Hosting – Introduction
Open your home to fellow cyclists
Warmshowers makes it easy to connect with bicycle travelers looking for a safe, friendly place to rest. Offer what you can — a bed, a meal, or simply a warm hello.
Understanding hosting on Warmshowers
Hosting on Warmshowers is straightforward: you offer a safe place for a touring cyclist to rest, whether that’s a spare room, a patch of lawn, or simply your company over a meal.
Warmshowers brings cyclists from all backgrounds, ages, and parts of the world to your door. Some arrive with stories from mountain passes or small-town roads; others bring perspectives shaped by their culture, work, or personal journeys. Many hosts describe the experience as a way to learn about the world, challenge assumptions, and share everyday life with someone they might otherwise have never met.
Hosting doesn’t require much — just a bit of openness.
Each stay strengthens a safer, more connected network for touring cyclists.
New to hosting?
Here’s how to get started.
Warmshowers makes it easy to connect with touring cyclists and manage your availability through the website or mobile app. You decide when to host, who to welcome, and what you can offer.
Step One
Create your profile
Add a photo, describe your space, and share what cyclists can expect when they stay.
Step Two
Set your availability
Use the in-app Activity Calendar to show when you’re open to hosting.
Step Three
Connect with cyclists
Riders can message you through the app. Review their profiles, exchange details, & confirm when it’s a good fit.
Step Four
Host and share the experience
Welcome your guest, offer what you can, and leave feedback to help the next rider.
Join thousands of hosts around the world who make Warmshowers possible.
Why hosting matters
Hosting is how the Warmshowers community works, cyclists supporting cyclists.
When you offer a space to rest, a shower, or a meal, you make bicycle touring safer, more accessible, and more connected for riders everywhere.
You don’t need a spare room or special setup — many hosts offer a couch, a tent spot, or just good company. What matters most is the welcome.
Every host adds to a network built on trust, respect, and the shared love of travel by bike.
“We hosted a cyclist passing through during a storm. By morning, we were already planning our next ride together.”
James & Alana, Hosts since 2019
The real reward of hosting is the people you meet.
Most of our hosts say the best part is the people — hearing stories from the road, sharing meals, and discovering new perspectives.
Tools that make hosting simple
Warmshowers gives you everything you need to manage your hosting experience — from clear communication tools to built-in trust systems and community support.
In-app messaging
Availability calendar
Host profiles and reviews
Safety and support tools
Global community
Quick FAQs
Do I have to host to be part of Warmshowers?
Warmshowers is built on reciprocity, but hosting is not mandatory. Many members both host and travel, while others participate in one way depending on their situation. You can update your availability or decline requests at any time — the platform is designed to give you full control over when and how you host.
Can I host if I live in a small space or remote area?
Yes — hosts offer a wide range of setups, from spare rooms to couches or even a place to pitch a tent. What matters most is being clear about what you can offer so guests know what to expect.
How do I decide who to host?
Review each guest’s profile, message, and travel plans. A complete profile, clear
communication, and alignment with your availability and preferences can help you decide confidently.
What if I need to decline a request?
You can decline any request. It’s best to respond promptly and politely so the cyclist has time to make other arrangements.
What if my availability changes?
You can update your availability at any time. If something changes after accepting a request, communicate as early as possible so the guest can adjust their plans
Do I have to provide meals or amenities?
No — what you offer is entirely up to you. Some hosts provide meals or additional support, while others offer only a place to sleep. Guests will look to your profile for guidance.
Can I charge guests for their stay?
No. Warmshowers is founded on the principle of reciprocity — hosts offer what they can, in the expectation that when they tour themselves, they’ll be able to enjoy the hospitality of other Warmshowers hosts. We do not allow hosts to charge their guests, and we remove hosts who are found to be doing so. Terms of Use
How do I know when a guest is trying to contact me?
Cyclists looking for accommodation will contact you by sending a hosting request. This will appear in your messages inbox and as an email notification to the email address associated with your profile. If you’re using the Warmshowers app, you’ll also get a notification directly to your device telling you you have a new message. If you’re not receiving email notifications, check your junk and spam folders — you may need to whitelist our email account, wsl@warmshowers.org. Keeping notifications enabled in the app helps you respond in a timely way.
What if I confirm a stay and my plans change?
If something unexpected comes up, let your guest know as soon as possible. Early
communication gives them time to adjust and find alternative accommodation if needed.
What if a guest arrives late or delayed?
Delays can happen while traveling. Staying in touch and setting expectations ahead of time helps manage timing and avoids disruption to your schedule. Clear communication is key.
