Quick Overview
- 1#1: Guesty - Comprehensive property management platform for short-term rentals with channel management, automation, and guest communication tools.
- 2#2: Hostaway - All-in-one vacation rental software offering channel manager, PMS, and dynamic pricing for multi-channel property management.
- 3#3: Cloudbeds - Cloud-based hotel management system with booking engine, channel manager, and revenue tools tailored for small hotels and guest houses.
- 4#4: Lodgify - Vacation rental software with website builder, direct booking engine, and property management features for independent hosts.
- 5#5: RoomRaccoon - All-in-one hotel management system for small properties including PMS, channel manager, and booking engine.
- 6#6: OwnerRez - Rental management software with website builder, channel syncing, and automation for vacation rental owners.
- 7#7: Smoobu - Vacation rental management tool with channel manager, automated messaging, and cleaning organization features.
- 8#8: Hospitable - Automation platform for AI rbnb and Vrbo hosts handling messaging, reviews, and pricing optimization.
- 9#9: iGMS - Property management software for short-term rentals with unified inbox, task management, and channel integration.
- 10#10: Uplisting - Channel manager and PMS for vacation rentals supporting multiple platforms with dynamic pricing and automation.
Tools were selected and ranked by prioritizing feature depth, operational performance, user experience, and cost-effectiveness, balancing functionality with practicality to deliver a definitive guide for guest house and short-term rental professionals.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top guest house software tools like Guesty, Hostaway, Cloudbeds, Lodgify, RoomRaccoon, and more, guiding readers through their features and capabilities. It equips users to assess which solution aligns best with their operational needs, from booking management to guest communication.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guesty Comprehensive property management platform for short-term rentals with channel management, automation, and guest communication tools. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Hostaway All-in-one vacation rental software offering channel manager, PMS, and dynamic pricing for multi-channel property management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Cloudbeds Cloud-based hotel management system with booking engine, channel manager, and revenue tools tailored for small hotels and guest houses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Lodgify Vacation rental software with website builder, direct booking engine, and property management features for independent hosts. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | RoomRaccoon All-in-one hotel management system for small properties including PMS, channel manager, and booking engine. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | OwnerRez Rental management software with website builder, channel syncing, and automation for vacation rental owners. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | Smoobu Vacation rental management tool with channel manager, automated messaging, and cleaning organization features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Hospitable Automation platform for AI rbnb and Vrbo hosts handling messaging, reviews, and pricing optimization. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | iGMS Property management software for short-term rentals with unified inbox, task management, and channel integration. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Uplisting Channel manager and PMS for vacation rentals supporting multiple platforms with dynamic pricing and automation. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive property management platform for short-term rentals with channel management, automation, and guest communication tools.
All-in-one vacation rental software offering channel manager, PMS, and dynamic pricing for multi-channel property management.
Cloud-based hotel management system with booking engine, channel manager, and revenue tools tailored for small hotels and guest houses.
Vacation rental software with website builder, direct booking engine, and property management features for independent hosts.
All-in-one hotel management system for small properties including PMS, channel manager, and booking engine.
Rental management software with website builder, channel syncing, and automation for vacation rental owners.
Vacation rental management tool with channel manager, automated messaging, and cleaning organization features.
Automation platform for AI rbnb and Vrbo hosts handling messaging, reviews, and pricing optimization.
Property management software for short-term rentals with unified inbox, task management, and channel integration.
Channel manager and PMS for vacation rentals supporting multiple platforms with dynamic pricing and automation.
Guesty
enterpriseComprehensive property management platform for short-term rentals with channel management, automation, and guest communication tools.
Unified Inbox and automation engine that consolidates communications from all channels into one intelligent, AI-powered dashboard
Guesty is a comprehensive property management system (PMS) tailored for short-term rental hosts, vacation home owners, and property managers handling guest houses and similar accommodations. It centralizes operations by syncing calendars, rates, and reservations across 100+ channels like AI rbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. The platform automates guest messaging, payments, dynamic pricing, housekeeping, and reporting, enabling efficient scaling from small portfolios to enterprise-level management.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel synchronization for real-time availability and pricing
- Advanced automation for messaging, payments, and operations
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Pricing scales higher for small portfolios
- Some premium features locked behind enterprise plans
Best For
Professional property managers and host collectives managing 5+ short-term rental properties who need enterprise-grade automation.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 5 properties (Pro plan), scales to custom enterprise pricing; plus 1-3% transaction fees and add-ons.
Hostaway
enterpriseAll-in-one vacation rental software offering channel manager, PMS, and dynamic pricing for multi-channel property management.
Unified automation engine that handles guest communications, dynamic pricing, and operational tasks without manual intervention
Hostaway is an all-in-one property management system (PMS) tailored for vacation rentals and short-term stays like guest houses, enabling seamless management of bookings across multiple channels such as AI rbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. It features automated messaging, dynamic pricing, a customizable website builder, and robust reporting tools to optimize operations and revenue. The platform's mobile app and API integrations provide flexibility for owners handling small to mid-sized portfolios.
Pros
- Extensive multi-channel integrations for synchronized calendars and bookings
- Advanced automation for messaging, pricing, and task management
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for revenue optimization
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with property count, less ideal for single-unit operations
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced customizations
- Customer support can be slower during peak seasons
Best For
Guest house owners managing 5+ properties who need powerful automation and channel management to scale efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Starter plan) + per-booking fees, with Pro ($99/month) and Enterprise (custom) tiers based on property volume and features.
Cloudbeds
enterpriseCloud-based hotel management system with booking engine, channel manager, and revenue tools tailored for small hotels and guest houses.
Engine2 booking engine with built-in upsell capabilities and conversion optimization
Cloudbeds is a cloud-based property management system (PMS) tailored for hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and guesthouses, providing tools for reservations, channel management, and revenue optimization. It integrates a booking engine, housekeeping management, and payment processing to streamline daily operations. For guesthouses, it enables efficient handling of direct bookings and OTAs while offering reporting and guest communication features.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with 300+ channel integrations
- Powerful booking engine that boosts direct revenue
- Mobile app for on-the-go management and guest self-check-in
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small guesthouses with low occupancy
- Initial setup and learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized guesthouses and boutique properties seeking scalable operations and strong OTA connectivity.
Pricing
Starts at $2.99 per booked room night (with minimums around $100-250/month), scaling with plans like Core, Professional, and Enterprise.
Lodgify
specializedVacation rental software with website builder, direct booking engine, and property management features for independent hosts.
Integrated professional website builder with embedded booking engine for commission-free direct reservations
Lodgify is a vacation rental management platform tailored for short-term rental owners, including guest houses, offering a customizable website builder, channel manager, and property management system (PMS). It enables direct bookings, calendar synchronization across OTAs like AI rbnb and Booking.com, automated guest communications, and integrated payment processing. For guest houses, it supports multi-room management, dynamic pricing, and reporting to streamline operations and reduce reliance on third-party platforms.
Pros
- Powerful channel manager syncs calendars and rates across major OTAs
- User-friendly website builder for professional direct booking sites
- Automation tools for messaging, payments, and cleaning schedules
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multiple properties, less ideal for tiny operations
- Reporting features lack depth compared to enterprise PMS
- Occasional glitches in mobile app and setup learning curve
Best For
Guest house operators with 5-50 rooms seeking to boost direct bookings and manage multi-channel listings efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter, 1 property), $79/month (Pro, unlimited properties), up to $199+/month (Enterprise); 20% annual discount, plus 1% booking fee.
RoomRaccoon
specializedAll-in-one hotel management system for small properties including PMS, channel manager, and booking engine.
Dynamic revenue management that auto-adjusts rates based on demand, competitor data, and forecasts
RoomRaccoon is an all-in-one cloud-based property management system (PMS) tailored for independent hotels, guest houses, and small accommodations. It integrates core functions like booking engine, channel manager for 200+ OTAs, revenue management, housekeeping, and payment processing into a single intuitive dashboard. This solution helps properties streamline operations, boost direct bookings, and optimize occupancy without needing multiple vendors.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
- Seamless channel manager syncs with 200+ OTAs in real-time
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger properties or add-ons
- Limited customization for highly specific workflows
- Customer support can have variable response times
Best For
Small to medium guest houses and boutique hotels prioritizing simplicity and integrated revenue tools.
Pricing
Starts at €109/month for up to 10 rooms (Essentials plan); scales to €279+/month for larger properties with advanced features.
OwnerRez
specializedRental management software with website builder, channel syncing, and automation for vacation rental owners.
Integrated website builder that creates fully customizable, SEO-optimized booking sites without coding
OwnerRez is a vacation rental management software tailored for property owners and small managers of guest houses, vacation homes, and short-term rentals. It provides channel management syncing with AI rbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and more, alongside automated messaging, online reservations, payment processing, and a customizable website builder. The platform emphasizes ease for independent operators with tools for cleaning schedules, guest communications, and basic reporting to streamline operations.
Pros
- Strong multi-channel integration with real-time syncing
- Flexible pricing with low entry barriers and pay-per-booking options
- Comprehensive automation for messaging and operations
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced reporting lacks depth for larger portfolios
- Initial setup and customization can take time for non-tech users
Best For
Small to mid-sized guest house owners or independent managers handling 1-20 properties who need affordable, all-in-one rental tools.
Pricing
Free for low-volume users (1% fee per booking after $100K annual revenue); Pro plans start at $35/month + 0.5% per booking, scaling with property count.
Smoobu
specializedVacation rental management tool with channel manager, automated messaging, and cleaning organization features.
Real-time multi-channel calendar synchronization with automatic overbooking prevention and rate parity across 100+ platforms
Smoobu is a cloud-based property management system (PMS) tailored for vacation rental owners and managers, including guest houses, offering seamless channel management to sync calendars, rates, and availability across 100+ platforms like AI rbnb and Booking.com. It includes automated messaging, online payments, cleaning schedules, and a basic website builder to drive direct bookings and reduce OTA dependency. The platform also provides reporting tools, a mobile app for on-the-go management, and a guest self-check-in portal to enhance guest experience.
Pros
- Robust channel manager prevents double bookings across major OTAs
- Automated guest communication and task management save time
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for easy access
Cons
- Limited advanced revenue management or dynamic pricing tools
- Website builder lacks deep customization options
- Pricing scales up quickly for properties with many units
Best For
Small to medium-sized guest house owners managing 2-20 vacation rentals who prioritize OTA synchronization and automation over advanced analytics.
Pricing
Starts at €27.90/month (Solo, up to 2 units) billed annually; tiers up to €179.90/month (Ultimate, unlimited units); 14-day free trial.
Hospitable
specializedAutomation platform for AI rbnb and Vrbo hosts handling messaging, reviews, and pricing optimization.
Unified Inbox that intelligently merges and automates responses across all connected booking channels
Hospitable is an automation platform tailored for short-term rental hosts and property managers, including guest houses listed on platforms like AI rbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. It centralizes guest communications into a unified inbox, automates messaging workflows, dynamic pricing adjustments, and cleaning task management. The software excels in streamlining multi-channel operations, reducing manual work, and improving guest experiences through timely responses and personalized interactions.
Pros
- Unified inbox consolidates messages from multiple OTAs for efficient management
- Robust automation for messaging, pricing, and cleaning schedules saves significant time
- Seamless integrations with major platforms like AI rbnb and Booking.com
Cons
- Pricing is per-property, which can become expensive for owners with many listings
- Lacks a built-in direct booking engine, relying heavily on third-party OTAs
- Advanced analytics and reporting are limited in lower-tier plans
Best For
Guest house owners managing multiple short-term rental listings on OTAs who need automation for communications and operations without a full-scale PMS.
Pricing
Free basic plan available; Pro at $29/property/month, Pro+ at $49/property/month, Enterprise custom; annual billing offers discounts.
iGMS
specializedProperty management software for short-term rentals with unified inbox, task management, and channel integration.
Real-time channel manager integrating 200+ booking platforms
iGMS is an all-in-one property management system tailored for short-term rentals, including guest houses, AI rbnb hosts, and vacation property managers. It provides real-time channel management across 200+ platforms like AI rbnb and Booking.com, automated guest messaging, dynamic pricing, and a direct booking website builder. The software streamlines operations by unifying calendars, communications, and revenue tools to maximize occupancy and efficiency for small to mid-sized properties.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel synchronization prevents double bookings
- Automated messaging and task management save significant time
- Dynamic pricing optimizes revenue automatically
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for portfolios over 10 properties
- Advanced reporting lacks deep customization
- Initial setup requires some technical familiarity
Best For
Guest house owners managing 3-20 short-term rental properties across multiple OTAs who need strong automation.
Pricing
Monthly plans from $59 (up to 3 properties) to $499+ (50+ properties); pay-per-night at ~$1.50/paid night also available, with a free trial.
Uplisting
specializedChannel manager and PMS for vacation rentals supporting multiple platforms with dynamic pricing and automation.
AI-driven automated messaging that handles guest inquiries and check-in instructions across all channels
Uplisting is a vacation rental management platform tailored for short-term rental owners and small property managers, including guest houses. It excels in channel management by syncing calendars and rates across major platforms like AI rbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo to prevent double bookings. The software also offers automated messaging, dynamic pricing, task management for housekeeping, and basic reporting to streamline operations for multi-listing guest houses.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel synchronization across major OTAs
- Automated guest messaging and dynamic pricing tools
- User-friendly interface with quick setup for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced PMS features like front-desk check-in or native payment processing
- Pricing scales per property, which can add up for larger guest houses
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small guest house owners or managers handling 1-20 short-term rental listings across multiple online travel agencies who need affordable automation.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 properties; Professional plan at €19/property/month (min €57/month); Business plan at €29/property/month with advanced features.
Conclusion
After a detailed review of the top guest house software options, Guesty claims the top spot, offering a well-rounded platform that integrates channel management, automation, and guest communication seamlessly. Hostaway and Cloudbeds, as strong alternatives, stand out in all-in-one multi-channel management and tailored tools for small properties, respectively. These solutions highlight the industry’s focus on efficiency, with the right choice depending on specific operational needs.
Take the first step to elevate your guest house operations—try Guesty today to streamline workflows and enhance guest satisfaction, or explore Hostaway or Cloudbeds if their unique features better suit your requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison