Messaging

If you are interested in booking a homestay, contact the host first to check they are available for your dates of travel and also find out more information about the homestay. Your email address will not be revealed to the host and vice versa, making it a secure way to send and receive messages. The host will answer any other specific queries you have, for example about amenities or location.

Hosts

Why would a guest need to contact me?

A potential guest must contact you first to check you are available for their specific dates of travel. Also if they can’t find specific information they need on your profile, they might want to ask you more questions, to feel confident they know enough about your homestay. For example, they might want to know how far the homestay is located from the city centre or how do they get from the airport to your house. Note: If you are repeatedly asked the same question by different people, you should update your profile immediately with the information potential guests need.

How do I view and reply to messages from potential guests?

You’ll receive immediate email and SMS notification from Homestay.com when someone contacts you via the messaging system. You can click on the button in the email or log into Homestaymanager directly to view and reply to the message. In Homestaymanager, you can either view the message in your ‘Messages’ area or click to view it from the Dashboard. Your reply will be sent securely through the messaging system. Your email address and phone number will not be revealed. For your security, it is recommended that you do not include your contact details in the reply.

Is there a timeframe I must reply within?

You should respond within 36 hours or the request will be closed automatically. However, it is in your best interest to reply to the message sooner if possible. The message is from a potential guest who has viewed your profile and is very interested in staying with you but needs to check you are available for their dates of travel and maybe ask some specific information from you before booking. The sooner you reply, the greater the chance you’ll get a booking.

What if a potential guest wants to reserve dates or book directly with me?

You should advise the person to complete their booking on Homestay.com. By booking on Homestay.com they pay their booking fee safely through our secure and verified payment platform. Booking through Homestay.com guarantees the support of your local partner and the Homestay.com team should you need it with any guests who've booked via Homestay.com. Also, for your security, it is recommended that you do not include your contact details in the reply.

Guests

How do I send a message to a host I’m interested in staying with?

On each host’s profile page, there is a green ‘Contact Host’ button under their photo. Enter your dates, number of guests, a short message and click on ‘Send Message’. Your message will be sent directly to the host via our secure messaging system, your email address will not be revealed to the host.

What personal information or contact details should I include in my message?

You should only include the details we request in the form when contacting a host via the messaging system. Only your name and where you’re from will be revealed to the host to ensure your security.

What if I don’t receive a reply from the host?

Our hosts are actively encouraged to respond to messages immediately or as soon as is reasonably possible. If you've been waiting for a reply and need the information urgently to finalise your travel arrangements, get in touch with the Homestay.com team and we will do our best to get a reply for you from the host directly or through the local partner in their area.

Can I make a booking through the messaging system?

No, the message system is for checking the host's availability and for seeking additional information only. Once the hosts replies and let's you know they are available, then you can proceed to making a booking with them. Your contact information will not be shared with the host and vice versa through the messaging system to ensure the security of our guests and hosts. Your contact information will be shared with the host after you complete a booking.