Host Tools is a channel manager that will automate repetitive tasks like messaging guests, texting cleaners about new cleanings, setting smart lock door codes, syncing prices and availability across channels, and more.

To create your first listing, you can import all data from a channel like Airbnb or create it manually by uploading photos, descriptions, and more.

For the most seamless experience, it is recommended that you create a listing on Airbnb and import it to Host Tools.

Select the listing(s) you want to import and hit "Import." Once you have a listing in Host Tools, press the "+" button next to it to connect it to the other channels that the listing is on (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Houfy). This way, we can keep your calendars in sync and bring all messages from every channel into your unified inbox.

Hit "Done" when all your listings and channels are imported, and you will be taken to your multi-calendar page!

The first step in setting up Host Tools is to select your "price source." This article will explain the different price source options in detail.

You can either use Host Tools rule-based pricing tool to set your prices and customize them, or you can connect PriceLabs (if you are a PriceLabs subscriber) for dynamic pricing.

All listings are imported as "disabled" by default. When the checkbox next to "enable listing" is unchecked, the listing is disabled. When a listing is disabled, you can modify its settings, create pricing and messaging rules, block dates, and do everything else you would like to do to set it up. However, Host Tools will not automate or send any data to the channels, and you will not be charged for this listing. This is the perfect way to configure a new listing and to make sure you have everything set up the way you want before making it live.

If you want all the changes you make to be pushed to the channels immediately, you can enable your listing.

This article will explain the difference between enabled, disabled, and hidden, in detail.

The first step in automating your short-term rentals is putting your guest communication on autopilot. Host Tools will send automated messages for you based on unpredictable events, such as a new booking, or scheduled events, such as one day after a guest has checked in.

Our most common message rules are already created on your listing as "disabled" message rules. You can use the buttons on the top right of the message to edit the message so it has the information for your listing, enable the message rule so it will start sending, or delete the rule if you don't want to see it.

Don't worry about deleting a rule. When you create a new message rule, all of our templates show up on the right!

Host Tools has a very powerful and flexible pricing tool. It is rule-based, meaning you build your pricing strategy by creating a list of rules. Each rule is applied in order from the top down. That means that one rule can override another rule if it’s farther down on the list. Pricing rules can change your price, minimum night requirement, or availability.

Step 1

In the listing settings, set your source or base price. You can use a static value, copy prices from a linked listing, or use prices from your PriceLabs account.

Step 2

Set your minimum price in listing settings. This is the lowest Host Tools will ever set your price.

Step 3

Create pricing rules or set prices directly on the calendar.

Pricing rules can do three different things: change your prices, set your minimum night requirement, and set your availability.

You can also change prices directly on your calendar.

Step 4

Check to make sure prices are correct

There are a few different ways you can check your prices on Host Tools to make sure they are correct. You can view your pricing calendar, the price graph, or from the pricing page select a date and it will show you how that price was calculated. There are more detailed instructions here.

Step 5

Enable all listings.

Step 6

Log into VRBO, Airbnb, or other channels to check if your prices and blocked dates have synced.

Host Tools integrates with August locks.

Making a “Listing Group” is useful for creating a turnover calendar or for creating one messaging rule that works for a group of listings. If you have several properties that are in the same building or city, they may share the same cleaner and have many of the same messages.

A turnover calendar is a calendar you can share externally with members of your team such as your cleaners or managers. The calendar can be viewed by anyone with a unique link, it does not require a sign-in. It shows the listing name, address, check-outs, some guest information, and whether or not it is a same-day booking.

With Host Tools' multi-user management feature, you can invite people to create their own user accounts. You can also grant different levels of permission depending on what you want them to be able to see and do.

It is easy to link listings together that you rent out in different combinations.

Host Tools has a mobile app for both Apple and Android to help you manage day-to-day tasks on the go.