Quality Rooms — Questions & Answers

1. Is there a different credit charge between Quality Rooms and other star rated establishments?

This will vary depending on star/diamond ratings. Hosts for both Quality Rooms and other establishments shall submit the swap form applicable to their establishment's grading. Choose one of the swap forms listed on the website's working page. On receipt of the form, the database takes care of the rest and informs both Host and Guest of the success or otherwise of the agreed transaction.

Owners of Quality Rooms would not be expected to provide meals (this does not mean it could not be negotiated or paid for separately). Quality Room establishments have the option to accept credits in lieu of payment for breakfast or other services. This option is not mandatory and can be negotiated at the time of booking.

2. What prevents just anyone requesting accommodation who is not a legitimate member?

There are checks and balances built into the system. For example, when a request is made you must immediately ask for their reference number, and if you are uncertain as to their legitimacy you will check with the administrators before accepting the swap.

3. Am I obligated to accept a swap request?

No. You can accept or turn down a swap request as you see fit. We do however expect all members to accept requests as often as they can. Once you have accepted a swap it is binding on both Host and Guest (see Agreement and Code of Practice).

4. Can I allow others (friends or family) to utilise my credits?

Absolutely — the credits are yours to do with as you like. Only the registered owner is permitted to request bookings. Please note that all bookings need to be made via the registered owner of the establishment; friends or family cannot make a request on their own and need to work via the registered owner. The registered owner takes full responsibility and will be held liable by the Host for any damages or claims of misconduct by friends or family they have sponsored.

5. What happens if I wish to terminate my membership or sell/transfer my establishment?

You can terminate your membership at any stage. There are no refunds on credits — remember there are no cash transactions — and no refund on your yearly subscription.

Quality Room members can remain on the system until all their remaining credits have been used, provided their yearly subscription fee is up to date, after which they will be removed from the Accom Swap database — unless they recruit one new member per year, in which case they remain eligible to use the system for an additional year, repeated annually.

Members understand that this arrangement is a privilege subject to potential alteration or withdrawal at the discretion of management. This concession does not apply if you resign from Accommodation Swap for any reason.

6. You said we would start with 6 days' credit. Once used, with no requests to stay at my establishment, can I apply for another 6 credits?

The 6 days' credit awarded on first registering is to get new members started. Thereafter the system is based on a careful balance of spending and earning credits — the principal method of growing credits for all members is via hosting.

If, through no fault of your own, you run out of credits, there are two ways to recharge: our "bonus" system allows members to earn three credits for every new member they bring on board; and if there is no "strike" against your establishment (turning away a booking request when you could have accepted), you are able to apply to Admin to purchase credits, provided you have been a member for more than one year. Admin will assess your account and advise accordingly — you will only be allowed to purchase credits if your balance is below 8 credits.

7. Can I accumulate more than 6 days' credit and use them any time, perhaps years later?

Yes, provided you remain a fully paid-up member. Should you resign your membership for any reason, however, you will lose all your credits.

8. How many credits are charged per night?

Choose the swap form "Form for quality/single rooms only" found on the website's working page:

Swap form for Quality Rooms — 1 credit for the entire room per night.
Example: 2 people sharing per night — 1 credit charged.
1 person shall be rounded off — 1 credit charged.

Submit the relevant form as above. On receipt of the form, the database takes care of the rest and informs both Host and Guest of the success or otherwise of the agreed transaction.

9. How can I keep track of my credit/debit status?

On the page for choosing an establishment, click the dropdown button called "Important usage links" and choose "My credit balance". Please note that members are responsible for keeping their own swap form records — our database stores forms for up to 3 months, after which they are removed from the system.

10. What prevents an unscrupulous person from using my name or establishment to get a holiday?

There are stringent security checks made on anyone logging in. You will be given a unique reference number and password for your exclusive use. The registered person is solely responsible for the security of their reference and PIN numbers, and agrees to absolve the administrators of any liability whatsoever in the event of their numbers falling into the hands of, and being used by, third parties.

11. What happens if someone books with me but does not pitch?

Let us know and we will take disciplinary action against the wayward member. We will still credit your account as though the swap had taken place.

12. Can the Host charge for cleaning and other services?

No — the modus operandi of Accommodation Swap is based on a totally cash-free stay, except for breakfasts, other meals, and activities, which can be negotiated between host and guest and paid for either by additional credits or cash.

13. How much is this going to cost?

We have tried to compare apples with apples by charging not more than one day's takings, for two people sharing, in a middle-to-upper-class range (3 to 4 star) guest house.

On registration there is an initial joining fee that all new applicants must pay, plus a proportionate subscription fee for the months remaining up to May. Thereafter, an annual subscription fee is payable in May. See the joining fees table for a quick reference on fees due when joining.

Our fees are structured to encourage you to remain a member — even if you don't trade credits for a couple of years, the membership fee is low enough that you'll make it all up with just one night's swap. For less than one day's takings, who can't afford to join?

14. How to register

If you've seen enough and want to participate, go to Registration and follow the procedure. Once the form has been processed and the joining fee validated, you will be sent an email confirming your membership. This email will also contain your personal, unique reference and PIN numbers, which should be kept in a safe place for all future contacts and queries.

You will then receive 6 free credits with which you can immediately start trading.

Don't forget to first read the membership terms and conditions as laid out in the Agreement and Code of Practice, which all members must accept and pledge to abide by.