Beskrivelsesendringer
Security devices and CCTV
If your property has security cameras (CCTV) or other recording devices, it is mandatory by law to mention them in your property description and to configure them in your amenities.
CCTV and/or audio recording devices can be configured as follows:
In non-private areas (in entryways, yards, parking garages, or access roads leading to the property.)
In common areas (areas that are shared by other people or guests other than the ones renting the property, eg. in lobbies, elevators, stairways, restaurants, laundry facilities.)
In areas exclusively rented by guests (areas where only guests who are renting the property stay. If the rented property has a private garden and/or a pool, these are also considered exclusively rented by guests.)
You must indicate the presence and location of all security cameras or other recording devices in or around the property, even if they are not active nor recording (eg. outside the property, near the doorbell, etc.). Intentionally concealed security cameras and/or recording devices are strictly forbidden.
Hosts must also always disclose when the devices are active and in operation, as well as what they are recording (video, audio, or both).
Booking.com regulations:
It is very important to note that Booking.com does not allow properties with CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, even if it is turned off during the guests' stay. If you want to keep your listing active on Booking.com, we recommend removing this type of CCTV from your property.
Alternatively, if this cannot be removed, please indicate in "Amenities" -> "Basics" -> "Safety" section of your property configuration, that you have CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, as well as mention the exact location under “Additional Information”.
Please note that your listing may be deactivated by Booking.com due to this. Here you can find more information: Requirements and regulations around surveillance devices
Airbnb regulations:
Be advised that Airbnb have updated its policy on the use and disclosure of security cameras, recording devices, noise decibel monitors, and smart home devices; this goes into effect on April 30, 2024. Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a listing’s interior, even if they’re turned off or disconnected. These restrictions also apply to the common areas.
When discussing security cameras, it's critical to specify in the text description their location.
Be aware that Hosts are not allowed to place security cameras and recording devices over exterior areas of the listing where users have a greater expectation of privacy, such as the inside of an enclosed outdoor shower or in a sauna.
Hosts are allowed to have noise decibel monitors in the listing’s interior as long as the Host discloses their presence and they are not located in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas.
Hosts whose listings don’t comply with the new rules may have their calendars blocked from future bookings, or the listings may be removed from Airbnb under the policy, hence the importance of having all information in the text.
Please note that Airbnb urges hosts to offer guests the choice to disable or disconnect any smart device
More information about their policy here: Use and disclosure of security cameras, recording devices, noise decibel monitors and smart home devices
Other channels regulations:
Other channels like Vrbo allow CCTV in areas exclusively rented by guests, but it must be turned off during the guests' stay. Remember to clearly show this to your guests at check-in and also inform them that the devices are turned off.
Please, be aware that if you add CCTV in the configuration of your property, it WILL NOT be automatically added in the text!
Contact our customer service to update the text accordingly. Hosts will bear full responsibility for any cancellations done by the channels due to the presence of CCTV, which was not explicitly displayed in the configuration of the property.
If you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact our customer support.What should be included in my property’s description? What do guests ask about the most?
It is important to have a clear and accurate description of your property so guests know what to expect at your accommodation.
Our description texts are created based on what you configure as well as the most important information guests look for to make a booking.
Apart from the main amenities you offer, in order to provide the best guest experience, it’s important to include any other information that may affect a guest's stay to avoid negative reviews or complaints.
Do you live on-site? Will guests be sharing any facilities with you?
Is there any construction taking place? (give times and construction schedules if available)
Is there noise in the vicinity? (highways, bars, restaurants, etc)
Are there stairs to access the property? Is it suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Are there any security devices on the property? If so, where? And are they switched on during a guest's stay? (these must be mentioned by law)
For shared amenities, how many other properties have access to them? (pool, garden, terraces)
Does the pool have opening and closing times?
Do any maintenance providers come during a guest's stay? (pool cleaners, gardeners, etc)
Are there any animals on-site or nearby? (important for guests with allergies)
How do guests access the property? (1st floor, 2nd floor with an elevator, etc)
Is there direct access to the pool? (guests need a specific code to access the pool, etc)
For more information about Holidu description texts and how to request changes, please refer to this article.Holidu Professional Photos
Are you looking to increase your property's bookings and attract more guests? It is time to consider the importance of professional photos. At Holidu, we provide this service to you for free, as long as your property is located in a defined focus region
If you are unsure if your property is located in a defined focus region, please click here.
Professional photos can make a world of difference when it comes to showcasing your vacation rental property. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider using professional photos:
First Impressions: The first thing potential guests see when browsing your property are the photos. High-quality, professionally-taken images create a positive first impression and immediately catch the eye of potential guests.
Increased Bookings: Statistics show that properties with professional photos can see up to 5 times more bookings than those without. These photos make your property stand out and give potential guests confidence in their decision.
Accurate Representation: Professional photographers have the experience and equipment to capture your property in its best light. This means that the photos accurately represent what guests can expect when they arrive.
Highlighting Unique Features: Professional photographers know how to showcase your property's unique features and amenities, helping you attract guests looking for a special experience.
How to Get Professional Photos for Your Property
Holidu offers you the opportunity to have professional photos taken of your property for free. It's a simple and effective way to boost your property's appeal. However, if you have your own photos and want to include them, here's what you should do:
Contact Your Account Manager: Reach out to your Account Manager at Holidu to discuss your intention to use your own photos. They will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary information.
Email Us: You can also send your photos to photography@holidu.com. Ensure that your photos meet the following criteria:
Photos should be in a horizontal (landscape) format.
Use good lighting to capture the best shots.
Utilize wide angles to capture the full scope of your property.
Maximum of 45 photos
Minimum resolution of 1,024 x 768
Recommended resolution of 2,000 pixels for better quality images
For more details on how to take the right pictures, please click here
Enhance your property's bookings, and increase your chances of attracting more guests by taking advantage of our free professional photography service. Holidu is here to support you every step of the way.
Please note: Once professional Holidu photos are uploaded to the gallery, hosts will no longer be able to directly edit the gallery (e.g., rearrange photos, add new ones, or remove existing ones). This limitation exists because the professional photos are owned by Holidu and cannot be purchased by hosts. However, if you have specific requests to modify the gallery—such as changing the order of the photos or updating the selection—you can contact our dedicated team at photography@holidu.com. We will be happy to assist you with your requests.How can I request a change to my property description text?
You can (and should) ask for a modification of any information in your description text at any time, should you feel that additional info that is relevant or a correction is needed. Our professional Content Team will then update the text accordingly (service available on weekdays only). Please send us an email (host@holidu.com) mentioning your property’s ID number, or your property’s full name set in Holidu, and the requested change to the description.
Please note that Booking.com blocks any amounts of money written in description texts and removes the property description when they detect such amounts or currency signs. For this reason, it is no longer possible to add the exact amount of an extra fee in the text, as Booking.com uses our description and we cannot have a separate one only for one channel.
In our Help Center, you will also find some useful resources regarding the information our guests would like to read in the description texts.
We would strongly advise against modifying the entire description of your property for a number of reasons:
Our description texts are written and translated by professional content writers and optimized for better conversion.
Short description texts ensure our potential guests will read the full text including crucial pre-booking relevant information, and possible questions are answered without information overloading (hence creating a sense of trust).
Holidu description texts also make sure the T&Cs of each and every platform they are published on are being met.
Should you decide to overwrite the Holidu text with a text of your own, please note that you will be fully responsible for any update needed as well as for any translations. If your text goes against the T&Cs of one or more of the platforms, it may not appear or your listing may be unpublished by the respective platform. Should your text not appear and hence cause guest complaints, then you, as host, will be fully responsible when it comes to possible compensation claims.