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Guesty vs Cloudbeds: 2025 Mega Showdown

Guesty drives vacation rental profits and growth

While both Guesty and Cloudbeds provide sophisticated property management solutions, Guesty's laser focus on short-term and vacation rentals sets it apart. Where Cloudbeds adapts hotel technology for the short-term rental market, Guesty's purpose-built platform delivers specialized tools that address the unique challenges of short-term and vacation rental management.

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The Guesty growth engine

We conducted an extensive analysis of 724 US property managers, each managing portfolios of up to 20 properties, who adopted Guesty between 2022 and 2024. By comparing their performance metrics for the year before and after implementing Guesty, alongside industry benchmarks from leading analysts at AirDNA, KeyData and Lighthouse, we uncovered some telling insights:

Occupancy and income increase

Average property growth
Switching to Guesty can also help you grow your portfolio. On average, our users grew their properties by 24.6% .

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.

Connect to hundreds of distribution channels

Guesty vs Cloudbeds

Guesty's industry-specific capabilities such as advanced analytics, robust owner's portal and sophisticated lead management tools to help convert more direct bookings go beyond what Cloudbeds' hotel-centric platform can offer.

The main differences between these solutions

  • Guesty

    Guesty is the superior choice for short-term and vacation rental managers seeking a full-service suite of professional tools and integrations that enable a synchronized all-in-one management and growth engine

  • Cloudbeds

    Cloudbeds integrates with a large number of hotel-centered tools and OTAs as well as advanced features for front-desk operations, multi-unit bookings, upselling and packages suited to hotel managers

Guesty drives increased revenue and occupancy and helps you attract more properties via superior functionality designed specifically for the vacation rental market.

Guesty vs Cloudbeds

See how Guesty and Cloudbeds compare on key features for managing your
short-term rentals.
Channel manager 60 channels 112 channels (many hotel-specific)
Multi-calendar
Unified inbox
Real-time sync
Ability to send a quote
Owners portal
Advanced analytics
Lead management /CRM
24/7 guest communication services
Funding solution
Automated messages
AI-powered messaging
Pre-stay tools
Guest app/portal
Open API
Reviews management
Direct website builder
Rental agreement
Housekeeping and maintenance
Payment processing
Reporting
Accounting tools Via integrations
Damage protection Via integrations
Locks management Via integrations
Revenue management Limited functionality
Native price optimizer Hotel-focused
Mobile app Basic
Marketplace Over 200 partners 160 partners
Support 24/7 ticketing support plus live chat and phone Only third-party solutions

Guesty is the superior choice for short-term and vacation rental managers in need of a full-service suite of professional tools and integrations that enables a synchronized, all-in-one management and growth engine.

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+ Partners
24/7 live chat, email, phone

“Guesty offers all the features you need to focus on growth. While other PMS solutions may excel in one area, Guesty excels in all the key features. It’s a complete solution.”

Lemon Stays, Canada

Reviewed by independent sources

Guesty is the best choice for property managers seeking a feature-rich, scalable platform.

It goes beyond basic automation to efficiently manage all aspects of their short-term rental business today and in the future.

Core features differences between Guesty and Cloudbeds

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

Guesty’s embedded CRM drives bookings

Guesty’s native CRM (as well as partner integrations such as Mailchimp), enable you to collect all guest and lead data into one place to personalize your guest experience, enhance tracking of booking inquiries, and streamline your sales pipeline to increase bookings and win repeat guests. 

Cloudbeds does not have lead management and opportunities pipeline tools.

Native advanced accounting tools

Guesty offers embedded cloud-based accounting and reporting tools to automate and streamline your financials including trust accounting, automated owner statements and North Carolina compliance, centralizing financials and strengthening owner relations.

Cloudbeds only offers accounting via third-party integrations.

Full transparency with Guesty’s Owner Portal

Guesty’s customizable Owners Portal provides full transparency by allowing owners to view their properties’ occupancy and earning data anytime.

Cloudbeds does not offer an owners portal.

Mobile management app for operations on the go

Guesty native app, Guesty Mobile, allows you to run operations including bookings and reservation management, communications, and calendar and task management, all in real-time anywhere, anytime.

Cloudbeds’ Whistle for Cloudbeds has a mobile app which can be used only for guest communication on the go.

Industry-leading add-ons to enhance functionality

Guesty offers a wide variety of industry-specific add-ons to enhance operations and enable growth through smooth, embedded solutions. These include smart locks management, Guesty Capital for STR business growth funding, 24/7 guest communication services and damage protection and security tools.

Cloudbeds doesn’t offer any of these add-ons but does offer locks and damage protection through third-party integrations.

PMS essentials

How Guesty and Cloudbeds differ

Choosing the right property management system extends far beyond comparing feature lists. The key is understanding each platform's vision, trajectory, and core market focus—indicators that reveal where these companies are heading. Since migrating systems later can be complex and costly, it's crucial to select a solution that not only meets your current needs but will scale seamlessly with your business growth. Before making your decision, consider how each platform's roadmap and target audience align with your long-term business strategy.

  • Company outlook

    As the short-term rental industry continues to evolve and consolidate, choosing a platform with staying power becomes crucial. Following a number of successful acquisitions, Guesty stands as the largest PMS on the market.  With an extensive R&D team of 250 professionals and continuous daily platform enhancements, Guesty isn’t just adapting to the future of the short-term rental industry—it’s shaping it. This compares to Cloudbed’s 80+ R&D team (despite a similar number of total employees) and currently zero acquisitions.

  • Scalability

    Guesty supports everyone from individual hosts to enterprise-level portfolios through features like multi-calendar views for hundreds of properties, highly customizable financial reports, and complicated automated task assignments. Its open API allows you to build custom solutions, integrate third-party tools, and create unique operational workflows.

    In contrast, Cloudbeds is designed with features centered around single-location properties and hotel chains. While it offers solid functionality for traditional accommodations, it is less adaptable to the operational needs of large-scale vacation rental portfolios, particularly when it comes to managing properties across multiple locations and market segments.

  • Purpose-built

    Guesty’s specialization for the short-term rental industry is evident in features like its STR specific channel integrations (such as Google VR, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Hometogo and Whimstay), smart lock integration and the mobile app allowing you to manage your property from anyplace, anytime. 

    Cloudbeds was originally designed for traditional hospitality businesses like hotels, hostels, and bed & breakfasts, later expanding to include vacation rentals. This hotel-first legacy is reflected in its feature set, which excels in traditional hospitality management but may not fully address the unique challenges of short-term rental operations.

  • Guest conversion

    Guesty’s website builder includes VR specific features like customized templates and property-specific amenities. Its CRM system tracks guest preferences and booking history, enabling targeted marketing campaigns and personalized offers. Guesty’s built-in payment processing system, automatically reconciles payments across multiple booking channels. 

    Cloudbeds’ booking engine, is primarily designed for hotel-style reservations with traditional room types and fixed rates. Its website templates and booking flow reflect this hotel-centric approach. While Cloudbeds offers basic CRM capabilities, they are more focused on room inventory management than the lead management and relationship-building tools.

Comprehensive guide

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

  • 1. Identify your business needs

    • Determine your requirements

      Which online travel platforms are critical for your rentals? Beyond the major OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com, assess if you need expanded distribution options. Consider the importance of tools such as a direct booking website builder, payment processor integration, and dynamic pricing for your operation.

    • Business type and scale considerations

      Review your current business type and size as well as expansion plans. Software solutions vary in their target market – for instance, Guesty provides solutions for short-term rental businesses of any size, while Cloudbeds typically caters to hotel operators.

  • 2. Must-have platform capabilities

    • Channel Manager

      Verify the system can integrate with all your desired booking channels – from industry giants like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Marriott to specialized, niche platforms such as TravelStaytion, ensuring maximum market visibility.

    • Communication tools

      Strong guest satisfaction relies on quick, effective responses. Your platform should offer a unified inbox and guest communication tools across multiple channels including SMS, WhatsApp, and email.

    • Operations and task management

       The system should streamline and automate your daily workflow, handling everything from guest arrivals to cleaning schedules and property maintenance.

    • Direct booking tools

      Evaluate the platform’s ability to create professional websites with built-in booking capabilities and SEO features for commission-free bookings. Look for marketing and CRM functionality to build direct guest relationships.

    • Smart dynamic pricing solutions

      AI-driven intelligent pricing systems that can automatically adjust rates based on real-time market data are becoming an industry standard.

    • Payment processing

      Look for a system offering both integrated payment solutions designed for hospitality and compatibility with established payment processors like Stripe for seamless transactions.

  • 3. User interface and customization

    • User-friendly navigation

      Seek a clear, intuitive interface that minimizes onboarding time. For example, Guesty provides dedicated onboarding teams to ensure smooth user adoption.

    • Mobile access

      Confirm comprehensive mobile support across iOS, Android, and Windows devices for on-the-go management.

    • Customizable features

      Look for platforms offering customization options especially when it comes to direct booking websites to maintain your unique brand identity.

  • 4. Smart technology integration

    • Workflow automations

      Ensure the platform can handle routine tasks automatically, from guest communications to reservation management.

    • API connectivity

      For larger operations, ensure the platform offers API capabilities to integrate with your existing or custom-built tools.

  • 5. Advanced capabilities

    • Complete solution

      Look for a comprehensive platform like Guesty that consolidates all necessary tools in one system, reducing the need for multiple software subscriptions.

    • Online visibility

      Choose a platform offering strong SEO capabilities and tools for managing guest relationships and marketing campaigns.

    • Technical support

      Ensure access to responsive, multi-channel customer support services that operate around the clock.

  • 6. Strategic factors

    • Future proofing

      Select a platform that can adapt as your business expands, from small-scale to enterprise-level operations.

    • Price

      Assess costs by comparing features and scalability options

    • Onboarding process

      Seek a platform offering comprehensive setup support and training.

Real users, real reviews

What users say about Guesty

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

58% of short-term rental managers cite their primary challenge as oversaturation. In today’s increasingly crowded short-term rental market, your choice of property management software can be the decisive factor in your business's success. The right platform doesn't just help you keep pace—it positions you ahead of market shifts and emerging trends. As competition intensifies, the question becomes: will your technology partner drive your business forward, or leave you struggling to catch up?

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

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The information provided herein is internal and for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, the competitive landscape is subject to change and may not always reflect the most current data or market conditions. Users are encouraged to verify all data independently before making any decisions based on the content presented herein.