A Definitive Guide to Hosting During the London Olympics

As the UK’s largest site for peer-to-peer accommodation, we’ve been inundated with calls and emails about getting involved and hosting during the London 2012 Olympics. With 100’s and 100’s of new hosts signing up every week, we thought we’d put together this blog post to answer the common questions.

How can I sign up to host during the London Olympics?

Becoming a Crashpadder host couldn’t be simpler. Just click ‘add a room’ from the homepage and follow the instructions. You can add pictures, a description and set your price in a few clicks, and your listing will start appearing in search results straight away. It’s free to list your room or place, but we do take a 10% commission.

Can I control who books my room?

Absolutely. When a guest decides they would like to book your place they make a reservation request. This means that they select their dates and authorise payment. You will receive an SMS and email notification, which includes a link to their Crashpadder profile. You then have 48 hours to respond to the booking, which you can reject for any reason in a single click. Once you accept, payment is taken and the booking is confirmed!

How much should I charge?

The short answer is, charge what you think people will pay. Our hosts in London charge between £35-£175 per night, depending on factors such as location, room quality and how many people they can accommodate. As a general rule find out what your local hotels are charging and make sure you’re competitive!

Do I have to live near an Olympic venue?

No. We have many popular hosts across London and the UK. With over 30 million overseas visitors to the UK expected this year there are plenty of guests to go round! Try to highlight the features of your neighbourhood that will make it attractive to visitors (community, public transport, relevant local attractions) and you’re more likely to get the right guests for you.

Can I only host during the London Olympics?

Not at all! We’ve been running non-stop since 2008, helping people to earn a little extra cash from their spare rooms and making new friends in the process. You can add your room as a permanent listing and start hosting today, or switch your listing off and on as the room is available.