Host Guide

Archipelago Stays is a community-first vacation rental marketplace connecting property hosts with thoughtful travelers. During private beta, we're working closely with a small group of hosts to make the experience smooth and trustworthy.

• Sign up — Create an account using your email. You'll receive a verification link — check your inbox and click it to verify your email. Verified accounts unlock all host features.
• Verify your email — Email verification is required before you can send inquiries or submit properties. If you didn't receive the verification email, open the user menu in the header and click Resend.
• Complete your profile — A complete profile with a real name helps build trust with guests.

• Go to the Properties section from the header menu.
• Click Submit Property.
• Fill in your listing details: title, description, location, price per night, amenities, and photos. High-quality photos make a big difference — use clear, well-lit images taken horizontally.
• Photos are automatically resized and optimized when you upload them. If a photo doesn't look right, you can replace it before submitting.
• Click Submit for Review when ready.

• Pending review — After submission, your property enters a review queue. Our team checks listings for quality, accuracy, and completeness. This usually takes 1–2 days during private beta, but may vary.
• Approved — Your property is now visible to guests browsing Archipelago Stays. You'll receive an in-app notification and an email when this happens. Guests can now find your listing and send inquiries.
• Needs attention (rejected) — If your property needs changes, it will be marked for revision. You'll be notified with guidance on what to update. Don't worry — this is normal during beta. Update your listing and it will go back into review.
• Hidden — If your property is temporarily hidden from public view, an admin will let you know why. Hidden properties can be restored.

• How inquiries work — When a guest is interested in your property, they send an inquiry with their details, preferred dates, and a message. You receive the inquiry via in-app notification and email.
• Responding to inquiries — Reply directly to the guest's email to confirm availability, answer questions, and arrange booking details. Archipelago Stays currently does not handle payments.
• Staying responsive — Quick responses build trust. Guests appreciate hearing back within 24 hours. If your property is unavailable for certain dates, let them know early.

• In-app notifications — Click the bell icon in the header to see your notification center. You'll get notified about property approvals, rejections, inquiries, and Pearls activity.
• Email notifications — For important events (property approved, rejected, new inquiry, Pearls received), you'll also receive an email. You can customize which emails you receive in the notification preferences section at the bottom of the notification center.
• Customizing — Open the bell → scroll to Notification Preferences → toggle on/off the categories you want.

• Questions or issues? — Email us at hello@archipelagostays.com. We typically respond within 24 hours.
• Feedback — Your feedback shapes the platform. Let us know what's working, what's confusing, and what you'd like to see next.