Stay Don't Pay

Website of the Day: Tuesday 17th May

>> Stay Don’t Pay
This has been created as a travel exchange network, where members can enjoy bed and breakfast accommodation free of charge. You sign up to register when you’re prepared to accept guests. When other members want to stay in your area you’re given the option to welcome them as B & B guests. You then receive a credit, which you can use to stay with another member.

The system is currently in pre-launch until enough homes and locations have signed up to the scheme. One year’s membership is offered free to anyone who signs up now during the pre-launch stage. Once the system is fully operational, subscriptions will cost £25 per year.

UPDATE (18th May 2006): One year on, Stay Don't Pay founders Fraser and Rita Spence report that they now have 226 members scattered all over the UK & Ireland (and one trial member in Britanny!) - They have arranged over 100 trips for members who have "really enjoyed stopping over as a guest and meeting some really super people."

While Couchsurfing mainly targets backpapckers, Stay Don't Pay offers a sociable alternative to B&Bs or hotels for travellers in the UK. Not everyone's cup of tea, but potentially a really rewarding experience for more flexible and sociable travellers - and hosts!

Comments

[Crispin Farbrother]

This concept is a great idea for those travellers who are fed up with souless budget hotels are B&Bs that are driven by cutting costs and making you pay for poor quality surroundings. It also challenges the better B&Bs where it is not uncommon to pay £60 plus for two to stay in a reasonable and somewhat homely establishment.
To stay in the better establishment and not pay is great, but to stay somewher pleasant and meet the host as the ONLY GUESTS staying there is quite unique.
The deal is then enhanced through hosting someone else in your own household. We are sociable characters and to have some stay and be sociable with, if only for a few hours is a great way to spend an evening.

My view; let the big Brands and expensive B&B's worry.