0. About HotelCard AG

HotelCard AG, with its registered office at Okenstrasse 6 in 8037 Zurich, Switzerland, operates a website for marketing and brokering hotel accommodation in Switzerland and neighbouring countries. On the HotelCard website, hotels offer HotelCard holders (hereinafter referred to as "members") overnight stays at exclusive member rates. Payment for the accommodation services offered is made directly between the hotel and the member. The distribution of overnight services via HotelCard is free of charge for the participating hotels. Members pay a membership fee in order to benefit from the exclusive member rates.

1. HotelCard products

1.1 HotelCard subscription (=membership)

With the purchase of the HotelCard, the member receives a membership card individually issued in his/her name, which is non-transferable. 

The HotelCard can be purchased for different periods. When booking a hotel, the travel dates must be within the validity period of the HotelCard. After expiry, neither hotel bookings nor stays at HotelCard conditions are possible and the card is no longer accepted by HotelCard partner hotels. 

The HotelCard is delivered to the member either physically and/or digitally. The digital HotelCard is available immediately after purchase in the user profile and enables the immediate booking of hotels via the HotelCard website.

Irrespective of the selected period of validity, the HotelCard subscription is automatically renewed for 1 year at the price of CHF 99 (incl. VAT) after expiry, unless it is cancelled in due time (see section "Contract duration, renewal and termination").

1.2 Personalised gift card

The personalised HotelCard gift card contains a HotelCard issued in the name of the gift recipient with a pre-defined validity and is non-transferable. 

The personalised gift card must be activated by the gift recipient according to the instructions in order to be used. Once activated, the gift card can be used to make hotel bookings via the HotelCard website within the validity period.

The personalised gift card expires after the validity period and is not automatically renewed. After expiry, neither hotel bookings nor stays at HotelCard conditions are possible and the card is no longer accepted by HotelCard partner hotels. 

1.3 Hotel vouchers

The hotel voucher is accepted as a means of payment by almost all HotelCard partner hotels. Partner hotels that do not accept the vouchers are listed here. 

The hotel voucher is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. Hotel vouchers are also accepted by the partner hotels after expiry of the HotelCard membership. In this case, however, HotelCard member rates can no longer be claimed. The regular room rates of the hotel apply.

1.4 Non-personalised gift card

The non-personalised HotelCard gift card contains a voucher code. After redeeming the voucher code noted on the gift card, the person receives a personal HotelCard. 

The HotelCard obtained with the voucher code expires after the validity period and is not automatically renewed. After expiry, neither hotel bookings nor stays at HotelCard conditions are possible and the card is no longer accepted by HotelCard partner hotels. 

Voucher codes cannot be used to renew an existing HotelCard membership. Buyers who have already held a valid HotelCard within the last 12 months cannot redeem voucher codes. 

The resale or commercial distribution of non-personalised gift cards or voucher codes via websites, social media or other channels is not permitted without the express consent of HotelCard. HotelCard reserves the right to deactivate corresponding voucher codes at any time.

1.5 Temporary HotelCard

With the purchase of the temporary HotelCard (=HotelCard SeasonPass), the member receives an individual card issued in his or her name with a pre-defined validity period, which is non-transferable.

For hotel bookings, the travel dates must be within the validity period of the HotelCard. After expiry, neither hotel bookings nor stays at HotelCard conditions are possible and the card is no longer accepted by HotelCard partner hotels.

The temporary HotelCard is sent to the member either physically and/or digitally. The digital HotelCard is available immediately after purchase in the user profile and enables the immediate booking of hotels via the HotelCard website.

The temporary HotelCard expires at the end of the validity period and is not automatically renewed. 

2. Purchase of a HotelCard product

2.1 Order

The purchase of a HotelCard product is made by completing and submitting the order form on the website of HotelCard AG, by the purchaser contacting HotelCard by telephone or by other forms of contact with a clear expression of intent (for example a pre-printed order form or order form on the website of authorised HotelCard sales partners). By submitting the order on the website or by completing the order form, as well as by clearly expressing his or her will when ordering by telephone, the purchaser agrees to these GTC. The current version of the GTC as published on the website of HotelCard AG shall apply in each case. HotelCard confirms the order electronically by e-mail. This order confirmation is purely declaratory in nature.

2.2 Prices

The prices of HotelCard products are based on the information provided on the HotelCard AG website at the time the purchase offer is made.

2.3 Discount codes

Discount codes are issued by HotelCard AG at its own discretion and serve primarily as an introductory offer for new customers. They enable the recipient to make a one-off, discounted purchase of a HotelCard product. The accumulation of several discount codes in one order is not permitted. Only one discount code may be used per holder and order.

Discount codes cannot be used to renew an existing HotelCard membership. Buyers who have already held a valid HotelCard within the last 12 months cannot redeem discount codes. 

The resale or commercial distribution of discount codes via websites, social media or other channels is not permitted without the express consent of HotelCard. HotelCard reserves the right to deactivate corresponding discount codes at any time.

2.5 Delivery

The physical HotelCard is delivered by Swiss Post via B-Post. The usual delivery time in Switzerland is about 7-10 working days. For deliveries to EU/EFTA countries, the average delivery time is usually 12-14 working days.

Orders for personalised gift cards are sent by A-Post. The estimated delivery time in Switzerland is approximately 3 working days. HotelCard AG accepts no liability for delays in delivery due to, for example, force majeure, traffic disruptions, official directives or other events beyond the control of HotelCard AG. 

2.6 Referral programme

The referral programme is only available to current HotelCard members. A referred new customer will receive a referral link that entitles them to a discounted purchase of a HotelCard.

For each successful referral, the HotelCard member will receive a credit that can be applied to their next renewal. The credit will be stored in the customer's profile and is valid for three years. It can be extended with new successful referrals. The credit cannot be redeemed for cash and is non-transferable. The credit will expire upon cancellation of membership.  

The credit will added to the referrer's profile within 30 days after the referred person pays for their purchase. Referring oneself or someone in the same household is not allowed.

The resale or commercial distribution of referral links via websites, social media or other channels is not permitted. HotelCard reserves the right to deactivate corresponding links at any time.

2.7 Right of withdrawal

The customer has the right to revoke this contract within 14 days from the day of the conclusion of the contract without giving reasons, provided that no hotel booking has been made yet.

In order to exercise the right of withdrawal, the customer must inform HotelCard AG of his/her decision to withdraw from the contract by means of a clear declaration. This can be done by e-mail or letter.

The customer is obliged to return any HotelCard products already dispatched upon receipt. The return must be made to the following address: HotelCard AG, Okenstrasse 6, 8037 Zurich, Switzerland. The return shipment must be marked 'Revocation'. The costs of the return shipment shall be borne by the customer.

If the customer revokes the contract, HotelCard must repay all payments that HotelCard has received from the customer without delay and at the latest within 30 days of receipt of the revocation. For this repayment, HotelCard shall use the same means of payment that was used in the original transaction.

3. Use of the offer

3.1 Hotel booking

The HotelCard entitles the holder to book overnight stays in the hotels listed on the HotelCard AG website. One HotelCard can be used to book one room at a time, regardless of the number of guests. If several rooms are booked, several HotelCards are required accordingly. The maximum occupancy must be observed in each case.

A claim to booking with a member discount only exists if the hotel offers rooms with a HotelCard member discount on the HotelCard AG website on the desired booking date.

3.2 Hotel prices

The HotelCard member is in principle entitled to a discount of up to 50 % on the daily accommodation rate set by the hotel at the time of booking.

The discount is limited exclusively to the booking of the hotel room, including breakfast if applicable. Other optional services offered by the hotel, as well as taxes, will be charged separately in full.

Discounts of 50% and 30% can be claimed for a maximum period of three consecutive nights. For bookings beyond this period, a discount of 10% per night will be applied, subject to room availability.

3.3 Hotel description and additional information

All information, images, prices, fees and other details about the hotels are based on the information provided by the respective hotels. HotelCard AG accepts no liability for any incorrect information provided by the hotels.

3.4 Booking procedure

Hotel bookings are made by the member via the HotelCard AG website. Booking requests are confirmed by the hotel within a maximum of 24 hours and are binding for both parties. The hotel is obliged to accept the member's booking if a corresponding offer was available on the HotelCard AG website at the time of booking.

Bookings at partner hotels offering the option "immediately bookable" will be confirmed immediately by the hotel and are binding for both parties.

The accommodation contract is concluded between the hotel and the member, without the involvement of HotelCard AG. The contract shall only become effective after confirmation of the booking by the hotel for the attention of the member. Upon arrival at the hotel, the member is in any case obliged to present his/her HotelCard physically or digitally.

3.5 Booking cancellation

The cancellation conditions are based on the regulations of the respective partner hotel. The specific cancellation conditions are available on the HotelCard AG website under the respective hotel. If applicable, the cancellation conditions will also be communicated directly by the hotel together with the booking confirmation.

Cancellations can be made independently by HotelCard members in the HotelCard user profile, provided they are made in good time.

The cancellation conditions are an integral part of the accommodation contract. The hotel and the member, but not HotelCard AG, are involved in this.

3.6 Payment for hotel services

Payment for accommodation services is made directly between the hotel and the HotelCard member. As a rule, this is done at check-in or check-out. The hotels may require a deposit or advance payment from the customer. HotelCard assumes no liability for the processing of the payment and all money flows between the members and the partner hotels take place outside the area of responsibility of HotelCard.

3.7 Payment with hotel voucher

In addition to the usual means of payment, hotel vouchers can also be used to settle hotel bills. The following conditions apply to the redemption of these hotel vouchers: 

• Redemption is only possible at partner hotels of HotelCard AG. The hotel must be an active partner hotel of HotelCard AG at the time of booking. The hotel voucher is accepted as a means of payment by almost all partner hotels. A detailed list of partner hotels where the hotel voucher is not accepted can be found here. 
• The hotel voucher can be used in the hotel to pay the hotel bill in full or in part. The voucher value is credited to the accommodation services. In addition to the hotel accommodation, this also includes other services used such as catering and service.
• The redemption of the hotel voucher is only possible with at least one overnight stay in the hotel. Without an overnight stay, hotel vouchers are not accepted as a means of payment. 
• When redeeming the voucher at the hotel, the original hotel voucher or, in the case of Print@home, a printout with a clearly legible QR code must be presented. Copies or photos of the voucher can be rejected by the hotel. 
• A cash payment, refund or exchange of hotel vouchers is not possible.
• The period of validity of the hotel voucher is printed on it and begins on the date of issue. After the expiry date, the hotel voucher can no longer be redeemed.

4. Buyer's obligations

4.1 Accuracy of the information

The purchaser is obliged to provide complete and correct information. In the event of incomplete, incorrect or false information, HotelCard reserves the right to cancel the order. In this case, HotelCard must refund all payments that HotelCard has received from the customer without delay and at the latest within 30 days of the date of cancellation. For this repayment, HotelCard shall use the same means of payment that was used in the original transaction.

In addition, the buyer is obliged to notify any changes in the information necessary for the provision of the services (such as change of e-mail address or change of address) in good time.

The purchaser is obliged to ensure that he/she is able to receive electronic communications from HotelCard AG, in particular e-mails, and that their delivery is not impeded by security measures (in particular SPAM filters).

4.2 Punctual payment of the membership fee

The HotelCard member undertakes to pay the membership fee on time. The purchaser shall be in default without a reminder if he fails to settle the invoices of HotelCard AG within the specified period. If the purchaser receives a reminder for late payment, he/she will be charged CHF 10 for the second reminder, CHF 20 for the third reminder and CHF 30 for the final reminder. The reminder fees will be invoiced cumulatively. In the event of collection, an additional annual percentage rate of up to five percent from the due date and processing fees may be charged. HotelCard AG asserts the claim in its own name and for its own account. However, it is entitled to assign the claim. Should the purchaser be in default, HotelCard AG reserves the right to block the HotelCard without prior notice.

4.3 Appropriate behaviour towards partner hotels

HotelCard members receive exclusive discounts at all partner hotels without compulsory consumption or other restrictions (as is usual with other providers). To ensure that these special benefits for HotelCard members continue in the future, we expect our members to behave fairly and respectfully towards the partner hotels.

In the event of inappropriate behaviour or breaches of the applicable terms and conditions towards partner hotels, HotelCard AG reserves the right to block the HotelCard without prior notice.

5. Contract duration, renewal and termination

5.1 Duration of contract

The contract comes into force as soon as HotelCard AG confirms the purchaser's purchase offer and is valid for an indefinite period, unless otherwise noted.

5.2 Renewal of membership

HotelCard subscription (= membership) is automatically renewed for 1 year after expiry in any case at the price of CHF 99 incl. VAT, unless cancelled in time (see section "HotelCard products"). In the case of automatic renewal and delivery on account and/or when ordering the HotelCard on account, the purchaser will be charged a processing fee of CHF 5. The additional processing fee of CHF 5 is waived if the purchaser selects the auto-pay option by credit card in his user profile and stores his payment details in his profile under "Payments". 

The gift cards and the temporary HotelCard (=HotelCard SeasonPass) expire at the end of their validity and are not automatically renewed.

5.3 Termination of membership

HotelCard subscription (= membership) can be cancelled at the end of the validity period of the HotelCard subject to a notice period of 14 days. 

Notice of termination may be given independently in the user profile or in writing (by e-mail or letter to HotelCard AG). It only becomes effective upon confirmation of termination by HotelCard AG. 

Example notice period: 

• Validity: 15 August 2022 until 14 August 2023

• Last date of termination: 31 July 2023, by 11:59 p.m.

HotelCard AG shall inform all members in good time by e-mail of the forthcoming automatic renewal. The member is obliged to ensure that he/she is able to receive electronic communications from HotelCard AG, in particular e-mails, and that their delivery is not impeded by security measures (in particular SPAM filters).

HotelCard AG reserves the right to terminate the contract in justified cases at any time without notice.

6. Further provisions

6.1 Blocking the HotelCard

In the event of loss or theft, the physical HotelCard can be replaced for a fee of CHF 15. The HotelCard remains the property of HotelCard AG and can be reclaimed by HotelCard AG without giving reasons.

HotelCard AG reserves the right to block the HotelCard in the event of loss, theft or cancellation. The blocking list will be communicated to the hotels.

6.2 Liability and settlement

The information on the HotelCard AG website is provided without guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the offers and information listed there. In particular, HotelCard AG accepts no liability for deviations in hotel prices compared to the information on the HotelCard AG website.

HotelCard AG is not liable for non-performance or poor performance by the booked hotel. In the event of defective performance of the accommodation contract, the member shall contact the hotel directly. 

HotelCard AG is not liable for damage caused by incorrect or unjustified blocking of the HotelCard.

HotelCard AG shall not be liable for any damage suffered by the purchaser as a result of the actions of an auxiliary person or employee of HotelCard AG. 

Insofar as HotelCard AG is liable, the liability is in any case limited to the annual purchase price of the HotelCard. 

Insofar as the member is entitled to claims of any kind against HotelCard AG, the member undertakes not to set off his or her claims against HotelCard AG (waiver of set-off), unless the set-off is made with the written consent of HotelCard AG.

6.3 Data protection

HotelCard AG complies with the Data Protection Act. HotelCard AG is authorised to commission third parties with the processing of card business, marketing and the preparation of revenue distribution keys.

In the event of legal disputes, HotelCard AG reserves the right to access the cardholder's data without restriction.

Further information on the processing of personal data and the rights of data subjects can be found in the Data Protection Policy. The current version of the policy is available on the HotelCard AG website.

6.4 Changes to the GTC

Prices and services may be adjusted at any time. In the event of significant changes and adjustments to the GTC that are disadvantageous to the member, the member will be informed of these changes and adjustments by e-mail. If the changes and adjustments are disadvantageous for the member, he/she has the option to cancel until the change or adjustment comes into effect. If he/she fails to do so, this shall be deemed to be consent to the changes. The new GTC replace the previous GTC in their entirety.

6.5 Salvatory clause

Should individual provisions of these GTC be invalid or become invalid after conclusion of the contract, this shall not affect the validity of the rest of the GTC.

6.6 Applicable law and place of jurisdiction

Subject to deviating statutory provisions, the agreements in connection with these GTC shall be governed exclusively by Swiss law. The place of performance is Zurich, Switzerland, and for persons domiciled abroad Zurich shall be the place of debt collection. The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes in connection with this contract is Zurich, Switzerland, unless the Code of Civil Procedure provides otherwise.

Last updated: 08.03.2024 

HotelCard AG