Best Channel Manager

[Damon129]

Hi,

I am having issues with my existing Channel Manager not being fully compatible with Airbnb. Could anybody please recommend a Channel Manager that allows me to run Promotions and Discounts on a range of OTAs including Airbnb?

Thanks Damon

[Patricia2526 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Damon129 

If your main goal is scaling up fast, or running aggressive promotions + dynamic pricing + demand-based strategies, you might eventually benefit more from a more feature-rich PMS + channel manager combination (like Hostaway, Guesty, or Cloudbeds) — but Smoobu is a very solid choice, especially if cost / simplicity is important.

I haven’t personally tried using a Channel Manager, but my sister does, and she’s been really happy with Smoobu. Not all OTAs may be fully API-connected. Some integrations might be via iCal, depending on the channel and Smoobu’s setup. (This could slightly delay updates or have limitations.) 

So I suggest doing thorough research before choosing the channel manager that best fits your needs.

[Damon129]

Thank you Patricia,

I am only operating 4 listings at the moment, a platform such as Smoobu sounds like it would be work.

I will definitely be researching the most suitable before making any switch

Kind Regards

Damon

[Quincy]

Hi @Damon129,

Which channel manager are you currently using?

I'm inviting a few hosts who have previously engaged in discussions about channel managers and might be able to share their experiences:

@Vesna96 @Joan2709 @Casey366 @Bob297 @Bob297 @Loretta126 @Kristina607 @Cristobal29 @Karen114 @Nedeljko2 @Vesna96 @Louise146 @Gavin274 

Once you've decided upon a channel manager, you might find this Help Center article to be useful: What are my choices to sync listings through software?

Hope this helps!

[Damon129]

Hi @Quincy,

Thank you for your response.

I am currently using the Channel Manager, Evivvo.

When I raised the Syncing issue with Airbnb Support they hadnt heard of Evivvo. They did mention there were several other Channel Managers that appeared more popular and more user friendly without providing any names.

I will check out the link provided

Thanks Damon

[Karen114]

@Damon129 I have been using OwnerRez since 2020 and am very happy with it.  I have 8 listings and I like the ability it has to automate most of my business.  It is a bit of a beast to set up in the beginning however once it is set up it's smooth sailing.  

OwnerRez also just added an AI component which I am really enjoying.  I can set it up to answer guest questions automatically, like in the middle of the night or when I am not available to answer.  Once again it takes some work to set up so AI is answering the most accurately that it can.  

Happy to answer any questions you may have about OwnerRez.

[Damon129]

Hi Karen,

Thank you for sharing, I will have a look into this one now. Yes, the Channel Manager I am currently using was also particularly painful to set up as well.

Kind Regards

Damon

[Damon129]

Hi @Karen114 ,

I have just had a quick initial look and it seems very good. The main issue I had with my existing Channel Manager was being unable to set weekly or monthly promotions on Airbnb, it would let me on other OTAs. Is this something you have tried?

Thanks Damon

[Karen114]

@Damon129  Hi Damon, I am not sure as I have never done custom promotions.  I do have discounts set up in OR for length of stay but have never used the promo.  There is a Fb groupl "unofficial ownerrez support" which is pretty active and you may get some answers there.  If you ask a question in the group, you should get some immediate answers.  Best of luck and I hope you try it.  It was life changing for me.  

The also have an AI feature that is in Beta mode.  I have been using it and love it.  Once again a game changer.  The AI answers guests after hours and when I am unavailable.  Once again it takes some work to set up initially but it's worth it. 

[Wendy-May0]

That is a very common frustration, Damon. Syncing promotions and specific discount structures across multiple OTAs, especially with Airbnb, is often the weak point of many channel managers.

The problem usually isn't basic availability, but how the CM handles Derived Pricing and custom Rate Plans. Airbnb's API can be complex when trying to push specific rules like "10% off for 7+ nights" versus a simple seasonal price drop.

For robust promo and discount syncing across Airbnb and other major OTAs, the most reliable mid-market and enterprise CMs are generally:

1. SiteMinder: Very strong connectivity across every platform, excellent for complex rate structures and packages.

2. Cloudbeds: Known for its deep integration capabilities and handling multi-OTA campaigns.

3. Guesty: Very popular for STR operators, excellent at managing direct booking tools and linking multiple platforms seamlessly.

My top suggestion when testing any new CM is to specifically ask them to demonstrate syncing two distinct offers: a percentage discount for a 'Last Minute' booking and a fixed price change for a 'Seasonal Sale'. This is the quickest way to see if their connection handles rate rules or just daily rate figures.

Feel free to ask me any questions about migrating from one Channel Manager to another, or setting up a robust rate strategy. Have you looked at whether the compatibility issue is with the CM's API or Airbnb's integration version?

[Bhumika]

Hi @Damon129 , just wanted to check in , have you managed to find your top pick for a channel manager?