Host Tools review

Host Tools does fewer things than the property management systems above it, and that is the point. The Messaging plan automates check-in instructions, reminders, review requests and booking confirmations across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and direct bookings, and notifies cleaners by SMS or email when a booking changes. The unified inbox translates messages with one tap and shows Airbnb read receipts. Pro adds real-time calendar sync, pricing and availability rules for orphan nights and seasons, multi-user access, AI-personalized replies and a direct booking website with Stripe payments, contract signing, ID verification and Google Vacation Rentals. Pricing is published for every listing count: Messaging is $28 per month billed yearly for one listing, Pro $30, and smart lock codes cost $3 per month. The price is for the whole account rather than per listing. What it lacks is the management company side: there are no owner statements, trust accounting or owner portal.

Who it is for

Budget-minded hosts who mainly want automated messages and reviews across Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com.

Price

Messaging from $28 per month billed yearly for one listing ($30 monthly); Pro from $30 per month billed yearly.

$30 Per Month $28 Per Month Billed yearly: $336
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Scheduled guest messages and automated reviews for Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and direct bookings
• Unified inbox with one-tap translation and Airbnb read receipts
• Automatic SMS or email notices to cleaners when bookings change
• Pricing rules for orphan periods, seasons and minimum nights on Pro
• Direct booking website with Stripe, contract signing, ID verification and Google Vacation Rentals on Pro

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Price covers the whole account, not each listing, and the full table is published
• Strength: Free personalized onboarding
• Strength: Smart lock automation for $3 per month
• Weakness: No owner statements or trust accounting
• Weakness: Real-time calendar sync and the direct booking site need Pro
• Weakness: Fewer channels than full property management systems

Key facts

• Plans: Messaging, Pro, Enterprise (134+ listings)
• Smart lock add-on: $3 per month
• Channels: Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Google

Where it ranks

Host Tools is No. 8 in our Best Vacation Rental Software verdict.