San Diego Rental Management: The Best Short Term Rental Software to Boost Revenue

Managing a short-term rental in a high-demand market like San Diego requires more than just a listing on Airbnb. Juggling bookings, guest communication, cleaning schedules, and dynamic pricing across multiple platforms can quickly become a full-time job. This is where dedicated short-term rental management software becomes essential, automating tedious tasks and unlocking your property's true revenue potential. Without the right tools, you risk double bookings, missed messages, and leaving money on the table with static pricing.

TL;DR: Our Top Picks for STR Software

• Best for Hands-Off Owners: Partnering with a full-service manager like [West Coast HomeStays](https://www.westcoasthomestays.com), who uses this tech to boost revenue 20-30%.

• Best for Scaling Portfolios: Guesty offers a robust, all-in-one platform for professional managers.

• Best for Direct Bookings: Lodgify empowers owners to build a brand and drive commission-free bookings.

• Best for Automation: Hospitable excels at automating guest messaging and day-to-day tasks.

• Best for Data-Driven Pricing: Wheelhouse uses sophisticated algorithms to maximize nightly rates.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the complex world of STR software. We will provide an in-depth, practical comparison of the top platforms available today, moving beyond generic feature lists to give you real-world insights. You'll find a detailed analysis of each tool, including its core strengths, ideal user profile, pricing structures, and potential limitations.

Our goal is to equip you with the information needed to select the best short term rental management software for your specific needs, whether you manage a single coastal condo or a growing portfolio. For many San Diego owners, the ultimate hands-off solution involves partnering with a specialized management company that has already mastered these platforms. A firm like [West Coast HomeStays](https://www.westcoasthomestays.com) leverages this technology to deliver a 20-30% revenue lift, blending sophisticated software with five-star hospitality and a hybrid STR + MTR strategy to maximize returns. This resource will help you understand the tools of the trade so you can make the smartest decision for your investment.

🌟 Spotlight on West Coast HomeStays✔ 20–30% revenue boost✔ Hybrid STR + MTR strategy✔ Five-star guest experiences👉 Book a strategy call

What is the Best Short Term Rental Management Software for Increasing Airbnb Income?

1. West Coast HomeStays – The Expert-Led, Hands-Off Solution

While software provides the tools, true hands-off, high-revenue management comes from expert implementation. For San Diego property owners, [West Coast HomeStays](https://www.westcoasthomestays.com) represents the premier full-service solution, combining the best technology with unmatched local expertise. They function as your strategic partner, using these powerful platforms to boost owner revenue by 20–30% on average.

Their data-driven approach includes dynamic pricing, professional design upgrades, and five-star guest care that consistently earns top reviews. By blending a short-term and mid-term rental (STR + MTR) strategy, West Coast HomeStays keeps calendars full year-round, turning your property into a high-performing, passive income asset. Owners stay completely hands-off while travelers enjoy stylish, amenity-packed homes near San Diego’s top beaches and attractions.

2. Guesty

Guesty stands out as a premier all-in-one platform for professional hosts and property management companies managing expanding portfolios. It is one of the best short term rental management software options for those focused on scalability, providing robust tools to centralize operations across multiple channels. This platform is less for the single-property owner and more for the serious operator aiming to streamline a complex business, making it a powerhouse for automation and growth in competitive markets like San Diego.

What makes Guesty unique is its sheer depth of features combined with a 24/7 guest communication service, which can function as an extension of your team. This allows you to offload a significant portion of guest interaction, freeing up time to focus on strategy and expansion. Its unified inbox, multi-calendar, and advanced reporting tools provide a 360-degree view of your business performance. For new hosts looking to understand the fundamentals before scaling up to a tool like this, reviewing some foundational advice can be highly beneficial. Explore these 8 essential Airbnb host tips for beginners to build a strong base.

Key Features & Pricing

• Unified Dashboard: Manage all listings from Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and direct booking sites in one place.

• Automation Tools: Automate messaging, reviews, task assignments, and pricing adjustments.

• 24/7 Guest Communication: Offers outsourced communication services to handle guest inquiries around the clock.

• Pricing: Guesty operates on a quote-based model, typically a percentage of booking revenue (around 2-5%). This premium pricing reflects its comprehensive feature set and is best suited for businesses with significant revenue.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Highly scalable for growing portfolios from 4 to 400+ properties.

• Pro: Extensive third-party integrations (e.g., pricing tools, smart locks).

• Con: Premium pricing can be a significant barrier for hosts with fewer than four properties.

• Con: The platform's extensive functionality comes with a steeper learning curve.

3. Hostaway

Hostaway positions itself as an all-in-one solution for property managers aiming to automate and expand their short-term rental businesses. It’s recognized as one of the best short term rental management software choices for its powerful channel management and extensive customization options. This makes it ideal for operators in diverse markets like San Diego who need to synchronize listings across numerous platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com without risking double bookings.

What makes Hostaway unique is its open API and deep integration marketplace, allowing hosts to build a truly bespoke tech stack. While other platforms offer a fixed set of tools, Hostaway empowers you to connect your favorite third-party apps for dynamic pricing, smart home devices, and accounting. Its centralized calendar, direct booking engine, and task management tools provide a comprehensive framework to streamline operations, from guest communication to coordinating cleaning schedules. This level of customization is perfect for scaling a sophisticated rental business.

Key Features & Pricing

• Advanced Channel Manager: Provides robust, real-time synchronization across all major online travel agencies (OTAs) and your direct booking site.

• Automation Tools: Automate everything from guest messaging and reviews to payment processing and task assignments for your team.

• Direct Booking Website Builder: Create a professional, commission-free booking website to increase direct revenue and build your brand.

• Pricing: Hostaway uses a custom pricing model based on the number of properties you manage. You must contact their sales team for a personalized quote, which allows for a tailored plan but lacks upfront transparency.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Extremely customizable with a vast marketplace of third-party app integrations.

• Pro: Highly scalable, making it suitable for property managers looking to grow their portfolios.

• Con: The quote-based pricing model isn't transparent, requiring a direct consultation to understand costs.

• Con: Its extensive features and customization options can result in a complex initial setup process for new users.

4. Lodgify

Lodgify empowers property owners who prioritize building their brand and driving commission-free revenue through direct bookings. It stands out by making professional website creation accessible, offering an intuitive, template-based builder with an integrated booking engine. This focus makes it one of the best short term rental management software choices for hosts in San Diego looking to reduce their dependency on major OTAs and cultivate a loyal guest base.

What makes Lodgify unique is its balance of a powerful direct booking platform with essential channel management capabilities. While it ensures your property is visible across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, its primary strength lies in giving you the tools to own your marketing and guest relationships. For owners considering this path versus full-service management, understanding the differences is key. You can explore a guide on how to choose a property management company in San Diego to weigh your options effectively.

Key Features & Pricing

• Website Builder: Create a customizable, mobile-friendly direct booking website with no coding required.

• Channel Manager: Synchronize calendars, rates, and bookings across major channels to prevent double bookings.

• Reservation System: A centralized inbox and calendar to manage all reservations from a single dashboard.

• Pricing: Lodgify offers transparent, subscription-based pricing. Plans start at $12/month (billed annually) for a basic website with a 1.9% booking fee. Higher-tier plans remove the booking fee and add more advanced features, starting around $36/month.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Excellent for establishing a brand and generating direct, commission-free bookings.

• Pro: User-friendly interface and transparent pricing plans make it accessible for non-technical users.

• Con: Lacks some of the deep automation and operational tools found in more enterprise-focused platforms.

• Con: While functional, the website builder may have occasional glitches and fewer customization options than a dedicated web design platform.

5. Hospitable (formerly Smartbnb)

Hospitable, formerly known as Smartbnb, excels in automating the most time-consuming aspects of hosting, particularly guest communication. It is an ideal choice for hosts managing a handful of properties who want to reclaim their time without sacrificing a high-touch guest experience. This platform is one of the best short term rental management software options for its laser focus on operational efficiency, making it a favorite among San Diego hosts who prioritize automation over complex, enterprise-level analytics.

What makes Hospitable unique is its powerful yet user-friendly automation engine that feels incredibly intuitive right from the start. It allows you to create detailed, personalized message flows triggered by events like new bookings, check-in, or checkout. Beyond just messaging, it automates reviews and coordinates cleaning tasks, effectively putting your day-to-day operations on autopilot. For hosts who value a simple, effective solution for communication and task management, Hospitable delivers significant value.

Key Features & Pricing

• Automated Messaging: Advanced, customizable message automation for guest communication across Airbnb, Vrbo, and direct booking sites.

• Unified Inbox: Consolidates all guest conversations from multiple channels into a single, easy-to-manage inbox.

• Task Management: Automatically schedules and assigns tasks for cleaning and maintenance teams.

• Pricing: Starts at $25 per month for up to two properties, with a flexible pricing model that scales as you add more listings. A 14-day free trial is available to test the features.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Significantly reduces time spent on repetitive guest communication and reviews.

• Pro: Extremely user-friendly interface with a quick and simple setup process.

• Con: Lacks the in-depth reporting and analytics features found in more comprehensive platforms.

• Con: Does not offer a free-forever plan, only a limited-time free trial.

6. OwnerRez

OwnerRez is often called the "powerhouse" for experienced, tech-savvy property managers and owners who demand deep control over every aspect of their business. It distinguishes itself as one of the best short term rental management software options for its comprehensive feature set, particularly excelling in areas like trust accounting and legal agreement customization. This platform is ideal for operators in regulated markets like San Diego who need to manage complex owner payouts, host agreements, and direct bookings with precision.

What makes OwnerRez unique is its commitment to providing granular control, allowing you to build and automate your workflows exactly to your specifications. Unlike more simplified platforms, it offers robust direct API integrations and sophisticated tools for financial management and compliance. This focus on depth makes it a favorite among professional managers who want to own their data and brand identity without compromise. For those looking to understand how such a tool fits into a broader management strategy, you can explore more in The Ultimate Guide to Short-Term Rental Management in San Diego.

Key Features & Pricing

• Trust Accounting & QuickBooks Integration: Provides comprehensive financial tools, including owner statements, commission tracking, and seamless QuickBooks sync.

• Customizable Legal Agreements: Generate and send rental agreements with e-signature capabilities tailored to your specific legal requirements.

• Direct API Integrations: Offers deep, reliable connections with major channels like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.

• Pricing: OwnerRez uses a tiered, per-property model starting at $40/month for one property, with costs decreasing per unit as you add more. There are no commissions or booking fees, making it predictably affordable.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Extremely customizable to accommodate unique business processes and branding.

• Pro: Comprehensive feature set covers nearly every aspect of rental management in one system.

• Con: The extensive options and settings result in a steeper learning curve than simpler platforms.

• Con: Customer support is primarily handled through email and support tickets, with no live chat option available.

7. Hostfully

Hostfully carves out its niche by focusing intensely on enhancing the guest experience through its renowned digital guidebooks, while still providing a powerful property management platform. It's an excellent choice for hosts and managers who believe that a premium, well-informed guest stay leads to better reviews and repeat bookings. This platform effectively bridges the gap between operational efficiency and high-touch hospitality, making it a strong contender for the best short term rental management software for brand-conscious operators in markets like San Diego.

What makes Hostfully stand out is its dual-product approach: a robust Property Management Platform (PMP) and a separate, but integrated, Guidebooks platform. This allows property managers to not only streamline back-end tasks like calendars and messaging but also to create beautiful, custom-branded digital guides. These guides can include everything from check-in instructions and Wi-Fi codes to local recommendations, which significantly reduces repetitive questions and elevates the guest’s visit. It is a powerful tool for building a professional brand image that guests remember.

Key Features & Pricing

• Centralized Operations: Manage listings, calendars, and guest communication across major channels from one inbox and multi-calendar view.

• Digital Guidebooks: Create and share beautifully designed online guidebooks with guests to provide property info and local tips (this is a separate subscription).

• Automation Suite: Automate guest messages, reviews, and task scheduling for cleaners or maintenance staff.

• Pricing: The Property Management Platform starts at $109/month for up to 20 properties. Digital Guidebooks are priced separately, starting at $19.99/month for the premium version.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: The digital guidebook feature is a market leader for enhancing the guest experience.

• Pro: Strong integration ecosystem with pricing tools, smart locks, and accounting software.

• Con: The core features are split between two products, and the guidebooks incur an additional cost.

• Con: The starting price can be higher than competitors, particularly for hosts with just one or two properties.

8. iGMS

iGMS carves out its niche by focusing on powerful automation tools designed for hosts managing small to mid-sized portfolios. It excels at simplifying daily operations and reducing manual effort, making it one of the best short term rental management software options for hosts who want to grow without being overwhelmed. The platform's strength lies in its user-friendly interface and core automation features that handle repetitive tasks, allowing owners in bustling areas like San Diego to focus more on guest experience and less on administrative busywork.

What makes iGMS a popular choice is its accessibility and direct approach to solving common host pain points. The unified inbox streamlines all guest conversations, while automated messaging and review templates ensure timely and consistent communication. It also provides practical team management features to coordinate cleanings and maintenance seamlessly. For hosts considering whether to self-manage with a tool like iGMS or hire a full-service team, understanding the local market is key; you can explore some of the top San Diego Airbnb management companies to compare the benefits of a hands-on versus hands-off approach.

Key Features & Pricing

• Automated Messaging & Reviews: Create templates and triggers to automate guest communication from booking to checkout and post-stay reviews.

• Unified Inbox: Manage all guest messages from Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com in a single, streamlined inbox.

• Team Management: Assign tasks and track cleaning and maintenance jobs with notifications for your team members.

• Pricing: iGMS offers a free plan for up to four properties with limited features. Paid plans are tiered, with a "Pro" plan starting around $20 per property per month, making it an affordable solution for growing hosts.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Very user-friendly interface that is easy to set up and navigate.

• Pro: Effective automation that significantly reduces the manual workload of guest management.

• Con: Lacks some of the advanced financial reporting and owner portal features found in more enterprise-level platforms.

• Con: Some users have noted occasional delays in calendar and message synchronization between platforms.

9. Smoobu

Smoobu presents itself as a streamlined, all-in-one solution perfect for hosts who are just starting out or managing a small portfolio of properties. It excels by providing essential tools without the complexity or high cost of more enterprise-level platforms, making it an excellent choice for a San Diego owner managing one to five units. The focus is on ease of use, effective channel management, and empowering direct bookings, which can significantly boost profitability.

What makes Smoobu stand out is its accessibility. It packages a channel manager, a direct booking website builder, and a unified inbox into a single, affordable subscription. This makes it one of the best short term rental management software options for those prioritizing simplicity and budget. While it may not have the deep automation of its larger competitors, its core functionality is robust, providing hosts with the necessary tools to prevent double bookings and build their own brand presence away from the major OTAs.

Key Features & Pricing

• Channel Manager: Offers real-time synchronization of calendars and rates across major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, effectively eliminating double bookings.

• Booking Engine & Website Builder: Create a professional, commission-free direct booking website with an integrated payment processing system.

• Automated Guest Communication: Set up automated messages for key touchpoints like booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and review requests.

• Pricing: Smoobu offers a very competitive pricing model, often a flat monthly fee based on the number of properties, with a free trial available. Paid plans are budget-friendly, making it accessible for new hosts.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Highly affordable pricing structure with a great set of essential features.

• Pro: The user-friendly interface is ideal for beginners and not overwhelming.

• Con: Lacks some of the advanced automation and reporting features found in more expensive software.

• Con: Some users have noted occasional technical glitches or a need for more robust customer support.

10. Tokeet

Tokeet offers a suite of flexible and affordable tools that make it one of the best short term rental management software options for hosts with smaller portfolios. It strikes a balance between essential features and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent starting point for property owners in San Diego who need core automation without the enterprise-level price tag. The platform is designed for those managing a handful of properties and seeking to streamline operations without getting overwhelmed by overly complex systems.

What makes Tokeet stand out is its modular approach, allowing users to select the tools they need. This includes a capable channel manager, a simple website builder, and tools for digital signatures and invoicing. While it may not have the advanced analytics or 24/7 guest communication services of premium platforms, it provides the fundamental building blocks for efficient management, such as a unified calendar and basic team management features. It’s a practical, no-frills solution for getting organized and improving efficiency on a budget.

Key Features & Pricing

• Channel Manager & Website Builder: Sync calendars across major OTAs and create a basic direct booking site.

• Digital Signatures & Invoicing: Streamline rental agreements and financial tracking with built-in templates.

• Reservation & Payment Tracking: A centralized system to monitor bookings and payments from all channels.

• Pricing: Tokeet offers tiered pricing plans starting at a very accessible price point, often billed per rental. This makes it highly affordable for hosts with one to five properties.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Highly affordable pricing structure makes it accessible for new hosts.

• Pro: Surprisingly feature-rich for its lower price point, covering all the basics.

• Con: The user interface can feel dated compared to more modern competitors.

• Con: Lacks some of the advanced automation and reporting features found in enterprise-level software.

11. Uplisting

Uplisting earns its spot by focusing on reliability and core operational efficiency, making it a standout choice for property managers who prioritize a streamlined, no-fuss system. It offers a powerful yet simple-to-use platform that excels at the fundamentals of short-term rental management. For San Diego hosts who need dependable automation without an overwhelming number of features, Uplisting provides a solid foundation to manage listings, guests, and cleaning schedules effectively.

What makes Uplisting one of the best short term rental management software options is its reputation for rock-solid, real-time calendar syncing, which virtually eliminates the risk of double bookings. The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing new users to get up and running quickly. It includes essential tools like a direct booking engine, integrated payment processing, and automated messaging, providing a comprehensive package for hosts who want to grow their direct bookings and reduce reliance on major OTAs.

Key Features & Pricing

• Real-Time Calendar & Booking Sync: Highly reliable synchronization across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and your direct booking site.

• Automated Messaging & Smart Rates: Automate guest communication from booking to checkout and set dynamic pricing rules.

• Direct Booking Website: Create a commission-free direct booking site with integrated payment processing to build your brand.

• Cleaning Team Coordination: Automatically schedule and notify cleaners of new bookings and checkouts.

• Pricing: Uplisting offers tiered pricing starting at $100/month for 1-5 properties, scaling up with your portfolio size.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Known for its exceptional reliability and ease of use, reducing the learning curve.

• Pro: Excellent customer support praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness.

• Pro: Strong automation features effectively reduce the manual workload for hosts.

• Con: Offers fewer advanced customization options compared to more complex enterprise platforms.

• Con: The entry-level pricing may be a bit steep for hosts managing only one or two properties.

12. Escapia

For established property managers in markets like San Diego who prioritize financial integrity and detailed reporting, Escapia stands as a formidable solution. Acquired by Vrbo/HomeAway, this platform is engineered for professionals managing medium to large portfolios, offering some of the best short term rental management software features centered around accounting and trust accounting compliance. Its strength lies in providing a robust, centralized system to manage finances, bookings, and owner relations with precision.

What makes Escapia unique is its deep integration with the Vrbo ecosystem and its powerful, specialized accounting module. This allows for meticulous tracking of every transaction, from rental income and taxes to maintenance fees and owner payouts, ensuring financial transparency and regulatory compliance. The owner portal is another key benefit, fostering trust by giving property owners direct access to performance reports and booking calendars for their properties. This focus on financial control and owner communication makes it ideal for property management companies scaling their operations.

Key Features & Pricing

• Comprehensive Accounting: Features advanced financial and trust accounting tools for detailed reporting and compliance.

• Channel Management: Deep integration with Vrbo and connections to other major OTAs to streamline bookings and prevent calendar conflicts.

• Owner Portal: Provides owners with transparent access to performance data, statements, and calendars.

• Pricing: Escapia uses a custom quote-based pricing model. Costs are typically structured with a one-time setup fee and a monthly subscription fee that varies based on portfolio size and features.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Powerful and highly-regarded accounting and reporting features.

• Pro: Strong channel management, particularly with native Vrbo integration.

• Con: Customer support is primarily email-based with no live chat option, which can slow down issue resolution.

• Con: The platform does not offer a free trial or a free-forever plan, requiring commitment upfront.

13. Wheelhouse

Wheelhouse carves out its niche by focusing exclusively on dynamic pricing, making it a powerful supplement rather than an all-in-one property management system. It's one of the best short term rental management software components for San Diego hosts who want to maximize revenue through data-driven rate optimization. By analyzing over 10 billion data points, Wheelhouse helps you set the perfect price every night, responding to local demand, seasonality, and competitor pricing with precision. This tool is ideal for hosts who already have their operational management handled but need an expert-level pricing engine.

What makes Wheelhouse unique is its sophisticated yet user-friendly approach to pricing strategy. You can set your base price and then choose a strategy from conservative to aggressive, allowing the algorithm to automate adjustments based on your risk tolerance. The platform provides clear, actionable insights and performance reports, so you always understand the "why" behind your pricing. For those looking to dive deeper into financial projections, you can compare Airbnb revenue forecasting tools like Wheelhouse to see how they stack up.

Key Features & Pricing

• Dynamic Pricing Engine: Leverages advanced algorithms and vast market data to automatically adjust nightly rates for maximum profitability.

• Customizable Strategies: Allows hosts to set pricing rules and risk levels, from conservative to aggressive, to match business goals.

• Performance Analytics: Offers a comprehensive dashboard to monitor revenue, occupancy, and booking trends with detailed reporting.

• Pricing: Wheelhouse typically charges a percentage of booking revenue, often starting around 1% of the booking value, making it an affordable, performance-based tool.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Excellent at maximizing revenue through sophisticated, data-backed pricing automation.

• Pro: User-friendly interface with clear data visualizations and strategy controls.

• Con: It is a specialized tool focused only on pricing; it lacks channel management or operational features.

• Con: The depth of data and analytics could be overwhelming for new hosts unfamiliar with revenue management concepts.

Final Recommendation: Software vs. a Full-Service Partner

Choosing the right software is a critical step toward optimizing your San Diego rental. Platforms like Guesty, Hospitable, and Lodgify offer powerful tools for automation, direct booking, and channel management. They empower you to streamline operations and can certainly help increase your rental income.

However, software is only a tool. Maximizing your property’s potential requires more than just technology; it demands a data-driven strategy, local market expertise, and five-star hospitality that technology alone cannot provide. For owners who want to truly double their rental revenue and achieve passive income, the most effective solution is often a professional partner.

If you’re ready for truly hands-off, higher-earning rentals in San Diego, West Coast HomeStays is the partner to trust. Their combination of cutting-edge technology and boutique, on-the-ground service delivers proven results, turning your property into a top-performing asset without demanding your time and attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes West Coast HomeStays different from other managers?West Coast HomeStays combines a data-driven, hybrid STR + MTR strategy with boutique-level service. This approach maximizes year-round occupancy and boosts owner revenue by 20-30%, all while delivering five-star guest experiences that lead to glowing reviews and repeat bookings.

Can you handle both short- and mid-term stays?Absolutely. Our hybrid STR + MTR (mid-term rental) strategy is a core part of our success. By optimizing for both vacationers and travelers seeking 30+ day stays (like remote workers or relocating families), we keep your calendar full and your income stable throughout the year.

How quickly can my listing be optimized?Our onboarding process is designed for speed and efficiency. After an initial consultation and property review, we can typically have your listing professionally photographed, optimized with compelling copy, and live across major booking platforms within 1-2 weeks.

What amenities do your San Diego homes include?We curate amenity-rich, design-forward homes that travelers love. Standard amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, premium linens, fully-stocked kitchens, and smart-home features. Many of our properties also feature guest-favorite perks like pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and family-friendly or pet-friendly options.

Do you help with design upgrades to boost nightly rates?Yes, this is a key part of our value. We provide expert recommendations for cost-effective design upgrades and renovations that have a proven ROI, helping your property stand out and command higher nightly rates.