Bookably Host FAQ

Yes. Bookably is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Bookably is owned and operated by Istria.Holiday Ltd, and founded/led by Jovica Mrkela (Managing Director).

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 448 938

Bookably is a New Zealand holiday accommodation platform that helps hosts list and manage their properties and helps guests book stays at the host’s price.

Bookably doesn’t add a per-booking guest service fee, instead, guests book using an active Bookably membership (see Guest memberships below).

How is Bookably different from other platforms?

Bookably is built around a fair pricing model:

• 0% host booking commission
• No per-booking guest service fees (guests use a membership instead)
• Hosts set their own prices, rules, and policies
• Listings go live after a quick Bookably review for quality and trust

We started Bookably to help make travelling in New Zealand more affordable, while helping hosts maximise their earnings.

Our focus is on fair pricing, a high-trust platform, and growing a strong New Zealand host community.

1. Go to List Your Property in the main menu.
2. Click List Your Property to start.
3. Sign in or create your Bookably host account.
4. For your first listing:
   • Add your profile details
   • Complete Stripe setup so we can pay you out
5. Create your listing (details, photos, pricing, availability, house rules).
6. Choose your host plan when prompted.

Submit your listing — the Bookably team will finalise and approve it before it goes live.

Having these ready makes listing quick and smooth:

• Property basics: bedrooms/beds/bathrooms, max guests, key amenities, location/area info
• Photos: clear, high-quality images (a mix of interior/exterior + key spaces)
• Pricing: your nightly rates (and any seasonal pricing), plus cleaning/extra fees (if applicable)
• Availability: the dates you’re open — and any dates you want blocked out
• House rules: check-in/out times, pets, smoking, parties/events, quiet hours, etc.
• Payout details: you’ll set up Stripe for payouts (Stripe may request ID for verification)

Listings usually go live within a few hours after you submit, depending on whether anything needs clarification (for example, missing details or photo updates). If we need changes, we’ll contact you.

Yes. You can manage multiple listings under one host account — the number of active listings you can have depends on your host plan.

Yes. Many hosts work with a co-host or property manager.

If you need shared access, keep in mind that account access and permissions may be limited depending on what’s available in the current host tools. The safest approach is:

• Keep Stripe/payouts in the property owner’s name
• If you need a co-host to help manage day-to-day tasks (messages, calendar, guest support), contact Bookably and we’ll recommend the best setup for your situation.

Bookably offers three annual plans.

Current host plans are:

• Guest Magnet — Currently Free
• Balanced Partner — $99/year (2 listings)

Margin Shield — $199/year (3 listings)

All host plans include the core tools you need to host on Bookably:

• Create and manage your listing(s)
• Take bookings
• Guest messaging
• Calendar/availability management
• Stripe payouts
• Bookably review before going live (quality + trust)

Your cost depends on the host plan you choose:

• Guest Magnet: Currently free
• Balanced Partner: $99/year – 2 Listings
• Margin Shield: $199/year – 3 Listings

No. Bookably charges 0% host booking commission — you keep what you earn.

Bookably does not add a per-booking guest service fee.

Instead, guests book with an active Bookably membership. This helps keep booking fees at zero for both hosts and guests.

Bookably earns revenue through guest memberships and paid host plans.

No. Host plans do not auto-renew — you renew only if you choose.

If you don’t renew, your account stays active, but any listings above the limits of your current plan may be paused until you renew or move to a plan that supports them.

To create a listing, you’ll typically add:

• Property details: bedrooms/beds/bathrooms, max guests, key amenities
• Location info: the area/suburb (exact address is shared with guests only after booking)
• Description: what makes the place special, layout, access, parking, outdoor areas, accessibility notes
• Photos (and/or video, if available): clear images of key spaces
• Pricing: nightly rates (and seasonal rates if you use them), plus any cleaning or extra fees
• Availability: when the property is open for bookings
• House rules: check-in/out, pets, smoking, parties/events, quiet hours, etc.

You can upload minimum 5 and up to 30 photos to showcase your property.

Tip: include a mix of hero shots, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen/living, outdoor areas, views, parking/access, and any standout features (spa pool, fireplace, games room, etc.).

Yes, our photo gudelines can be found here.

Yes, Bookably supports videos for listings. Our video guideline can be found here.

Yes. You can update your listing details, photos, pricing, and availability at any time.

Some changes (especially major edits) may require a quick review before they appear, to keep listings accurate and high-trust.

Yes. You can set house rules that suit your property.

We recommend being clear about:

• Check-in/out times
• Noise/quiet hours
• Pets
• Smoking/vaping
• Parties/events and visitors
• Parking and shared areas

Yes. You can pause your listing if you don’t want it to appear in search results or receive new bookings for a period.

Pausing your listing does not cancel existing confirmed bookings.

Yes. You can remove your listing if you no longer want it on Bookably.

If you have upcoming confirmed bookings, you’ll need to resolve those first.

Yes. You can set different rates for different periods (for example: school holidays, summer, long weekends, peak events, and low season).

If you use seasonal pricing, we recommend keeping a clear baseline nightly rate, then applying seasonal rates only where needed.

Seasonal pricing can be combined with other pricing settings (such as minimum stays and length-of-stay discounts).

Not yet. Bookably doesn’t currently support guest-based pricing (for example, “$X per night + $Y per extra guest”).

Yes. Bookably supports length-of-stay discounts based on the number of nights.

You can set a discount to apply automatically when a booking is X nights or more (for example: 3+ nights, 5+ nights, 7+ nights, etc.).

These discounts are applied automatically at checkout when a booking meets the required length of stay.

Yes. Length-of-stay discounts can be combined with seasonal pricing. In general, the booking uses the nightly rates for the dates selected (including any seasonal rates), and the length-of-stay discount is then applied when the stay meets your minimum-night threshold.

Tip: use length-of-stay discounts to attract longer bookings and reduce turnover (cleaning, messaging, and changeovers).

Yes — you can set a minimum booking duration and a maximum booking duration for each listing.

At the moment, these are single, overall settings per listing (one minimum and one maximum). They don’t change automatically for holiday periods, weekends, or seasons.

If you need different rules for specific dates (for example, longer stays over peak periods), you can adjust your settings when needed, or manage availability by blocking dates and using seasonal pricing.

You can add fees to your listing and choose how each fee is charged:

• Per booking (one-off per stay) — for example, cleaning or a one-time linen fee
• Per day (per night) — for example, a daily charge that applies for each night of the stay
• Per guest (per stay) — for example, a per-person fee charged once per guest
• Per guest per day (per guest, per night) — for example, a per-person, per-night fee

Make sure each fee is accurate and clearly described. Guests should be able to see all costs during checkout (nightly rate + fees), with no surprise platform-added booking fees.

Yes. You can set a security deposit/bond on your listing.

The deposit is charged to the guest and then refunded back to the guest once the stay is complete, provided there are no issues to report.

If there is damage or a breach of house rules, report it promptly through the Bookably support process and provide any evidence (photos, invoices/quotes where relevant).

Yes. You control your availability. You can open or close dates on your listing calendar, and you can update availability at any time. Because Bookably uses instant bookings, it’s important to keep your calendar up to date.

Yes. You can sync calendars using iCal links, which helps prevent double bookings across platforms.

Best practice is to set up two-way syncing where possible (import and export), and to review your calendar after making changes.

Not yet. Bookably doesn’t currently support direct integrations with third-party channel managers.

If you use a channel manager today, the recommended approach is to use iCal calendar syncing and keep your availability maintained in one “source of truth”.

If a double booking happens, act quickly:

1. Message the guests involved as soon as possible.
2. Contact Bookably support so we can help you work through the next steps.
3. Update your calendar sync settings to reduce the chance of it happening again.

Double bookings are usually caused by lack of calendar sync, so keeping one main calendar as your source of truth helps.

Yes. You can block out dates any time (for maintenance, owner stays, renovations, or personal use). Blocked dates won’t be available to book.

Bookably supports two booking modes, and you choose the mode per listing:

1) Booking request (recommended for most hosts)

1. A guest chooses dates and submits a booking request (including membership, if they don’t already have one).
2. You receive the request and can accept or decline.
3. If you accept, the booking is confirmed and the guest completes payment.
4. You and the guest can message each other in Bookably.
5. After the stay is complete, Bookably pays out to you via Stripe (see Payments, payouts, and Stripe).

2) Instant booking

1. A guest chooses dates and completes checkout (including membership, if they don’t already have one).
2. The booking is confirmed instantly.
3. You and the guest can message each other in Bookably.
4. After the stay is complete, Bookably pays out to you via Stripe.

It depends on the booking mode you set for that listing:

• Booking request: Yes — you can accept or decline booking requests.
• Instant booking: No — bookings are confirmed automatically.

Keeping your calendar accurate (and synced, if you list elsewhere) helps prevent double bookings in both modes.

Bookably supports both:

• Booking request (most common)
• Instant booking

Hosts choose their preference per listing, and guests will see whether a listing requires a request or can be booked instantly.

Cancellations are handled automatically based on the cancellation policy you choose for each listing.

• If a guest cancels, refunds are processed according to your policy.
• If you need to cancel a booking, do it as early as possible and contact Bookably support if it’s due to exceptional circumstances.

Yes. You can choose a cancellation policy for each listing.

Bookably supports the following options:

• 3-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 3+ days before check-in.
• 7-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 7+ days before check-in.
• 14-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 14+ days before check-in.
• 30-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 30+ days before check-in.
• 60-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 60+ days before check-in.
• 90-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 90+ days before check-in.
• 180-Day Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 180+ days before check-in.
• Anytime Cancellation: Full refund anytime before check-in.
• Non-Refundable: No refunds at any time after booking.

• If a booking is cancelled and a refund applies under your policy, Bookably refunds the guest automatically.
• Cancelled bookings do not pay out to hosts.
• If any funds have already been captured, Stripe refund timing can vary by bank, but Bookably will process the refund straight away.

Yes. Guests can message you to request changes.

In most cases, date changes are handled by cancelling and rebooking (so the correct dates, rates, fees, and policy apply).

If a guest wants to change plans during a stay (for example, early check-out), ask them to message you in Bookably so you have everything in writing, and contact Bookably support if you need help processing a change.

Yes. Guests can message you through Bookably.

Messaging is available for logged-in users, even before any bookings are made. This means guests can ask questions before they book, and you can coordinate details (including check-in information) in one place.

Yes. You can message guests in Bookably.

We recommend using Bookably messages for anything important (check-in instructions, parking notes, house rules reminders, issues during the stay), so there’s a clear record if you ever need support.

Bookably uses a short booking request questionnaire to help hosts understand who is staying and whether the booking is a good fit.

When a guest submits a booking request, they’re asked:

• The full name of the primary guest
• The age of the primary guest
• Whether they’re willing to provide photo ID for age verification if requested by the host
• Who will be staying at the property (names and ages of all guests)
• Whether they plan to have any visitors who are not included in the booking (with details)
• The purpose of the stay (for example: holiday, work trip, family visit)
• Whether there will be any events, gatherings, or celebrations at the property (with details)
• Anything else the host should know about the stay (optional)

Hosts can use these answers (along with messaging) to set expectations and decide whether to accept the request.

If you use instant booking, guests can still message you before booking, and your house rules and security deposit/bond remain important safeguards.

We will introduce a full online identity check for guests in the future.

After a completed stay, guests can leave a review of their experience.

Reviews help future guests book with confidence and help hosts showcase great stays. Hosts can respond to reviews, and we recommend responding professionally — especially if you need to clarify something for future guests.

Yes. You set your own house rules, and you can include restrictions such as:

• No parties/events
• No unregistered visitors
• Quiet hours
• Minimum age for the primary guest

Make these rules clear in your listing description and house rules, and consider using a security deposit/bond as an extra safeguard.

Stripe is a global payments company that provides the financial infrastructure businesses use to accept payments online and send payouts.

In practical terms, Stripe:

• Processes card and other online payments securely
• Helps platforms and marketplaces pay out to third parties (for example, paying hosts out to their bank accounts)
• Runs identity and business verification checks required before payouts can be made
• Provides tools for managing refunds, disputes (chargebacks), and fraud prevention

Bookably uses Stripe to process guest payments safely and to pay hosts out.

Bookably uses Stripe to securely process guest payments and to pay hosts out.

Stripe is a trusted global payments provider and helps with:

• Secure card processing
• Fast, trackable payouts
• Identity verification (KYC) required for payouts

Yes.

• During your first listing, you’ll be prompted to complete Stripe setup.
• If you get stuck at any step (verification, bank account, business details), contact Bookably and we’ll help you work through it.
• You can also contact Stripe Support directly — they’re generally very responsive and can help with Stripe-specific setup and verification questions.

Stripe is required to verify the identity of account holders before payouts can be made.

This is a standard Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement and helps protect hosts, guests, and the platform from fraud.

Host payouts are released after the stay is complete.

In general, Bookably releases the payout 24 hours after checkout, then Stripe transfers the funds to your bank account based on your payout settings.

Yes. Stripe can send payouts to your nominated bank account automatically.

You control your payout settings inside Stripe (for example, automatic payouts on a schedule vs manual payouts).

Guests pay at checkout using the payment methods offered by Stripe for their device and location.

You’ll always see the total cost guests pay (nightly rate + your fees + security deposit/bond where applicable), with no platform-added per-booking service fee.

Stripe will notify Bookably and the guest’s payment may be disputed through Stripe’s process. Bookably may contact you for supporting information (for example: house rules, message history, check-in/out details, evidence related to the dispute).

We ask for your IRD number so Bookably can meet New Zealand tax compliance requirements for short-stay accommodation sold through an online marketplace.

It helps us:

• Apply the correct GST treatment for bookings made through Bookably
• Confirm your GST registration status (and update it if it changes)
• Provide the right tax information and records related to your hosting income

For stays booked through Bookably, Bookably collects and returns 15% GST on the accommodation (and any closely connected services) as required under New Zealand’s marketplace rules.

If you’re not GST-registered, Bookably passes a flat-rate credit (8.5%) to you and returns the remaining GST to Inland Revenue.

If you’re GST-registered, make sure your GST status is set correctly in your host details so the right GST treatment is applied.

No. You do not need to be GST-registered to host on Bookably.

However, you may need to register for GST if your total taxable income (from all taxable activities, including short-stay accommodation) exceeds $60,000 in any 12-month period.

If you’re unsure, talk to your accountant.

A Bookably guest membership is what guests use to make bookings on Bookably.

Instead of adding a per-booking guest service fee, Bookably uses a membership model — so the guest pays the host’s price (plus any host-set fees and any security deposit/bond), without extra platform booking fees.

Guest memberships help keep booking fees at zero for both sides:

• Hosts keep more (0% host booking commission)
• Guests avoid per-booking platform fees
• Bookably can keep improving the platform and supporting hosts without increasing booking costs

No. Guest memberships do not auto-renew.

Guests can renew their membership in their Bookably account when it expires.

No. Guest membership is a paid membership that expires after its term and does not auto-renew.

Guests can renew at any time in their Bookably account.

No. Guests need an active Bookably membership to complete a booking.

If a guest isn’t a member yet, they can join during checkout.

A confirmed booking remains valid.

If a guest’s membership expires later, they can renew it to make new bookings and keep full access to their Bookably account features.

Bookably doesn’t replace host insurance.

We recommend having appropriate cover in place (for example, holiday home/landlord insurance, contents cover, and public liability). Check with your insurer that your policy covers short-term stays.

A security deposit/bond is an extra safeguard you can add to your listing.

• The deposit is charged to the guest.
• After the stay is complete, it’s refunded back to the guest, provided there are no issues to report.

If there is damage or a breach of house rules, report it promptly through the Bookably support process and provide evidence (photos, invoices/quotes where relevant).

If there’s damage during a stay:

1. Document it as soon as you can (photos/video) and keep any quotes/invoices.
2. Message the guest in Bookably to explain what happened and what you’re claiming.
3. If the booking had a security deposit/bond, report the issue promptly so the bond can be used where appropriate.
4. Contact Bookably support if you need help — include the booking details and your evidence.

Most issues can be resolved quickly by keeping communication clear and written in Bookably messages.

If you can’t resolve it (or it’s urgent/safety-related):

• Contact Bookably support as soon as possible.
• Share the key details and any evidence (messages, photos, timestamps, house rules).

Bookably will review the information and help guide the next steps in line with platform policies.

Not at this stage. Bookably support is primarily available between 8AM and 10PM every day.

If you have an urgent issue outside business hours (especially where guest safety is involved), follow the urgent steps below.

Yes. Bookably support is based in New Zealand.

If something urgent happens during a booking:

1. If anyone is in immediate danger, call emergency services (111) first.
2. If it’s urgent but not an emergency, contact Bookably as soon as possible:
   • Email: [email protected]
   • Phone: 0800 448 938
3. Keep all key details in Bookably messages (what happened, when, photos if relevant), so there’s a clear record.

Call 111.

For urgent safety issues, emergency services are the right contact — follow their instructions first.

(For non-emergency urgent issues, see What if something urgent happens? above.)

We welcome feedback.

Email [email protected] with:

• A short summary of the suggestion/bug
• What you expected vs what happened (for bugs)
• Steps to reproduce (if relevant)
• Screenshots (if helpful)
• Your device and browser/app (if relevant)

We review suggestions regularly and prioritise improvements that help the most hosts and guests.