Guesty vs Hostfully: 2025 Mega Showdown

Hosts who switched to Guesty from Hostfully saw their revenue per listing increase by +14%

Both Guesty and Hostfully offer property management solutions tailored for short-term rental businesses. However, Guesty stands out as a transformative platform designed to fuel growth with advanced tools and features, while Hostfully serves as a simpler option.

Get started

Are you a Hostfully customer looking to upgrade to Guesty?

The Guesty edge

Unlocking the competitive edge with Guesty

The proof is in the numbers. Our analysis of 724 U.S. property managers, each managing up to 20 listings, revealed significant gains after switching to Guesty between 2022 and 2024. These users saw marked improvements in average daily rate (ADR) and occupancy when transitioning from Hostfully to Guesty. Explore the full report for a detailed look at the data.

 

Revenue per listing increased by 14.1%

Average property growth
Switching to Guesty can also help you grow your portfolio.

Sample of 724 US-based customers with less than 20 listings, onboarded to Guesty in 2022-2024, excluding high end luxury properties. The sample of users are hosts/PMCs who migrated from Lodgify, Hostaway, Hostfully, iGMS, Tokeet, Airbnb-only, into Guesty Pro.

The main differences between these solutions

  • Guesty

    is geared toward property managers looking for scalability, efficiency, and comprehensive revenue optimization with cutting-edge workflows, automation, and dynamic pricing capabilities.

  • Hostfully

    caters to hosts managing fewer properties, offering only fundamental tools to meet basic needs.

In short, Hostfully provides foundational tools, while Guesty equips growth-oriented property managers with an all-in-one solution for scaling and optimizing their businesses. Let’s break down how these platforms compare in functionality, pricing, user experience, and more.

A comprehensive feature comparison

Guesty vs Hostfully

At surface level, Guesty and Hostfully both provide core tools for managing short-term rentals. However, a deeper analysis uncovers notable differences in their functionality and capabilities. Let’s explore how their features compare.

Channel manager 60 channels 24 channels
Multi-unit management Flexible, complex management including sub-unit editing
Multi-calendar
Unified inbox
Real-time sync
Automated messages
Direct bookings
Task automation
Guest app
Mobile app
Open API
CRM
Owners portal
Automated reviews
Guest screening tools
Coupons and promotions
Group reservations
Advanced analytics
24/7 guest communication services
Locks manager
Brand management
Liability insurance
Funding solution
Rate plans
Dynamic pricing
Advanced lead management
Damage protection
Trust accounting
User roles and permissions Basic capabilities
AI-powered messaging Native solution tailored for hospitality Basic solution
Workflows Flexible workflows for messages, tasks, payments, etc. Basic quote workflows
Payment processor Native solution and third-party payment processing integrations Only third-party solutions
Reporting tools Generate reports with up to 65 parameters Basic
Marketplace partners 200+ 60
  • While Guesty and Hostfully share some overlapping features, Guesty sets itself apart with a more advanced and comprehensive feature suite, delivering greater functionality and enhanced capabilities across its platform. Hostfully users may quickly encounter limitations in core areas like premium channel integrations, advanced analytics for growth, native payment processing, and robust CRM tools.

  • Ultimately, Hostfully suits smaller-scale operations with its basic tools for property management. Guesty, on the other hand, is ideal for property managers aiming for scalability, increased revenue potential, and operational efficiency through intelligent automation, analytics, and extensive channel access.

Guesty at a glance

With an industry-leading R&D team of 250, as well as a team of experts on the ground, Guesty releases new features almost daily, with ~70% of enhancements based directly on customer feedback.

500K Listings managed
200+ Marketplace partners
16 Offices worldwide

Reviewed by independent sources

Guesty empowers property managers to drive higher revenue per listing, increase occupancy rates, and ultimately attract more properties to grow their portfolios.

When compared to Hostfully, Guesty offers a more robust, scalable, and feature-rich platform to meet the demands of modern property management.

PMS essentials

Here’s how Guesty and Hostfully match up when comparing the key features necessary for managing and optimizing short-term rentals.

Target market fit

Guesty caters to a wide range of businesses, from SMBs to large-scale operations, ensuring

Hostfully is designed primarily for SMBs managing 4-20 listings, limiting its scalability for larger businesses.

Channel partnerships

Guesty maintains the highest status partnerships with all major channels and hundreds more API integrations, ensuring top-tier connectivity, support, and visibility.

Hostfully offers just five channels and recently lost its premium partnership with Booking.com, reducing its ability to provide optimal channel performance.

Automations

Guesty Guesty provides a comprehensive suite of advanced automations, including workflows that seamlessly manage operations from check-in to check-out.

Hostfully offers only basic automations, such as simple message and task scheduling.

Payment processing

Guesty includes native payment processing, offering convenience, security, and streamlined operations.

Hostfully relies entirely on third-party payment processing.

Revenue management tools

Guesty includes advanced revenue management tools, native dynamic pricing, promotions, and rate plans to optimize income.

Hostfully offers only basic rate management and no promotions or rate plans.

Hostfully is a lightweight solution suitable for small property managers with limited needs. For property managers seeking a scalable, full-featured platform with advanced automation, native integrations, and powerful tools to drive growth and efficiency, Guesty is the clear choice.

Comprehensive guide

How to choose a property management software for your vacation rental business

  • 1. Define your business needs
    • Identify your operational requirements

      Determine what your property management operations demand. Are you listing properties on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, or Booking.com? Do you need tools to boost direct bookings, such as a website builder, integrated payment processing, or dynamic pricing optimization?

    • Evaluate your scale

      Consider the size of your operation: Are you managing a single property, multiple rentals, or a large portfolio? Guesty is built to support property managers of all scales, from single units to portfolios of thousands. In contrast, Hostfully’s platform is generally better suited for smaller vacation rental businesses.

  • 2. Core features to look for
    • Channel Manager

      Ensure the software integrates seamlessly with booking platforms like Google Vacation Rentals and other OTAs. Broader connectivity expands your reach and maximizes your listing visibility.

    • Direct booking capabilities

      A strong website builder with customizable templates, SEO optimization, and marketing tools can drive direct increased bookings and revenue. Features like a robust CRM system and marketing functionalities can further support repeat business.

    • Unified inbox & guest communication

      Timely and effective communication with guests is essential for stellar reviews. Opt for software with a unified inbox that consolidates communication across platforms like SMS, email, and WhatsApp for smooth and efficient interactions.

    • Task Management

      Choose a system that simplifies day-to-day operations, offering tools for check-in management, housekeeping coordination, maintenance tracking, and task assignment for team members.

    • Direct booking capability

      Look for robust website creation tools, customizable templates, and search optimization features to build your direct booking, commission-free revenue. Strong CRM capabilities and marketing tools help cultivate repeat guests and reduce OTA dependence.

    • Payment Processing

      A native payment system tailored for hospitality makes managing direct bookings easier. Integration with trusted payment providers like Stripe is also a valuable feature for handling transactions seamlessly.

    • Dynamic Pricing

      AI-driven pricing tools can analyze market trends to help you optimize occupancy and revenue, ensuring competitive rates that attract more bookings.

  • 3. Usability and customization
    • Ease of use

      Select software with an intuitive interface that your team can learn and use efficiently.

    • Customizable templates and widgets

      Personalization is key for creating a branded guest experience, particularly for direct booking websites.

    • Mobile app compatibility

      Ensure the platform supports iOS and Android devices, allowing you to manage your properties on the go.

  • 4. Integration and automation
    • API access

      The ability to integrate with your existing systems and third-party tools is crucial. For larger operations, Open API access allows for customized solutions that enhance functionality.

    • Automate routine tasks

      Automation of guest communication, booking processes, and payment management saves time and reduces operational strain.

  • 5. Advanced features
    • Streamlined operations

      Look for platforms that offer comprehensive management solutions. Guesty provides an all-in-one platform, eliminating the need for additional tools.

    • SEO and marketing

      Features that improve visibility on platforms like Google Vacation Rentals and drive direct bookings are essential for business growth.

    • Customer Support

      Reliable 24/7 support via multiple communication channels ensures quick resolution of any issues that arise.

  • 6. Consider additional factors
    • Scalability

      Choose a platform that can grow alongside your business, with options for advanced features and enterprise-level solutions.

    • Pricing

      Weigh the costs against the value of the features provided to find the best fit for your needs.

    • Onboarding Support

      A smooth onboarding process with clear training materials ensures your team can adopt the software effectively.

Real users, real reviews

What users say about Guesty

The Big Question: Which rental property software will you choose?

The tools you rely on can shape the trajectory of your short-term rental business. While Hostfully offers a good beginner foundation, property managers seeking to scale, maximize revenue, and simplify operations will find Guesty to be the standout choice. Will you settle for a platform with basic capabilities, or choose one designed for growth, innovation, and exceptional support? With Guesty, you can future-proof your business and achieve long-term success.

For the most innovative features, software health, and customer support, get Guesty