Messaging the host

Before booking

Tap Message host on any villa page to ask questions before you book. You don't need to be signed in — just provide your email, and the host will reply through Bukavilla.

Common things to ask before booking:

• Are dates X to Y still actually open? (calendars can lag)
• Can I bring a pet? (even if listed as allowed, confirm size/breed restrictions)
• Is the area suitable for [families / events / remote work / accessibility needs]?
• Can you tell me more about [neighborhood / pool / kitchen / parking]?
• What's the cleaning fee / nightly rate for [specific dates]?

After booking

Once you've booked, every message you exchange with the host lives in the same thread, accessible from your booking page. You'll get email notifications when the host replies. On mobile, you can also reply directly through the booking detail page.

Keep important conversations (changes to your booking, special requests, issues during the stay) in the message thread rather than over text or WhatsApp — Bukavilla support can only see what's in the thread if you ever need to escalate.

Languages

Bukavilla auto-translates between you and the host in 10 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic.

Just write in your own language. The host reads your message in theirs, and their reply is translated back into yours when you read it. The original text is preserved alongside, so you can always see what each person actually wrote.

Response times

Hosts set their own pace. Most respond within a day; many respond within hours. Your booking confirmation may show the host's typical response time.

For booking-day questions (check-in details, address, late arrival), message early — many hosts won't see late-night messages until morning local time.

When to contact Bukavilla support

Most communication is between you and the host directly. Reach out to Bukavilla support when:

• A host hasn't responded for 48+ hours and your stay is approaching
• You're receiving messages that violate platform rules (harassment, threats, abusive behavior)
• The listing turns out to be misrepresented (wrong photos, wrong location, materially different from what was advertised)
• You can't reach the host through the message thread and need help making contact

Bukavilla connects guests with hosts and helps with platform-related issues. It doesn't intervene in transactions or guarantee outcomes between you and the host — payments, refunds, and dispute resolution stay between the two of you. Use the chat widget to start the support conversation; we'll see the full message thread and help where the platform can.