Since its launch nearly 15 years ago, back in 2010, Theatre Digs has been essential for everyone who lives the touring life. Everyone in theatre from performers and artists to backline techs, thousands of theatre professionals use their booking website to help ensure smooth travel accommodations while on tour. Unfortunately, even after many negotiations with unions and venues and producers, the majority of theatrical professionals are still left to book their own accommodations for the entirety of their tours. Due to this, Theatre Digs has done significant research and updated their code of conduct for both hosts and guests.
To ensure that both hosts and guests understand what to expect from each other, their updated conduct provides details so that everyone feels respectful of each other as much as possible. But there are some key differences in the codes for hosts vs guests.
For both hosts and guests the key values that are highlighted in the code of conduct are:
Be Respectful
Be Honest and Accurate
Communicate Clearly
Respect from Hosts:
It is expected from all hosts that they agree to anti-discrimination policies by Theatre Digs. It is also expected from all hosts that they have the booked accommodation cleaned to a reasonable standard prior to guests arrival, and if guests are staying for longer than one week that the hosts should offer to change all provided linens. All guest-accessible areas should be heated to a minimum of 18 degrees celsius and guests should be able to control the heat within a reasonable request without restrictions of use or additional charges unless clearly stated in the description before booking.
Respect from Guests:
It is expected from all guests that they agree to anti-discrimination policies by Theatre Digs. It is also expected from all guests that they should maintain the level of cleanliness provided by the host during their stay and do not expect “Hotel Standards.” Guests should also only arrange for deliveries to the booked stay with permission from the Host. Guests should also not expect to have other non-booked guests at their accommodation without prior approval of the Host.
Honesty and Accuracy from Hosts:
Hosts should be as accurate as possible regarding pricing including nightly, weekly and monthly, with additional policies or rules. Hosts should also disclose an accurate calendar availability, and accessibility and child/pet-friendliness with an 80% acceptance rate or higher. All of the house rules enforced by the Hosts should be outlined in the digs description. Hosts should also clearly state if any of the beds in the accommodation are temporary, including sofa beds. The Host should include if there will be anyone under the age of 18 during the Guest’s stay.
Honesty and Accuracy from Guests:
Guests should be as accurate as possible when giving information including any third party details, phone number, and valid email address that the Hosts can reach the Guest at. Allergies of the Guest need to be stated clearly in their own bio and any messages to the Hosts. While Guests should strive to never damage their Host’s items, should anything happen it should be brought to the Host’s attention as soon as possible with an offer from the Guest to potentially replace/repair the damage.
Clear Communication from Hosts:
Hosts should expect that guests will inspect the booked accommodation, then sort out payment unless previously agreed upon or stated. The Hosts should raise any issues and/or complaints directly with guests to give them the opportunity to rectify the issue. Only upon failure to come to a solution, the Host may require check-out and the Host should either write a review or raise an issue on the Theatre Digs site. If the Host has any extra cancellation policies, they should be stated clearly in the description.
Clear Communication from Guests:
Guests should expect to explain their stay with reasonable updates on time of arrival/departure. Guests should pay on arrival after inspecting their booked stay and respect the listed price without attempting to negotiate unless their stay is longer than 28 nights. The Guests should raise any issues and/or complaints directly with the hosts and give as far in advance notice of early check out as possible.
Both Guests and Hosts can find more information on the updated code of conduct on the links below:
https://theatredigsbooker.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/3000051385-host-s-code-of-conduct
Also by Drew Janine: