Cohost vs Full-Service Management: What’s Best for San Diego Owners?

San Diego hosts often reach a point where managing an Airbnb alone becomes too time-consuming. When that moment hits, most explore two options: cohosting or full-service management. Both can work well, but the right fit depends on your property type, your availability, and your revenue goals.

This guide breaks down the real differences so you can decide confidently.

What Is Cohosting?

Cohosting is a shared-hosting model. You stay involved in some parts of the process while a cohost handles the most time-consuming tasks, like guest messaging or turnover scheduling.

Cohosts typically handle:

• Guest communication

• Check-in support

• Cleaning coordination

• Review management

• Calendar updates

• Listing optimization

• Guest issue resolution

Cohosting works best for owners who want to stay partly involved.

What Is Full-Service Management?

Full-service Airbnb management takes everything off your plate. You hand over operations entirely, and the manager runs your Airbnb like a hospitality business.

Full-service managers handle:

• Pricing + dynamic revenue optimization

• 24/7 communication

• Cleaning + turnover teams

• Amenities restocking

• Damage claims

• Maintenance coordination

• STRO compliance

• Tax guidance (TOT/TBID)

• Reviews

• Listing SEO

• Guest support

This is ideal for owners who want a passive, high-performing asset.

Cost Differences

• Cohosting: 10–20% of revenue

• Full-Service: 20–30% of revenue

While full-service is more expensive, it also tends to increase revenue more, which often offsets the higher fee.

Which Model Earns More?

In San Diego, full-service management typically yields the highest ROI because:

• Pricing is optimized daily

• Guest response times improve ranking

• Cleanings are more consistent

• Design upgrades are recommended strategically

• Revenue leakages (discounts, maintenance delays, calendar gaps) are eliminated

West Coast Homestays often increases income by 20–40% when switching homes from cohosting or DIY hosting.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cohosting If:

• You want to stay involved

• Your property is smaller or low-maintenance

• You already have reliable cleaning staff

• You live locally

Choose Full-Service If:

• You want to maximize passive income

• You have a busy schedule

• You prefer not dealing with guests

• You’re aiming for highest revenue and review consistency

• You’re unsure how to manage STRO rules

  
  

Final Takeaway

Both cohosting and full-service management can work — the real question is how hands-on you want to be. If you want higher revenue, fewer headaches, and complete support with San Diego’s regulations, full-service management from West Coast Homestays is the strongest choice.