Frequently Asked Questions

What is Short Escapes?

Short Escapes is a website that enables you to easily find and book online boutique style accommodation including bed & breakfasts, farm stays, chalets, self contained cabins, boutique hotels, holiday homes, inns, etc.

How much does it cost to use Short Escapes?

There is no cost for using Short Escapes to search for accommodation or information. You can search as much as you want in any destination you want for absolutely no cost whatsoever. If you decide to book accommodation that is available we charge a $3.50 Booking Fee. At the time of booking we also charge a non-refundable 10% deposit of the final package price. See our full Terms & Conditions for further details.

How do I book accommodation on Short Escapes?

Refer to the How to Book Page

What if I want to make an enquiry with Short Escapes?

You can email your enquiry to Short Escapes at service@shortescapes.com.au. Short Escapes will respond within 24 hours. In most instances, between the hours of 7am and 7pm (AEST), Short Escapes will be able to get back to you within 3 hours.

How do I know if accommodation is available?

If accommodation is listed with a price it is available and can be booked immediately online. If it is listed with an "S" the accommodation is Sold and is not available. If it is listed with an "R" you can make a Request to confirm if the accommodation is available or not.

If accommodation is listed with a price, what does this mean?

If accommodation is listed with a price, it is available and can be booked immediately online at the price on the date specified.

If accommodation is listed with an "S", what does that mean?

If accommodation is listed with an "S" it means that the accommodation has already been Sold and is not available to be purchased.

If accommodation is listed with an "R", what does that mean?

If accommodation is listed with an "R" it means that the accommodation is available only by Request. Upon your request, Short Escapes will contact the Establishment and advise you by return email if the accommodation is available.

How long does it take to confirm "Accommodation on Request"?

Short Escapes will get back to you by email within 24 hours to confirm if accommodation is available. Between the hours of 7am and 7pm (AEST), in most instances Short Escapes will be able to get back to you within 3 hours to confirm if accommodation is available or not. If accommodation is not available, Short Escapes will provide a list of accommodation choices in the same destination that are available on the night(s) requested.

If I put in a request and the room is available, am I obliged to reserve it?

No. If Short Escapes advises that the accommodation is available you are not obliged to reserve the accommodation. The accommodation is available at the time that Short Escapes sends the email to you; however, the accommodation has not been reserved for you. To reserve the accommodation, you must respond to Short Escapes advising that you wish to book the accommodation and Short Escapes will then confirm by return email if the booking has been made. When you advise that you wish to book the accommodation you are authorising Short Escapes to make a reservation on your behalf and at the time of confirming your booking Short Escapes will charge a non-refundable $3.50 Booking Fee and a 10% non-refundable deposit.

If I make a reservation is it confirmed?

If you reserve accommodation that is listed with a price then the accommodation is available and the reservation is confirmed. You will receive an email from Short Escapes confirming the reservation. You will be charged a non-refundable $3.50 Booking Fee plus a non-refundable 10% deposit.

If you make a request for accommodation that is listed as on request, you are simply requesting if the accommodation is available, it is not a confirmed reservation and there is no obligation to book the accommodation if the room is available.

Does Short Escapes provide refunds?

Once you have booked your accommodation, the $3.50 Booking Fee and the 10% deposit are non-refundable.

Will the Establishment provide a refund if I decide to cancel?

Cancellation policies vary by Establishment. It is essential to check the cancellation policy listed on the Establishment's individual web page. The $3.50 Short Escapes Booking Fee and the 10% deposit are non-refundable. In most cases the Establishment will not charge any additional fees for the accommodation if you cancel your booking in advance. The further in advance you cancel your booking the less likely it is that the Establishment will charge additional cancellation fees. If you fail to notify the establishment of a cancellation and do not arrive and stay on the dates you have booked, the establishment is entitled to charge at least one night's accommodation.

Will the Establishment charge me an additional deposit to secure a booking?

At the time of booking Short Escapes will charge a non-refundable $3.50 Booking Fee and a non-refundable 10% deposit. Deposit policies vary by establishment. Some establishments may charge an additional deposit at the time of booking or at a time closer to the reservation. It is important to check the deposit policy listed on the Establishment's individual web page.

What happens if I make a mistake and book the wrong Establishment?

Be very careful when making your booking. All bookings made are confirmed reservations and the $3.50 Booking Fee and the 10% deposit are non-refundable. There may also be additional non-refundable deposits charged by the Establishment. It is essential to check the deposit policy listed on the Establishment's individual web page

Can I change the dates of my reservation?

Should you wish to change the dates of your reservation please contact the Establishment. Details of how to contact them will be provided in your confirmation email. Prices may vary depending on the date of the reservation and the Establishment may charge a higher or lower rate on the new dates selected. It is the Establishment's decision as to whether any fees, additional charges or discounts will be applicable if you change the dates of your reservation. Please note that the $3.50 Booking Fee and 10% deposit charged by Short Escapes is non-refundable and will not be reduced if a change of dates results in a lower charge by the establishment.

What credit cards do you accept?

Short Escapes accepts VISA, MasterCard, Bankcard and Diners for the $3.50 Booking Fee and the 10% deposit. Short Escapes does not accept Amex or credit cards other than those listed. Credit Cards accepted by the Establishments for additional deposits and/or the balance of payment vary. It is important to check the credit cards accepted by the Establishment on the Establishment's individual web page.

Is my personal information kept private?

Short Escapes does not provide your personal information to anyone other than the Establishment at which you book. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.

Are my credit card details secure?

Yes. Short Escapes has obtained a digital certificate from Thawte Server CA (part of the VeriSign group), an industry leader in the protection and management of data transmission and storage.

Our secure server software uses 128 bit encryption methods to encrypt all of your personal information, including credit card information. The process of encryption takes the information you enter and converts it into bits of code that are securely transmitted over the Internet. This scrambled data cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet.

Once your encrypted personal information is received by our secure server, it is translated back into its original form and stored in our database. Your credit card information is not transmitted over the Internet again.

How to I get notified about special offers and further information?

To receive Short Escapes Newsletters, special offers and other information, please register for the Short Escapes Newsletter.