of FFI. The offending party will be charged accordingly using the credit card on file.  Guests are prohibited from affecting repairs.  Guests found to be abusing any portion of the inn will be asked to check-out immediately without refund. 

Special Requests.  ForFriends Inn will attempt to accommodate special requests within reason.  However, we are a small inn with limited inventory and staffing.  Guests are asked to keep to a minimum special requests for excessive linens, laundry service, personal grocery shopping services, use of kitchen refrigerators, batteries, excessive amounts of ice, etc.  In these cases, we will be happy to provide directions to several nearby grocery, drug, or department stores.

Groups.  Groups, whether having reserved the entire property or a portion thereof, are expected to behave in a manner appropriate for the setting.  Under no circumstances are guests allowed to disrupt the other guests or neighboring properties.  No amplified music is allowed in any exterior area at any time without approval and direct supervision of inn staff.  All exterior areas become unavailable to guests each evening at 9:00p with the exception of the Wine Garden which closes at 8:00p.  Guests may enjoy the living room quietly until later in the evening provided their activities do not disturb other guests.  Groups of 4 rooms or more must read and acknowledge our separate Group Reservation Agreement.  

Candles and Burnables.  ForFriends is located in a High Fire Zone.  Thus, the Santa Barbara County Fire Code prohibits the use candles, incense or anything other burnables at either property. 

Liability. ForFriends is not responsible for the loss of any property, money or valuables.  Safes are provided in each guest room.  Security cameras are used in the common areas

Missing Keys. Keys not returned at the time of checkout will result in a $100 lost key charge.

Bikes. Bicycles are not allowed inside of the Inn, guest rooms at the Inn or Village, or on any balconies and porches. Secure bicycle storage is available on-site per request. 

Gift Certificates. Only ForFriends Gift Certificates and Gift Cards are accepted.  ForFriends does not participate in any other gift certificate programs.

Quotations. We will gladly provide a written quotation upon request.  A written quotation guarantees the rates provided until the expiration date shown on the quote.  However, a quotation does not hold the rooms or otherwise guarantee availability.  The rooms and site are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.