All Forum Posts by: Devon Moore

I am in the process of creating a direct booking site and wanted to make sure I was using the best PMS system for me. I was referred to Hostaway by some people who have had a great experience with it. After finally getting into Hostaway, I felt it wasn't for me and the customer service was not very prompt or helpful with the issues. In the end I decided to stay with Hospitable.

It isn't helpful that you are not able to really test out Hostaway without paying a $250 onboarding fee and paying for the first month of service. All non-refundable. 

Hi Everyone,

I explored switching from Hospitable to Hostaway PMS for my short-term rental. I decided to stick with Hospitable after the first onboarding call. In the first call they disconnected my old PMS before setting up any of the messaging, notifications to cleaners, or locks before the end of the call. The next call was not scheduled for about a week, so I was out of these automations that whole time. The solution from Hostaway was to wait for the next onboarding call and they would add some extra time, which was not helpful for about a week. 

If anyone decides to make a switch to Hostaway, just make sure they set up everything before disconnecting your Airbnb from your old PMS. 

There isn't a lot of information about comparing PMS providers, so just wanted to let anyone who is considering switching know my experience.

 Tha's great. I'll select a PMS with the ability to have the widgets on my site

 Thanks Brett! I'll check out hostaway. I have been using hospitable for my management now, but open to other platforms. Thanks for the add, Ill check out your group!

Thanks Michael! I'll check on the STR insurance. My insurance company is well aware that I am using the property for short-term rentals.

 Tanks Trent! Which PMS do you use?

I have found banks that will use the appraised long term rent on the STR property to offset your PITI from that property. The only issue is PMI companies don't accept this method so you need at least 20% down.

Hi Everyone!

I am planning to start a direct booking site for my short-term rentals. I have done some research but curious about the experience people here have had. 

1. Have you gotten insurance similar to Air Cover for issues that may arise?

2. I have seen that creating a site through a PMS is not a good idea since it makes it difficult to chnage PMS in the future and you may not have the full rights to your URL. Has anyone created the site themselves and connected it to a PMS somehow? I currently use hospitable.

3. What are the book keeping and occupancy tax challenges that are faced?

4. Are there any good resources I should look into to learn more about this process?

Thanks!

Devon 

@Sean McKenna Sounds great, I'll look into it and see if you do indeed greater than 2500 gallons for 5 bedrooms.

@Greg Powers Thanks for the reply. The disclosure has 2,500, but the design seems to have a 1,500 tank and a 500 tank. I am going to reach out to the company who did the plans to get a better understanding. 

I have been in contact with the town to help find a property I can add an ADU to. Hopefully that wouldn't require the sprinklers. Great advice though!