Terms of Service

1. Platform & Booking Services

Hostelify provides an online marketplace, direct reservation engine, and operational property technology platform connecting travelers with independent, participating backpacker hostels across India. Hostelify operates as a technology and booking intermediary platform; individual participating hostel properties operate their physical accommodations independently.

2. Direct Bookings & Payment Processing

Guests can make direct accommodation reservations on Hostelify using three primary payment options (depending on property availability):

• Pay Now (Instant Confirmation): Online payments are processed securely through our authorized payment gateway partner, Razorpay. Booking confirmation is server-authoritative and issued immediately upon successful payment verification.
• Pay on Arrival: The reservation is held confirmed in the hostel's inventory, and the total booking amount is collected directly by property reception upon physical check-in (via UPI, Card, or Cash).
• Pay at Self Check-In: Guests complete digital check-in on their mobile device upon arrival and complete payment online via Razorpay Dynamic UPI QR or Checkout before bed allocation.
• OTA Bookings (MMT, Goibibo, Booking.com, Hostelworld): For prepaid reservations made through external Online Travel Agencies, payment has already been collected by the OTA, and guests do not incur duplicate charges upon check-in.

3. Bed Allocation & Sleeping Preferences

When booking on Hostelify, guests select their sleeping preferences (such as Bunk Position: Lower/Upper and Airflow/Temperature preferences). Hostelify's automated preference matching engine assigns the optimal available bed fulfilling guest requests. Bed allocations are finalized upon digital self-check-in or desk registration.

4. Government ID Verification & Digital Self Check-In

In compliance with local government regulations and hospitality laws, all adult guests must provide valid, government-issued photo identification prior to room access:

• Indian Citizens: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driver's License.
• International Travelers: Original Passport with a valid Indian Visa or OCI card.
• Guests may complete registration via Hostelify's Digital Self Check-In portal (/checkin) by uploading front ID, optional back ID, or manual ID entry alongside a live selfie.

5. Cancellation & Refund Policy Summary

Direct bookings on Hostelify cancelled more than 24 hours prior to standard check-in time (1:00 PM IST on arrival date) receive a 100% full refund to the original payment source via Razorpay, credited within 3 to 5 business days. Cancellations made within 24 hours of check-in and no-shows are non-refundable. For complete specifics, review our dedicated Cancellation & Refund Policy.

6. Guest Accounts & Invoices

Guests can access their past and upcoming reservations, download PDF invoices, request stay extensions, view community noticeboards, and participate in daily evening event polls at any time via My Bookings (/account) using passwordless email or phone OTP verification.

7. House Rules & Community Safety

To maintain a welcoming, respectful backpacker environment:

• Quiet hours are observed in dorm rooms from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
• Smoking is restricted strictly to designated outdoor rooftop or balcony areas.
• Illegal substances, harassment, and destructive behavior will result in immediate eviction without refund.

8. Support & Contact Information

For questions regarding reservations, Razorpay payments, partner onboarding, or invoice requests: