Integration overview
About
The origins of HouseStay
Home-stay accommodation had long been popular among students and youth travellers, but the industry lacked a centralised platform for online booking and management services. The fragmentation back then presented co-founders Alan Clarke and Paddy Holahan with an opportunity to introduce HouseStay in 2013.
With a wealth of experience in the e-commerce travel industry and the education travel sector, Clarke and Holahan created a marketplace for alternative accommodation options. Their vision was to connect travellers with local hosts and experience the rich tapestry of varying.
Minimum requirements to connect
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Minimum number of properties: 5
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Photos: At least 6 photos are provided.
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Description is provided.
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Property name is provided.
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Licence number is provided.
Integration model
| Sync type | PULL |
| Static data sync | Updated every 24 hours by HouseStay |
| Availability, Rates & Inventory sync | Updated every 1 hour by HouseStay |
| Instant bookings | Yes |
| Booking requests | Yes (SMS and email) |
| Quote requests | Yes (availability and prices) |
| Reservation sync | PUSH |
| Reservation modifications | The property manager will need to email HouseStay to modify any dates. The rental amount cannot be modified after the property manager accepts the reservation. |
| Reservation cancellations | If the property manager wants to cancel the booking, they need to reach directly to HouseStay. |
| Cancellation penalties | Cancelling a booking is allowed up to 60 days prior to the check-in date, else the property manager will need to provide an explanation and alternative accommodation for the tenant. |
Additional info
| Accepted locations | North America |
| Target guests | Families, students, medical travellers, business travellers, relocation |
| Origin of the guests | Global |
| Long stays (more than 30 days) | Yes (30 days is the minimum stay) |
| Channel website | https://www.housestay.com/ |
| Affiliate channels | N/A |
Inventory type
| Pick & Choose | HouseStay accepts all inventory (given the properties are located in the accepted locations) |
| Multi-units | Yes |
Channel performance
| Top location | New York, Washington DC, Florida, Texas (Dallas, Austin and Houston), California (San Francisco, Los Angeles), Colorado, Seattle, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Gulf shores |
| Top inventory type | Apartments of all sizes in cities and suburban areas |
| Top performance season | April to November |
| Key amenities |
Unit washer drier Parking No smoking |
| Best practices |
Great listing photos and listings descriptions Quick and friendly response to booking requests Offer long-stay discounts Add all amenities that are crucial when living in a home for a few months |
Charges & Payments
| Charging party | HouseStay collects the payment and pays out to the property manager via a bank transfer. |
| Credit card details | N/A |
Commission
| Commission | 5% |
| Commission charging | Commission is charged from the monthly rental amount |
| Commission application | Commission is charged from the rates provided to the channel (not added on top) |
Contract & Onboarding
| Average onboarding time | 24 hours |
Contact & Support
| Support email for property managers |
support@housestay.com bookings@housestay.com |
| Response time | 24 hours |