Hostaway vs Smoobu

Buildium

DoorLoop

ResMan

Buildium is a comprehensive property management software that helps property managers streamline their day-to-day operations. With features like property accounting, online leasing, resident portals, and maintenance management, Buildium provides a centralized platform to control tasks, offer top-notch experiences, and uncover new revenue opportunities.

DoorLoop is redefining property management software as the AI-native operating platform for innovative property management teams. 

ResMan simplifies multifamily & affordable housing management. Effortless finances, seamless engagement, robust marketing, and compliance made easy. User-friendly interface, real-time insights, unparalleled support. Elevate your property management experience. Choose ResMan today.

Trusted by 20,000+ property managers worldwide, Hostaway is the industry leading, AI-powered vacation rental management platform. 

Grow your business, automate guest communication, sync listings across channels like Airbnb, and boost direct bookings from one unified platform.

Reservations Management

Channel Management

Online Booking

Availability Management

Payment Processing

Property Management

Marketing Automation

Guest Experience Management

Contact Management

Owner Statements

Housekeeping Management

Work Order Management

By industry, Hostaway reviewers are most commonly professionals in hospitality (46%). The most frequent use case for Hostaway cited by reviewers is channel management (52%).

Users and use cases

Some reviewers appreciate Hostaway’s transparent pricing and say the included features justify the cost, especially for larger portfolios. However, some users report high costs for small operators, hidden fees, and insufficient pricing transparency.

Value for money

The Hostaway integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Stripe (a payment processing product rated 4.6 out of 5 for its integration with Hostaway), PriceLabs (a revenue management product, 4.8), and Vrbo (a vacation rental product, 4.2).

Integrations

Hostaway is a channel management program offering key features such as data synchronization, guest communications, calendar management, reservations management, channel management, and online booking, among others.

Hostaway

Web-based

Android

Windows

Linux

iPad

iPhone

Virtual Assistant – Guest Services Agent

The platform is user-friendly and offers a wide range of features that help streamline our property management tasks — from automated messaging and channel management to calendar syncing and reporting.

Partner

Unlike many other platforms that provide instant access, Hostaway requires you to move through several stages: an initial call with a sales representative, signing the paperwork, and then scheduling onboarding sessions. Because each step involves booking time with different teams, the full process took about two weeks.

Property Manager

From syncing channels to configuring fees and customizing the booking engine, [sensitive content hidden] made sure I understood not just how to do things, but why they mattered. While the platform itself has a learning curve and setup can be time-consuming, having a dedicated onboarding specialist like [sensitive content hidden] made it feel manageable and even empowering.

The platform's ability to reliably sync calendars, listings, and pricing across major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, all from one centralized dashboard, is a massive time-saver.

Owner

The automation tools save me a ton of time with guest messaging, scheduling, and payments, and the reporting makes it easy to track revenue and performance.

This feature effectively eliminates the anxiety of double-bookings and ensures maximum visibility across all sales channels, which is absolutely critical for scaling a property management business.

Airbnb Host

The integration with Airbnb, Booking.com, and other OTAs is seamless, and the automated messaging and calendar syncing save a lot of time.

Business Owner

I had a great start with an excellent onboarding process, and my tutor, [sensitive content hidden], was truly exceptional. Although I faced some issues with a few of my landlords and had to begin with fewer listings than planned in my contract, Hostaway handled my refund request quickly and without any issues after three months.

Manager

Managing listings, calenders, and messages across different booking platforms is convenient, and the automation features help reduce some of the manual work.

Operations Manager

Value for Money: The platform’s ability to centralize booking management, sync calendars, and automate payments has proven to be an essential investment.

Hostaway’s platform is incredibly intuitive and well-designed; it makes managing reservations, calendars, and messages across multiple platforms effortless.

Customer support has been responsive and helpful when we’ve needed assistance, and the platform continues to evolve with new features that support professional property managers — not just individual hosts.

director

Ideally also be able to change rates based on day per week to extend to the whole calander with then % increase for high yeilding peak periods like airbnb has

Overall the sales pitch was misleading and oversimplified the process, several months were wasted and we suffered a three month loss of cost before we could even integrate.   Once we started integrating we did get more help and were very pleased with our onboarding specialist, [sensitive content hidden], who was patient, helpful and responsive.

Marketing Specialist

A more structured, continuous onboarding would help new team members feel more confident and better prepared, and it would also speed up the overall process, allowing potential issues to surface and be resolved more quickly. But he sessions we did were clear and helpful, just a bit too short.

Area Manager

The most likeable aspect is the automated features for important tasks such as messaging, pricing, and cleaning schedules, saving more time, hence more income!

owner

Due to the lack of price syncing, a reservation was made during my busiest week for almost $400 less than the pricing set on Hostaway.

The platform saves us a huge amount of time by automating daily tasks and syncing our listings perfectly across platforms.  

Tourist manager

Customer support, Booking, User interface, Easy, messaging via inbox, automations, templates, payment links

Owner and Manager

Having all the online listing sites in one location is very helpful for managing reservations, communications, and other tasks.

Every time there is an issue where the integration fails or the pricing doesnt disply correctly, it takes them a minimum of 4 days to reply & they don't always solve the issue.

Some reports and analytics could be more customizable, and occasional syncing delays between channels can cause minor inconveniences.

Some reporting features could be more intuitive, and occasional updates can change the layout or settings, which takes time to adjust to.

Founder

The only point to add was that I was told originally we could bulk export contacts details from previous booking channels before using Hostaway, but Hostaway doesn't have that feature.

President

The onboarding process was incredibly smooth— their team guided us step-by-step, from channel integration to customizing settings and reporting.

Broker

He was also super creative and able to help me with logo ideas, color schemes, and ideas to help get more bookings.

STR Property Manager, Guest Concierge

sensitive content hidden] training approach is both insightful and engaging — she breaks down complex processes into simple, relatable analogies that make learning effortless.

Should be able to permanently set Seasonal Rates without having to manually block calendars and adjust pricing from there.

It’s a powerful platform that significantly improves efficiency when managing multiple properties, and the support from [sensitive content hidden]

The ability to track and see everything related to reservations, revenues, and owner payouts/statements all in one place.  

He took time to talk to me when I needed help on the support line, and then since I still needed help, he set up a meeting with me and helped me with several issues over the course of 30 minutes.

What I like most about Hostaway is how organized and efficient the platform is for managing multiple short-term rentals.

Managing Director

Hostaway provides a highly professional and well-structured system for managing vacation rentals.

sensitive content hidden] did an outstanding job guiding me through the setup. While many platforms simply point you to their “intuitive” software and leave you to figure things out, Hostaway offered something rare these days: real human support.

She provided not just information, but valuable insights and best practices that will help us operate more efficiently long after the onboarding is complete.

The channel manager is reliable and integrates well with Airbnb, Vrbo, and direct booking channels.

Hostaway has been an absolutely incredible partner for our business. While the initial learning curve was bumpy—which is expected when migrating to or starting with any sophisticated property management system (PMS)—the commitment of their team made all the difference.

The platform is cost-efficient, user-friendly, and packed with features that make managing my properties so much easier.

The phone app needs a simple way to see how much rent is earned for any month. And there needs to be a sound all of its own for anything to do with HostAway , i.e. a guest sends a question, inquiry, a new booking, etc

It ties various short term rental applications into one dashboard such as posting on multiple sites, reservation calendar management, revenue tracking.  

Company director

It's pretty annoying because I have to access my computer, and it's not always possible (or to erase the app from the phone and re install It afterwards)

All the integrations and setting to automatize your business, comunication with guests, financial reports, booking engine, all the stuff is studied to really have a 100% control of your business.

I want to teach an AI replying module, so when the system suggests a reply and I don't like it, I want to be able to improve future replies after editing and saving the suggested reply version.

Access to all information and listings in one place, the syncing of Booking.com and Airbnb calendar and inbox and the option to allow cleaners to view bookings as well.

VRBO payment setup is not awesome and the House rules connectivity issue is an unfortunate issue to look into.

I wish I didn't have to manually enter expenses every month and I wish more features were available on the app.

It's a robust platform that streamlines property management, with helpful automation tools and channel integration.

Hostaway has most of the features for vacational rental property management, including Auto messages, Accounting, Channel integration Airbnb, VRBO, Google vacational rental, Direct booking website.

operation manager

Sometimes the PriceLabs rates and the markup I set in Hostaway do not sync properly.

My overall experience was 5 stars, [sensitive content hidden] walked me step by step to help my issue with my domain adding into hostaway to have the website active!

Booking

Calendar Management

Reviewers feel Hostaway’s calendar management is intuitive and efficient, enabling easy tracking and updating of bookings across multiple properties and channels. Users report it helps prevent double bookings, keeps availability synced, and offers a clear, consolidated view. They say managing everything in one place saves time and reduces errors. Some users mention minor interface improvements are needed, like faster loading and more bulk editing options, but overall, Hostaway’s calendar management is seen as highly valuable. Of the 60 Hostaway users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Calendar Management, 98% rated this feature as important or highly important.

User Interface

Onboarding

Pricing

Automation

Payment Integration

Vacation Rental Management

Guest Communication

Payment processing limitations

The new payment changes were hard to follow for me....even having the Help Centre notes did not give me the day to day instructions.

The app does not have the function to be able to send payment directly from the Software to homeowners.

58% of reviewers feel negative about Hostaway’s payment integration. Some users report issues with Stripe integration, including incorrect financial data flow and lack of support for installment payments or alternative processors like PayPal. Reviewers indicate that manual adjustments are often required, and automated credit card processing is missing for some channels. They say onboarding sometimes lacks clear instructions for payment setup, and payment-related features can be unintuitive. Users mention that these limitations create extra work and uncertainty in managing guest and owner payments.

Account and integration challenges

There is no "Cancel button" in the billing section. Once you ask for cancel, you will start to suffer from lack of support.

63% of reviewers feel negative about Hostaway’s account management. Some users report difficulties with syncing reservations and listings, especially with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, leading to double bookings or lost data. Reviewers indicate that canceling or pausing accounts is cumbersome, with delayed or unresponsive support. They mention problems with billing transparency, unexpected charges, and lack of easy cancellation options. Users say time zone differences and slow response times can further complicate managing accounts, impacting their business operations and causing frustration.

Messaging system shortcomings

lots of errors when trying to integrate with other systems, cleaning task system is not very organized and efficient, no notifications section in apps, new messages do not always appear on top, causing messages to get missed,...

manager

integrating VRBO  not able to access old messages

49% of reviewers feel negative about Hostaway’s messaging features. Some users report delays and lag in message delivery, making it easy to miss important communications. Reviewers indicate that integration with platforms like Booking.com and VRBO is incomplete, requiring them to manage messages outside Hostaway. They say the mobile app lacks notification reliability and translation features, and the inbox interface can be confusing. Users mention that these issues disrupt efficient communication with guests and team members, leading to duplicated work and missed messages.

Frequent technical glitches

Associate Manager, Content 

Other issues with stability / crashing / load times can arise with a high number of properties connected.

40% of reviewers feel negative about Hostaway’s bugs and technical issues. Some users report recurring glitches, crashes, and delayed system responses that disrupt daily operations. Reviewers indicate that resolving issues often takes longer than expected, with support sometimes slow to address problems. They say integration bugs, especially with external platforms, and ongoing system errors can be frustrating. Users mention that these technical challenges create additional work and uncertainty, impacting their confidence in the platform’s reliability.

High and opaque pricing structure

IT Director

Initial up-front integration cost is a bit high.

Not to mention the fact that our pricing was not being seen my guest so they were booking the property for 100+ dollars less than what the nightly rate should be.  

41% of reviewers feel negative about Hostaway’s pricing. Some users report that the software is expensive compared to alternatives, with unclear or variable pricing and hidden fees. Reviewers indicate that charges for onboarding, additional listings, or features can be unexpected. They say the minimum pricing model doesn’t suit smaller hosts, and dynamic pricing tools are less robust than competitors. Users mention that lack of transparency and billing errors make it difficult to predict costs, causing frustration and sometimes leading them to consider switching platforms.

Comprehensive rental management tools

Has all the features to run my seasonal vacation property management business.

91% of reviewers feel positive about Hostaway’s vacation rental management capabilities. Users think the platform centralizes all major functions needed for short-term rental businesses, including channel integration, automated messaging, and accounting. Some reviewers find it simplifies managing multiple listings across platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, streamlining operations. They appreciate the ease of scaling up as their portfolios grow and note that automation reduces manual work. Reviewers indicate that Hostaway’s features help both new and experienced managers run their businesses more efficiently and professionally.

Continuous feature enhancements

Property Management Manager

With monthly Webinars & updates to new products, We are happy to grow along side Hostaway.

They are continuing to lead the market, grow their team, and improve their platform.

92% of reviewers feel positive about Hostaway’s improvements and updates. Some users report that the platform frequently rolls out new features and enhancements, helping their businesses adapt and grow. Reviewers appreciate that their feedback is often incorporated into updates, and they find the company responsive to suggestions. Some users say timely improvements and regular webinars keep them informed and engaged. They indicate that ongoing development makes the software more efficient and scalable, supporting business expansion. Users think the dedication to product evolution is a key factor in their decision to continue using Hostaway.

Effective training and guidance

Director

Recording the sessions to consolidate my learning was a great idea as so much was covered in 1 hour and this was so useful for me.

I got to learn all the basics that I need to start using the platform and I have the confidence of knowing that there is continued support.

89% of reviewers feel positive about Hostaway’s training and learning curve. Some users say training sessions are comprehensive and tailored to their pace, helping them understand both basic and advanced features. Reviewers appreciate having access to recorded sessions and ongoing support, which makes learning less stressful. They find that trainers are patient and adapt to individual learning needs, making it easier to become comfortable with the software. Users indicate that effective training enables them to maximize the platform’s potential for their business.

Supportive onboarding experience

Ernesto made the onboarding process simple for me, which was my biggest reservation of switching PMS tools with having more than 30 active properties.

General Manager

Hostaway provided us with an outstanding onboarding experience! Since the beginning our specialist took care of us with a professional and friendly approach, we felt we have the right partner, who understands perfectly our needs and concerns.

91% of reviewers feel positive about Hostaway’s onboarding process. Some users say dedicated onboarding specialists provide personalized guidance, making setup and learning less overwhelming. Reviewers appreciate having a knowledgeable point of contact who addresses their specific needs and answers questions promptly. They find that onboarding sessions are structured and paced to help them absorb information effectively. Users indicate that the onboarding team’s patience and availability are valuable, especially when migrating multiple properties. Some reviewers feel this support helps them gain confidence and quickly become productive with the platform.

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Small Business

Freelancers

Trusted by 20,000+ property managers worldwide, Hostaway is the industry leading, AI-powered vacation rental management platform designed for professional short-term rental operators.

Lodgify

Lodgify simplifies the process of managing a vacation rental by enabling anyone to create a bookable website, sync your listings data across channels, and manage tasks in one place. 

Guesty Lite

Guesty Lite is the leading all-in-one platform for short-term rental hosts with up to three properties. It centralizes bookings, guest messaging, and operations, with seamless OTA sync and optional add-ons. Hosts switching to Guesty Lite see an average 9% revenue growth in just 12 months. 

Smoobu syncs all your booking portals, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Trip.com, Agoda etc, automatically. One subscription, all tools. Channel Manager, PMS, Website Builder, Booking Engine, Unified Inbox, Online Check-In, Dedicated Guest Guide etc. 14-day free trial. No credit card required.

Most reviewers indicate Smoobu offers a strong price-to-performance ratio and is less expensive than other channel managers. Some users say the base price includes many features, but some reviewers find pricing less favorable for multiple listings or regions.

The Smoobu integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Stripe (a payment processing product rated 4.8 out of 5 for its integration with Smoobu) and PriceLabs (a revenue management product, 4.9).

By industry, Smoobu reviewers are most commonly professionals in hospitality (49%). The most frequent use case for Smoobu cited by reviewers is channel management (62% of reviewers).

Smoobu

Professional Flex (Beta)

Professional Prepaid

Teams Pro+

we were with them for a couple of years and it help to tracked our property inventory availablity for our property service accoomdation.

It efficiently centralized booking management and communication, saving time and reducing errors.

Property owner

Attachments on messages, it is not possible as portals like Airbnb and Booking.com block messages with these. As we are still sending messages through their connections, we have to abide by their rules.

The connection to other software that helps with tourist property management is not as extensive as in competing PMSs.

It has many great features from the automated guest messages, guidebook, booking engine, etc.

I have used Smoobu for 4 years now for my 6 listings and use it as a booking engine on my own website.

Frequent product and menu changes have made it increasingly difficult to manage even simple tasks, reducing overall efficiency.

My guests at Villa Hygge in Ciovo Croatia love the personalised web sites where I can provide in greatest detail all the information required that a guest might be looking for, such as places to to eat, shop, attractions, beaches, activities, etc, etc.

Profesional Cleaner and Organizer

Smoobu made listing multiple properties not be a headache anymore.

email addresses (only with few, not all guests) and phone numbers) of past guests.

The platform significantly simplifies daily operations, resulting in noticeable time savings.

The “ANALYTICS” section could be more comprehensive.

I built my homepage with Smoobu quickly and despite the fact that there are no different graphics or layout options, the site is impressive and loads easily on all devices.

I have recommended it to many people and have used it for several clients as a booking engine on their direct rental sites.

This is crucial to quick and easy bookings that go directly to me.

It's very intuitive, with a simple but effective control panel.

I love everything for set up to auto management for bookings

Messaging: No option to archive messages currently.  

There have never been any duplicate bookings and the support team is good.

The interface was clean and easy to navigate.

Unfortunately any discounts set up apply to all dates.

Forget about centralized messaging, because certain things just won't sync like VRBO.   But for small operators 1-5 peroperties it works great, and price you can't beat

I would also have an ability to block individual apartments leaving the entire property open for bookings by groups.

Furthermore, I value the company's commitment to ongoing platform enhancements.

Just a guy...

The product integrates nicely with those travel sites (and others) to keep things organized (i.e. no double bookings), helps tremendously with communications and provides a great customer experience with all our guests.

I thought it was extremly user friendly …

Administrator

The chanel manager offers us stability majority of time and a website integration.

Hostaway vs Smoobu Comparison (2026)

Hostaway

Smoobu

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives