How booking works on Gatherland: from search to deposit refund

You pick a district, date, time and group size, see the full price for that slot, and pay online in one go. Instant-book venues confirm as soon as payment succeeds; for the others, the host has 24 hours to accept. The platform holds your money and releases it to the host 48 hours after the booking ends.

The whole flow at a glance

Step 1: How do I find a venue?

On the search page or any category page, enter:

• District
• Date and start time
• Duration (slots move in 30-minute steps)
• Group size

Results show the total for that slot and group, and whether the venue is free. You do not have to message each venue to ask.

You can also start from a category, such as party rooms, mahjong rooms, photo studios or meeting rooms, and filter by district, feature or occasion.

How is the price worked out?

Venues use one of two pricing units:

Pricing	How it adds up
Per person per hour	guests x hours x hourly rate per person
Per room per hour	hours x room rate, regardless of headcount

Also note:

• Weekend rate applies Friday to Sunday, on public holidays and on the day before a public holiday.
• Minimums: a venue may set a minimum number of hours or a minimum headcount.
• Child rate and group discounts: some venues offer them.
• Add-ons such as BBQ food sets are added to the total if you choose them.

For typical price levels by category and district, see the price index.

Instant book or host confirms?

Each venue uses one booking mode:

For venues without instant booking you can send an enquiry first. To invite offers, use Name your price to post your date, group size and budget. For large or corporate events, use the concierge form.

How far ahead do I need to book?

• Self check-in venues: usually up to 30 minutes before the start.
• Staffed venues: about two hours' notice.
• Calendars open 90 days ahead.

Payment and deposits

You pay the full amount online when you book. There is no booking fee for guests: the total shown is what you pay.

The platform holds the payment and releases it to the host 48 hours after the booking ends.

Some venues take a refundable security deposit, shown before you pay. It comes back about 48 hours after the booking ends unless the host reports damage, overtime or extra cleaning, with evidence. More in deposits and cancellation explained.

Welcome credit and credit from points can cover part of a booking, but not all of it.

What happens on the day?

• After confirmation you can see the exact floor and unit.
• Self check-in venues send entry instructions, such as a door code, by email and WhatsApp before the start time.
• You can message the host from the booking if anything is unclear.

Before the day, the party checklist helps you pack, the date poll helps the group pick a date, and the cost splitter settles the bill afterwards.

What happens after the booking?

• 48 hours after the end, the payment is released to the host.
• If there are no claims, the deposit is returned at about the same time.
• If the venue was seriously not as described, tell the platform within 24 hours of the start. The platform decides disputes and may refund in part or in full.

How do reviews work?

Only guests with a completed booking can review, once per booking. A review has:

• An overall score
• Scores for cleanliness, value, location and facilities
• Optional tags, text and photos

Hosts can reply publicly. Reviews also earn points, which convert to credit. See rewards.