Why We Moved to Hostaway—and Haven’t Looked Back

As fellow property managers, we know how crucial the right software is for running a smooth short-term rental operation. At StayGainesville, we’ve learned this lesson the hard way. For years, we managed our portfolio with systems that, while popular, left us constantly juggling workarounds. The interface was clunky, reporting was limited, adjustments required extra tools, and support was slow or non-existent when we needed it most.

Instead of making our lives easier, the software seemed to create more work. Our property owners couldn’t see real-time booking data, owner reports were not accurate so we had put together the reports ourselves, and we held our breath every time something went wrong, knowing there was no one to call for immediate help.

Eventually, it became clear: our system was holding us back. That realization sparked a search for something better — a solution that could streamline our operations, empower our team, and give our owners the transparency they deserved. That’s when we discovered Hostaway.

The switch to Hostaway came after months of research and candid conversations with other managers. We were drawn to its reputation for being an all-in-one platform built for professional operators and growing portfolios. It promised advanced tools, integrated features, and a customer-first approach — without the endless “add-on” fees.

From the moment we started onboarding, the difference was night and day. The very features we’d been missing were now part of our everyday workflow. No more duct-taping together third-party apps. No more complicated reporting processes. Everything we needed to run and grow our business was in one place.

Here are the three features that made the biggest difference for us.

One of the most frustrating parts of our old system was the lack of a clean, accurate owner interface. Hostaway solved that instantly with its Owner Portal, giving each property owner real-time access to their property’s rental performance.

Now, our clients can log in anytime to see bookings, revenue, and occupancy — even reserve their own stays. Now the data they access is always accurate and up-to-date. The result? Fewer “How’s my property doing?” calls, more trust, and happier owners who feel connected to their investment.

Before Hostaway, pricing meant relying on outside tools or endless manual tweaks. Now, it’s built right in. Hostaway’s dynamic pricing engine analyzes demand, seasonality, and local events to suggest optimal rates — every single day.

The impact was immediate. t’s like having a revenue manager working 24/7, quietly in the background, helping us hit the sweet spot for every booking.

For property managers, problems don’t wait for business hours — and neither should support. Hostaway is the first vacation rental software we’ve used that offers true phone support, plus live chat and email.

This means if something goes wrong, we can talk to a real, knowledgeable person right away. Their team understands the vacation rental business, and they’ve consistently helped us resolve issues quickly and professionally. This one change alone has brought a huge sense of relief — and a lot more sleep.

Since making the switch, our operations have been more efficient, our owners more informed, and our revenue stronger. We’ve freed up time to focus on growing our portfolio, refining guest experiences, and pursuing new opportunities.

The combination of transparent reporting, smart automation, and reliable support has changed the way we run our business — and the way our owners see us. We’re no longer reacting to problems; we’re proactively managing and growing with confidence.

We know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to feel stuck with a system that isn’t meeting your needs. If you’re in that position, we can confidently say that Hostaway has been one of the best business decisions we’ve made. It’s a platform designed with professional property managers in mind, and it delivers on its promises.

We believe in it so much that we want to share the system with other hosts and managers — simply because we know it works. If you decide to try Hostaway, you can book a free consultation with them, so you can see the difference for yourself. It’s a simple step that could completely change how you run your business, just as it did for us.