How do I choose the best vacation rental software for my business?

Excellent question—and one that can literally make a gargantuan difference in how silky (or stressful) your vacation rental business operates! 

1. Determine Your Business Needs

Ask yourself: 

• How many properties am I dealing with? 
• Am I Airbnb exclusive, or do I have properties listed on several platforms? 
• Do I require a direct booking website? 
• Do I require automation (cleaning, messaging, reviews)? 
• Is accounting or financial tracking a priority? 
• Understanding your objectives enables you to cut out the field quickly. 

2. Decide on What You Truly Require Features

Feature: Why It Matters 

• Channel management - Connects bookings from Airbnb, Vrbo, etc. 
• Automated messaging - Sent messages for check-in/out, responses, reminders 
• Direct booking website - Enables direct booking without OTA commissions 
• Payment processing - Accepts deposit and balance payments securely 
• Calendar and reservation tools - Avon double book risk, simple date views 
• Reporting & accounting 
• Monitor income, expenses, tax 
• Team/cleaning management Schedule and assign turnovers 
• Mobile app Work on the go 

3. Set a Reasonable Budget

• Some charge a fixed monthly fee, others charge a % of bookings. Ensure the price: 
• Functions on your income level 
• Doesn't devour too much profit 
• Still offers features you require 
• Select transparent pricing—no hidden fees. 

4. Compare Popular Platforms

• Here's a rapid vibe check: 
• Software Best For Price Range 
• Gracesoft Large portfolios, pro managers 

Instruction: 

• Lodgify Direct booking, small-to-medium 
• Hostfully Guest experience & automation 
• iGMS Automation & time-savings 
• OwnerRez Reporting & customization 
• Tokeet Small setups, budget-friendly 

5. Leverage Free Trials & Demos

• Free trials or live demos are the norm in most platforms. Try: 
• Ease of use 
• Dashboard layout 
• Speed at which you can get started 
• Responsiveness of customer support 

6. Read Reviews & Ask for Recommendations

Check: 

• Trustpilot, Capterra, Reddit, Facebook groups 
• Real-world feedback from hosts with similar setups