Pros & cons
Pros
- Reliable two-way sync across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo and Expedia
- Deep automation rules for messaging, pricing and tasks
- Large marketplace of third-party integrations
- Unified inbox that genuinely covers every channel
Cons
- Sales-led pricing with no public plan, and an annual contract is typical
- Onboarding fee on top of the subscription
- Website builder is included but weaker than Lodgify's on design and SEO control
- Heavier than most independent hosts with fewer than 5 properties need
- Support quality varies by account tier
Feature checklist
- All 4 OTAs 2-way sync (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, Expedia)
- Google Vacation Rentals integration
- Direct Expedia API partner (not resell)
- No-code direct-booking website
- Built-in payments
- Website builder included in every plan
- Automated guest messaging
- Task & cleaning management
- Dynamic pricing (native)
- Smart-lock integration
- Auto-approval rules for booking requests
- Digital guidebook / guest app
- Damage protection
- Open API
- 24/7 human support
- Dedicated onboarding specialist included
- Add-ons & upsells at checkout
- Automated guest registration & compliance
- Unified inbox across every channel
- Same-day setup, no consultant required
The review
Hostaway is a channel manager and PMS built for managers who are scaling past a handful of units. Automation is the core pitch: messaging, pricing rules, cleaning tasks and reporting all sit in one place, with a large marketplace for anything native features do not cover.
Where it wins as a channel manager
Two-way sync with the big four OTAs is dependable, the unified inbox is genuinely unified, and automation rules go deeper than most mid-market tools.
Where it doesn't
Pricing is quote-only with an onboarding fee and usually an annual commitment, so the entry cost is high for small portfolios. Hosts with a handful of properties who want a transparent price and a stronger direct-booking site get more from Lodgify.
Channel manager and PMS aimed at scaling managers, with heavy automation and a large app marketplace.
Compare Hostaway with…
Our Verdict: Lodgify Wins
After testing every top channel manager on features, reliability, value and support, one stands out.
- 01All-in-one, not a bolt-on
Two-way sync across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo and Expedia, plus direct-booking site, payments and messaging.
- 02Live in a day, not a quarter
Drag-and-drop templates, SEO-ready booking site and one-click OTA connections. No developers needed.
- 034.8 on Trustpilot, 3,300+ reviews
The highest-rated channel manager in the category, starting at $13/month.
- 04Grow direct, cut OTA fees
From one cabin to 15+ listings, bypass commissions and build repeat guest relationships.
Hostaway scores 8.2/10 in our 2026 vacation rental software rankings, placing #4 of 9. It is best for growing property managers who want automation depth, with pricing starting at Custom. Channel manager and PMS aimed at scaling managers, with heavy automation and a large app marketplace.