Use of chekin.com

[Ymarri0]

Hi, we have booked a place in Malaga area, and been told to check in using a third party website called guest.chekin.com. Part of this is a 300 euro security deposit which will apparently be refunded when we leave. Airbnb warns not to make third party payments online but, apparently this is the only way to check in with this host (Cubo's). Is this normal and is it reliable?

thank you.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Ymarri0 

Was this security mentioned in the description for this listing?  Only hosts going through a Channel Manager can request a deposit but it shouldn't come as a surprise to the guest!!

The website you mention is showing invalide on my end and the misspelling of "chek" rather than "check" would worry me.  I would give Airbnb a call.

What are the recent reviews for this place in Malaga?

[Emilie]

Hi @Ymarri0, 

Has there been any news on your booking since last weekend? 

Joelle has shared some really good suggestions with you on how to approach this doubt, I'd love to know what has happened and whether you need any further help. 😊

Thanks, 

Emilie

[Matthew2546]

Hello @Emilie 

I would also like to know, since we are in a similar position. 

It is the same "chekin" website, and for a property also near Malaga. 

There was no mention of this in the listing, and raised my suspicions. 

I'm interested in wha Joelle said about Channel Managers - what that is and how do we know if it applies in our case. 

Most of all, did Ymarri0 have any issues? (I hope not).

All the best, Matthew

[Matthew2546]

Hello @Ymarri0,

We are in the same position - how did it work out for you?

All the best, Matthew

[Emiel1]

@Ymarri0 @Matthew2546 

It seems to be a legal facility, a host can subscribe to it using their service.

Website in english is:

https://chekin.com/en/

But such a check-in need to be mentioned in the listing.

About the deposit:

Questionable if it is allowed, if not using a channel manager.

Should also be mentioned in the listing.

Maybe ask Airbnb to shine a light on this !

[Emilie]

Thank you Emiel for your guidance as always! 

@Matthew2546 Have you reached out to the host or Airbnb regarding this website to get more clarity? I'll share as well the article that explains when security deposit are allowed on Airbnb, which states the following: 

Select software-connected hosts may collect a security deposit off of the Airbnb platform. In these instances in which security deposits are permitted, they must be disclosed in the appropriate fee field so that it is disclosed to guests at checkout.

Let us know how you get on!