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SMART Backpackers
FAQ
 
 
 

Payments And Credit Cards

Q.1 Do I need a Credit Card to book online?
Q.2 Can I still make a reservation if I do not have a credit card?
Q.3 Is it Safe to use my Credit Card?
Q.4 How much amount would be taken at the time of booking?
Q.5 When will I have to pay the balance amount?
Q.6 Would the Hostel or Hotel accept the same credit card that I booked with online?
Q.7 My Credit/Debit card no. is correct and details are correct, but the hostel/Hotel is not accepting it. Why?
Q.8 How does the website convert the currency rate?

Making Online Bookings

Q.9 What is the maximum people I can book for?
Q.10 Can I make a booking over the Telephone/Fax or by email?
Q.11 I am booking a dormitory for more than one person, but we are not enough to be a group booking; will we still be in the same room?
Q.12 Do I need to be a member of any youth organization to be able to book?
Q.13 I have made an error while making a booking and it has gone through. What should I do?

Once Booking is Confirmed

Q.14 What happens when I make the booking/ reservation?
Q.15 How long I have to wait for the confirmation?
Q.16 How do I find directions for the hostel/hotel?
Q.17 I have lost the printout of the booking, how can I re-print the booking details?
Q.18 ? If I make a booking for today, but I find somewhere else to stay, can I get my money back?
Q.19 I made a booking and the property e-mailed me to say they had to move me to another property. I wanted to stay there, so can I get my booking deposit back if I cancel?

Cancelling a Booking

Q.20 How can I to amend or cancel my existing booking?
Q.21 When I cancel my booking, will I get my deposit and Booking Fee back?
Q.22 ? What happens if do not cancel my booking and do not turn up on the arrival date at the hostel/hotel?
Q.23 What is the cancellation notice period?

Group Bookings

Q.24 How can I make Group Bookings (book more than 10 people)?
Q.25 Can I book Private Rooms for the Group Leaders?
Q.26 Can you separate males and females in separate Rooms while make a Group Booking/Reservation?
Q.27 How can I pay for Group Bookings?
Q.28 How can I to amend or cancel my existing Group booking?
Q.29 What is the cancellation notice period for Group Bookings?
Q.30 What happens if do not cancel my Group Booking and do not turn up on the arrival date at the hostel/hotel?

About Hostels and Hotels

Q.31 What is a hostel?
Q.32 What does Shared Room/Dorm/Dormitory mean?
Q.33 What is Private room?
Q.34 What do you mean by ensuite or ensuite facilities?
Q.35 And Are all the rooms’ ensuite?
Q.36 What is the difference between a Double Room and Twin Room?

Customer Ratings and Reviews

Q.37 Who writes the reviews on the website?
Q.38 What does the Customer Rating mean?
Q.39 How can I leave a rate my stay or leave feedback for my stay?
Q.40 What are the guidelines for writing a review?
Q.41 Why should I write a review?
Q.42 Will my review be edited?
Q.43 Is there a deadline for writing and submitting my review?
Q.44 Where will I find the review on the site?
Q.45 What is the scale for Customer rating scores?
Q.46 Do I need to stay at a Hostel/hotel to write a review?

Legal

Q.47 Is my private and personal details collected while making a booking safe?
Q.48 Where can find terms & conditions agreement for this website?



Payments And Credit Cards

Q. Do I need a Credit Card to book online?

A. Yes, we only accept booking this website when paid through a credit/Debit Cards. You cannot book in any other way.

Q. Can I still make a reservation if I do not have a credit card?

A. No. Unfortunately you can only book on this site using either a Credit or a Debit (Switch only) Card.

Q. Is it Safe to use my Credit Card?

A. Yes it is. We take this matter very seriously and to ensure the security all the credit card transactions, the details are encrypted using a secure server (“C.O.M.O.D.O-Instant SSL Pro”)with 128/256-bit encryption and encodes it in a non-usable form, before they are transmitted over the internet to the bank.

Q. How much amount would be taken at the time of booking?

A. At the time of booking confirmation you are only charged a “Deposit” (usually 10% of total booking amount) plus the “Booking Fee” (£1-£1.50).

Q. When will I have to pay the balance amount?

A. The Balance due (shown at the time of booking) is due on arrival at the Hostel/Hotel.

Q. Would the Hostel or Hotel accept the same credit card that I booked with online?

A. Not Necessarily. Before making a booking please make sure what Credit/Debit Cards are accepted by the property at the reception. You can find this information on the details page of the Property at the time of booking prior to confirmation.

Q. My Credit/Debit card no. is correct and details are correct, but the hostel/Hotel is not accepting it. Why?

A. This can happen because of the following reasons oYou have reached your Credit Limited oThe Card type is not accepted at the Property oThe Expiry Date on the card precedes the reservation date. oThere is a computer error.

Q. How does the website convert the currency rate?

A. This is based on the currency exchange rates provided by “Xe.com”/ “Realex” every day to our website booking engine.


Making Online Bookings

Q. What is the maximum people I can book for?

A. You can book for up to 10 people online at a time. If you have a requirement for more than 10 people please click on Group Bookings section of our website and send in your request. Our reservations team will find you the accommodation for your group based on your requirements and come back to you ASAP.

Q. Can I make a booking over the Telephone/Fax or by email?

A. Unfortunately No. We can only process bookings made online through our website.

Q. I am booking a dormitory for more than one person, but we are not enough to be a group booking; will we still be in the same room?

A. Though the accommodation provider will try and place your small group together as much as possible, your booking is by bed and room type. Therefore it is not guaranteed that you will all be in the same room. If you have special needs, (e.g. a minor in your group), check with the hostel to be sure they can accommodate you before you book! Remember, your booking Deposit and Booking Fee are non-refundable.

Q. Do I need to be a member of any youth organization to be able to book?

A. No.

Q. I have made an error while making a booking and it has gone through. What should I do?

A. If you made a mistake (wrong dates, rooms, or people booked) while making a booking, you do not need to rebook. Please get in touch with the accommodation provider immediately. The details(email) of the accommodation provider is sent to you as soon as your booking is made. You can also get in touch with the accommodation provider by sending a message by login into “My Account” section (where you can view all the bookings made by you). Although please remember that deposits and booking fee are non-refundable under all circumstances, hence please take care while making a booking and review the booking details carefully before clicking on “Confirm” button.


Once Booking is Confirmed

Q. What happens when I make the booking/ reservation?

A. Once the booking is made, you will receive an email confirmation (on the email address provided by you while making the booking) with all the relevant details with regards to you booking with a “Booking Reference Number.” You should quote this “Booking Reference Number” for all future correspondence with the accommodation provider. You can also see the details of the booking made by you by logging in your “My Account” section of the website. The login details are sent to you automatically the first time you make a booking using our website.

Q. How long I have to wait for the confirmation?

A. As soon as you have confirmed the booking and the required payment is gone through the confirmation is shown on the screen immediately and also a confirmation email is sent you your email address with all the relevant details with regards to your booking.

Q. How do I find directions for the hostel/hotel?

A. You can find the address and the directions on the Map and Directions tab of the details section of that Hostel/Hotel on our website.

Q. I have lost the printout of the booking, how can I re-print the booking details?

A. You can see the details of the booking made by you by logging in your “My Account” section of the website. The login details are sent to you automatically the first time you make a booking using our website. Please login again and take the print out of the required booking.

Q. ? If I make a booking for today, but I find somewhere else to stay, can I get my money back?

A. Booking terms and conditions are based on a 24-hour cancellation policy. Bookings made for same-day reservations will be required to pay for the full first night’s accommodation as per the terms and conditions. Even if you only booked ten minutes ago, you will lose you’re your deposit, booking fee and the Property Owner would also charge you for your first night’s stay. If you are booking for the same day, be sure you want to book! For more details see “Cancelling a Booking”

Q. I made a booking and the property e-mailed me to say they had to move me to another property. I wanted to stay there, so can I get my booking deposit back if I cancel?

A. Booking deposits and booking fees are NON-REFUNDABLE under ANY circumstances. Our terms and conditions specifically allow that accommodation of an equal or greater value will be provided if your original request may not be met. If this agreement is not honoured, you may be subject to a refund. We are only responsible for the booking deposit and fee, not for any extra items purchased or services rendered by the property in addition to the booking.


Cancelling a Booking

Q. How can I to amend or cancel my existing booking?

A. If you need to cancel or amend your bookings you would need to contact the hostel/Hotel give the cancellation or change instructions directly to them. We are not able to do this for you. You can also send the Cancel/change request to the accommodation provider by logging in the “My Account” Area of this website. Once you have logged in, go to “Current & future Bookings” section and click on the relevant booking. Now click on “Cancel Booking” or “Change booking” to send the instructions. Once you have sent the instructions you will receive the “message sent Confirmation” email to you email account (confirming that you request have been sent to the accommodation provider). In the event of a cancellation you need to give 24 hours notice, or the hostel will charge you for the first nights stay (though we suggest to check the hostels terms & conditions as this may differ). Please remember that the Deposit and the Booking Fees are non refundable in case of any cancellation or amendment made by you.

Q. When I cancel my booking, will I get my deposit and Booking Fee back?

A. No. Please remember that the Deposit and the Booking Fees are non refundable in case of any cancellation or amendment made by you or under any circumstances.

Q. ? What happens if do not cancel my booking and do not turn up on the arrival date at the hostel/hotel?

A. This situation is called a “No-Show”. In the event of a “no-show” without cancellation, the accommodation provider has the right to charge your credit/debit card for the first night's stay. In prevention of loss of revenue, the property may process a "pre-authorization" on your card for the first night's booking amount plus any potential fees affiliated with.

Q. What is the cancellation notice period?

A. Generally all the hotels listed on our site honour a 24 hours Notice Period cancellation policy; though we suggest checking the hostel’s/Hotel’s/accommodation provider’s terms & conditions as this may differ. These terms and conditions are emailed to you at the time the booking is confirmed.


Group Bookings

Q. How can I make Group Bookings (book more than 10 people)?

A. If you have a requirement for more than 10 people please click on Group Bookings section of our website and send in your request. Our reservations team will find you the accommodation for your group based on your requirements and come back to you ASAP.

Q. Can I book Private Rooms for the Group Leaders?

A. Yes, you can enter the no. of private rooms required by the group while filling in the Group Bookings Forms and our reservation team will find you a suitable hostel based on your requirements, wherever possible.

Q. Can you separate males and females in separate Rooms while make a Group Booking/Reservation?

A. Yes, you can enter the male & female ratio /split required by the group while filling in the Group Bookings Forms and our reservation team will find you a suitable hostel based on your requirements, wherever possible.

Q. How can I pay for Group Bookings?

A. Once you accept a quote submitted to you by our reservation team, you would be required to pay the “Deposit” (10%-15%) immediately to secure the booking. The Balance Amount is due to the Hostel/Hotel directly to the accommodation provider based on time specified in their terms and conditions.

Q. How can I to amend or cancel my existing Group booking?

A. If you need to cancel or amend your Group Booking you would need to contact the hostel/Hotel give the cancellation or change instructions directly to them. We are not able to do this for you. You can also send the Cancel/change request to the accommodation provider by logging in the “My Account” Area of this website. Once you have logged in, go to “Current & future Bookings” section and click on the relevant booking. Now click on “Cancel Booking” or “Change booking” to send the instructions. Once you have sent the instructions you will receive the “message sent Confirmation” email to you email account (confirming that you request have been sent to the accommodation provider). In the event of a cancellation you need to give notice to the Hostel/hotel (accommodation provider) based on the terms and conditions, or the hostel will charge you amount according to their terms and conditions sent to you along with the quote prior to your accepting the quote. Please remember that the Deposit and the Booking Fees are non refundable in case of any cancellation or amendment made by you.

Q. What is the cancellation notice period for Group Bookings?

A. It depends on the terms and conditions of the Hostel/Hotel(accommodation provider).

Q. What happens if do not cancel my Group Booking and do not turn up on the arrival date at the hostel/hotel?

A. You would loose the entire amount of the Group Booking or would be required to pay the due to the Accommodation if any.


About Hostels and Hotels

Q. What is a hostel?

A. Hostels provide accommodation where guests can book a bed, sometimes a bunk bed in a dormitory. It is also characterised by shared facilities (shared bathroom/Shower, toilets, kitchen and lounge). Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. Although some hostels offer Private rooms also with or without en-suite facilities. Hostels are associated young backpackers/travellers looking for accommodation on a budget.

Q. What does Shared Room/Dorm/Dormitory mean?

A. These are rooms you share with other travellers/customers. Usually, you may have to share the room with 2-11 other people based on bed(s) you have booked the type of Dormitory (3 Bed Dorm – 12 Bed Dorm). These Some accommodation provider also provide for male only, or Female only or Mixed shared rooms/dormitory.

Q. What is Private room?

A. A Private Room is for your sole use of the people it is booked for (for the time it is booked for) and is NOT shared with any other customers/guest.

Q. What do you mean by ensuite or ensuite facilities?

A. It is a type of room where the toilet and shower/bath are attached to the room for your sole use of the people staying in that room.

Q. And Are all the rooms’ ensuite?

A. No. It depends on the property i.e. hostel/hotel. Whenever a room has ensuite facilities it will show the it in the details of that room.

Q. What is the difference between a Double Room and Twin Room?

A. A Double Room has a single bed to be shared by two people whereas and a Twin Room has two separate beds. Both rooms can accommodate a maximum of two people.


Customer Ratings and Reviews

Q. Who writes the reviews on the website?

A. The Hostels/Hotels are rated and reviews are written about them by the customers who booked the accommodation through this website and stayed at the Hostel/Hotel booked.

Q. What does the Customer Rating mean?

A. To read and know more about customer rating, please click here.

Q. How can I leave a rate my stay or leave feedback for my stay?

A. Roughly two days after the departure date of your booking we send you an email reminding and informing you how to leave a feed back. Simply login to your “My Account” area our website and click on Previous Bookings section. There you can click on “Review and Rate my stay” to leave your feedback.

Q. What are the guidelines for writing a review?

A. Follow these guidelines as stated below: -You must be 18 or older to write a review/comments. -Please do not impersonate someone else or include any information about another person. -Please write in English only. -Please do not write any words in all caps. -Please do not include HTML tags or URLs/Web addresses. -Please refrain from making false statements or unlawful remarks -Please refrain from profanity and other objectionable content -Please do not include Hostel/ hotel rates, or other pricing/promotional information. -Please do not recommend or reference a hostel/hotel other than the one booked by you and where you yourself has stayed. -Please be specific, your fellow travellers want to know exactly what you liked or disliked about your accommodation and your stay there. -Please do not comment on or question other reviews or the content of this website. -Please do not include telephone numbers, physical addresses, e-mail addresses, or any other information that can be linked to a specific individual.

Q. Why should I write a review?

A. Writing a review allows you to share your experience, knowledge and expertise with other travellers, which helps them make informed decisions when selecting accommodation during their travel.

Q. Will my review be edited?

A. We cannot edit your reviews but we would delete the review if it does not meet the guidelines.

Q. Is there a deadline for writing and submitting my review?

A. No. But ideally you should write it within 1-2 months of your departure date from that property so that other travellers may benefit from it.

Q. Where will I find the review on the site?

A. You can see the review about a particular hostel/hotel within the “Ratings & Feedback” page of details section of Hostel/hotel.

Q. What is the scale for Customer rating scores?

A. The range lies between 1 to 10. 1 being the lowest score (poor rating) and 10 being the highest (Best Rating).

Q. Do I need to stay at a Hostel/hotel to write a review?

A. Yes. You must have booked it through our website and stayed at the hostel/hotel.


Legal

Q. Is my private and personal details collected while making a booking safe?

A. To find out about our privacy & security policy, please click here.

Q. Where can find terms & conditions agreement for this website?

A. To find out about our terms & conditions, please click here.