A plan B.... letting rooms

[Cyberman]

I read about this in my favourite daily.

http://www.crashpadder.com/

[chef]

If your going to go down that route, 2 other alternatives that are free

http://www.hospitalityclub.org/

http://www.couchsurfing.org/

I've hosted around 10 people in hospitality club and 5 or so from couchsurfing, havent used anyone else yet though other than those I knew prior to signing up.

Great way to meet interesting people you'd not normally meet otherwise.

[Cyberman]

If your going to go down that route, 2 other alternatives that are free

http://www.hospitalityclub.org/

http://www.couchsurfing.org/

I've hosted around 10 people in hospitality club and 5 or so from couchsurfing, havent used anyone else yet though other than those I knew prior to signing up.

Great way to meet interesting people you'd not normally meet otherwise.

Any bad experiences with regard to this ?

[chef]

Any bad experiences with regard to this ?

Nope none, unless you count a hangover as a result in showing slightly too many bars to guests..

contrary to popular thought about the 2 websites above, people dont usually go on holiday to nick TV's

[Troll]

Any bad experiences with regard to this ?

http://www.couchsurfing.org/

As recommended by Dennis Nilsen

[chef]

When you sign up to couchsurfing for example you validate yourself (cant remember exactly how but i think it was similar to paypal)

When someone stays at your place you write a review of them and vice versa, you also update information such as "i can verify there identity" (i.e you've seen their passport etc.

When someone requests to stay at yours they can see who you have hosted in the past and the reviews and you can see their reviews and similar to Linked In / Facebook, you can see if anyone you know has a relationship to them i.e a person you previously hosted also stayed at theirs or hosted them.

Obviously you can choose where you request to stay and you are also under no obligation to accept any request from others.

You also lsit what is available and what is expected of them

i.e
- a sofa no bedding, bring a sleeping bag through to you have your own room)
- cooking is permitted
- free internet
- phone use should be requested before use
- can collect you from airport/station or no means of transport you need to find your own way

they usually cook a meal from their own country and/or buy some beers/wine as a thank you for your hospitality but no payment is expected

[Brussels Slumdog]

I read about this in my favourite daily.

http://www.crashpadder.com/

Claiming my £90 accommodation allowance from my payroll company when I work in London might be a problem as I assume they don't give receipts.
Weekend in London with Mrs BS looks a good alternative to a hotel.

Thinking of converting our 2 sparerooms into a single apartment in a few years time here in Brussels aimed at contractors