Staythread service terms
Last updated 22 July 2026.
The service
Staythread is a holiday-let channel, booking and calendar management service operated by Pike House Escapes. Customers can choose API, iCal or both for each channel. Official APIs remain the preferred connection where the booking channel has approved access. iCal import, private export feeds, attached calendar copies, manual date blocks, guest arrival details and dated property access codes remain available as described in the customer account.
Independent Sykes connection
While official channel-manager approval is being pursued, Staythread offers an independent connection to the Sykes owner account selected by the customer. Staythread is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sykes Cottages. Sykes may ask the customer to reconnect from time to time, and Staythread can pause the connection if it cannot operate safely.
A customer can create one private, revocable desktop-browser button per property to save changes made on the matching Sykes arrival page back to Staythread. Creating a replacement turns off the earlier button, and each button expires after 30 days.
If Sykes requires its normal browser security check, an authorised customer may use Staythread's browser-assisted import on the Sykes Bookings page. The customer must complete the check themselves and choose when to run the import. The browser import is not an official Sykes API and does not copy the customer's Sykes password or browser session. The official API remains the preferred route once approved.
The optional local connector can repeat that browser-assisted process from a customer-controlled computer or NAS while its signed-in browser is running. Customers are responsible for keeping the device, private connector key and local browser access secure, installing updates and revoking a lost or retired device. The connector does not bypass a Sykes security check; the customer must complete it in the local browser.
Your trial
The standard free trial lasts 14 days and does not require card details. We do not charge you automatically at the end. Editing and calendar sync may pause until you choose a paid plan.
Paid plans
Prices and included property and connection limits are shown before you choose a plan. Unless agreed otherwise, plans are billed monthly. Staythread does not charge a fee per booking. Third-party booking channels may charge their own fees.
Your responsibilities
You must provide accurate details, keep your password, browser buttons, private feed links and property access codes secure, use only calendar links and channel accounts you are authorised to use and follow the terms of each booking channel. You remain responsible for checking availability before accepting a booking.
You are responsible for choosing the correct property and effective dates before publishing an access code, checking the channel's confirmation and changing the physical lock or key safe at the stated time. Ending a code in Staythread does not alter the physical lock and does not remove wording already held by a channel; publish a valid replacement before the next guest arrives.
Where you use membership tools, you are responsible for making the requirement clear in your guest terms, choosing an authorised recipient, recording any required guest agreement, checking membership before arrival and using guest details only for a proper booking or membership-administration purpose.
Connection limitations
API is preferred where approved because it can exchange changes more directly. Approval, supported features and service timing remain under each booking channel's control. iCal is a periodic calendar format, not an instant booking transaction, and booking channels decide how often they refresh feeds. An emailed .ics file is a snapshot for a person to import and will not refresh after it is sent.
The independent Sykes connection and browser-assisted import process only fields available in the selected owner account and page. At present that can include the lead guest's postcode but may not include a full postal address. Staythread does not promise a field that the channel has not supplied. A one-off browser import covers the cottages and booking rows shown when the customer runs it. A paired local connector can repeat that import only while its browser is running and remains signed in.
The Sykes arrival form acknowledges submissions but does not provide Staythread with a reliable read-back of its saved directions or key details. Staythread therefore records local saves, browser transfers and the accepted-update banner separately, and does not claim that Sykes returned a value it did not return. Sykes may require a browser security check; in that case Staythread records the attempt as needing attention rather than claiming it succeeded.
Fair use
Do not use Staythread to break into systems, test private networks, overload the service, collect data from an account you are not authorised to use or expose another person's information.
Availability and changes
We aim to keep the service available and to fix faults promptly, but planned maintenance and supplier outages can occur. We may improve, pause or remove an independent connection where needed to protect customers and guest data, while giving reasonable notice of a material paid-service change.
Cancellation
You can ask to cancel a paid subscription by contacting us. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the paid period unless we agree otherwise. We do not promise refunds for a part-used month except where the law requires one.
Liability
Nothing here limits liability that cannot legally be limited. Subject to that, Staythread is an operational aid and you remain responsible for booking decisions, channel accounts, access control, membership checks and guest contracts. Our total liability relating to the service is limited to the fees paid for the previous 12 months.
Law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Courts in England and Wales have jurisdiction, subject to any mandatory consumer rights.
Contact
Email bookings@pikehouseescapes.co.uk with a question about these terms.