What are the Host Responsibilities?

As a host, you play a key role in giving your guests a great stay. Your responsibilities extend beyond simply owning a property—you are providing an experience. Understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities ensures smooth bookings, satisfied guests, and a successful hosting journey on Holidu.

Booking Guidelines and Guest Experience

Your Role and Responsibilities

The booking contract is between you as the host and the guest, with Holidu acting as an intermediary. You are not just hosting a property; you are providing an experience. You, or a designated person, should be reachable during your guests' stay—either directly or through someone in charge. This ensures that any questions or concerns can be addressed promptly.

Smooth Arrival Communication

For a more personal and seamless experience, get in touch with your guests early about arrival expectations. Discuss the estimated arrival time, how to collect keys, and any house rules. Clear communication at this stage sets the tone for a positive stay and helps prevent misunderstandings.

Be There for Your Guests

Be ready to help during your guests' stay. If issues arise at the property, respond quickly so their stay remains stress-free. Whether it's a maintenance issue, a question about amenities, or general support, your responsiveness directly impacts the quality of their experience and the reviews you receive.

Avoid Host Cancellations

Cancellations disrupt plans for both hosts and guests. They can negatively impact your property's performance metrics and may lead to penalties. Aim to avoid cancellations whenever possible by carefully managing your availability and maintaining accurate calendar information.

Providing Receipts and Invoices

If a guest requests a receipt or invoice showing the total amount paid, it is your responsibility to provide one. Holidu offers a convenient tool to help you with this task. How to issue an invoice for a guest provides step-by-step guidance on using this feature.

Please note: Holidu provides guests with a booking confirmation only. Your invoice, generated through Holidu's tool, is an individual fiscal document and should not be shared with guests as a booking confirmation.

Account Configuration Guidelines

Your Control and Responsibility

Final responsibility for the accuracy of your account configuration belongs to you, the host. While Holidu's local teams are happy to guide and assist you, Holidu is not responsible for keeping your property's information and settings up to date. Regular updates and maintenance of your account are essential for your success.

Updating Account Settings

Everything that is configurable in your account can be updated by you, easily and quickly. From pricing to availability to property details, you have complete control over how your listing appears to potential guests. Make it a habit to review and update your settings regularly.

Calendar Management

To prevent double bookings and operational issues, keep your calendar accurate and up to date. As the host, you set your availability, and it is your responsibility to maintain this information accurately.

If your property becomes unavailable—for example, due to renovations, maintenance, or private bookings—please block those dates right away. A current and accurate calendar ensures a smooth experience for both you and your guests, and it helps build trust with potential bookers.

Modifying Property Details

If you change amenities, sleeping arrangements, or other configurable settings, please update the property description text promptly. Keeping your property information current is crucial for setting accurate guest expectations. For detailed assistance, how to generate your property description offers comprehensive guidance.

Whenever critical information changes—such as the pool or Wi-Fi no longer being available, bedroom configuration changes, or other significant modifications—it is your responsibility to inform future guests with affected bookings. While Holidu only steps in for very urgent cases where the check-in date is extremely close, proactive communication from you prevents disappointment and negative reviews.

Keeping Rates Updated

Update your nightly rate, minimum stay requirements, and extra fees in good time for upcoming seasons. Guests prefer to plan their holidays in advance, and having competitive, clearly communicated pricing helps attract bookings.

Important note: Once a booking is confirmed, the booking price can no longer be changed. This is why it's critical to set your rates correctly before confirming reservations.

Summary

Your responsibilities as a host are multifaceted but straightforward: communicate clearly with your guests, maintain accurate property information, keep your calendar current, respond promptly to issues, and avoid unnecessary cancellations. By fulfilling these responsibilities, you create a positive experience for your guests, build a strong reputation on Holidu, and set yourself up for long-term success as a host.