FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Inyoni Rocks Cabanas

If done by email, perhaps we haven't received your enquiry or you haven't received our reply, this is a strong possibility due to some very big email provider fairing very poor on letting legitimate emails go to the inbox instead of the spam/junk folder.
If you have received an email from info@inyonirocks.co.za, whether from the system or a person, please read and follow it carefully, in 99% of the cases that would do it.
Send by WhatsApp to ensure delivery (As at 2024...)
Enquire with specific requirements: number of adults sharing, single adults, children and student ages, specific bed/room sharing requirements and the arrival and departure date you wish to book.
Ensure you have properly looked at the website, advertisement and whatever other resources we may have provided.
Sending a WhatsApp or EMail enquiry with just `Hi`, `Send me photos of the apartment`, `Send me more info`, `How are you`, `Please tell me more`, `I am interested in your apartments` etc. will most likely be ignored as we cannot imagine that to come from someone seriously looking for accommodation. Around cost is a real bargain, surely you would want to look into it more for yourself... Also, no. 8 is being rented around cost and not as a business and even though we would love to help prospective guests we unfortunately do not have the time to duplicate everything already provided and/or or engage in fruitless discussions over and over again with only one in ten actually booking.
Most importantly, by renting around cost, terms and conditions have to be adhered to and enforced extremely strictly and we do not want you to book and be unhappy afterwards because you expected something else, take the time to read and look at the FAQs, terms, photos etc.
If asking questions already answered, you will most likely not get any further responses, reason being renting around cost, not a travel agent, time and being an indication that you are not reading properly in which case we cannot assist at all as our terms, information, enquiry and booking process etc. requires a clear and 100% understanding of what you might be getting from us, terms etc..
If you have asked for details, quote etc. requiring you to log into our system and first of all accept our terms and conditions and subsequently ask more questions without having logged in, the system will flag you for suspicious behaviour and subsequently not being replied to.

Admittenly, there is a lot to read but it is to protect both parties and guaranteed to be well worth your while should you book this holiday offering, weather excluded...

Isn't there a simpler / easier way to enquire and book the flat?

Unfortunately not. Renting at around cost makes managing this effectively and securely and be as protective as possible towards the owner's property investment so much more difficult.
We have to try and make sure of the following and more:
You can read and understand the terms etc.
You are willing to accept the stringent terms.
You really do want to book this flat for holliday accommodation.
We do not want to make it difficult for ourselves to rent with lots of questions etc. as we don't get money for this and do not pay someone to answer everything...
The price for no. 8 really do sound to good to be true, so we would think you really would want to know everything and invest some effort into the details. You, family or friends will most likely want to visit again so do yourself a favour and navigate the site...

How come number eight is so cheap?

8 Inyoni Rocks Cabanas is a privately owned flat, the same as all the others. The Body Corporate does not rent holiday flats at all, though it might look like it does if you go by the agents in the garage which make it look like they are official and there website also stating the official website. Unfortunately all false!
As it is all private (not all are made available for rent), owners are can rent whereever they want, via whom they want or themselves, set their own terms and conditions, prices, what to include, services etc. Most if not all owners that do rent are renting for income and hardly ever use their flat themselves, however, the owner of no. 8 visit ate least twice a year for a holiday stay and to do repair and maintenance, improvements etc.
As such, the owner of number eight from Pretoria is renting their flat at around cost and maintaining it for their own holidays. They have been doing this since around 2004 with exceptional feedback and appreciation from guests.
This is one of the extremely rare true bargains you will find in life, especially with regard to holiday accommodation!!!

Please send me photos.

There is a photo gallery on the website, just follow the link from the main page or from here:
Photo Gallery/History: Latest photos at the top
There might also be more or other photos on the number eight Facebook page, link on the main page or:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InyoniRocksCabanas8
...and pleaase do like us and spread our outstanding deals to family and friends!

The dates quoted on is incorrect and not what I asked for.

With the owner of flat number eight renting around cost and taking into concideration that most periods booked far in advance with no. 8 run from Sat to Sat, most of the periods are pre-loaded adjacent to one another and costs pre-determined on the system.
In most cases changing the arrival and/or departure dates to outside or overlapping with the period quoted will have an adverse effect on the per night cost, if at all possible.
What we perhaps can do if you book the dates quoted, is to advertise the before and/or after periods to include the nights you don't want in the hope we find a booking as such. Or, if before and/or after the period quoted has already been booked, we can ask those guests if they perhaps want to extend their stay. This will then save you the costs for those nights, however, there are risks involved, should we not find a booking like that or the first booking received is for our pre-determined periods etc., you will be stuck with and have to pay for the nights we couldn't book with someone else.
Alternatively, you can book one of the other flats, most of them, if not all are much more flexible, however they rent for business and you most likely pay for that advantage.
Feel free though to discuss with us via Whatsapp or email, perhaps there is a way we can make it work.

For example:

Let`s say we have on the booking system four September pre-loaded periods available, all Sat to Sat:
1 to 7, 7 to 14, 14 to 21, 21 to 28
However, you only want to book from arriving 9 to departure 20 September, 11 nights
You read this FAQ and decide to go ahead and book 7 to 21, knowing you have won the lotto recently and will risk paying for the extra nights as it is still cheaper than booking with others, yet hoping we do get other bookings to take the extra nights from you
As your second lucky win would have it, the first adjacent booking we get is as per advertisement for 1 to 9!!!
You thus don't have to pay for those two nights anymore, the 7 and 8th
The first post booking we receive is unfortunately from the Sat to Sat, 21 to 28
And you are stuck with paying for only the one night, the 20th.

Obviously the sooner you decide and book as per quotation the better our chances of potential guests booking one of the two advertised periods, and if your recent luck continues, we get bookings for both periods.

How are the costs / rates determined and calculated as it shows this and the next minute something different.

With the owner of flat number eight renting around cost and taking into concideration that most periods booked far in advance with no. 8 run from Sat to Sat, most of the periods are pre-loaded adjacent to one another and costs pre-determined on the system.
In most cases changing the arrival and/or departure dates to outside or overlapping with the period quoted will have an adverse effect on the per night cost, if at all possible.
The owner has a quite complicated formula and by doing the `rent around cost` thing in effect means cost determination is actually a moving target and influenced by:
Dates - Because it simply makes sense to charge more in busy seasons. Also, booking adjacent to another booking uses less resources as, amongst others, cleaning and preparations can be done on the same day.
Period / Length of stay - Booking 30 x 1 night stays will be much more work, cost more with regard to damages, no shows etc.
Number of guests - One person will in general use less resources than more than one, whether just one baby sleeping in it's own cot or an adult, there will be a difference.
Guest sleeping arrangement - Same thing, four singles will use more resources than 2 couples.
And more, some variables having a small impacts and some with bigger.
Then there is the dreaded cancellations requests, which we simply do not allow, as agreed and for obvious reasons... However, some guests show disregard for others and simply don`t pay what is due.
Water and Electricity - Unfortunately not cheap anymore and we somehow need to cater / take a estimated guess for months in advance due to municipal guess work and some guests using a lot more than others.

Is it possible to enquire or book telephonically? I have tried to call but there is no answer.

No, text only.
With no. 8's owner from Pretoria renting around cost it is of utmost importance that guests know exactly what to expect, what is needed, the terms, costs, procedures etc.
As such we have made everything available on the website and have kept it updated since 2004. We cannot allow room for errors or misunderstandings due to telephone calls or assumptions made from conversations. Renting at around cost has to be done as specific and near perfect as possible.
If you find it all too much to read, the page once logged in shows a summary of notes, terms, questions / answers etc. that has come up in the past, at least start with that and then decide your way forward.

How do I book?

The booking procedure generally follows the following steps:

You browse around our website (home page or other online advertisements) and decide to contact us
You send us the number of adults sharing, single adults, children and student ages, specific bed/room sharing requirements and the arrival and departure date you wish to book.
We will then prepare a quote based on above or a closest availability quote on our booking system which will email you a password to use for logging into our website to view the quote and other important details.
You view the quote, accept our terms etc. and decide that you want to book as per the quote and send us a WhatsApp text or email indicating as such
If we can still accommodate you, we will update the online quote/enquiry which will then show you the deposit required and bank details to attempt securing it as a booking
NOTE!!! WE PROVIDE MULTIPLE QUOTES AND OPTIONS TO BOOK AND PROSPECTIVE GUESTS CAN PAY AT ANYTIME, SOME IMMEDIATELY, SOME MIGHT DELAY. THE FLAT REMAINS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE UNTIL WE CAN CONFIRM A QUOTE AS A BOOKING. IT IS THUS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR YOU NOT TO DELAY PAYMENT AND ENSURE IT IS AS REQUIRED, CORRECT AMOUNT, REFERENCE ETC. IF SERIOUS ABOUT BOOKING
Once payment is available and as required etc. we will allocate the flat and update the online enquiry / quote to indicate you have a confirmed booking
The balance is normally due +- 30 days before arrival, once received we will once again update the online booking to indicate as such.
The system will most likely then require more details, for example the number of cars (maximum 2) and some details, contact details for a relative or someone else not staying with you at the flat etc.

Can you hold the flat for me until I pay the deposit and my deposit has been cleared?

We unfortunately cannot take the flat out of circulation until the deposit has been cleared in our account and the booking can be confirmed.
With no. 8 being rented at around cost, many times under cost, it is of utmost importance that we utilize each and every opportunity to rent the flat with the least risk possible. We only get a few of these opportunities and missing `the one` will most likely boil down to around a 25% loss for that month!!
Also note that all quotations are static but with a zero validity period, meaning logging in 1 second or 6 months after being quoted will show most likely outdated and incorrect information, costs etc. Especially with regard to availability. Due to how the internet and we operate the same principle also applies to any other price or availability indications.
Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to ensure the required deposit is available for allocation ASAP.

How much does it cost? Please send me a pricelist. Etc.

The cost for a stay at flat number eight is determined by the booking system and possibly depend amongst others on the number of guests, ages, period booked etc. We do not keep pricelists, We do not keep pricelists, send us your full and final request (with all information required) and we will quote you from the system.
Changing guests after a booking has been confirmed, will most likely not be allowed. If we do allow it, it will cost you dearly, that is, you will pay much more.
If not sure or you want flexibility without a shock, pay more and book with the others and rest assured you have paid for 6 or 8 guests.

Why does it cost more per night than what looks like your going rate?

The cost for a stay at flat number eight is determined by the booking system (with most options / periods pre-loaded / fixed) and will also depend amongst others on the number of guests, ages, period booked, being your first booking with us or you haven't booked with us in a while, previous damages, etc.

How long do I have to make the deposit after indicating I want to book and you having updated the system as such?

To be honest, no time at all! Someone else might make payment within the next second. Also, only once the system shows your cleared deposit do we have the option of securing the booking.
However, we do try our best to accommodate guests and be fair at the same time. Should another payment was done before yours, we will return your deposit via EFT, minus bank costs if any, like with cash deposits, international transfers etc.

How come the flat is not available the day after I have asked for it?

We cannot stress enough that you thoroughly read our instructions and ensure you understand the contents thereof.
Please see the booking procedure above and FAQ regarding deposits etc.

Do I loose my booking deposit if someone else secures the booking before me?

Not necessarily, if the booking could not have been done for this reason we will make arrangements for returning your deposit. Note that this will only be done after your deposit has been cleared in our account. Also note that any costs will be deducted first, for example with overseas transfers and other bank charges like with cash deposits. Transfers to South African accounts will in most cases consist of your full deposit.

Where do I get the key?

Everything will be comunicated to you in due course once booked.

What is the earliest time I can enter the flat?

We recommend and prefer that guests enter the flat from 14:00 onwards on the day of arrival. Arriving and entering the flat before the recommended time (at the earliest 10:00) is allowed, however, guests must realise that they are running a risk of the flat not being cleaned properly. We also do not know in what state departing guests leave the flat and as such, seeing the flat before it's been cleaned might negatively affect on arriving guest's holiday. It is thus highly recommended that guests not arrive before 14:00.
In short, 8 Inyoni Rocks Cabanas allow arrivals at 10:00.

What is the latest time I can enter the flat?

Arriving guests can enter the flat anytime from 10:00 onwards on the day of arrival or the next day.

What is the latest time I must be out of the flat on the day of departure?

Guests must vacate the flat at the latest 10:00 on the morning of the departure date, without exception. We unfortunately have to be very strict on this and therefore have a penalty clause stipulated in the terms and conditions. You run the risk of loosing your Key and Breakage (KB) deposit should you leave a second later!!

When / how do I get the balance on the key and breakage deposit back?

When signing in two plus weeks after your departure date the system should show fields where you can enter your bank details. If there were empty nights or only one guest visiting after you it will be delayed a little bit as we normally need the feedback from two bookings after a particular stay to try and make reasonably sure there were no hidden costs incurred. Should there have been issues this might be delayed even further for example until we get a electricity bill spanning the period stayed etc. Please also keep in mind this can be affected by network issues due to load shedding etc. after which it will not happen at all without human intervention. So please simply send us a text message if nothing has happened after three or more weeks or in case it is a matter of urgency.

Do you accept credit cards?

We unfortunately do not at all in any way accept credit card payments.

Can I deposit by cheque?

Sorry but we unfortunately do not accept cheque payments at all anymore. In the old days you would also have risked loosing the flat to someone else who`s EFT payment would have cleared much faster than your cheque.

Can I deposit by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Internet transfer?

Yes, this is our only way of operation.

When will the Key and Breakage deposit be refunded?

It is normally refunded anytime from around two weeks after your departure date if we do have your banking details. Should you not provide your banking details the deposit will remain in your account with us for up to approximately one year, after which it will be forfeited.
However, the following will influence the date and amount:

Should the unit not be occupied within the above mentioned two weeks, the refund will be delayed until at least two days after the arrival of the next guests.
The KB amount refunded will normally equal the amount deposited.
In cases where there's a refund cost involved (e.g. international transfers), it will be subtracted at cost, i.e. we won't add exorbitant "admin fees" on top of that.
The cost of repairs due to property damage, replacement of missing or broken items etc. will also be deducted first, and you remain responsible for any shortfalls, failure to pay this the owner will submit a claim with the Pretoria North Small Claims Court.

Are pets / animals allowed?

Unfortunately no pets or animals are allowed anywhere inside the complex or the flat, not even in your car. Even small and quiet animals like hamsters or a bird in a cage can cause damage to our property, scare or irritate other people or cause health problems for the guests staying after you etc.
The complex is also a Sectional Title block of flats and the registered rules also does not allow any animals.

Can I smoke inside the flat and where's the ashtrays?

We prefer that guests smoke outside either on the veranda / balcony or in the garden somewhere. If you really must smoke inside there should be ashtrays in the cupboards, but please be careful and considerate!

Can you arrange for flowers, champagne etc. in rooms?

Unfortunately not, Inyoni Rocks Cabanas is like any other block of flats, all privately owned, though just ideally located for holiday letting. It is not a hotel or any other sort of resort.

Can you arrange for transport or is there a shuttle service to and from the Durban International Airport (uShaka International Airport)?

We cannot arrange these for you. Most travel agencies can arrange this for you and they should also have the necessary skills required or you can always arrange this by yourself. During peak seasons there might be shuttle services to and from Amanzimtoti, we have in the past heard of and seen advertisements in this regard, however, it would be best to contact the airport for this. Alternatively you can enquire at the airport regarding available and reputable taxis.
If your travel party consists of more than one it might be much most cost effective to use an Uber as witnessed by personal experience.
The distance is around 65Km.

Is the flat serviced daily?

Not at all, we once ran a survey with regular guests and all wanted this as an option.
As such, it is not serviced daily, we can arrange for additional services which cost around R220 per day in February 2024.
We clean on arrival / departure and try our best to have her some in once or twice during the week.

What is provided?

Linen.
You are responsible for all cleaning material / agencies, toiletries etc. since the covid pandemic. We don't supply anything of the sort, even for the days you do pay for service, you are responsible to supply her with everything.

How many can stay/sleep inside the flat?

By default the owner of number eight allow a maximum of four (4) adults (two couples) and two (2) children younger than eighteen (18). For anything more, for example 5 adults, the owner will decide and then possibly enable the system to accept it if allowed.
The number of beds in the flat do not depict the number of guests allowed etc., the owner's terms do.
If allowed, you also have to keep in mind the flat caters only for the default maximum and some appliances / items might not cater for more, for example the fridge / freezer might not be big enough to keep items cold for 6 adults etc.
As far as we know the other flats that are being rented allow six adults in the two bedroom units and the few three bedroom flats allow eight. (You need to verify with whomever you book.)
Also, keep in mind day visitors, guests etc. whether from other flats inside the complex, adjacent flats or outside the complex are not allowed unless specifically requested with details and approved before booking.
Again, renting at around cost means everything has to be strictly regulated and all terms etc. adhered to, for more flexibility you can book with some of the other flats that has built in some fat to cater for other options / scenarios.

Under which resort ownership does Inyoni Rocks Cabanas fall?

Inyoni Rocks Cabanas is not a resort of any sort, nor is it timeshare, a hotel or the like, though some flat owners make it look like it. It is a plain block of flats consisting of all privately owned flats registered under the South African Sectional Title Act. The complex is ideally situated as the closest block of flats right on the Amanzimtoti main beach (Inyoni Rocks Beach).
Not all owners are making their flats available for holiday renting, but those that are renting themselves, via online websites like inyonirocks.co.za, lekkeslaap.co.za, booking.com etc. You should thus be able to get a bargain for your vacation just by searching around for the best deal, though we doubt you will ever get a better standard deal than than with 8 Inyoni Rocks Cabanas 8!
There is no central booking office managing all available flats, though there is some owners occupying the complex garage making it like like it is the Inyoni Rocks Cabanas Body Corporate renting from there. Don't be fooled, it is NOT, they just make it look like it for obvious reasons!!

Can I book with my holiday club points?

No, Inyoni Rocks Cabanas is not a resort of any sort, nor is it timeshare, a hotel etc. It is a complex consisting of all privately owned flats registered as per the South African Sectional Title Act.

Are there Inyoni Rocks Cabanas flats for sale?

Most likely, as it consists of all privately owned flats, the buying and selling process is exactly the same as with any other residentail property falling under the sectional titles act, as with probably 99% residential complexes.
Search around, flats are constantly being sold via owners themselves and numerous agents.
The general process with these and similar (for example Stella Maris, High Tide and other blocks along the promenade) is the same as with other inland blocks / complexes, with the one primary difference of individual flats being sold fully furnished most if not all of the time, and as going concerns where they have or are being rented for vacation accommodation.
This also means that if you have a current booking with a particular flat there is no risk of loosing your money, unless of course there is crime involved which is nearly non existant, or not really as often as it seems from a rare article in the news.
Some even have agreements in sales contracts specifying new owners must continue business as is for confirmed bookings. New owners not doing this will be shooting themselves in the foot anyway.

I see some of the flats have been graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)

Unfortunately this is false as Inyoni Rocks Cabanas has NEVER been graded. These signs on doors and the certificate floating around are illegal and creates a false impression to the detriment of owners not part of the agent / owner group having started this!!

What are the general layout of the complex and these flats?

It is all stacked duplex units. The ground floor sea facing block's duplexes are positioned perfectly for an ideal holiday getaway, with a large patio and large garden area leading to the complex common property grass area.
Most flats have upstairs two bedrooms, two bathrooms and downstairs a guest toilet, large kitchen, dining are and large lounge. The groundfloor flats have the largest balconies leading from the main bedroom.
There are two communal braai (Barbeque - BBQ) areas on either side of the sea facing block.
There is a large chlorine pool and smaller splash pool on the righthand side with numerous benches, tables and a large grass area. You can view the promenade, beach, breakers and ocean through the glass fence.
The complex has right around electric fence, beach gate and 24 hour security, roaming the complex every now and then.

Can you refer me to another place to stay in Amanzimtoti?

Unfortunately not. Most of the blocks of flats along the Amanzimtoti coastline consist of flats that are privately owned by individuals, the same as with inland residential flats. The primary fact setting them appart from inland residential flats is that these are ideally located for holliday / vacation accommodation letting.
The fact that they are mostly under individual control though, makes it extremely risky for us to refer prospective guests since we won't always know the true condition of the unit we will be sending guests to.
As such we regret to have to leave the marketing of flats to the respective owners, letting agencies or travel agents who hopefully knows what they are selling.

Can I cancel my booking?

Unfortunately not.
With the owner's renting at around cost formula no additional protection was built in to cover for cancellation losses etc. Which is one of the reasons you and everyone else got a truely excellent deal in the first place.
It is made extremely clear throughout the website that the only way we can refund you to some extend is if we can find a replacement booking to cover the loss.