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I understand what it's like to juggle various aspects of property management. It can get pretty overwhelming from dealing with multiple bookings to maintaining effective communication with guests. That's why I've curated this list of top-notch vacation rental software options to lighten your load. These tools are here to simplify your life.

Each software provides a unique set of features designed to automate and streamline the different facets of your rental business. From managing bookings and payments, communicating effectively with guests, maintaining your properties, to adjusting rental prices based on market trends - they've got you covered. I am confident you will find the right all-in-one tool that meets your needs and catapults your vacation rental business to the next level.

Best Vacation Rental Software Summary

Best Vacation Rental Software Reviews

Best for combining reservation management and marketing in one tool

  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.7/5

Hostaway is a vacation rental management platform that specializes in merging reservation management and marketing. Its dual focus on these key operational areas makes it an optimal tool for vacation rental businesses that wish to streamline their booking and promotion processes.

Why I Picked Hostaway:

I chose Hostaway for this list because it stands out with its unique blend of reservation management and marketing tools. It's this combined functionality that makes it particularly suitable for businesses looking for a comprehensive tool to handle both bookings and promotions.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Hostaway offers features such as a unified inbox for all booking channels, automated guest messaging, and revenue management. Notably, it also provides robust marketing tools for improved visibility and customer reach.

Its integrations are impressive, connecting with popular booking platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia. Additionally, it also integrates with payment processors and performance tracking tools.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides automated messaging and revenue management features
  • Integrates with major booking platforms and other services
  • Combines reservation management and marketing tools

Cons:

  • Marketing features may not replace a dedicated marketing platform
  • Might be more complex than necessary for very small operations
  • Annual billing may not be flexible for all businesses

Best for automating routine tasks across multiple booking platforms

  • From $20/user/month, (billed annually).
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Rating: 4.6/5

iGMS brings an advanced level of automation to vacation rental management, handling tasks from guest communication to cleaning crew coordination. This software is designed to manage properties across multiple booking platforms effortlessly, making it a solid choice for multi-platform operation.

Why I Picked iGMS:

I selected iGMS because it excels in automating day-to-day operations, a significant advantage for managers juggling listings on multiple platforms. It streamlines operations and saves a lot of time. It's the tool I would pick for those who want to focus on growing their business rather than getting stuck in routine tasks.

Standout Features and Integrations:

iGMS offers impressive features such as automated messaging, cleaning and task management, and multi-calendar management. Its unified inbox consolidates all your messages from different platforms, making communication with guests a simpler task.

Integration-wise, iGMS supports multiple vacation rental platforms, including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. These integrations allow for synchronized operations across all connected platforms.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient cleaning and task management
  • Integrated communication from multiple platforms
  • Robust automation of routine tasks

Cons:

  • Can be complex to set up for larger property portfolios
  • No custom API integration
  • Limited features for advanced revenue management

Best for managing complex operations of large-scale rental businesses

  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 3.8/5

Guesty is a comprehensive property management platform designed for large-scale vacation rental businesses. Its robust feature set allows for the management of complex operational tasks, making it well-suited for businesses with extensive inventories and operational needs.

Why I Picked Guesty:

In determining my picks, I was drawn to Guesty due to its scalability and comprehensive feature set that cater specifically to large-scale rental businesses. The platform's robust functionality and automation of complex tasks differentiate it from other solutions.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Guesty offers numerous features including centralized inbox, automation tools, reporting analytics, and a mobile management app. Its capacity to manage multiple listings across various platforms from a single dashboard is a critical feature for large-scale operations.

Guesty integrates with leading vacation rental platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia, as well as various payment processors and property management tools. These integrations further streamline the management process.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides automation for complex tasks
  • Extensive integrations with vacation rental platforms and other tools
  • Comprehensive feature set designed for large operations

Cons:

  • Requires a base fee in addition to user subscription costs
  • Higher starting price point than some other tools
  • May be more than what smaller businesses need

Best for streamlining business operations with integrated channel management

  • From $100/user/month
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Rating: 5/5

Avantio offers a comprehensive property management system designed to streamline your vacation rental business operations. The integrated channel manager function makes it exceptional at connecting and managing multiple rental platforms.

Why I Picked Avantio:

When I was comparing software, Avantio stood out for its powerful combination of features and ease of use. I selected it primarily for its integrated channel management system, a feature that eliminates the complexity of managing multiple rental listings across different platforms. This tool does an impressive job of streamlining business operations, making it the best choice for property managers seeking to simplify their multi-platform strategies.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Avantio's most notable feature is its integrated channel manager, which allows users to synchronize listings across numerous vacation rental platforms. This reduces the possibility of double bookings and ensures data accuracy. Avantio also includes a feature-rich website builder, enabling you to create a custom, mobile-friendly website for your business.

As for integrations, Avantio connects with an array of booking channels including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia. It also supports integration with payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal for smoother transaction processing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Broad range of payment gateway integrations
  • Customizable, mobile-friendly website builder
  • Integrated channel manager enhances multi-platform management

Cons:

  • The annual billing cycle might not be suitable for all
  • Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
  • Pricing might be high for small property owners

Best for building customized, SEO-optimized vacation rental websites

  • Pricing starts from $13/user/month
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Rating: 3.6/5

Lodgify is a software-as-a-service that provides tools for vacation rental owners and managers to create their own, fully-customizable, SEO-optimized websites. This attribute makes it an excellent choice for those who want to establish an online presence independently of third-party booking website platforms.

Why I Picked Lodgify:

In my selection process, Lodgify stood out due to its emphasis on empowering owners to establish and grow their online presence. With its comprehensive website builder and SEO tools, it offers a unique solution to an area often overlooked in vacation rental management.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Lodgify's primary feature is its website builder, which is designed for non-technical users. It includes professionally-designed templates, the ability to accept online bookings, and built-in SEO tools for better online visibility.

Lodgify integrates with various online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Airbnb and Booking.com, as well as property management systems. This allows users to manage all their listings and bookings from one central location.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integration with various OTAs and property management systems
  • In-built SEO tools
  • Website builder designed for non-technical users

Cons:

  • Dependence on external platforms for some features and functions
  • Subscription-based pricing can be costly for smaller operations
  • Some customization may require technical knowledge

Best for seamless synchronization of bookings across various channels

  • From $27/user/month, with a 0.9% booking fee

Smoobu is a vacation rental management solution designed to keep booking information consistent across multiple channels. It's specifically beneficial for businesses managing multiple listings on various booking sites and needing to maintain accurate availability and reservation details in real-time.

Why I Picked Smoobu:

I picked Smoobu for its unmatched capability in synchronizing bookings across a range of channels, which is a distinctive advantage in the realm of rental management. The tool is well-suited for businesses needing to maintain synchronized, updated, and consistent booking information on various platforms.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Smoobu provides robust features such as a unified dashboard, reservation synchronization, direct booking capability, and automated messaging. Moreover, it offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making navigation and operation straightforward.

Smoobu supports integration with a broad array of booking platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, among others. This wide range of integration ensures seamless management of listings across multiple channels.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers a wide range of integrations with popular booking platforms
  • Provides a unified, intuitive dashboard
  • Exceptional at synchronizing bookings across various channels

Cons:

  • Some premium features come with additional costs
  • The interface, while user-friendly, may require some learning time for less tech-savvy users
  • Cost may be higher than some other options

Best for real-time availability tracking and instant bookings

  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)

Checkfront is an online booking management system that provides businesses with tools for scheduling, inventory tracking, and payment acceptance. Its real-time availability tracking and instant booking features make it the best choice for managing last-minute changes and facilitating smooth booking processes.

Why I Picked Checkfront:

I chose Checkfront for its focus on real-time availability management and instant bookings. In the volatile and competitive vacation rental market, these two features can be a game-changer. Compared to other tools, it offers a more direct, immediate booking experience, which can be essential for businesses managing high-demand properties.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Checkfront offers a variety of standout features including online payment acceptance, invoice creation, and comprehensive reporting. The real-time availability tracking and instant bookings make managing last-minute bookings and cancellations far less stressful.

Checkfront provides integrations with various platforms and tools, including WordPress, Square, Google Analytics, and many more. These integrations allow users to connect their existing software with Checkfront seamlessly.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Wide range of integrations
  • Instant booking feature
  • Real-time availability tracking

Cons:

  • High-volume businesses may find it costly
  • Limited customization options
  • The interface may take time to learn

Best for incorporating AI-powered guest communication

  • From $50/user/month

Akia is an AI-powered tool that enables direct and effective communication with guests for hoteliers and vacation rental owners. This tool combines the efficiency of AI technology with the nuances of human communication, ensuring that guests receive immediate responses and support.

Why I Picked Akia:

In selecting tools for this list, I judged them based on their unique offerings. Akia stood out because it harnesses the power of AI to enhance guest communication. I believe it's the best for this use case as the AI's capability to manage and respond to a multitude of guest queries in real-time can lead to improved guest satisfaction and smoother operations.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Among its most crucial features, Akia includes automated responses, guest sentiment analysis, and multilingual support. The tool is designed to be available around the clock, ensuring guests can get assistance when they need it, regardless of the hour.

Akia integrates with multiple cloud-based property management systems (PMS), including Cloudbeds, RMS Cloud, and RoomMaster. These integrations help streamline operations by allowing users to manage everything from a centralized platform.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrations with popular PMS platforms
  • Real-time responses
  • AI-powered guest communication

Cons:

  • Some complex queries may require human intervention
  • May require an adjustment period for staff to fully utilize the tool
  • Pricing information is not publicly disclosed

Best for scalability and management of large property portfolios

  • From $120/user/month

Escapia is a robust vacation rental software solution designed to help manage large property portfolios effectively. Its focus on scalability makes it an ideal tool for businesses looking to grow their property list without increasing their workload.

Why I Picked Escapia:

In the realm of rental property management software, I selected Escapia for its prowess in managing extensive property portfolios. It stood out among the others due to its comprehensive features tailored for large-scale operations. I believe it is best for property managers with a vast array of listings looking for a solution that can scale with their business.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Escapia offers a multitude of features that are beneficial for large-scale operations, including an integrated reservation system, accounting, and housekeeping management. It also a provider of detailed performance analytics that allow property managers to make informed decisions for their business.

Regarding integrations, Escapia collaborates with various online travel agencies like Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO. Additionally, it integrates with credit card processors for secure and efficient transactions, and QuickBooks for accounting purposes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive analytics for data-driven decision making
  • Wide range of integrations with online travel agencies
  • Robust features catered towards large property portfolios

Cons:

  • Might offer more features than required for small-scale property owners
  • Could be complex for first-time users to navigate
  • Pricing can be high for smaller operations

Best for data-driven, dynamic pricing based on market trends

  • From $19.99/user/month

Beyond Pricing is a revenue management solution specializing in dynamic pricing. The tool leverages local market trends and data analytics to optimize rental pricing, which is why I believe it's the best for owners seeking to maximize their revenue based on market dynamics.

Why I Picked Beyond Pricing:

As I selected tools for this list, I chose Beyond Pricing for its data-driven approach to pricing and its ability to respond to market fluctuations. It stands out from the crowd because of its market-based dynamic pricing, which can be a real game-changer in revenue management for rental properties.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Key features of Beyond Pricing include dynamic pricing based on real-time market data, a user-friendly dashboard for analytics, and the ability to set customized pricing rules. These features make it a powerful tool for revenue management.

Beyond Pricing integrates with multiple property management systems, including Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway, among others. These integrations offer an added level of convenience, enabling seamless pricing updates across various platforms.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrations with various popular property management systems
  • User-friendly dashboard for analytics
  • Dynamic pricing based on real-time market data

Cons:

  • Limited support for less popular booking platforms
  • Pricing rules may require frequent adjustment to remain effective
  • May be expensive for owners with many listings

Other Vacation Rental Software

  1. PriceLabs

    For dynamic revenue management and price optimization

  2. OwnerRez

    For owners seeking comprehensive yet intuitive reservation software

  3. Buildium

    Good for property managers seeking scalability with a variety of properties

  4. Tokeet

    Good for small to medium-sized vacation rentals wanting advanced channel management

  5. Hospitable

    Good for automating guest communications across rental platforms

  6. DoorLoop

    Good for comprehensive property management with built-in accounting tools

  7. Wheelhouse

    Good for optimizing rental prices with dynamic pricing intelligence

  8. Operto

    Good for enhancing guest experience with smart home automation in rentals

Selection Criteria for Vacation Rental Software

When selecting the best vacation rental software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing multiple listings and simplifying guest communication. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage bookings and reservations
  • Handle guest communications
  • Synchronize calendars across platforms
  • Process payments securely
  • Generate financial reports

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Automated pricing adjustments
  • Integration with smart home devices
  • Customizable guest portals
  • Multi-language support
  • Built-in marketing tools

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Easy navigation
  • Clear labeling of functions
  • Responsive performance
  • Accessibility options

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates for setup
  • Webinars for new users
  • Chatbots for instant help

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 support availability
  • Multiple contact channels
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Quality of troubleshooting guides
  • Availability of community forums

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing plans
  • Features offered in the basic plan
  • Discounts for annual subscriptions
  • Cost of additional modules
  • Free trial availability

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • User feedback on reliability
  • Comments on ease of use
  • Praise for customer support
  • Criticism of any limitations
  • Overall satisfaction ratings

How to Choose Vacation Rental Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityCan the software grow with your business? Consider the number of properties you plan to manage. Look for options that offer flexible pricing tiers.
IntegrationsDoes it connect with the tools you already use? Check compatibility with booking platforms, payment gateways, and accounting software.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor the software to fit your needs? Evaluate customization options for templates, reports, and user roles.
Ease of useIs the interface intuitive for your team? Test for simple navigation and straightforward workflows to minimize training time.
Implementation and onboardingHow quickly can you get started? Look for solutions with guided onboarding, tutorials, and dedicated support during setup.
CostDoes it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans, hidden fees, and contract terms. Consider long-term affordability.
Security safeguardsHow does it protect your data? Ensure it complies with data protection standards and offers encryption and regular security updates.
Support availabilityWhat support can you expect? Check availability of live chat, phone support, and response times for urgent issues.

What Is Vacation Rental Software?

Vacation rental software is a tool that helps property managers and owners handle bookings, guest communications, and payments for short-term rentals. Typically used by property managers, rental agencies, and hosts, it simplifies operations and improves guest experiences.

Calendar synchronization, automated messaging, and secure payment processing help with managing reservations and guest interactions efficiently. Overall, these tools save time and reduce the complexity of running a vacation rental business.

Features 

When selecting vacation rental software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Booking management: Automates reservation handling, reducing manual errors and saving time.
  • Calendar synchronization: Integrates with various platforms to avoid double bookings and keep schedules up to date.
  • Automated messaging: Sends timely communications to guests, improving response times and enhancing guest experiences.
  • Payment processing: Facilitates secure transactions, ensuring smooth financial operations for hosts and guests.
  • Reporting and analytics: Provides insights into booking trends and financial performance, aiding in decision-making.
  • Channel management: Connects with multiple booking sites to maximize visibility and occupancy rates.
  • Customizable templates: Allows personalization of guest communications and property listings to match branding.
  • Mobile access: Offers on-the-go management capabilities, allowing users to handle tasks from their smartphones.
  • Security features: Protects sensitive data with encryption and compliance with data protection standards.
  • Multi-language support: Accommodates international guests by providing tools in various languages.

Benefits 

Implementing vacation rental software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Increased efficiency: Automates booking and communication tasks, freeing up time for more important activities.
  • Better guest experiences: Enhances communication and responsiveness with automated messaging and personalized templates.
  • Improved financial management: Offers secure payment processing and detailed reporting to keep finances on track.
  • Higher occupancy rates: Channel management and calendar synchronization help reach more guests and prevent double bookings.
  • Data-driven decisions: Reporting and analytics provide insights into performance, aiding in strategic planning.
  • Flexibility and mobility: Mobile access allows management from anywhere, ensuring operations run smoothly even on the go.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting vacation rental software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in vacation rental software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Vacation Rental Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic booking management, limited calendar sync, and simple guest messaging.
Personal Plan$10-$30/monthAdvanced booking management, full calendar sync, automated messaging, and basic reporting.
Business Plan$50-$150/monthMulti-channel management, custom templates, secure payment processing, and detailed analytics.
Enterprise Plan$200+/monthCustom integrations, dedicated support, advanced security features, and comprehensive reporting.

Vacation Rental Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about vacation rental software:

Who typically uses vacation rental software?

These platforms are used by individual property owners, property managers, and rental agencies managing anywhere from one to hundreds of vacation rental units.

Do most platforms support multiple property listings?

Yes, nearly all systems in this space are designed to manage multiple properties within a single dashboard. They usually offer tools for organizing listings, assigning roles, and maintaining consistency across multiple locations or units.

Are these tools available on both desktop and mobile?

Most leading platforms offer both web-based access and mobile apps. This lets users manage bookings, view calendars, and communicate with guests from anywhere, though functionality on mobile can vary depending on the provider.

How often are platforms updated?

Update cycles differ, but most providers roll out regular updates to address bugs, improve performance, and respond to industry changes. Cloud-based platforms typically update automatically without requiring user action.

Do all systems integrate with listing sites like Airbnb or Vrbo?

Most do, especially those targeting professional hosts and managers. Integrations may be direct or API-based, allowing property details, availability, and bookings to sync across platforms without manual input.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching vacation rental software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

Tim Fisher
By Tim Fisher

Tim brings over two decades of experience leading at the crossroads of tech, editorial, and AI innovation. From launching and scaling Lifewire into a top-ranked tech site, to spearheading AI operations at People Inc., he’s spent his career building systems that connect people with smarter solutions. His favorite problems are the ones that unlock new possibilities when properly solved. For Tim, problems are just undiscovered opportunities, and AI has opened the door to solving challenges once thought immovable. When he’s not tinkering with large language models, Tim is either re-reading Project Hail Mary, or eating Mexican food.