Search combines a geo-aware index of listings with each listing's availability calendar, so results only show places free on your dates. Booking reserves those nights with a conditional write on the calendar, authorises payment, and pays the host after check-in. Guests and hosts message in real time, and photos are served from a CDN.
Functional requirements
- Hosts create listings with photos, prices, rules and an availability calendar
- Guests search by location, dates, guests, price and amenities, on a map
- Instant book or request-to-book with host approval
- Payments held until check-in, then paid out to the host
- Guest–host messaging and two-way reviews
Non-functional requirements
- Never double-book the same nights
- Search returns in under a second
- Highly available for browsing; booking can be strictly consistent
- Payments and payouts in many currencies
Extensions
- Experiences and activities alongside stays.
- Smart pricing suggestions for hosts.
- Trust and safety: identity verification and fraud scoring.