After you submit a booking request, your reservation goes through a short process before it’s confirmed. During this time, you may receive emails and be asked to complete additional steps depending on the host’s settings.
This article explains what happens at each stage so you know what to expect.
Booking Request Flow Overview
A typical booking request follows this sequence:
Submit your booking request (enter details, apply promo code, and add payment details)
Complete guest verification, if required
Wait for the host to review and respond
Receive a booking confirmation email
Complete any remaining pre-stay tasks
Step 1: Submit Your Booking Request and Payment Details
When you request a booking:
Your request is sent to the host
Your dates are temporarily held
You enter your contact and payment details
Direct booking checkout page showing guest details, payment details, and booking request submission
Applying a Promo Code
If you have a promo or discount code:
Enter it on the booking page before submitting your request
Look for an option like “I have a discount code”
On mobile, you may need to scroll to the bottom of the page
Promo codes must be applied before submitting your booking request. They cannot be added after the booking is created.
After submitting your request:
You receive an email confirming your request was submitted
The host is notified to review your booking
Your booking is not confirmed yet. The host must accept your request.
Step 2: Complete Guest Verification (If Required)
Some bookings require identity verification before they can be reviewed.
If this applies:
You’ll receive a second email asking you to verify your details
You’ll be guided through the verification steps
This may include:
Uploading an ID
Taking a selfie
After completing verification:
The host is notified
Your request moves forward for review
Email prompting guest to complete identity verification before booking approval
Your booking cannot be accepted until required verification is completed.
Step 3: Host Review
Once your request is ready:
The host reviews your booking
You may need to wait for approval
Your dates remain held during this time
At this stage:
Your payment details have been submitted
No payment has been captured yet
You will not see Guest Portal access or messaging options while your booking is still pending.
Step 4: Booking Confirmation
If the host accepts your request, your booking is confirmed and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
This email includes:
A “Manage my stay” link
Your booking details and dates
A payment summary
The cancellation policy
Booking confirmation email displaying reservation details, payment summary, and Manage my stay link
At this point:
Your booking is confirmed
Your dates are secured
Payment is collected or captured
You can access your Guest Portal
Step 5: After Confirmation (Next Steps)
After your booking is confirmed:
You can access your Guest Portal
You may need to complete required tasks
Scheduled payments (if any) may be due later
These tasks may include:
Identity verification (if not already completed)
Signing a rental agreement
Providing a security deposit
Guest Portal showing required tasks including rental agreement and verification
Any remaining actions will appear in your Guest Portal after confirmation.
If You Receive a Payment Link Instead
In some cases, the host may send you a payment link to complete your booking.
With this flow:
You receive an email with a “Confirm booking and pay” button
You complete payment
Your booking is confirmed
Email with payment button to confirm a booking created by the host
This email typically includes:
Booking details
Total price
Payment deadline
Payment links require payment to confirm the booking. There is no separate approval step.
When You Can Access the Guest Portal
You can access the Guest Portal:
After receiving your booking confirmation email
Through the “Manage my stay” button
From a link shared by the host
In the Guest Portal, you can:
View booking details
Complete required tasks
Review payment details
Complete scheduled payments
How to Contact Your Host
You can contact your host in the following ways:
By replying to emails
Reply to booking-related emails to reach the host
Through the Guest Portal
Messaging is available after your booking is confirmed
If you have not received an email or Guest Portal link, you may not be able to contact the host yet.
If a message cannot be delivered, it may be routed to Hospitable Support.
Why You Might Not See Payment or Messaging Options
This is expected if:
Your booking is still pending
The host has not accepted your request
You are waiting for verification
You have not received a confirmation email
Important Things to Know
Your booking is only confirmed after the host accepts it
Payment details are submitted when you request a booking
Payment is captured only after the booking is accepted
Some bookings require identity verification before approval
Payment links are a separate flow and confirm the booking after payment
The Guest Portal becomes fully available after confirmation
Emails guide you through each step of the process