When managing multiple vacation rental properties, having an efficient and feature-rich Hostaway app can make all the difference.
Built as an extension of the Hostaway property management system (PMS), the app helps hosts and property managers handle day-to-day tasks without being tied to a desk. From guest messaging to calendar syncs, it brings many of Hostaway’s core tools into your pocket.
Since Hostaway uses quote-based pricing, costs vary, but the app is always included. In this review, we’ll cover the app’s key features, integrations, and honest user feedback on Hostaway, before wrapping up with a look at whether it’s worth it for your business.
What Is the Hostaway Mobile App?
The Hostaway mobile app is the on-the-go companion to the Hostaway PMS, available on iOS and Android devices.
While the desktop dashboard is designed for in-depth reporting, bulk updates, and complex workflows, the Hostaway app focuses on quick, actionable tasks, such as adjusting pricing, sending guest messages, and delegating maintenance tasks.
This is ideal for solo hosts, small teams, and property managers who need to manage bookings on the move.
Setting up the Hostaway app is simple. Install it from the official App Store or Google Play, log in with your existing Hostaway account, then open the verification email.
Pricing and How Hostaway Charges
Hostaway pricing is tailored and quote-based, meaning there’s no flat plan. You can estimate the price based on your active listings and the integrations and add-ons you need.
Costs typically depend on factors like:
- The number of properties you manage
- Optional add-ons and integrations
- Onboarding services
- Your chosen support tier
The first step to getting Hostaway is to book a free demo.
Hostaway App: Key Features
Let’s take a look at some of the key Hostaway features you’ll find on the app.
Channel Management
The Hostaway app offers direct API integrations with major OTAs like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia. For example, when you change your nightly rate in Hostaway, it syncs via direct APIs and typically propagates quickly across Airbnb and Vrbo.
The real-time synchronization of listings, rates, and availability:
- Prevents costly double bookings and sync errors.
- Saves time by centralizing updates across channels.
- Supports growth by improving consistency and accuracy across multiple platforms.
Tip: While calendar and rate updates should sync instantly, it’s a good idea to spot-check new listings after the initial sync to confirm that images, descriptions, and amenities display accurately.
We also recommend carrying out additional checks during the first week of using the app, such as:
- Verify that taxes and fees are mapped correctly.
- Block one test date across OTAs and confirm it blocks everywhere.
- Place and cancel one test booking.
Automated Messaging and Unified Inbox
Hostaway’s built-in messaging lets you set up predefined templates to communicate with guests at every stage of their stay. You can schedule messages in advance via email or SMS, and the in-app inbox syncs with OTA threads, allowing you to respond directly without switching
This feature:
- Improves response times and guest satisfaction
- Reduces repetitive work with reusable templates
- Ensures guests always receive key details, from check-in to checkout
- Helps build repeat bookings
For example, you can set up:
- An email and SMS with access codes, parking info, and arrival instructions 24 hours before check-in.
- Send an automated welcome message with WiFi details and house rules right after check-in.
- Request a review and share a direct booking link for future stays within 24 hours after checkout.
Booking and Reservation Management
The Hostaway app’s reservation dashboard brings all your OTA bookings into a single, centralized view. This lets you manage reservations without logging into each marketplace separately, saving time and reducing errors.
For example, you can:
- Approve or adjust a reservation from an OTA indirectly in the Hostaway app. However, note that while many actions are possible in-app, certain OTA-specific modifications should be completed on the OTA side and Hostaway will then sync the change back.
- Verify payments (always confirm payment status before sharing door codes or access instructions)
- Send check-in instructions and arrival details directly to guests
This centralization feature:
- Streamlines booking tasks
- Helps prevent missed updates across channels
- Reduces errors
- Improves efficiency for managing multiple listings
Task and Team Management
The Hostaway app’s task management system allows property managers to assign and track cleaning, maintenance, and inspection tasks across their portfolio. Automated notifications keep team members informed, ensuring smooth property operations.
- The Tasks Overview provides a high-level snapshot of pending and completed tasks.
- The Calendar view displays tasks by date, facilitating coordination across multiple properties and preventing overlaps.
- The Mobile view allows team members to see and update actions on the go.
How it works: A cleaning task is assigned, and the cleaner receives an instant notification through their app. Once completed, the cleaner uploads photos, the cleaning manager marks the service level as met, and you receive an automatic notification of completion.
Reporting and Analytics (On-the-go)
The Hostaway app provides quick, actionable insights that property managers can check on the go through a mobile-friendly dashboard and push notifications. These analytics highlight key metrics such as occupancy rates, average daily rate (ADR), and today’s check-ins.
This allows managers to:
- Make fast operational decisions without opening a laptop
- Identify trends and revenue opportunities at a glance
- Spot cancellations, low availability, or unusual activity
- Reduce operational errors and improve guest satisfaction
For example, you could check today’s check-ins on the dashboard and notice a pending maintenance task. This gives you the opportunity to quickly assign the task so that it is completed before check-in, thereby preventing guest complaints.
Note: While the mobile dashboard can help you spot issues, multi-property exports, deep analytics, and historical reporting are best handled on a desktop for full visibility.
Payments (Mobile)
The Hostaway app allows property managers to view payment status and receive notifications about pending or failed transactions, enabling you to act promptly and minimize the risk of missed payments or guest disputes.
This feature:
- Simplifies Hostaway payment processing across channels
- Provides real-time visibility into incoming and outstanding payments
- Supports quick actions like refunds or deposit releases without logging into each OTA
For example, you can see when a checkout has recently been completed and immediately release the security deposit from within the app. Not only does this save time and effort, but it also improves guest satisfaction.
Note: Certain tasks, such as bulk invoicing, large refunds, and portfolio-level financial operations, should be handled on a desktop for accuracy and a complete audit trail.
Dynamic Pricing (With Integrations)
Hostaway supports integration with dynamic pricing tools like Beyond Pricing and PriceLabs. This helps property managers automatically adjust nightly rates based on demand, seasonality, and market trends.
This feature:
- Ensures competitive nightly rates without manual intervention
- Maintains rate parity across OTAs and your direct booking site
- Helps maximize revenue while adapting to market fluctuations
For example, with an integration like PriceLabs, you can set a weekend surge rate during a local festival weekend. This will ensure prices increase automatically across Airbnb, Vrbo, and your Hostaway website, capturing higher demand.
Note: When multiple pricing rules exist, such as PMS base rates and dynamic tool recommendations, the dynamic pricing tool generally takes precedence, but rules can be reordered to match your strategy.
API and Custom Integrations (From the App Perspective)
For those looking to extend functionality beyond the built-in app, the Hostaway API enables custom integrations by connecting to third-party tools and automating workflows, which:
- Provides flexibility to meet your unique business requirements
- Fills gaps where native integrations don’t exist
- Helps future-proof operations as new tools and features become available
While API setup and configuration are typically done on a desktop, the resulting Hostaway integrations are relevant to mobile users, as they enable you to monitor and respond on the go.
For example, you can:
- Send custom alerts for booking events to Slack or SMS, keeping your team informed in real time while you’re away from your desk.
- Sync owner statements or financial reports to accounting software on a set schedule, then review summaries and approve actions directly from the mobile app.
Tip: Build and test all API workflows on desktop first, then monitor notifications and reports on mobile to ensure smooth operations and real-time visibility.
Hostaway Integrations That Matter on Mobile
One of the strongest aspects of the Hostaway app is its integrations. This enhances functionality and operational efficiency as you can act quickly from your phone.
There are a variety of external tools for the Hostaway mobile app, including:
- Distribution: Thanks to direct API connections with Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, and Booking.com, you can keep listings, rates, and availability synchronized across all channels. Update a rate on your mobile app, and it changes automatically on all your booking platforms.
- Payments: Payments are handled via the connected payment gateway (Stripe/Braintree, etc.). Check a booking’s payment status and take any necessary action, such as issuing a refund or releasing a deposit hold, directly from your mobile.
- Guest Experience: Improve communication and satisfaction with automated touchpoints. When a guest checks in, they receive an automated welcome message with WiFi and house rules via email/SMS.
- Operations and Housekeeping: Assign and track tasks efficiently. Create a cleaning task on booking confirmation, then receive a completion notification when the cleaner uploads photos.
- Smart Home: Manage devices and monitor property conditions remotely with tools like RemoteLock (for remotely locking doors) and NoiseAware (for receiving noise alerts).
- Marketing and Analytics: Track performance and drive repeat bookings with a range of marketing integrations. Export recent guest emails, then launch a targeted post-stay promotion campaign through StayFi.
Want to turn your guest WiFi into a booking machine?
How to Use the App (iOS and Android)
The Hostaway mobile app is available for iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store). Always install the Hostaway mobile app from these official sources to ensure security and full functionality.
Complete the Hostaway app download in 3 simple steps:
- Open the app and log in with your registered Hostaway email.
- Complete two-factor authentication using the code sent to your email or authenticator app.
- Open the verification email on the same device where the app is installed.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the link opens in your browser instead of the app, copy the code from the email and enter it manually in the Hostaway login app screen.
User Reviews: What Hosts Say
The following pros and cons are taken from real Hostaway software reviews from property managers who have used the Hostaway app for daily operations.
Hostaway Review Pros
- Automates guest communication and messaging
- Streamlines bookings and team task assignments
- Reliable channel management across OTAs
- Saves significant time for property managers
- Powerful API for custom integrations
“Hostaway has completely transformed how we manage our vacation rentals. The channel manager is incredibly reliable, and the automated messaging saves us hours every week. I highly recommend it!”
Hostaway Review Cons
- Automation settings can take time to fully understand → Mitigation: Test templates on a single property first and confirm delivery before scaling.
- Initial setup may require extra guidance or support → Mitigation: Schedule a short call with support to walk through key configurations.
- Some advanced features are better managed on desktops than on mobile devices → Mitigation: Use desktops for bulk rate edits or complex pricing rules.
“The platform has excellent features, but the learning curve can be steep for beginners. It took us a few weeks to fully understand all the automation settings.”
Is Hostaway Worth It for Mobile-First Teams?
Choose Hostaway if:
- You manage multiple properties and need reliable real-time channel sync across OTAs.
- Your team is small to medium-sized and benefits from mobile-first task management and messaging.
- You want a robust, automation-ready platform that streamlines guest communication and operational workflows.
Consider a Hostaway alternative if:
- You require enterprise-level accounting or complex owner statement reporting.
- Your operation demands advanced rate rules or highly granular financial control.
- You prefer a simpler, more lightweight interface with a low learning curve.
For a personalized assessment and pricing, request a Hostaway quote to see how it fits your portfolio and workflow needs.
Conclusion
The Hostaway app offers a wide range of features that cater to both small and large property management businesses. With direct OTA integrations and automation tools, it’s a solid investment for solo hosts and small teams who manage properties on the go and need quick access to bookings, guest messaging, and task approvals.
To get started, request a free quote at hostaway.com to understand pricing for your portfolio. During your first week, try integrating two or three key marketplaces to test real-time syncing and streamline your workflows. These early actions will help you see immediate benefits from the app while setting up a foundation for smooth operations.
FAQs
1. What is the Hostaway mobile app?
The Hostaway mobile app is the portable companion to the PMS, letting you manage reservations, guest communication, tasks, and approvals directly from your phone. See What Is the Hostaway Mobile App?
2. Where can I download the Hostaway app?
You can install the app from the official App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Always download from these sources to receive updates and avoid security issues.
3. How do I log in to the Hostaway app?
Use your Hostaway account email and complete two-factor verification; open the verification link on the same device for smooth login. See How to Use the App.
4. Does the Hostaway app work offline?
Internet connection is required to sync reservations, tasks, and messages. If offline, data may be stale and actions won’t be sent until reconnected.
Accessibility and Device Notes
- Platform support: The Hostaway mobile app is fully supported on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) devices.
- Notifications: To ensure timely alerts, enable push notifications and check that battery optimization or “Do Not Disturb” settings do not restrict app notifications.
- Accessibility: The app supports standard mobile accessibility features (screen readers, text scaling) available through your device settings.
