Robust Vacation Rental Software

[Lauren Pitts]

I have seen this question come up many times for the affordable end. I am currently using Smartbnb. I am looking at the bigger software packages such as Hostawy, Kigo, Streamline, or VRM because I am scaling and need greater automation and functionality with more booking platforms. I want unified messaging for more than just Airbnb and HomeAway (booking.com, tripadvisor, etc). I also like that most of these come with a direct-booking website template that integrates with their management software and that they have BeyondPricing or Wheelhouse plugins built in. There are many other attractive features. Some of these have a way too high an entry point for me right now like a $5000 startup fee for Streamline. But I am still curious what are other people's experience with these platforms. Which one do you like the most? 

[Cliff H.]

Hi @Lauren Pitts. I've trialed a bunch of the solutions out there and just recently dumped iGMS for YourPorter after looking into BookingAutomation.com, Tokeet, Lodgify, Elina, Rentlio, Beds24, SuperHostTools, Hostfully, Nueva, and Uplisting. 

One the things you'll find in working with anything that costs less than a $100/mo is that the design of most STR apps/services is worse than the platforms' apps/sites themselves. In my testing I actually found BookingAutomation and Beds24 (same product, different pricing scheme) to be the most feature and channel complete, but it was like trimming a bonsai tree with a machete: way too many buttons when all I needed was automated messaging, calendar sync, and a universal inbox.

Additionally I liked YourPorter because it hit the 3 channels I need: Air, VRBO, Booking, had a mobile-first UI, and duped the messaging automation I had with iGMS, without charging me for every other channel I added on. 

What I was pleasantly surprised about was that there was a nice amount of logic built in for "if-then" automation that can increase listing revenue if enabled. As an example, if there is no one checking into a rental before or after a guest, Porter sends a one-off message asking if they want to stay another night for a discounted rate. If it's not a back-back turnover, that's just a dead day for me so offering it as an add-on day's a win-win for both guests and me. 

Additionally, the private label website generation is dead simple and allowed me a better way to have past guests book direct, save the 10-20% on the platform fees, and avoid scrolling past dozens of competing spaces on the way to re-booking mine. 

Again, this is all highly specific to my own needs and interests. By all means outline your top 10 "must have" features, then go out and try out the different solutions to find out what works best for you. 

Hope this helps!