What is Roompaddy?
Roompaddy is a social website which aims to make travel a more pleasant, social, fun and enjoyable experience. We link people looking for accommodation with those who have accommodation to spare. We have a wide range of private, affordable accommodation and through the website; users can build experiences and connections they'll never forget with people from around the world.
Guests gain access to some fantastic locations and have an experience of a lifetime. We want our customers to "Live like a local" allowing their host's to showcase their space to a wider audience.
Guests gain access to some fantastic locations and have an experience of a lifetime. We want our customers to "Live like a local" allowing their host's to showcase their space to a wider audience.
How does Roompaddy work?
Roompaddy is a community marketplace where guests can book accommodation from hosts.
To book accommodation, you click the Book button on the page of the chosen property and complete the booking form (including payment details). After this you will be prompted to sign into your account (or create one if it's your first time) where a message will be automatically sent to the host letting them know about your booking request. You will get a response back letting you know whether your request has been accepted. You will be given a payment code to be handed to the host on check-in as a confirmation of your booking.
To become a host with us, you need to click the "List your Property" button underneath the navigation bar and fill in the listing form. On completion you'll be prompted to login or create an account where you can then add extra items to your property's listing such as images. This area is known as the dashboard and allows you to administer your account from here. Any other properties you have listed will also be displayed here as well.
To find out more, please visit How it Works?
To book accommodation, you click the Book button on the page of the chosen property and complete the booking form (including payment details). After this you will be prompted to sign into your account (or create one if it's your first time) where a message will be automatically sent to the host letting them know about your booking request. You will get a response back letting you know whether your request has been accepted. You will be given a payment code to be handed to the host on check-in as a confirmation of your booking.
To become a host with us, you need to click the "List your Property" button underneath the navigation bar and fill in the listing form. On completion you'll be prompted to login or create an account where you can then add extra items to your property's listing such as images. This area is known as the dashboard and allows you to administer your account from here. Any other properties you have listed will also be displayed here as well.
To find out more, please visit How it Works?
Is Roompaddy safe?
Yes. We go to great lengths to ensure your stay is first class and safe. We continuously review listings to make sure they are up to standard. We screen our hosts with proprietary technology to ensure hosts are; who they say they are. Checkout reviews on a host and the place you are thinking of staying before making your booking. If there are no reviews, this might be because the listing is fairly new. A verified host sign should re assure you we have done checks on the host and the property to make sure it is appropriate. Look for a verified property sign; this should give you the confidence that we have physically inspected a property to make sure it is as advertised.
How do I sign up to Roompaddy?
You can register with Roompaddy by clicking on the "register" link next to the "List your property" button underneath the navigation links. Alternatively, you can also register by clicking here.
Does Roompaddy have a Blog?
Yes. You can access it by clicking the Blog link in the navigation bar or by clicking here.
Is Roompaddy on Facebook and/or Twitter?
Yes. Click the links below to be taken to the respected site.
How do I contact Roompaddy if I'm a member of the press?
If you have any press enquiries, please contact press@roompaddy.com. You can also visit our press centre by clicking "Contact Us" in the navigation bar and selecting the "Press Centre" tab once the page has loaded.
Looking for a Place
Looking for a Place
What types of places are available to book?
We feature a broad range of property types, ranging from apartments and houses to boats and tents. Explore our listings; there are many gems just waiting be found.
Why do some properties have few or no reviews?
Some listings may be new on Roompaddy or previous guests may not yet have left a review. Listings will gradually acquire reviews over time.
How many people can I stay with?
It depends on the host, if the host specifies that you are allowed to bring more people, then that should be fine. If unsure always check with the host.
I cannot see the full address of a property?
For the protection of our hosts, we display an approximate location of their property. However, once you confirm your booking the host ill provide you with the full address.
Why are some prices different on certain dates?
Hosts set the prices for their place; we provide price guidance for our hosts, to make sure the prices you see are better than you would pay at a hotel. Sometimes prices will be different due to high demand on certain dates due to festivals, sporting events etc.But there will be many more listings available, Cast a wide net.
How to contact your Host?
You can contact your host through RoomPaddy's messaging system on the website. We advise to not exchange contact details until a booking has been confirmed.You & your Host
You & your Host
How can I communicate with my host?
You can also request to speak to a host directly through email messaging, phone call or video call to re assure yourself. Do keep your communication on Roompaddy, so if something were to go wrong we can easily look into this for you. Ask a lot of questions to reassure yourself.
What types of questions can I ask my host?
- Will other people be staying there at the same time?
- Will they have access to my space?
- How will I get the key? Who else has a copy of the key?
- Is there a secure place to store my belongings?
- Will I have a private or shared bathroom?
- Will it be just me at the property or there will be someone else.
- How is the area like? What sort of neighbourhood is it?
Why do some hosts have incomplete profiles?
We do encourage our hosts to complete their profiles with detailed descriptions and photos as soon as possible, If a host profile is not complete, you can still contact the host by sending a message through Roompaddy.
There are no reviews for the property I like?
If a property does not have any reviews, it may be because it's been added to the site relatively recently and hasn't had any bookings yet. In addition, not all guests leave reviews, although we encourage them to leave reviews. A lack of reviews does not mean the property is unsafe or not a good property to book - in fact new properties are often cheaper than established properties with lots of reviews.
How do I know the reviews are genuine?
When you check previous reviews left for a host you are thinking of staying with, you can trust them. Users can only leave a review if they have paid through Roompaddy, the host cannot just get a few friends to submit positive reviews. So rest assured the reviews will be genuine.
The host is taking a long time to reply to my enquiry what do I do?
We recommend you to give a maximum of 48 hours for a host to respond, We contact do contact a host 4-8 hours after your first enquiry ,we repeat the process through other means of contact to speed up a response. We also recommend you choose several properties you like and make an availability request for each of them. This will increase your chances of getting positive replies. We encourage hosts to reply as quickly as possible to all availability requests made through Roompaddy.Bookings & Payments
Bookings & Payments
How do I make a booking?
Once you find a place that you like, Contact the host through Roompaddy to confirm availability and ask all the questions you have about the place, location, amenities etc
How long does it take for a booking to be confirmed?
We encourage our hosts to respond immediately, however because some hosts might be in their day jobs, they may not be able to respond as quickly as we would want. We do keep reminding a host to respond to your query through all communication methods we have with the host. We advise to give a host a maximum of 48 hours to respond, so please do make your enquiry well in advance of your date of travel.
I have received an availability message from my host, now what do I do?
Once availability is confirmed with your host, you can go ahead make payment for the place you like.
A host has confirmed availability for me; does this mean my accommodation is fully booked?
No, your reservation is not guaranteed until you've completed the payment via Roompaddy. Hosts can confirm availability for any number of inquiries, but the property will go to the first guest who completes the payment online using PayPal or Any of the major cards for payment. Once payment is made your booking is secure. We do also suggest that you complete the payment as soon as the Host confirms the availability on your inquiry. You can follow the steps below on how to retrieve and finalize your booking.
Can I book a whole house or just a room?
You can do both; if a property listed on Roompaddy states the whole house is for rent ,then, yes you are renting the whole house. If it states it is a room for rent for a few nights, then yes, you get to enjoy a stay in a room. If you are still unsure please do give us a call or send the host a message.
What amenities or facilities should I expect?
The facilities or amenities to be expected are those specified by the host. These normally include Wi-Fi, Television, Towels, Bed sheet, Iron, Breakfast etc.
I have not received contact details or the full address of the property?
Some host will only give out the full address after a booking is confirmed ,others will give you the details before booking is confirmed ,all you have to do is ask.
How can I pay for my booking?
You can pay for your booking through our secure payment page on Roompaddy. Select the place – Click on "Book Now" – Enter your payment details. Roompaddy will charge 10% of the full amount as an administration fee.
When will my card be charged?
Once you make your booking, we pre-authorise your card with the full amount. We only charge the full amount to your card once you check in. The payment is not transferred to the host until you Check-out.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Some hosts will ask for a deposit to secure a booking, this does not mean we will release the money to the host. We only release the Total amount you have paid once you check out.
Can I pay cash? Or pay a host directly?
For your own protection we advise to make bookings on Roompaddy, handing cash to someone you don't know has risks of fraud attached. When you make your booking on Roompaddy, we only release payment to a host after you when or after you checkout. If any problems do arise we will release your money back to you.
How will I receive the keys to the place?
After your booking has been confirmed, you can arrange with your host, how to collect the keys to where you will be staying.
How do I leave feedback for a host?
After you check out, we send you a message to leave a feedback about your host, the place and also to rate the service. This helps re assure other guests and hosts in the future.
What if the place I booked is not anything like advertised?
We advise you to contact us immediately if you find a place misrepresented, please do take pictures/photos of the place if you can and send them to us. We will not charge you for a service that is below what is advertised.You & Your Guests
You & Your Guests
How can I communicate with my guest(s)?
You can communicate directly with a potential guest through video call, phone or email to re assure yourself. Do keep your communication with your guest through Roompaddy.co.uk, so if something were to go wrong we can easily look into this for you.
What information can I ask from my guest(s) to re assure myself?
Only you know what will reassure you, so ask as many questions as possible to make sure you are happy to go ahead with a booking. Examples of common questions are:- • What is the purpose of your travel?
- • What do you do for work?
- • Are you coming by yourself or with someone?
- • How many days are you planning on staying?
- • Can you provide some ID?
When do I provide my full address and Contact details?
You can give the full address and contact details once a host has paid the full fees for your place.
What if I am not happy with my guest(s)?
If you feel unsafe in any way please contact the emergency services immediately and please do contact Roompaddy immediately.About Your Listing
About Your Listing
How do I list my place?
The easiest way to list your place is to watch our "how to" videos, which shows precisely how to list your place.
Is it free to list my place?
Yes it is totally FREE to list on Roompaddy™.
What sort of accommodation can I list?
You can list a room, a sofa/couch, boat, your whole flat, house, Mansion or castle .All we ask is you list a place that you would like to stay .Treat your guest with respect and they will treat your place with respect.
What if I have more places to list?
You can list as many places as you want, It will be totally FREE to list all your places.
What sort of information should I provide in my listing?
When you list your place make sure you give a lot of information about your place, the amenities on offer, your cancellation policy or house rules. Also upload a lot of photos when you list, this helps puts the mind of your guest at rest, It also protects you if disputes arise. You should also make sure you accurately include details such as price, location, amenities, property type, minimum stay, maximum number of guests etc. Contact details (email, phone, street address etc.) are not permitted in the title, description or house rules. You can send contact details once a guest confirms a booking with payment.
What kind of photos of my property should I upload?
Your photos should clearly show the rooms in your accommodation that your guests would have access to, such as the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen etc. The better your photos are, the more interested potential guests will be in booking your property.
What amenities or facilities should I provide?
The facilities or amenities you provide should be clearly stated with your listing ,this helps avoids any dispute that may arise if something was not deemed right .Normally these amenities include Wi-Fi, Television ,Towels, Bed sheet, Iron, Breakfast etc, It is entirely up to you to decide what you provide.
Can I set house rules?
Absolutely, it is your place and we want people to treat your place with respect. Clearly state your house rules, so your guest knows what to expect. Examples are:- • No Loud Music
- • No urinating on the toilet seat :)
- • No dishes left in the sink etc
Can I set booking requirements?
You can set the requirements for guests who stay at your place, some common requirements are:- • You accept only bookings from guests with photos.
- • You accept from guests with complete or detailed background information.
- • You accept from certain locations; accept bookings from certain language speakers only etc.
- • You accept bookings from verified guests only etc.
How do I get more reviews?
After you have your first guest, we send a reminder to your guest to leave you a feedback. Guests are usually very happy to leave positive feedback if everything with your place was as advertised.
Is it legal for me to rent my space?
Renting out your place is legal in most countries. If a property is your own then usually you can rent it out to who you want, However if you are renting the property from someone, you can check with the landlord or check local letting laws.
What if I my place is not available on a certain date?
If you do not wish to take a booking on a certain date, you can do so by selecting the dates you are available on your calendar next to your listing.
How do I become a verified host?
To become a verified host, please do get in touch with us via our Contact us page.Bookings & Payments
Bookings & Payments
How do I process a booking?
Once you receive a booking request, we respond immediately with the information requested by your guest. We allow you maximum of 48 hours to respond to a guest, We know you may be busy so we will remind you to contact your potential guest as soon as possible. Some examples of questions your guest will ask are:- • Can you confirm availability for these dates?
- • Can I bring my pet?
- • Can I bring my friends?
- • How far is the place from the nearest train station?
- • When will I receive your contact details?
- • When or how will I receive the keys?
How much can I charge for my place?
We aim to provide a provide something that is a better alternative to hotels, This means ensuring prices are better than hotels, Don't forget you will also be competing with other Hosts on Roompaddy , so try to make your offer the best ,in terms of price. If you're a new host Don't be greedy at the beginning, we recommend you put your listing on sale by charging less to compete with hosts with lots of reviews, This will add value and be a good long-term investment. Once you build a good reputation, demand will go up, and you can charge more.
How will I know a guest has made a booking?
We will send you a payment confirmation message to alert you your guest has made payment .At this point you can arrange to hand over keys, give full address details etc to your guest.
How do I get paid for my listing?
Once a booking is confirmed, we process the full payment from the Guest through our secure payment page on our website. The payment will be released to you on the agreed check-out date depending on your chosen payment method. With this payment process, we guarantee that all payment transactions are safe and secure for both Guest and Host. We pay you through Bank Transfer or your via PayPal account. Your bank or PayPal may charge transaction fees, so we advise you to check this first in order to select the best payment option for you.
Does Roompaddy™ charge for payment processing?
Yes. Roompaddy™ will charge 3% of the total fee to process payments.
Can I charge extra?
You can set additional fees in your property listings. These are fees that are not calculated in the total price paid by the guest via Roompaddy when they book and that you will have to arrange payment for yourself. Usually it would be a payment charged in cash locally at check-in or check-out. These fees are final cleaning, damage deposit and late check-out fees. You must be clear about whether these fees are included in the price or extras to be paid locally in your property description and during the booking process. Please note that additional fees may be an unappealing prospect to guests, which is why we recommend factoring them into your price per night wherever possible.
Can I request a deposit?
You can request a deposit to confirm a booking .However to protect you and your guest; we will release the full amount to you after your guest checks out.
Can accept cash payments or accept payment directly?
For your own protection we advise to make bookings on Roompaddy, receiving cash to someone you don't know has risks of fraud attached and possible complications. When you make your booking on Roompaddy, we have a paper trail so If any problems do arise we will be able to help you best.
Do I have to pay tax on my listing?
Yes, you will need to discuss this with your landlord and/or local tax office for further details. Usually, hosts may be required to charge and account for sales tax (such as VAT) and/or local/city tax (once you've checked, you may want to factor such costs into your price per night). You may also be liable for income or corporation tax on the revenue you make from bookings.
Do you offer house insurance?
After your guest checks out, we send you a message to leave a feedback about your guest and also to rate the service. This helps reassure other guests and hosts in the future.
