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karina 
Updated on May 19, 2025 
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Managing vacation rentals in 2025 is all about working smarter, not harder. Whether you own a single property or oversee dozens, the right vacation rental software can streamline your operations, improve guest satisfaction, and increase profits. From automating bookings and messages to syncing calendars and tracking payments, these tools help you manage everything in one place.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best vacation rental software for property managers and short-term rental owners—based on real user feedback, key features, pricing, and ease of use. Let’s dive into the top tools reshaping the way vacation rentals are managed.
👉 Take control of your vacation rental business with efficient property management software. Simplify your operations, enhance guest experiences, and boost your profits. Start your free trial now.
What is vacation rental software?
Vacation rental software is a tool that helps you manage your rental property business. It lets you handle everything in one place—like bookings, guest messages, calendars, payments, and maintenance tasks.
Whether you manage one listing or many, the right property management software for vacation rentals saves time and reduces mistakes. You can sync calendars across platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, automate messages, and track payments without switching between apps.
Most short term rental software also comes with tools for scheduling cleanings, collecting rent, and even building your own booking website. This helps you give guests a smooth, professional experience—and helps you grow your business.
If you’re a property manager, using the best vacation rental software for property managers means you can run multiple listings easily and keep everything organized.
How we chose the best vacation rental software
We carefully reviewed multiple vacation rental software tools to find the best ones for property owners and managers. Our goal was simple: pick platforms that make short-term rental management easier, faster, and more reliable.
We looked at key features like:
- Booking and reservation tools
- Guest messaging and automation
- Calendar syncing and task scheduling
- Payment tracking and financial reports
We also read real customer reviews to understand how these tools perform in real-life situations—not just on paper.
Then, we compared pricing, ease of use, and how well each tool supports different types of users—from solo hosts to full-time property managers. This helped us shortlist the best vacation rental software for property managers and owners alike.
Top 6 vacation rental software for property managers in 2025
Looking for tools to simplify bookings, messaging, and calendar sync? These are the best property management software for vacation rentals based on features and user reviews:
- Airbnb – Great for hosts managing a variety of vacation rental properties on one platform
- Guesty – Ideal for owners managing 1 to 3 homes with built-in automation tools
- Lodgify – Perfect for growing rental businesses looking to scale across channels
- Hostaway – Designed for experienced property managers with 10+ listings
- OwnerRez – Best for those listing on multiple platforms and needing advanced controls
- Hostfully – A smart pick for on-the-go hosts who need strong mobile features
Keep in mind: The short-term rental software market is changing quickly as new tools, features, and pricing models keep coming out. Technology is reshaping the market, so it’s a good idea to check the latest reviews and compare your options before choosing a platform.
1. Airbnb
Suitable for: Owners with a variety of vacation rental properties
Airbnb pros:
- Handles bookings and payments automatically
- No need to spend on ads or marketing
- Huge global user base brings more visibility to your listings
Airbnb cons:
- High service fees reduce your profit
- Guest screening is limited, which can raise the risk
- Strong competition from other Airbnb listings
Free Plan: Yes
Pricing: Split-fee model (3% host / 14.2%–16.5% guest) or Host-only fee (14%–16%)
Airbnb, launched in 2008, helped transform how people travel. It connects hosts and guests through a simple booking process and allows property owners to list everything from apartments and studios to treehouses and castles.
It offers a simple way to list and manage vacation rental properties, especially for those who want to reach a global audience without extra marketing work.
Key Features:
- Free property listing with host profile
- Flexible search by location, date, price, and amenities
- Instant booking and secure in-app messaging
- Multi-currency pricing
- Guest reviews and ratings
- 24/7 support and optional concierge/key exchange services
- Value-based pricing tools
2. Guesty
Suitable for: Owners of 1-3 vacation homes
Guesty pros:
- Supports multiple languages
- White-label features for personal branding
- Clear reports show monthly and yearly revenue per property
- Connects with major booking platforms
Guesty cons:
- Many features cost extra
- Higher price compared to other tools
- No built-in social media tools
- Limited support for multiple currencies
Free plan: No
Pricing: Starts at $49 for a single property with a 10% discount on annual subscriptions.
Guesty is a cloud-based vacation rental software that helps automate daily tasks like pricing, bookings, guest communication, and team coordination.
It offers a single dashboard to manage listings across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. With smart reports and 24/7 guest messaging, Guesty helps streamline short-term rental operations and improve service quality.
Key features:
- Guest arrival form
- Language detection for better communication
- Auto responses to inquiries and reviews
- Calendar sync across channels
- Smart pricing tools
- Automated payments and deposit tracking
- Detailed income reports
- Task scheduling and cleaning updates
- Smart lock integration
- Unified inbox for all messages
- Damage protection and compensation tools
3. Lodgify
Suitable for: Investors looking to grow their rental portfolio
Lodgify pros:
- Free domain to help build your brand and take direct bookings
- Dedicated guest app on premium plans
- Supports 32 languages for global use
Lodgify cons:
- Cleaning and task tools are only available on the Ultimate plan ($59/month)
- Starter plan includes a booking fee
- Higher service fees for client payments than some platforms
Free plan: No
Pricing: Starts at $13/month + 1.9% booking fee
Lodgify is a powerful short term rental software designed for owners who want to grow their business. It helps you build your own booking website, sync listings across platforms, and automate day-to-day tasks. With a strong channel manager and tools for direct bookings, Lodgify works well for both single listings and large portfolios.
Key features:
- Bookable website with a professional design
- Channel manager to sync listings across platforms
- Secure system for payments and reservations
- Mobile app for easy access anywhere
- Free domain and onboarding sessions
- No booking fees on higher-tier plans
- Advanced guest messaging tools
- Damage protection pre-authorization
- Google Vacation Rentals integration
- Guest-facing app for smoother stays
- Priority support on top plans
4. Hostaway
Suitable for: More experienced property managers with 10+ properties
Hostaway pros:
- One dashboard to manage marketing, bookings, payments, and reports
- Strong integration with major booking channels
- Custom reporting tools for financial tracking
Hostaway cons:
- No clear public pricing
- Higher cost compared to many other tools
- No free trial option
Free plan: No
Pricing: Not officially listed (estimated ~$50 per property/month)
Hostaway is a full-service rental management platform built for professional property managers. It brings all daily operations—like listing updates, communication, and payments—into one place.
With strong automation tools and deep channel integrations, it’s designed to boost occupancy and improve efficiency.
Key features:
- Built-in channel manager (syncs with Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, and more)
- Direct booking tools including WordPress website and booking engine
- Easy-to-use dashboard and mobile access
- Automated messages, task tracking, and dynamic pricing
- Unified inbox for all guest communication
- Centralized reservation system
- Smart lock support
- Multi-user access with role-based permissions
- Flexible setup for large-scale operations
5. OwnerRez
Suitable for: Owners who manage multiple listings across different platforms
OwnerRez pros:
- Clean, easy-to-use dashboard
- Helpful documentation and support articles
- Smooth calendar syncing with listing sites
OwnerRez cons:
- No trust accounting features
- Lacks a mobile app
- No direct phone support
Free plan: 14-day free trial
Pricing: starts at $40/month (volume-based)
OwnerRez is a powerful multi-property rental software designed to help owners streamline their booking, communication, and payment processes.
It connects to all major booking channels and includes tools for CRM, accounting, and document handling. Built by vacation rental owners in 2012, it focuses on real-world needs and flexible integrations.
Key features:
- Optional call center tools with VOIP, SMS, and voicemail (Premium plan)
- Full channel management
- Built-in messaging system
- Hosted websites for direct bookings
- Payment processing and financial tracking
- CRM and contact management
- Electronic signature support
- Auto-responders for guest inquiries
6. Hostfully
Suitable for: Property owners and hosts who manage on the move
Hostfully pros:
- You’re only charged for properties that have guest check-ins beyond the first two
- Built-in tools to prevent double bookings
- Supports multiple languages and AI-powered replies
Hostfully cons:
- Doesn’t include marketing tools
- No support for digital signatures
- Lacks phone and 24/7 customer support
Free plan: 14-day free trial
Pricing: Starts at $40/month for 1–2 properties
Hostfully is a well-known short-term rental management software designed to make guest communication and daily tasks easier for busy hosts.
With AI-enabled messaging, task automation, and calendar syncing, it helps property owners stay organized while managing listings across major booking sites. What began as a simple tool has grown to support over 300,000 listings around the world.
Key features:
- Integration with smart locks
- Unified inbox for guest communication
- Built-in channel manager
- Tools for team collaboration
- Task and cleaning schedule management
- Reporting and analytics
- Manual booking capabilities
- Direct booking website support
- Double-booking protection
- Smart pricing sync
- Review management tools
What makes the best property management software for vacation rentals?
The best vacation rental software helps you run your rental business smoothly from one place. Whether you’re managing one property or a full portfolio, good software should handle all short-term rental business operations like bookings, guest messages, payments, and team tasks without the hassle.
Let’s take a look at vital features that make the ideal property management software for vacation rental properties.
1. Easy Booking and Reservation Tools
Booking is the heart of every rental business. Good software lets you manage pricing, availability, and reservations across all platforms—without manual updates.
Tools like channel managers and calendar syncs reduce errors and save time. Guests benefit too—they can check availability, book instantly, and make changes easily. For property owners, this means more bookings and fewer problems.
2. Seamless Channel Management
A channel manager helps you list your property on sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com all at once. You don’t have to log in to each one separately to update pricing or availability.
This cuts down on double bookings and ensures your listings are always up to date. It also helps build trust with guests by showing accurate details everywhere your property appears.
3. Centralized Calendar View
A multi-calendar combines all your bookings into one easy-to-read view. You can manage check-ins, pricing, and minimum stay rules from a single screen—no need to switch between platforms.
Guests see up-to-date availability, while you stay organized and avoid scheduling issues.
4. Personalized Communication with Guests
Good communication sets the tone for a guest’s stay. A unified inbox gathers messages from all platforms in one place, so you never miss a question or request.
With automated responses, you can send quick replies to common questions, saving time and giving guests a smooth, professional experience. This type of personalized communication builds trust and boosts your chances of getting 5-star reviews.
5. Smart Cleaning and Maintenance Scheduling
Keeping your property clean and ready is key. With cleaning and maintenance scheduling, you can assign tasks to your team, set deadlines, and track progress—automatically.
This is especially helpful for back-to-back bookings. A clean, well-kept space leads to happier guests, better reviews, and more bookings.
6. Built-In Financial Tools
The right rental platform should also handle your money. It should track income and expenses, process payments, send invoices, and offer reports—all in one dashboard.
Guests enjoy secure payments and digital receipts, while you stay organized without spreadsheets or manual entries.
7. Tools That Support Business Growth
The vacation rental software for property managers also helps you grow. Features like market insights, property finders, and investment calculators help you find new opportunities and make smart decisions.
Whether you want to add more properties or boost profits, these tools give you the data you need to move forward with confidence.
Best property management tools for vacation rentals at a glance
🔹 Airbnb
| Available Features | Missing Features |
| ✅ Booking Management ✅ Channel Manager ✅ Free Plan ✅ 3–16% Fee ✅ Diverse Properties ✅ Financial Tools | ❌ Business Growth Support ❌ Multi-Calendar ❌ Unified Inbox ❌ Cleaning Scheduler |
🔹 Guesty
| Available Features | Missing Features |
| ✅ Booking Management ✅ Channel Manager ✅ Multi-Calendar ✅ Unified Inbox ✅ Cleaning Scheduler ✅ Financial Tools ✅ $49/month ✅ Best for 1–3 Properties | ❌ Business Growth Support ❌ Free Plan |
🔹 Lodgify
| Available Features | Missing Features |
| ✅ Booking Management ✅ Channel Manager ✅ Multi-Calendar ✅ Unified Inbox ✅ Cleaning Scheduler ✅ Business Growth Support ✅ Financial Tools ✅ $13/month + 1.9% ✅ Portfolio Growth | ❌ Free Plan |
🔹 Hostaway
| Available Features | Missing Features |
| ✅ Booking Management ✅ Channel Manager ✅ Multi-Calendar ✅ Unified Inbox ✅ Cleaning Scheduler ✅ ~$50/property ✅ 10+ Properties ✅ Financial Tools ✅ Business Growth Support | ❌ Free Plan |
🔹 OwnerRez
| Available Features | Missing Features |
| ✅ Booking Management ✅ Channel Manager ✅ Multi-Calendar ✅ Unified Inbox ✅ Cleaning Scheduler ✅ Financial Tools ✅ Business Growth Support ✅ $40/month ✅ Multi-Platform Hosts | ❌ Free Plan |
🔹 Hospitable
| Available Features | Missing Features |
| ✅ Booking Management ✅ Channel Manager ✅ Multi-Calendar ✅ Unified Inbox ✅ Cleaning Scheduler ✅ Financial Tools ✅ $40/month ✅ On-the-Go Hosts | ❌ Business Growth Support ❌ Free Plan |
Property management software we liked but didn’t make it into this list
Bookerville
Bookerville helps property owners with bookings, calendar synchronization, and contact generation. Its channel manager distributes property data to listing sites.
Other software features include automated guest emails, booking calendars with iCal export, and email templates pre-populated with guest and booking details. Bookerville offers monthly and yearly subscriptions, with a 30-day free trial to start you off.
Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds was founded in 2012 by Richard Castle and Adam Harris, who were inspired to create a platform that could help any property, regardless of size or location, run their lodging business successfully.
Starting as a “back of the napkin” idea, Cloudbeds has since grown into a global hospitality management solution, with a presence in over 157 countries. The only downside of this award-winning industry leader is its high start-up cost of $100/month.
Escapia
Escapia is a full-featured vacation rental software that simplifies property management with innovative tools backed by Expedia Group data. Its proven platform offers advanced functionality including trust accounting, rates management, guest communications, and distribution.
Built in 2002, Escapia is among the few vacation rental software that predates Airbnb which was founded in 2007.
RentManager
This award-winning property management software is designed to support residential, commercial, and short-term-stay portfolios of any size. Its fully customizable features include a double-entry accounting system, maintenance management, marketing integration, mobile applications, and over 450 insightful reports.
While the software can be used for large-scale portfolios or specialized niches, the company requires a $200 minimum monthly subscription.
Smoobu
Smoobu is an online vacation rental solution that streamlines processes like reservations, communications, and guest experience.
It has a channel manager to sync data with third-party platforms, a reservation system, and tools to create rental homepages. Smoobu also provides a unified inbox and guest experience app, with pricing on monthly and annual subscriptions. The company is based in Berlin, Germany.
Hospitable
Hospitable (formerly Smartbnb} has firmly established itself as a market favourite among short-term rental hosts. The system’s automated messages are a hit with customers, who appreciate the human-sounding, personalized communication that enhances the guest experience.
Hospitable’s fixed pricing structure, which does not fluctuate based on reservation value, is another key differentiator, providing hosts with cost predictability.
Are vacation rentals still a sensible investment?
In recent years, the short-term rental market—led by platforms like Airbnb—has seen a shift in investor sentiment. Once viewed as a high-reward opportunity, vacation rentals are now being approached with more caution due to rising risks and tighter regulations.
One of the biggest challenges facing short-term rental owners is the growing number of local laws and restrictions. Many cities have introduced zoning limits, permit requirements, and even outright bans to control the rapid growth of vacation rentals. These rules can make it harder for new hosts to enter the market or scale their business.
Additionally, stories of property damage, noise complaints, or misuse have raised concerns among homeowners. Hosting frequent guests brings unpredictability, which can result in higher maintenance costs, security risks, and potential conflicts with neighbours.
Because of these challenges, many investors are turning back to long-term rentals. These properties offer steady, reliable income through leases that typically last 6–12 months or longer. With fewer turnovers and more predictable occupancy, long-term rentals make it easier to manage cash flow and plan ahead.
They also require less hands-on management. Long-term tenants tend to care for the property more responsibly, which means fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs over time.
On a broader scale, long-term rentals can support neighbourhood stability. Tenants who stay in one place longer are more likely to engage with the local community, follow rules, and help maintain property values.
If you’re finding it harder to manage bookings, handle guest issues, or keep up with changing rules, you’re not alone. Many rental property owners are moving away from short term rental software and choosing more stable, long-term leasing options.
Switching from short-term to long-term rentals: Why the shift?
Short-term rentals may still work in tourist-heavy areas, but rising regulations, inconsistent income, and property wear and tear make them riskier than before. On the other hand, long-term rentals offer steady cash flow, fewer headaches, and lower vacancy stress.
That’s where RentPost helps.
It’s not just another vacation rental software—it’s a full-featured property management software for vacation rentals designed specifically for long-term success.
With RentPost, you can:
- Advertise your rental on top platforms
- Screen tenants and manage lease terms
- Automate rent collection with online payments
- Handle maintenance and service requests in one dashboard
- Stay organized with calendar and task management tools
- Generate reports to track income, expenses, and growth
Whether you manage one property or a growing portfolio, RentPost is one of the best vacation rental software tools for property managers looking to simplify their workflow and grow steady returns.
Try RentPost’s all-around property management software for FREE
Manage Your Rentals the Easy Way with RentPost
Managing rental properties can be time-consuming. That’s why RentPost gives you simple tools to save time and stay organized—no matter how many properties you own. It offers a user-friendly platform that automates key tasks, provides powerful analytics, and delivers a seamless experience for both landlords and tenants.
Whether you have a few rentals or hundreds, RentPost makes it easier to run your business day to day.
Don’t miss your chance to take your rental investments to new heights – sign up for RentPost’s 30-day free trial today and discover how the right technology can transform your business.
Key features:
- Built-in tenant screening tools
- Online portals for owners and tenants
- Rent collection via ACH or credit cards
- Real-time information on payment status and pending cases
- Maintenance requests and tracking
- Trust accounting for multiple owners
- Document storage for applications, leases, invoices, inspection reports, images, etc.
- Configurable workflows to match business processes
Pricing: $29 per month + $1 per unit
FAQs
What are the benefits of using property management software for vacation rentals?
Property management software for vacation rentals increases efficiency by automating bookings, payments, and calendar sync. It reduces errors, centralizes guest data, and streamlines operations. Hosts save time, avoid double bookings, and provide a better guest experience with integrated tools for communication and reporting.
Can vacation rental software automate guest communication?
Yes, vacation rental software can automate guest communication by sending scheduled messages for booking confirmations, check-in details, and review requests.
Automation tools ensure timely, consistent messaging across platforms, improving guest satisfaction and reducing host workload.
Do I need a channel manager for vacation rentals?
You need a channel manager for vacation rentals if you list properties on multiple platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. A channel manager syncs calendars, avoids double bookings, and updates rates in real time, saving time and preventing errors across listings.
What’s the difference between vacation rental software and PMS?
The main difference between vacation rental software and PMS is scope. PMS (Property Management System) focuses on operations like housekeeping and maintenance. Vacation rental software includes PMS features but adds channel management, messaging automation, and pricing tools tailored for short-term rentals.
Is there free vacation rental management software available?
Yes, free vacation rental management software is available. Platforms like Airbnb, Hospitable (trial), and OwnerRez (trial) offer limited free versions. Some od these tools help new hosts get started with basic features like calendar sync, automated messages, and reservation tracking and some charge commission on booking.
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