How Does Stayjourn Work? Stayjourn
This is a guide to the Stayjourn service, explaining how it works for both Guests and Hosts. Please contact us if you have any questions.
For Guests
Step 1: Choose when and where you’d like to stay
In the basic search box, select your location, travel dates and accommodation preferences (i.e. hosted stays, private rentals or home exchange). Hit “search.”
Step 2: If you like what you see, click on it
Step 3: Review accommodation details and policies
Comb through the accommodation’s description, amenities, facilities, guest cancellation and security deposit policies to make sure it fits your needs. Please check which of the following cancellation policies*(link to faq #7 about penalized for cancelling) your host requires you to abide by. Want to refine your search? Look by price? Specific amenities? Just go to “advanced search.”
Step 4 (optional): Ask the host questions if you are unsure, just click “email this host” in the “About Host” Tab
Step 5: Make your reservation
Hit “make reservation” when you’ve made a decision on where you want to stay. The host will have 36 hours to confirm availability and accept your reservation. If there is no response within 36 hours, its best to move on to another listing.
Step 6: Pay
If your reservation is accepted and confirmed by the host, Stayjourn will request your payment information. You will be charged at this point. You will receive an invoice code as a confirmation of your reservation. If you do not receive this code, your reservation has not been confirmed. Once you pay for your stay, you will receive the address of the vacation rental and contact details of the host. At this point, we recommend you contact your host via our internal email system to discuss arrangements for key exchange and the security deposit. A paper trail will help clarify any misunderstandings or miscommunications between you and the host.
Step 7: Check-In
Show up at your vacation pad. Bring your booking invoice code with you and give it to your host upon arrival and after you have had a chance to make sure the accommodations are in line with the description on the site. Although unlikely, if there is gross misrepresentation between what was detailed on the site and the actual accommodation, do not give the host the invoice code and contact Stayjourn at help@stayjourn.com directly. Note, you will be responsible for your own accommodation should this situation occur.
Step 8: Check-Out
Check out from your accommodation on the check-out time and date agreed with the host. Please leave the apartment in the manner it was presented to you. Remember to speak to your host about your security deposit before departing to make sure all is agreed upon on the condition of the apartment or room before you leave.
Enjoy your stay! ☺
For Hosts:
Step 1: Click on the “add a listing” button.
Joining and posting a listing is FREE. There is no membership fee.
Step 2: Market your apartment
Download photos and write a description of the room or apartment. Include price, availability and the amount of the security deposit (if you choose to require one). The details of the stay are up to you but please make sure to include any information on specific house policies (i.e. remove shoes before entering, no smokers etc). Make sure to fill out the “about us” field and include a photo if possible. The more information the potential guest has about you and your accommodation, the more comfortable they will feel in booking with you.
Step 3*: Choose your cancellation policy
1. Strict-notification required three weeks prior to arrival date
2. Moderate- notification required seven days prior to arrival date
3. Easy- notification required 24 hours
4. None
*(this is a hyperlink to our FAQ section question “Will I be penalized if I have to change or cancel a reservation?” #7)
Step 4: Check your Stayjourn Account and personal email for updates.
Please check your personal email, your Stayjourn Inbox or your Guest Reservations in “My Account” to check for potential guest reservation request. Respond to potential guests within 36 hours – accepting or rejecting their requests. Please keep availability up to date.
Step 5: Accept a reservation and start hosting
Once you have accepted a reservation, Stayjourn will request payment from the guest. Upon payment, Stayjourn will provide the guest with the address of your vacation rental and your phone. If you require a security deposit, please clarify with your guests when and how you’d like the deposit, when the guest can expect to receive the deposit back and the condition the apartment needs for the full deposit amount to be returned. The guest will contact you about their time of arrival and questions about the key exchange and so forth. Please be responsive.
Step 6: Receive payment
Once your guest arrives and after they have checked to ensure that the details about the accommodation on your listings are correct, they will hand you a booking invoice code. Go into your “my account” and insert this code into the field provided. Stayjourn will receive notice and process your request within 48 hours after their departure date.
Happy Hosting! ☺
Host Guidelines:
- Clean the room/apartment and make sure all electrical outlets and light fixtures are working. Fix anything that is broken. Make sure that amenities are in good condition and that floors and stairways are safe.
- Familiarize yourself with the landlord/tenant laws in your state so you know what is acceptable.
- Research the cost of other apartments/room rentals in your area. Check the papers, go online, or call a real estate broker.
- Will you ask for a security deposit? If so, it is usually anywhere from 10-50% of the total rent cost, to be paid upon arrival in cash.
- Decide if you want to make up a list of rules for the renter to follow, such as taking shoes off before entering the apartment.
- Determine if you want to charge for utilities separately, or include it in the price of the rental. If the electricity is on a meter, you may decide to measure use in order to determine the cost.
- Choose how involved you want to be- will you be showing the guests around town, helpful if you are offering a hosted-stay, or will you keep to yourself? Be sure you let them know what to expect so everyone is happy.
Home Exchangers:
Step 1: Register with and list your property
List the property you would like to offer for exchange along with photos, a description of the property, any important policies such as regarding pets, children, smoking, use of car as well as dates the property is available for exchange.
Step 2. Search for an exchange
Click the city you wish to stay in and choose home exchange as property type. You may also wish to use the "Advanced Search"
Step 3. Make Inquiries
Once you've decided on an attractive exchange, contact the other party with details. If they are interested in making the exchange, you will be instructed to make payment of $50 to Stayjourn for the transaction fee. The other exchanger is makeing and equal payment.
Step 4. Arrange the Details
Once the exchange is agreed upon and both parties have made the transaction payment, you will receive contact information about the other party and can begin to communicate extensively by phone or email. Make sure there is a clear understanding about the terms of the your exchange, if it includes use of a car, who is repsonsible for incidentals, etc. The more you communicate, the better your Stayjourn experience!
