Tips for Guests

The following are Tips for Guests to consider if you are interested in renting from a Host on iStopOver.

Ask LOTS of Questions

The system is set up to enable you to communicate directly with your Host.

To ensure you have the best possible experience, please review our Tips for Guests, and please don’t be shy to ask lots of questions before committing to a Host.

(If you are unsure or dissatisfied with the answers to your questions, move on to the next listing. There is bound to be an accommodation more suitable for your needs.)

Know what to expect:

• You are staying in someone’s home.
• It is not a hotel. There is no “room service”, valet parking, check-in or out.
• Everything is very “casual”.
• But, you can expect privacy, safety and cleanliness.
• You can speak directly to the owner.
• You can live like a local.

Practical questions to ask your potential Host:

• Will sheets and towels be provided, or am I expected to bring my own?
• Will I have my own separate bathroom?
• Is breakfast provided?
• Can I use the kitchen if I wish to dine in?
• Will I be able to make myself a cup of coffee?
• How many people live in the home?
• Will there be other guests staying there at the same time?
• Are there any pets in the home?
• Is my pet welcome?
• How far from the city centre, or points of interest, are you located?
• Is there public transportation close by?
• Are there any grocery stores in the area?
• What other amenities are there in the area?
• Are there laundry facilities on the premises? If not, is there a laundromat in the area?
• Is there parking available?
• Is there Internet access?
• Will I be responsible for any cleaning prior to my departure?
• Are there any restrictions to coming and going during my stay?

Be sure to ask for references:

• Check the iStopOver website for reviews on this listing from previous Guests. iStopOver is relatively new so there may not yet be many reviews on listings. Don’t let that put you off.
• Ask the host for references from their previous Guests or anyone else they may suggest.
• Other ways of finding out about hosts include, Google search, and social networking sites, eg. Facebook.
• Ask for photos