STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

I READ in Money Mail that Airbnb is restricted or banned in some countries and cities. Can I find a breakdown of the rules, so that I don’t book holiday accommodation in the wrong place?

A. J., by email.

WE’VE created a list of the regulations in popular destinations including New york, Spain and Singapore. you can find it online at: thisismoney. co. uk/ money/ holidays/ article-5896803.

IN MARCH, my friend and I bought a voucher for a makeover experience at The Penthouse Studio in London for £40. We had to pay a £100 deposit, which was supposed to be refunded on the day.

Our appointment was cancelled due to a health and safety inspection and I was not in a position to rebook. I was told the deposit would be in my account the next day, but it never arrived. I’ve now been chasing the firm for more than a month.

M. D., by email.

thE Penthouse Studio apologises for the delay. It claims the only member of staff authorised to sign off refunds was away for a while on holiday, resulting in a slight backlog. It has now refunded the £100.

WHEN arriving at a hotel, it’s common practice to be asked to hand over credit card details. I know they may need them in the event someone damaged the room or if you took something from the minibar, but do we have to provide them?

R. R., Cheltenham, Glos.

If yOu’VE already paid for the holiday accommodation, then there is no legal obligation to give payment details when you arrive, according to Rob Russell of ac tours, a wholesale tour operator.

If you haven’t paid, the hotel will usually ask for your card details as a guarantee. If you refuse, it may not give you the room.

Mr Russell says if you have paid, or if the room is guaranteed by a third-party, such as a tour operator, then the hotel may want your card details to pay for extras such as food and drink.

however, you are not obliged to hand these over — you can just pay as you go, if you prefer.