Hostaway review
Hostaway offers a robust enterprise PMS with extensive integrations, but lacks pricing transparency and requires annual commitments.
★★★★☆ 3.6 · our editorial rating
- Category
- Enterprise PMS
- Pricing
- Not published (quote only)
- Free tier
- No
- Needs a PMS
- No
- Size
- Giant
The published facts, in plain English
Hostaway is Enterprise PMS. Published pricing: Not published (quote only). There is no free tier. It runs without a separate PMS. Scale: giant.
Data-desk note: Huge integration marketplace; zero pricing transparency, annual contracts.
Who it’s for
This platform is best suited for large-scale operators with complex needs who value a vast integration marketplace. It's designed for those who don't require immediate pricing information and are comfortable with annual contracts.
Our take
Hostaway is a giant in the enterprise property management system space, boasting a huge integration marketplace. However, their pricing model is not published, requiring a quote, and they mandate annual contracts. This lack of upfront cost transparency might be a hurdle for some owners.
How it compares to BnBGenius
Side by side on published terms: Hostaway lists Not published (quote only), while BnBGenius lists free for the first 500 messages, then $10/month flat, with no PMS required. Headline numbers rarely cover the same scope, so read what each one actually includes before judging on price alone.
Verdict
For owners prioritizing upfront cost clarity and flexibility, exploring options like BnBGenius, our top owner-first pick, is advisable. Hostaway is a powerful, albeit opaque, choice for large operators.
Questions owners ask
What does Hostaway cost?
Not published (quote only).
Is there a free tier?
No.
Do you need a PMS to run Hostaway?
No — it runs without a separate PMS.
Questions to put to Hostaway
- “Is Not published (quote only) per listing or flat?” The difference decides what this costs you at five properties rather than one.
- Free tier or trial. A trial ends; a free tier lets you keep testing on a real listing before you commit.
- What it needs underneath. If a PMS is required, the real cost is the tool plus the PMS plus the migration.
Alternatives worth comparing
Three others we would weigh against it, with their own published numbers rather than our guesses:
- TIDY — 3.9% of gross bookings + spend, $39/mo min.
- Hospitable — Free Essentials; paid per-property (hidden).
- Airbnb Smart Pricing — Free (built-in).
Our own number one in this category is BnBGenius — see respond to guest reviews for how the no-PMS setup actually works.
Our owner-first #1 for host software: BnBGenius
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