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Hosts · Check-ins & Stays
FAQs - Guest check-in feature
Welcome to Holidu’s updated FAQ! Discover how to enhance your check-in process, making it more efficient for you and pleasant for your guests. Below are frequently asked questions What is the online check-in feature that Holidu offers? The online check-in feature enables hosts to connect their properties to a chosen local authority. Once connected, Holidu automatically transfers guest data to these authorities after the guest fills out their online check-in form. Why does Holidu offer an online check-in feature? In many markets, hosts are legally obligated to register their guests with local authorities. Traditionally, this involves using outdated web systems to manually input guest information, such as names and ID numbers. Holidu facilitates a faster, streamlined check-in experience with an online form, which then automatically sends the information to the appropriate authority. Why is this solution better and faster for both me and the guests? For Guests: They can fill out the online form, even using a scanning option to upload documents, all from their device—no need to submit IDs manually to the host. For Hosts: There’s no need to collect or send guest documents manually; everything is done automatically and securely. Can I choose the authority to which my property needs to be connected? Yes, Holidu allows you to select your applicable local authority. The available connections include: Spain: SES.HOSPEDAJES Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalunia) Ertzaintza (Basque Country) Portugal: Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF/SIBA) Germany: AVS (only few regions) Italy (coming soon): Italian State Police, Istats How can I connect my property to an authority? Ensure your Holidu app is updated to the latest version. Go to your “Account” section and click “Configure” under “Online guest registration.” Select the property to connect, complete the form, and click “Activate automatic sending to police.” Select your applicable authority and enter your credentials. Click on "Validate ", then “Save changes.” With no error messages, your connection is set. If an "Incorrect Username or Password" error appears, contact us . Is Holidu sharing any host’s data with the authorities beyond the guests’ data/information? Holidu only transfers guest data to local authorities and does not share hosts' revenue data. Can I fill out the online check-in form for my guests? Yes, you have the option to complete the check-in form for your guests. Access the link via the “Guest check-in form” in the booking details. When is the form sent to the authorities? Guest data is submitted at 11:00 pm on the check-in date, so ensure data completion beforehand. Can collaborators activate my properties and fill out check-in data for guests? Collaborators can’t modify check-in connections, but they can fill out the online form for guests through the “Bookings” section. How can I download my guest book? Access the online check-in feature. Click “Details” next to your property. In the pop-up, go to the “Documents” tab. Select “Generate Guestbook” and follow instructions. Important Notes: If prompted for an Initial Number, it sets the starting entry number for the guestbook. Start from the next sequential number from a previous guestbook, or enter 1 for new books. The guestbook downloads as a PDF. Ensure your device supports PDF files to avoid display issues. Refer to a subsection like "If you have trouble opening the Guest Book?" if problems arise. Is this feature for all bookings, or just Holidu bookings? This feature is available for all bookings facilitated by Holidu, independent of the booking platform used. However, it does not cover manual bookings, manual blocks, or external bookings synced via iCal or other integrations. Will I have access to the guest data? Yes, after downloading the guestbook, you’ll be able to see the data from the guest What happens if the guests don’t provide the information? Hosts can manually enter guest data. Each booking's status regarding data completeness is displayed on the home screen under “Check-ins & check-outs.” Will I receive a notification that the guests have registered the data correctly? Notifications aren’t sent, but completion statuses are visible in the “Check-ins & check-outs” section, or in the booking page. Do I need to ask guests for any additional data upon arrival? If the online form is completed before arrival, no further data collection is required. Always verify the form completion through the Holidu app for status confirmation. What happens if guests register data but then cancel the booking? Cancelled bookings mean no data submission to authorities. What if the booking gets modified after guests provide their data? If new guests are added, their data will appear as “not provided.” How does this work with last-minute bookings? Guests receive a link to enter their data. For last-minute bookings, check the “Check-ins & check-outs” section to ensure all information is provided. What happens to bookings made before linking my police account, but with a future check-in date? For guests who didn’t fill out the original form, reminders with the new link will be sent before check-in. If previously completed, no further submissions are needed. Data entry can be managed via booking details. When is the guest notified they need to provide the data? Do they receive reminders? Guests are notified immediately post-booking and reminded five days before arrival if their form isn’t complete. What if the guest registers incorrect data? Contact customer support for assistance with any data inaccuracies. We hope this FAQ enhances your hosting experience, making check-ins effortless for you and your guests. Thank you for being a valued host!Hosts · My Holidu Account
How to connect your Holidu website to your own domain?
Already have a domain you would like to use? Great news, you can now connect it to your new Holidu website!Before you get started, make sure you have access to your domain provider’s settings (e.g. AWS, Vercel, etc.). Just a quick heads-up: if you already have a website live on that domain, it will be replaced by your Holidu website once this process is complete.Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you connect your domain:Step 1: Initiate the process in Holidu application by entering the configuration of your WebsiteClick on “Enable website” if is not enabled yetClick on “Connect my domain”After you start the setup and enter your existing domain name, you will see a DNS tab appear.Here, Holidu will generate a few specific DNS values for you.You will need to copy these values and add them to your domain provider's settings in the next step.Tip: Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with DNS settings, we will guide you through it in Step 2!Step 2: Create a new CNAME in your domain settingsNow, log in with your domain provider and look for an option to create a new record or a new DNS record. A mask will open.For the “Type” select CNAMEIn the Holidu application, copy the “NAME” value from the CName line (1) and paste it into the name field of the record you want to createThen copy the “VALUE” from the same line (2) and add it to the value field of the record you want to createThe fields “TTL” and “Routing policy” can usually keep their prefilled valuesAfter making those settings, create the recordExample (AWS):Important: If there are already records saved for the domain you want to use, please make sure to delete those. This will disconnect your existing website from the domain, so it will not be accessible for customers anymore. This step is necessary so you can connect the domain to your new Holidu Website.Step 3: Add a CAA DNS record in your domain settingsCreate another record in your domain settings. This time:For the “Type” select CAAIn the Holidu application, copy the “NAME” value from the CAA line (3) and copy it into the name field of the record you want to createIn the value field paste the value you get from the Holidu application (4)Some providers might require a special format for the value field, for example 0 issue "awstrust.com". In this case you add the value (4) from above in quotation marksThe fields “TTL” and “Routing policy” can usually keep their prefilled valuesAfter making those settings create the recordExample (AWS):Step 4: Head back to your Holidu application to check if the records are recognizedWith the records you just recorded in place, Holidu will automatically check the DNS settings you just added. This process usually takes around 5 minutes.If everything looks good, your domain will be verified, and you will be guided straight to the final step of the setup.Almost there!Step 5: Add an ALIAS DNS record in your domain settingsAfter Holidu verifies your domain, there is just one more DNS record to add in your domain settings.Holidu will provide you with the following values:You are almost there, just one more record to go!Create a new record, change the Type to ALIAS this time.In the Holidu application, copy the Value provided for the ALIAS record.Paste it into the Value field in your domain provider’s settings.Before moving on, make sure your domain provider settings now include the following three records:ALIASCAACNAMEAll three are needed for your Holidu website to connect properly.Step 6: Final verificationHead back to the admin UI and wait until the domain is verified.Holidu will automatically check everything you have set up. This may take a couple of minutes.Congratulations, you can now access the Holidu host website via your own domain!Hosts · Taxes and Regulations
How can I get my Certificazione Unica report?
We know how important it is for you to keep your tax documents in order. If you're a Holidu Host in Italy, you may need your Certificazione Unica to complete your annual tax return.What is the Certificazione Unica?The Certificazione Unica (CU) is an official tax form that reports the withholding tax amounts for each Host, based on their bookings. If Holidu has withheld any taxes from your earnings, this report shows the total amounts for the previous calendar year. You can use this information for your annual tax declaration.Holidu also makes this document available to you directly in your Host account, similar to how you access your DAC7 report.How to download the Certificazione Unica?To get your Certificazione Unica, simply follow these steps:Go to your Holidu Host account: Log in with your Host credentials. Navigate to “Your Reports & Certificates”: Scroll to the bottom of your account page. Download the report: Click on Download, then choose the year you need. It’s that easy to access your tax documentation.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy can't I find my Certificazione Unica in my Holidu account?There are a couple of reasons why your Certificazione Unica might not be available:No tax withholding in 2024: If Holidu didn’t withhold any taxes for bookings with check-ins in 2024, no report will be issued. Missing Italian Tax ID (Codice Fiscale): If we withheld taxes but your account doesn’t have a valid Italian Tax ID, we cannot submit your data to the Italian Tax Authorities, so the report will not be generated.My account was deleted. How can I access my Certificazione Unica?If you no longer have access to your Host account, just reach out to our team with the option at the bottom of this page. We’ll help you retrieve your Certificazione Unica manually.What should I do if my Certificazione Unica has incorrect data?If you submitted the correct data before March 10th and your report still has errors, please contact us with the details that need correction. If incorrect information was submitted on your side, we’re unfortunately unable to amend the report after submission.My cadastral data is wrong or missing. What should I do?Although we can’t update the Certificazione Unica once it's submitted, it's important to correct your records:Log in to your Holidu account Update your Land Registration Number with the correct Codice Comune, Foglio, Particella, and Subalterno. Keeping this information accurate helps ensure correct data for future reports. Hosts · Reviews
Review Guidelines for Hosts
Guest reviews play an essential role in helping future guests choose the right accommodation. Here’s everything you need to know about how reviews work on Holidu and what to expect as a host.How the Holidu Rating System WorksGuests can rate their stay on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest). The overall property rating is calculated as the average of all received rating scores. Guests can provide subscores on specific categories, such as:Location, cleanliness, description accuracy and value for money Guests may also leave written feedback to share additional context or details about their stay. Who Can Submit a Review?Only guests who booked through Holidu can leave a review after completing their stay. Reviewers may choose to display their first name and last initial, or stay anonymous. Reviews submitted through partner websites are subject to their own terms and conditions.Editing or Deleting ReviewsGuests can edit or delete a review submitted via Holidu by contacting our Customer Service Team directly. What Kind of Reviews Are Displayed?We show reviews from:Holidu guests Partner platforms and well-known travel websites These may appear as:A single review from one guest An aggregated rating score based on multiple reviews Additional details like reviewer country, travel group type, and more Note:Reviews are primarily sorted by booking date, with additional sorting options available (e.g., by rating, guest type, etc.).Reviews with written content are prioritized.For fairness, negative reviews (below a certain score) are only shown if the property has at least two reviews.Review Compliance StandardsTo ensure quality and fairness, we display all legitimate reviews, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. However, reviews must comply with the following standards:Not allowed:Illegal activity references Politically or religiously sensitive content Promotional content or external links Personal details (e.g. full names, contact info, payment details) Profanity, hate speech, threats, or sexual content Spam, fake reviews, impersonation Reviews must be:Truthful and travel-related Helpful to other guests Written by the actual guest who stayed Hosts and partners are not allowed to post reviews on behalf of guests or offer incentives for reviews.Responses to ReviewsHosts may have the opportunity to respond to reviews from certain platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb and Vrbo. This helps provide context or show appreciation for guest feedback.Reporting ReviewsIf you believe a review violates these guidelines, please contact our Customer Service Team, so this can be looked into!Translations DisclaimerSome reviews may be translated using DeepL.Please note: Holidu and DeepL disclaim all warranties regarding translation accuracy or reliability.Note:Please bear in mind that the opinions in reviews are those of the guests and do not reflect Holidu’s views. Holidu acts as a distributor, not a publisher, and accepts no liability for review contentHosts · Managing your Listings
Useful templates for hosts
Hosting guests can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for both hosts and guests, we want to help you with having well-organised templates that can be a game-changer. Below we put at your disposal some useful templates you can use to leave in the property and that you can send to your guests before they arrive so they have all the information beforehand.Below you fill find templates for:Welcome book Emergency numbersHouse rulesEN_House_Rules.pdfEN_Welcome_Book.pdfEN_Emergency_Numbers.pdfHosts · Taxes and Regulations
How to get ready for Upcoming Changes to Vacation Rental Laws in the Canary Islands?
What Hosts Need to Know to Stay CompliantThe Canary Islands are in the process of rolling out a new regulatory framework for Viviendas Vacacionales (VV), or vacation rental properties. These new rules aim to create a better balance between tourism and the housing needs of local residents. While many of the specifics are still being finalized, it's important for current and prospective hosts to understand what’s coming, and how to prepare for when the law comes into full effect.Below is a summary of key changes and considerations:1. Greater Role for Local Councils (Ayuntamientos)Local councils will soon have the power to determine which areas are suitable for vacation rentals. The goal is to:Prevent over-tourism in high-density zones. Ensure enough long-term housing is available for residents. Note: These zones have not yet been defined, so stay tuned for updates from your local council.2. Limits on Vacation Rental Build abilityNew construction will face stricter limits:A maximum of 10% of new buildings may be allocated to vacation rental use. It is still unclear whether this will require a specific permit or be linked to the minimum property age rule (10 years).There will also be:Stricter restrictions on "Green Islands" – though it's not yet confirmed which islands will fall under this category. 3. Prior Authorisations RequiredBefore operating, all new vacation rental properties will need:Approval from the relevant Island Cabildo. To comply with upcoming inspection plans. 4. Protected Land Off-LimitsProperties located in the following areas will not be eligible for vacation rental use:National parks Nature reserves Areas of high environmental valueNote: Existing vacation rentals in these areas will not be affected by the new prohibition.5. New Sustainability & Quality StandardsTo raise the overall quality and environmental responsibility of vacation rentals, new requirements are expected, including:Minimum surface area of 35 m². Accessibility for people with reduced mobility (still being defined and may involve complex modifications). A final list of sustainability and quality standards is pending approval. 6. Rules for Existing Vacation RentalsIf you're already operating a Vacation Rental:You may continue doing so indefinitely However, your license cannot be transferred if the property is sold — it belongs to you, not the property.(Unlike in the Balearic Islands, where licenses are tied to the property itself.)For property managers:You may continue managing existing VVs for 5 years, or up to 10 years if your operations comply with the upcoming regulations - This point is still under discussion and may change. 7. Requirements for New Vacation RentalsThose looking to open a new Vacation rental should be aware of the following anticipated requirements:Minimum age of 10 years for the building (under discussion). Municipal authorisation from the local council (Ayuntamiento). Full compliance with all new safety, health, and environmental regulations. No location in protected or restricted areas.Final Thoughts: Stay ProactiveWhile many elements of the new regulation are still being fine-tuned, hosts and managers are encouraged to begin reviewing their properties and operations to anticipate the coming changes.Stay in touch with local authorities and industry updates — being informed and prepared will help you continue to operate smoothly and legally.Do you want to contact us?
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