Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Casa Casa. If your question is not answered here or in our guidelines, please contact us via this form or call us at (206) 932-2002. We will gladly respond to any questions and talk through any concerns you may have.

What is it like to be a guest in someone’s home?

Have you ever stayed in a homestyle “bed and breakfast?” A homestay with a member of Casa Casa is something like staying in a homestyle B&B. Casa Casa members are people who enjoy making people feel right at home. In most, but not all situations, you will stay in a guest bedroom.  (Some hosts have limited space and cannot offer completely private sleeping quarters.) Your host will provide breakfast – either a full breakfast or continental – and offer personal recommendations on local attractions, places to eat, things to see and do, etc.

How do I search for a suitable host?

When you are ready to plan a trip, log in to the Casa Casa Membership Directory and click “Search Members.” You might first search for hosts by your travel destination, by city, state or country (for example “Toronto” or “Prague”). For destinations where there are many potential hosts to choose from, you might use the “keyword” search to help narrow your search down to hosts that are the best match for you. For example, you can search for hobbies such as “birdwatching” or amenities such as “pool.” If politics or religion are important to you, use the keyword search to seek out like-minded folks.

How do I arrange a stay?

First, search the Directory and find some potential hosts in the area you wish to stay. Then, it is up to you to contact the member(s) you wish to stay with.  You do this through the Directory; there is a “Contact” link at the top of each member’s profile page. Simply fill out the contact form, and our system sends the member the information you fill in as an email. Be sure to include the date of your arrival and departure. It’s good idea to include your phone number if you prefer to be contacted by phone (member’s phone numbers are not published in the Directory.) If your plans change and you cannot arrive for a confirmed reservation, you must contact your host and cancel as early as possible.

Are private bathrooms available?

A member’s profile should include whether the guest bath is private or shared with the hosts. If a guest bathroom is private it may not be in the room, but across the hall. The member’s listing will also tell you if the sleeping quarters are private, what type of bed is available and any special amenities or nearby attractions.

How long can I stay with a host?

Our guidelines state no more than 3 nights. Casa Casa is probably not your best bet for extended homestays. However, this is up to each host–ask if you want to stay longer.

What is my responsibility as a host?

As a host, you provide that guest bedroom or comfortable sleeper sofa in your home to your guest(s) and provide a breakfast for them. Breakfast can be as elaborate as simple as you like. You try to give about an hour of your time to acquaint the guest with your area, like suggesting a place to eat or a museum or park to visit.

How often do I need to host?

You can host as often or as seldom as you like. And you can always decline to host for any reason. You should respond with your availability to each and every request for a homestay you receive in a timely manner.

What if I cannot host members?

Sorry, we can’t accommodate members at this time who are totally unable to host other members. We understand there are circumstances where hosting is not possible, and if this is the case for you, we hope you will consider joining Casa Casa if and when your circumstances change and you are able to host.

I work early mornings – how can I serve breakfast?

How about providing a continental breakfast? You can have coffee and muffins on hand, and maybe some fruit or juice.

We have a two-year old. Can we join Casa Casa?

Sure! Casa Casa is open to families.  Your profile can include information like how many children you have, or what your accommodations offer for travelers with children (such as a crib or twin beds, or even floor space for sleeping bags.)   Not all of our members can host children because of space limitations, and some may not want to, but there are plenty who do.

How do I give you feedback on a host or traveling member after my homestay experience?

Your feedback after a visit or host experience is important to us. We ask each and every host and traveler to provide us feedback on the experience. What you tell us is up to you, and is never associated with your name. To provide feedback on your experience with another member, go to that member’s profile in the Casa Casa Member Directory and click the link that says “Leave feedback.” The information you provide in this form goes only to Lauren, Casa Casa’s manager. You can also provide feedback by emailing us or calling us, if you prefer.

Where are Casa Casa’s members located?

Casa Casa is a new club, and our membership is still small. However, we are growing every day, and add locations each week. For an updated list of member locations, visit Casa Casa member locations.