Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Staying in Bern. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this platform.

These terms apply to all users of the platform, including locals, volunteers, visitors, and any other users.

2. Description of Service

Staying in Bern is a community platform that connects local residents of Bern, Switzerland with volunteers and travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and accommodation opportunities. We facilitate:

• Connections between locals and volunteers
• Cultural exchange and community building
• Accommodation arrangements and social events
• Language exchange opportunities

3. User Responsibilities

3.1 Account Registration

You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security of your password and account
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

3.2 Acceptable Use

You agree NOT to:

• Use the platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Violate any laws in your jurisdiction
• Harass, abuse, or harm another person
• Provide false or misleading information
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Interfere with or disrupt the platform or servers
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the platform
• Use the platform for commercial purposes without our permission

4. Booking and Accommodation Terms

4.1 Booking Process

When you make a booking through our platform, you enter into a direct agreement with the host. Staying in Bern facilitates the connection but is not a party to the accommodation arrangement.

4.2 Payment Terms

• All fees and charges are clearly displayed before booking confirmation
• Payment is processed through secure third-party payment providers
• You are responsible for all applicable taxes and fees
• Prices are subject to change without notice

4.3 Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary by host and booking. Please review the specific cancellation terms before confirming your booking. General guidelines:

• Flexible: Full refund up to 24 hours before check-in
• Moderate: Full refund up to 5 days before check-in
• Strict: 50% refund up to 7 days before check-in

Service fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

5. User Content and Conduct

You retain ownership of content you post on the platform, but you grant us a license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services.

You represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights to the content you post
• Your content does not violate any third-party rights
• Your content complies with these Terms of Service

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Staying in Bern is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information on the platform
• We are not responsible for the conduct of any user or the quality of accommodations
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you in the past 12 months

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation of liability for consequential damages, so some of the above limitations may not apply to you.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

The platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to:

• The platform will meet your requirements
• The platform will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free
• Results obtained from using the platform will be accurate or reliable
• Any errors in the platform will be corrected

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Staying in Bern, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your content posted on the platform

9. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms of Service:

• We encourage you to first contact us to seek an informal resolution
• If informal resolution fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration
• Arbitration will be conducted in Bern, Switzerland
• Swiss law will govern these Terms of Service

10. Termination

We reserve the right to:

• Terminate or suspend your account immediately, without prior notice, for any breach of these Terms
• Remove any content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable
• Refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time

Upon termination, your right to use the platform will immediately cease. All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive.

11. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. We will notify users of any material changes via email or through the platform. Your continued use of the platform after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

12. Intellectual Property

The platform and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Staying in Bern and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws. You may not use our trademarks or intellectual property without our prior written consent.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

By using Staying in Bern, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.