FantasticStay vs. Hostaway: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 15, 2026  ·  82 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 82 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:

FantasticStay shines .

Hostaway shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Financial Reporting and Guest Portal.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does FantasticStay Compare to Hostaway?

Side-by-side ratings based on 82 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
0
93
Likelihood to Recommend
0%
95%
Ease of Use
0.0/5
4.6/5
Customer Support
0.0/5
4.8/5
Value for Money
0.0/5
4.5/5
Starting Price Contact sales Contact sales
Verified Reviews 0 82

What Are the Pros and Cons of FantasticStay vs Hostaway?

After analyzing 82 verified reviews, FantasticStay users most value its , while Hostaway users highlight customer support quality, onboarding experience, automation and efficiency. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

FantasticStay FantasticStay Hostaway Hostaway
Pros
+ Customer Support Quality
+ Onboarding Experience
+ Automation and Efficiency
+ Third-party Software Integrations
Cons
Customization and User Control
Financial and Payment Processing
Integration Challenges

FantasticStay vs Hostaway: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Vacation Rental Software vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment FantasticStay FantasticStay Hostaway Hostaway
Small (10-24 rooms) #2 23 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #1 19 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #2 4 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #1 3 reviews

By Property Type

Segment FantasticStay FantasticStay Hostaway Hostaway
Boutique #2 14 reviews
Luxury #2 9 reviews
Branded / Chain #2 6 reviews
Extended Stay #2 8 reviews

By Region

Segment FantasticStay FantasticStay Hostaway Hostaway
North America #1 47 reviews
Europe #2 17 reviews
Asia Pacific #1 7 reviews
Middle East #1 2 reviews

The Decision

As a hotelier evaluating vacation rental management platforms, your goal is to find a solution that enhances operational efficiency, simplifies management, and scales with your property portfolio. You’re choosing between FantasticStay by FantasticStay and Hostaway by Hostaway—two platforms designed to streamline vacation rental operations. While both aim to improve your management processes, their strengths and weaknesses diverge significantly. Which one truly fits your hotel’s needs?

Is FantasticStay or Hostaway Better for Hotels?

Both FantasticStay and Hostaway serve property managers looking to manage multiple vacation rentals from a single platform. However, they differ in scope and maturity: FantasticStay focuses on listing management and permissions sharing, primarily suited for property managers with a need for customizable dashboards. In contrast, Hostaway offers a broader feature set, including channel management, automation, dynamic pricing, and extensive integrations, making it more suitable for larger operations.

While FantasticStay's core offering revolves around listing control and permissions, Hostaway’s strengths lie in automation, multi-channel synchronization, and revenue optimization tools. Considering their review counts—Hostaway has 80 recent reviews with a 5/5 rating, versus FantasticStay’s zero reviews—your confidence should lean toward the platform with more user feedback. Given the recency and volume of reviews, Hostaway's proven track record makes it the stronger candidate. Are you prioritizing a mature, highly-rated platform with extensive integrations?

Hostaway vs FantasticStay: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a comprehensive platform for managing multiple channels, automating guest communication, and increasing revenue, Hostaway is clearly the better choice. It’s built for property managers scaling from just a handful of properties to hundreds, offering features like dynamic pricing, owner portals, and advanced reporting—plus a proven 4.75/5 customer support rating from recent reviews.

On the other hand, if your primary concern is managing listings across vacation rental platforms with customizable views and permissions for owners and staff, FantasticStay’s listing-centric approach might appeal. However, with no recent reviews and only core listing management, its functionality appears limited compared to Hostaway’s all-in-one platform. For most hoteliers aiming for operational growth, Hostaway offers more tangible benefits. Do you need a platform that grows with your entire operation or simply manages listings?

Is FantasticStay or Hostaway Easier to Use?

Hostaway is rated 4.63/5 for ease of use, with recent reviews praising its intuitive design, detailed onboarding, and reliable performance. Users describe onboarding as "detailed and patient," helping them adopt features smoothly, with a platform that feels accessible for beginners and experts alike.

In contrast, FantasticStay has a 0/5 ease-of-use rating, with no recent user reviews to support its usability claims. The lack of recent feedback suggests limited adoption or stability, making it difficult to assess. Given the clear positive feedback on Hostaway’s user experience, edge: Hostaway.

Which Has Better Features: FantasticStay or Hostaway?

Hostaway offers 10 unique features, including financial reporting, owner statements, guest portals, mobile app, channel manager, trust accounting, CRM, and an app marketplace. These features support comprehensive management, automation, and revenue optimization, making it a well-rounded tool for scaling.

FantasticStay, on the other hand, provides no additional features beyond listing management and permissions sharing, focusing on listing customization and sharing capabilities. With no unique features reported, Hostaway's broader feature set gives it a decisive edge. If advanced automation and financial tools matter, Hostaway is your choice.

Which Has Better Customer Support: FantasticStay or Hostaway?

Hostaway’s support is highly rated at 4.75/5, with recent reviews praising its 24/7 availability, quick responses, and dedicated onboarding assistance. Users mention that support staff like Ramon and Jeriko are “patient” and “helpful,” making onboarding and troubleshooting smooth.

FantasticStay has no recent reviews on support, so its support quality remains unverified. The absence of feedback suggests a lack of recent customer engagement or limited support channels. Based on recent data, edge: Hostaway.

Which Has More Integrations: FantasticStay or Hostaway?

Hostaway has 14 verified integrations, including major platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Stripe, and others like Duve, Breezeway, and PriceLabs. Its extensive partner network supports smoother operations and more flexibility in workflows.

FantasticStay offers no verified integrations, which limits its ability to connect with third-party tools. For hotels seeking seamless integrations with popular services, Hostaway’s superior partner network provides a clear advantage. Edge: Hostaway.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: FantasticStay or Hostaway?

Hostaway’s latest reviews give it a 5/5 overall rating, with a 9.34/10 NPS score, and 95% likelihood to recommend. Reviewers, including those managing multiple properties, highlight its ease of use, automation, and reliable support.

Since FantasticStay has no recent reviews, we can't gauge current user sentiment. The recent, high ratings for Hostaway signal strong satisfaction among hotels managing various property types, from vacation rentals to serviced apartments. Edge: Hostaway.

How Much Do FantasticStay and Hostaway Cost?

Both platforms do not publicly disclose explicit pricing details or subscription models. They are likely custom-priced based on your property count, features, and support needs. Confirming costs will require direct contact, but price should be weighed against the extensive feature set and proven support of Hostaway.

What Type of Hotel Should Use FantasticStay?

  • Hotels that primarily manage vacation rental listings across multiple platforms.
  • Teams that need customizable dashboards to share views with owners or staff.
  • Property managers prioritizing permissions sharing and listing control.
  • Hotels with a small or specialized portfolio focusing on listing management.
  • Not ideal if you need automation, channel management, or revenue optimization.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Hostaway?

  • Hotels and property managers scaling from a handful to hundreds of properties.
  • Teams seeking automation of guest communication and dynamic pricing.
  • Hotels wanting integrated channel management with real-time sync.
  • Managers who need advanced reporting and owner portals.
  • Not ideal if you prefer a simple, listing-only tool with limited integrations or support.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference lies in scope: Hostaway delivers a comprehensive, scalable platform with automation, integrations, and revenue tools, while FantasticStay remains a listing-focused solution with limited recent activity.

If your hotel aims to grow beyond basic listing management, Hostaway’s extensive features, recent positive reviews, and broad integrations make it the better option. Its proven track record of customer support and user satisfaction positions it as the platform most capable of supporting your operational ambitions.

However, if your primary goal is controlling and sharing listings with owners without heavy automation needs, FantasticStay might suffice—though its lack of recent reviews and features limits its appeal.

For most hoteliers looking for a proven, feature-rich platform with recent positive feedback, Hostaway is the recommended choice.

How Much Do FantasticStay and Hostaway Cost?

Vacation Rental Software pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.

FantasticStay FantasticStay Hostaway Hostaway

Which Features Does FantasticStay Have That Hostaway Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, FantasticStay and Hostaway share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature FantasticStay FantasticStay Hostaway Hostaway
Financial Reporting
Guest Portal
Mobile App
Owner Statements
Promotional & Negotiated Rates
Responsive Design

FantasticStay vs Hostaway: The Bottom Line

FantasticStay
FantasticStay
0.0/5 from 0 reviews
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 0 integrations
Visit Profile
Hostaway
Hostaway
4.8/5 from 82 reviews

What hoteliers love

Customer Support Quality 81% positive

Overall, customers are pleased with customer support, highlighting quick, effective responses and personal attention from service agents. Nonetheless,... Overall, customers are pleased with customer support, highlighting quick, effective responses and personal attention from service agents. Nonetheless, some mention long hold times or the need for more real-time support options.

Onboarding Experience 100% positive

Hostaway's onboarding support is widely commended, with consultants like Ramon, Jeriko, and others praised for their dedication and expertise. Users a... Hostaway's onboarding support is widely commended, with consultants like Ramon, Jeriko, and others praised for their dedication and expertise. Users appreciate their patience and detailed walkthroughs, making complex integrations feel seamless. However, some suggest extending the duration of onboarding calls for more comprehensive support.

Automation and Efficiency 92% positive

The platform's automation capabilities, including central reservation management and automated communication tools, are recognized for saving time and... The platform's automation capabilities, including central reservation management and automated communication tools, are recognized for saving time and reducing manual errors. These features improve overall operational efficiency and help manage multiple properties with ease.

Where hoteliers push back

Customization and User Control 60% negative

Users appreciate the intuitive nature of the interface but seek more customization options, particularly for mobile management, message templates, and... Users appreciate the intuitive nature of the interface but seek more customization options, particularly for mobile management, message templates, and website flexibility. There's a call for improvements in tools that allow better tailored user experiences.

Financial and Payment Processing 73% negative

Integrated payment systems are generally satisfactory, but limitations with processors like Stripe, lack of direct invoicing, and complexity in financ... Integrated payment systems are generally satisfactory, but limitations with processors like Stripe, lack of direct invoicing, and complexity in financial reporting are notable downsides. Users suggest expanding payment options and simplifying financial operations.

Unique capabilities

Financial Reporting Owner Statements Guest Portal Responsive Design Promotional & Negotiated Rates
4.6/5 ease of use 4.8/5 support 14 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Hostaway 5.0 vs 0.0 (+5)
Ease of Use Hostaway 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)
Customer Support Hostaway 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Value for Money Hostaway 4.5 vs 0.0 (+4.5)
Onboarding Hostaway 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)

Frequently Asked Questions About FantasticStay vs Hostaway

Can FantasticStay replace Hostaway?

It depends on your requirements. FantasticStay and Hostaway share many core Vacation Rental Software features, but each has unique capabilities. FantasticStay offers 0 verified integration partners, while Hostaway offers 14. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Hostaway leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 0.0/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.

Do FantasticStay or Hostaway offer a free plan?

FantasticStay: No. Hostaway: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Vacation Rental Software vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank FantasticStay and Hostaway?

The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. FantasticStay has an HT Score of 0 and Hostaway has 93. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

How highly do users recommend this product?

Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories

The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias.

Partner Ecosystem

How highly do tech partners recommend this company?

Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality

Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack.

Customer Centricity

How customer-centric is this organization?

Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness

Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features.

Reach, Staying Power & Resources

How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing?

Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score

Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity.

Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →

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