Hostfully vs Guesty Vacation Rental Management Software: In-Depth Comparison

Our detailed comparison of Hostfully vs Guesty reveals the main similarities and the key differences between these two vacation rental management software products.

Choosing the right platform can make the difference between continuous success and operational challenges for short term rental property owners and managers overseeing one or more properties. 

This article provides an in-depth comparison between two popular players in this field: Hostfully and Guesty. While both offer reasonable solutions, a closer look at their features, pricing, usability, and overall value can guide professionals and newbies towards the best fit for their business. Additionally, we’ll explore how Mashvisor is a superior all-in-one platform in this area.

Hostfully vs Guesty: An Overview

Hostfully and Guesty have made a name for themselves as effective vacation rental software options. Each platform offers a distinct suite of tools and features. 

These channel management in hospitality tools are designed to meet the demands of those in the property management and hospitality industry, providing streamlined solutions for handling vacation rental operations.

What Is Hostfully?

Hostfully is a cloud-based software that automates and streamlines vacation rental procedures. It reduces workload and operational costs while strengthening guest experiences and boosting revenue. 

Recognized as the vacation rental industry’s property management system, Hostfully automates operations, minimizes errors, and customizes features to suit different business needs. It operates in 82 countries, with 92 integrations.

What Is Guesty?

Guesty emerges among Hostfully alternatives in the vacation rental management software industry. It is known for its intuitive interface and reliable messaging system. Guesty offers many features designed to simplify short term rental operations.

Guesty vs Hostfully: Feature Comparison

While Hostfully and Guesty offer channel management and unified inboxes, their approaches are distinct. 

Hostfully provides a complex booking pipeline and a mobile app, focusing on automation and operational efficiency. In contrast, Guesty emphasizes its user-friendly interface and unique features like Agoda integration and a modern, streamlined guest messaging system.

Hostfully Features

Hostfully offers many features designed to enhance the management of vacation rentals, from channel management to guest communication and property maintenance. These include:

• Channel Manager: The Hostfully Airbnb Channel Manager is a feature that allows users to list and synchronize their rental properties across multiple platforms, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and others. This integration ensures that all listings are updated in real time, preventing double bookings and making it easier to manage multiple properties.
• Unified Inbox: The Unified Inbox in Hostfully centralizes communication with guests from different booking channels. This feature connects all messages into a single dashboard, which provides efficient communication and ensures no message or inquiry is forgotten.
• Central Calendar: Hostfully’s Central Calendar offers an overview of all property bookings in one place. Property managers can control bookings, track availability, and schedule cleanings or maintenance tasks.
• Direct Booking Website: Hostfully provides tools to create a direct booking website. This allows property managers to take direct reservations without relying on third-party platforms, reducing commission fees and increasing direct guest engagement.
• Automation: Automation in Hostfully has many functions designed to simplify repetitive tasks. This includes automatic booking confirmations, reminders, payment requests, and more. It’s a useful feature for saving time and reducing manual errors.
• Mobile App: Hostfully’s Mobile App enables property managers to manage their properties on the go. This includes responding to guest messages, updating booking information, and overseeing property management tasks, all from a mobile device.

Guesty Features

Guesty’s platform is equipped with a few tools, from channel management to automation tools, designed to streamline handling various aspects of vacation rental management. The main features cover:

• Channel Manager: Like Hostfully, Guesty’s Channel Manager allows listing and synchronizing properties across different platforms. It provides timely availability updates and efficient management of listings on different booking sites.
• Unified Inbox: Guesty’s Unified Inbox also unifies communications from many booking channels. It improves guest service by providing a quick response system, merging all contacts into a single interface.
• Multi-Calendar: The Multi-Calendar feature in Guesty allows for managing multiple listings simultaneously, providing a view of all bookings and occupancies across different properties.
• Payment Solutions: Guesty offers integrated payment solutions, providing smooth financial transactions. This feature includes processing payments, sending invoices, and managing financial records, all within the platform, working similar to an Airbnb accounting software.
• Automation Tools: Guesty’s automation tools are designed to reduce manual workload. These tools include automated messaging, task scheduling, and operational workflows, all aimed at improving efficiency and lowering the chances of human error.

Both Hostfully and Guesty offer a range of features tailored to the needs of vacation rental property managers. While some functionalities overlap, each platform has unique strengths that cater to different aspects of property management and guest communication.

Hostfully vs Guesty: Integration Comparison

Both of these property management systems (PMS) offer many integrations, each focusing on different areas of vacation rental management.

Hostfully Integrations

Hostfully offers a range of integrations, from property listings on major platforms to smart home technology, aimed at streamlining various aspects of rental management. Integrations include:

• Property Listing Sites: Integrations with big platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com for seamless listing and booking management.
• Payment Processors: Compatibility with payment processing systems such as Stripe and PayPal for secure financial transactions.
• Accounting Software: Integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks for streamlined financial management.
• Operational Tools: Connection to tools like Breezeway for property care and maintenance scheduling.
• Dynamic Pricing: Integrations with dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, and Beyond to optimize rental pricing strategies.
• Guest Experience Enhancements: Partnerships with platforms like Wishbox and Guidebook to enhance guest experiences.
• Data Analytics Tools: Integration with Airbnb data analytics platforms for insightful data analysis and reporting.
• Security Deposit Management: Compatibility with security deposit management systems for secure handling of deposits.
• Smart Home Technology: Integration with smart home technology providers for enhanced property automation and guest convenience.
• CRM Systems: Links with customer relationship management tools to streamline guest interactions and data management.

Guesty Integrations

An array of integrations complements Guesty’s platform, each aimed at enhancing different tasks of vacation rental management, from channel management to guest communication. These include:

• Channel Managers: Integrates with channel managers like Rentals United for extensive channel connections.
• OTAs and Listing Sites: Connection to a wide range of OTAs and listing sites, including niche and specialized platforms.
• Payment Gateways: Compatibility with various payment gateways for diverse and global payment options.
• Guest Communication Tools: Integration with communication tools for efficient and streamlined guest interactions.
• Dynamic Pricing Engines: Connections with dynamic pricing engines to optimize pricing based on market trends.
• Housekeeping and Maintenance Services: Integrations with housekeeping and maintenance service providers for operational efficiency.
• Guest Screening Tools: Partnerships with guest screening tools to ensure guest reliability and safety.
• Revenue Management Tools: Connection with revenue management for vacation rentals tools for data-driven financial decision-making.
• Tour and Activity Providers: Integration with local tour and activity providers for enhanced guest experiences.
• Legal Compliance Tools: Compatibility with legal compliance tools for various regions to ensure adherence to local regulations.

Hostfully emphasizes operational efficiency and guest experience, while Guesty offers extensive channel connections and a broad spectrum of operational tools.

Hostfully vs Guesty: Pricing and Subscription Models

Understanding the pricing structures of Hostfully and Guesty is a non-negotiable step for vacation rental property owners and managers. Both platforms offer tiered pricing options and various subscription models.

Hostsfully Pricing

Hostfully provides four pricing plans, each designed to suit the needs of different scales of vacation rental businesses:

1. Starter Plan: $109 per month

• Up to 4 listings
• Includes full-scale property management solution, full API sync with all channels, Hostfully Mobile App, and two dedicated calls with onboarding
• Ideal for small-scale property managers starting in the vacation rental business

2. Pro Plan: $199 per month

• Up to 11 listings
• Includes all Starter features plus private labeling, team roles, SMS messaging, and digital signatures
• Targeted at growing businesses requiring more advanced features

3. Pro Plus Plan: $249 per month

• Up to 19 listings
• Builds upon the Pro Plan with additional capabilities for larger operations

4. Premium Plan: $260 per month

• 20+ listings
• Includes all Pro Plus features, API Access, and Custom Engineering (negotiable).
• Best suited for scaling businesses with advanced property needs.

Hostfully charges a $400 one-time implementation fee for all plans, but this fee is waived for annual subscriptions. This fee includes access to an onboarding manager for the first month and unlimited 24/7 customer support thereafter. Additional charges apply for payment processing through Stripe and PayPal.

Guesty Pricing

Guesty’s pricing structure is designed to be flexible for different businesses, from small to enterprise-level operations:

1. Lite Plan

• For 1-3 listings
• Starts at $27 per month
• Suitable for individuals or small property managers

2. Pro Plan

• Tailored for 4-199 listings
• Custom quote required
• Designed for growing businesses with a considerable number of listings.

3. Enterprise Plan

• For 200+ listings
• Customized deal
• Ideal for large-scale operations requiring extensive customization and support

In addition to these plans, Guesty has a flexible pricing model, charging between 2% to 5% of each booking. This fee structure allows for adaptability based on the volume and value of bookings.

Regarding affordability, Hostfully presents more budget-friendly pricing options compared to Guesty, which tends to be higher-priced, especially for smaller-scale operations.

Guesty vs Hostfully: Ideal Customer

Understanding the ideal customer base for each booking management software can help property owners and managers decide which aligns best with their needs.

Hostfully Users

Hostfully is well-suited for the following businesses:

• Mid- to Large-Scale Property Managers: With features like a central calendar, channel manager, and a mobile app, Hostfully is a good option for those managing multiple listings.
• Owners Seeking Operational Automation: Property owners who are looking to automate repetitive tasks like booking confirmations, guest communications, and payment requests can also benefit from Hostfully.
• Tech-Savvy Managers: With its Open API and custom engineering options in the Premium plan, Hostfully is a good choice for managers comfortable with technology and looking to integrate custom solutions or third-party applications.
• Managers Prioritizing Guest Experience: Hostfully’s integrations with guest experience enhancement tools make it suitable for managers aiming to provide a solid guest experience.

Guesty Users

Guesty, on the other hand, is suitable for smaller-sized businesses:

• Small to Mid-Sized Property Managers: Guesty PMS is well-suited for small- to mid-sized property managers with its Lite and Pro plans. Its user-friendly interface and streamlined operations make it accessible for those with fewer listings.
• Managers Looking for Extensive Channel Management: Guesty’s strength in channel management, including its integration with Rentals United, makes it a good option for managers aiming to maximize their properties’ visibility across multiple booking platforms.
• Professionals Seeking Comprehensive Payment Solutions: The platform’s integrated payment solutions can help those requiring a solid financial transaction system.
• Property Managers Focused on Communication: With its advanced guest communication tools and messaging system, Guesty is also suitable for managers who prioritize efficient communication with guests.

Hostfully vs Guesty: Pros and Cons

For those in the vacation rental management software industry, understanding the tiny strengths and limitations of Hostfully and Guesty is vital. Here’s a breakdown based on real user experiences and industry insights:

Hostfully Pros and Cons

Hostfully offers a range of benefits and drawbacks in its vacation rental management software. We’ll cover both of those sides.

Strengths

Here’s a look at some of its key strengths:

• Versatile Channel Management: With the option of syncing with platforms like Airbnb, Hostfully stands out as a reliable channel manager.
• Speedy Automation: Its automation features cut down on repetitive tasks, a true challenge for busy property managers.
• On-the-Move Management: The mobile app is a game-changer for those needing to manage properties remotely.
• Tailor-Made Solutions: The open API feature allows for custom integrations, making Hostfully a versatile choice in the property management system (PMS) field.

Limitations

While Hostfully has advantages, it also comes with certain limitations worth considering:

• Initial Setup Costs: The one-time implementation fee could be a problem for smaller operators.
• Steep Learning Curve: While a nice solution, many features might initially overwhelm newcomers.
• Additional Payment Processing Fees: Incorporating Stripe and PayPal comes with extra costs, something to consider for budget-conscious managers.

Guesty Pros and Cons

Guesty’s rental management software brings a mix of pros and cons, each playing a crucial role in determining its fit for different property management needs.

Strengths

In evaluating Guesty for Hosts software, let’s examine some of its strengths:

• Intuitive Use: Guesty’s interface is a hit for its ease of use, making the transition smoother for new users.
• Communication Made Simple: The unified inbox feature streamlines guest interactions, a critical aspect of customer service in vacation rentals.
• Broad Channel Connections: Integrations with a wide array of OTAs boost property visibility.
• Easy Financial Transactions: Guesty’s payment solutions simplify the financial aspects of property management.

Limitations

While Guesty offers several features, it’s important also to consider its limitations alongside its strengths:

• Complex Pricing Structure: The pricing variability may be challenging for some, and costs might grow exponentially.
• Commitment Required: The annual contract might deter those seeking short-term or flexible options.
• Customer Support Hiccups: There have been mentions of slower response times in customer service, a factor worth considering for those who value quick support.

Guesty vs Hostfully: Customer Reviews

Exploring customer feedback from various review platforms gives us a well-rounded view of Hostfully vs Guesty performance in the field of vacation rental property management software.

Hostfully Reviews: A Mixed Bag

Hostfully reviews in the market are mixed, with user feedback on big review platforms presenting a blend of praises and critiques:

• Capterra: 4.3/5 stars from 198 reviews

Positive reviews highlight Hostfully’s effective channel management and automation features. However, some users need help navigating the initial setup and interface.

• Software Advice: 4.3/5 stars from 198 reviews

It is valued for scalability, but some reviews mention additional costs for payment processing as a downside.

• Trustpilot: 4.3/5 stars from 57 reviews

It is praised for its mobile app and customer service, but some reviews point out occasional glitches and a learning curve for new users.

• G2: 4.2/5 stars from 19 reviews

Users appreciate the integration with Airbnb management tools though a few mention the need for more customization options.

Guesty Reviews: Varied Experiences

Guesty reviews in the market reflect a range of user experiences:

• Trustpilot: 4.6/5 stars from 504 reviews

Guesty gets high marks for its unified inbox and guest communication tools, but there are reviews about slower customer support responses.

• Capterra: 4.4/5 stars from 259 reviews

Guesty is known for its user-friendly interface and booking management software efficiency. Some users, however, mention concerns about the pricing model being complex and less transparent.

• Software Advice: 4.4/5 stars from 259 reviews

Guesty’s dynamic pricing and revenue management tools are well-received, but some users consider the annual contract requirement restrictive.

• G2: 4.5/5 stars from 40 reviews

Strong channel manager capabilities are a plus, yet some users suggest improvements in the software’s stability and bug fixes.

What Is the Best Alternative to Hostfully and Guesty?

When finding an all-in-one solution to vacation rental software, Mashvisor positions itself as a standout alternative to Hostfully and Guesty. This best vacation rental software caters to different needs, from selecting the right market and property to implementing effective management strategies.

• Dynamic Pricing: The dynamic pricing software is at the core of Mashvisor’s offerings. This feature helps maximize revenue compared to many competitors that maximize occupancy instead – allowing property owners to adjust rental rates based on market trends and demand. Moreover, with the Mashvisor Airbnb pricing tool, you can put your vacation rental pricing strategy on autopilot.
• Vacation Rental Channel Manager: Mashvisor features a channel manager which helps streamline property listings across multiple platforms, enhancing the visibility and booking potential of properties, while decreasing the manual work expected from hosts and property managers alike.
• Unified Inbox: Another property management feature is the unified inbox. This tool aims to centralize guest communication, providing efficient and responsive guest service to go above and beyond guest expectations, generate positive reviews, and attract repeat customers.
• Multi-Calendar: The multi-calendar feature provides users with a detailed view of their booking schedules across all properties, simplifying the often complex task of booking management.
• Vacation Rental Website Builder: The website builder tool helps hosts and managers launch property listings websites for direct bookings to enhance reservations without sharing revenue with third-party listing platforms.
• Airbnb Insurance: Mashvisor has partnered with Steadily to provide comprehensive, affordable short term rental property insurance across the entire US market.
• Airbnb Calculator: The Mashvisor Airbnb calculator helps investors estimate how much rental income a certain property can earn based on market trends and property specifications. This proves of indispensable importance when buying new rental properties or when optimizing the performance of existing listings.
• Market Finder: This tool allows investors to find the best locations for investing in short term rental properties based on their budget, needs, and expectations. In this way, you can continue growing your investment portfolio within the top markets.
• Property Finder: With the property finder, investors can find the top-performing short term rentals for sale in any location to earn the most income and generate the highest return on investment.

In summary, Mashvisor’s vacation rental management tools streamline rental operations with market- and property-level data insights and AI-powered algorithms. The platform stands out as the only truly all-in-one tool in the vacation rental investing business. It covers everything from market and property discovery to insurance and comprehensive management, offering users a unique, holistic solution.

In other words, Mashvisor helps you streamline and facilitate the management of your vacation rentals while boosting revenue and profit. Then, you can use the saved up time and money to invest in new properties with the help of the relevant Mashvisor tools to continue growing your Airbnb business.

Choosing the Right Software for Your Vacation Rental Business

When choosing a vacation rental management software, you must balance the business needs with features offered by platforms like Hostfully vs Guesty and Mashvisor.

Hostfully is oriented towards extensive property management with automation, channel management, and integrations like digital guestbooks for vacation rentals. It is a fair option for those managing many listings and in need of a property management system (PMS) with many tools.

Guesty has a user-friendly interface and efficient unified inbox, making it suitable for small- to mid-sized operations. It provides flexibility in pricing and is good in booking management, customer service, and dynamic pricing strategies.

Mashvisor, however, stands out as the most beneficial solution, especially for those looking for an all-encompassing platform. It offers a solid solution in property management, market analysis, and investment decision-making.

This vacation rental software has an Airbnb calculator, dynamic pricing, unified inbox, multi-calendar, and website builder that can help streamline and automate any vacation rental business, no matter how big or small. This suits those new to property management and seasoned professionals seeking a streamlined, intuitive software solution.