Request to book
How a booking request works: the host has 48 hours to answer, and a held card is charged only if they confirm.
Most stays ask the host first. You send a request, the host confirms or declines it, and your rooms are kept for you while they decide. The note under the button on the stay page says which of these applies.
When the stay takes cards
- Step 1After Request to book, the card step opens: Hold your card.
- Step 2Enter your card and select the button that holds the total and sends the request. Card details go straight to Stripe; Holuway never sees them.
- Step 3Finish within 30 minutes to keep the dates. Your request reaches the host only once the card is held.
The host has 48 hours to confirm. Your card is charged only if they confirm; if they decline or do not answer in time, the hold is released and nothing is charged.
Note: Selected Finish later? Open Your trips and select Finish the card step on the request, within 30 minutes of asking.
When payment is arranged with the host
Some hosts do not take cards on Holuway yet. Then Request to book sends the request straight away, nothing is charged on Holuway, and the trip shows Payment arranged with the host. The host confirms within 48 hours and you settle payment with them.
Instant book
A stay with Instant book shows Book now. Your card is charged on the Pay and book step and the stay is confirmed at once, with no wait for the host. Cancellation follows the stay's policy.
Where do I follow my request?
Open Trips on the Stays site. Your trips shows each request as Requested until the host answers, and you also get an email.
What does Lapsed mean?
The host did not answer within 48 hours. The request ends and any hold on your card is released.
Can I take back a request?
Yes. In Your trips, select Withdraw request. The host is told and the hold on your card is released.