Tips for Travellers

General

RoomFT is designed for two main types of traveller but could suit anyone going away for a short period.

The traveller who wants a reasonably priced alternative to traditional accommodation, such as students, backpackers etc. Millions of travellers each year stay in small family run bed and breakfast accommodations, inns motels and hostels. Some of these have as little as 3 letting bedrooms with the owners of the property residing in a room in the property. There is something unique about staying with a family in comparison to hotel rooms.

Travellers who want to stay in a specific location because there is an event taking place (e.g. music festival, sporting event) but cannot find space in traditional accommodation.

Getting started

As a traveller there are two options available to you when looking for a place to stay. You can either search for hosts or you can place a room request for hosts to contact you.

If you are a “non-verified member” you should consider changing your status to that of a “verified member”. Many hosts prefer to host travellers with “verified status”.

Posting your details on the website

Ensure you give potential hosts a lot of information about yourself or your party if you are travelling in a group.

Not providing accurate information could make a difference between a satisfied and dissatisfied host.
 

Staying with your host

Ensure you have obtained adequate information from your host on how you can get to their property from the airport, train or bus station. Inform your host as soon as you learn of possible delays to your arrival time.

Although you are paying to stay with your host remember their home is not a commercial premises. Please treat your host and their home with care and respect.

If there are days you intend to come back to your room late at night ensure you notify your host in advance.

If your are sharing a bathroom and toilet with others, never stay in it for longer than 30 minutes at a time, and when you come out, leave it clean, dry and take out all your things. Take the hair out of the bath tub or shower drain.

Where your host has allowed you access to the kitchen and lounge it is advisable to go into your room at a reasonable hour, perhaps 9 or 10 p.m. to allow the family to be busy with their own things after you go to bed.

At night remember to turn down the volume of your TV, stereo and radio.

If your host is providing breakfast ask before you go to bed, what time they will be ready for breakfast. Ensure you are punctual for breakfast.

An immediate thank you after each meal, snack, or helpful favour, would be appreciated by your host.

If you are allergic to or afraid of cats or dogs, it is best to avoid hosts with pets. You never have the right to criticize, scold or hit someone's pet.

If you don't like where you are staying, explain this to your host and see if they can make your stay more comfortable.

On the day you are leaving, leave your room clean and say a sincere thank you. Your host will have fond memories of you.

Paying your host

Discuss when and how you would like to pay your host before you arrive. Depending on how long you are staying this could be on a daily basis. If you are staying for a couple of weeks you could arrange to pay a weeks rent on arrival.

Watch out for scams

Report any attempted fraud or suspicious emails by other members to us. You should also report any fraud/ illegal activity to the Police.

RoomFT does not offer any sort of host/traveller protection or payment programs. Any emails that talk about such systems are scams, even if they have our logo. If you receive any emails promoting these services, please report it to us.

One scam we have come across is where a host requests for a security deposit through payment services like Bidpay, Western Union or Money Gram. Under no circumstances should you enter into any such arrangements.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.