Host Tools review
This is a review of Host Tools. I will be fairly upfront and say this will be a positive review as it meets 2 of my main criteria.
1. The people running it are nice
2. Support is good
Now, those two items are not a full reason to make a decision, but I do count on them a lot.
So lets look at Host Tools.
What is Host Tools? From their website. Host Tools is an easy-to-use full-featured channel manager with automated messaging, pricing availability syncing for Short Term Rental hosts. Improve your guest’s experience and increase your 5-star reviews. Try it out for free with our 14-day free trial.
In a nutshell host tools allows you to sync your communication and calendars across multiple platforms.
My criteria for picking a channel manager was this.
Multi calendar
Integration with PriceLabs
Automated Reviews
Automated Messaging
Texting Option
Free Trial
Multi Calendar – the tool must be able to sync with multiple platforms. For me, Airbnb, VRBO and Houfy. Host Tools also supports HomeAway.
Integration with PriceLabs – PriceLabs is integral to our pricing strategy. Host Tools does integrate with PriceLabs. Host Tools does have their own Intelligent Pricing Optimization. But it does not take into account occupancy rates.
Automated Reviews – You can set up Automated reviews on whatever date makes sense. And you can delete it if you need to do a review that is different than the automated review.
Automated Messaging – You can set up messages (different for each listing) that will send on pre-determined times and days. ie Give checkin instructions and lock info the day before check in. They will pull tags to personalize. Such as Guest Name, Check in Day, Check in Date, etc.
Texting Option – This is a great time saver. You can set up reminders that are text messages to let cleaners, maintenance people know when to perform their tasks. We use it to remind us to turn the thermostat on and off.
Free Trial – This gives you a chance to determine if it will work for you. I like companies that have a Free Trial. This tells me they have confidence in their product.
How Do I use Host Tools?
We set up all of our messaging. We have a message for inquiry, A message 4 days before check in, A message the day before check in, a message the day before check out, a message 2 days after checkout with a request for a review, and then the Review.
We use the text messaging to send messages to cleaners and to update thermostat settings.
We integrate our PriceLabs pricing into the listing.
Host Tools pricing
Their pricing is very competitive, and I think it holds it’s own versus the competition. I like that it is not a percentage of your rental income.
Services they offer, that we do not use.
Intelligent pricing optimization – this may work out well for many.
Smart Lock integration – this is a great tool, we do not have the smart locks that integrate. They support August locks and any smart lock that connects to the SmartThings hub by using Rbo’s Rental Lock Automator software which includes most Zibgee and Z-wave-enabled locks. – We may switch our locks to be able to use this.
Setting up a listing
Setting up a listing is not overly difficult. I would reserve some time, and make sure you do it right. You basically add your listing, which syncs with the platform. If you have a listing on multiple platforms you can link them together.
App. They do have an App for your phone which works with Iphone and Android.
Additional Notes: I mentioned setting up a message regarding thermostats, and they asked which thermostat I had, as they are trying to add this into the mix.
Their blog section is very extensive and has a lot of helpful articles regarding Short Term Rentals. Not just Host Tools information. It is worth a look.
Summary
In my experience, Host Tools is a great value for the money. It reduces the amount of work I need to do greatly, and increases my rates. I would highly recommend.
As stated earlier, they are very nice, personable, and helpful. Their online chat is a great tool, and they use it well. If you have an error in your settings, they will go into the settings and help you out.
Click here to go to Host Tools and sign up. if you use this link, I get a break on future months. (The review would remain the same either way).
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