The most important software for a vacation rental property manager can vary depending on the size and complexity of the operation. I believe that the most important software is your property management software or PMS for short!
It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each software and what are the main use cases for each software.
First off, the main purpose of property management software (PMS for short!) is for:
Channel manager: Airbnb is no longer the only platform that brings you bookings for your Airbnb. Therefore, it’s important to post on other channels including Vrbo, Booking.com, Google (yes google!), and much more. PMS allows you to market your listing on all these platforms. Additional platforms will bring additional demand which will then bring in additional revenue. Also, being a host on these platforms can come with some strict guidelines. In the event one channel isn’t working out for you, you will have other options.
Guest communication: PMS allows you to handle communication with all your guests directly from their website. You can also give access to cleaners, other hosts, etc to handle communications. Finally, you can set up automated messages so your guests have a great experience getting the information they need. My favorite message to schedule is the check-in information sent at check-in time. This ensures guests always have the information they need to enter the home.
Direct bookings: PMS also assists in making a website and being able to collect payment for any direct bookings. Direct bookings are bookings that are between you and the guest with no platform in the middle. Keep in mind, that you will need to look into other insurance options since direct bookings are not insured. However, you will be able to save on any fees that are charged by these platforms.
Now that you know the main advantages of using property management software I will review the options for PMS that I am familiar with and what I few as their pros and cons. Keep in mind there are other options so it’s not a comprehensive list.
These pros and cons are meant to give you a general overview of each platform’s strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, the size of your property management business, and your budget. It’s advisable to try out free trials or demo versions and consider reaching out to the providers for more information to make an informed decision.
Certainly, here are the pros and cons of the top 5 vacation rental management software options:
Guesty:
Pros:
– Comprehensive solution: Guesty offers a wide range of features, including reservation management, channel management, guest communication, and automation, making it suitable for both small and large property management businesses.
– Integrations: It integrates with popular booking platforms, saving you time on data entry and updates.
– 24/7 Guest Communication: Guesty provides round-the-clock guest communication services.
– Robust automation: Offers automation tools to streamline various property management tasks.
Cons:
– Pricing: It can be relatively expensive, especially for small property management companies.
– Learning curve: Due to its feature-rich nature, there can be a learning curve to fully utilize all its functionalities.
– Complicated Onboarding Process: it takes a while to get onboarded as there are many steps.
Lodgify
Pros
– Website builder: It provides tools to create professional property websites with built-in booking engines.
– Channel management: Lodgify integrates with major vacation rental platforms and synchronizes booking data.
– User-friendly: The platform is known for its ease of use, making it accessible for property managers with varying technical skills.
Cons
– Limited property management features: Some users find that the property management features are not as robust as other dedicated solutions.
– Pricing: The cost can be relatively high, particularly for property managers with many listings.
Tokeet
Pros
– Feature-rich: Tokeet offers comprehensive property management tools, including booking management, invoicing, and guest communication.
– Integration: It integrates with popular booking platforms and other tools.
– Automation: Tokeet offers automation capabilities to save time and streamline tasks.
Cons
– Learning curve: Some users may find the interface and setup to be a bit complex.
– Support: Support options may be limited compared to some other solutions.
These pros and cons are meant to give you a general overview of each platform’s strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, the size of your property management business, and your budget. I highly recommend you set up trials for each software and see which experience is better for you.