What is Airbnb automation?

Airbnb automation is all about using software, tools, and systems to take care of the repetitive tasks that come with managing your Airbnb properties. Things like communicating with guests, adjusting prices, and scheduling cleaning can all be automated. By doing this, you can save time, keep things running smoothly, and focus more on giving your guests a great experience. 

If you own more than one Airbnb – or dream to own more than one Airbnb one day – automation helps you manage multiple properties with ease, without getting bogged down by the day-to-day details.

Can you fully automate Airbnb?

You can automate a lot of tasks when it comes to managing an Airbnb, but full automation isn’t always the best approach. Automation tools can help with messaging guests, adjusting pricing, coordinating cleaning, and syncing booking calendars. However, keeping a personal touch is important for guest satisfaction, and there are times when human oversight is necessary, like dealing with special requests or emergencies. 

The aim of automation is to cut down on manual work while still making sure guests have a great experience. 

In this article, we’ll show you how you can leverage the best hotel automation tools for your business, giving you back your time to create great memories for your guests – not spend all day doing admin.

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Why is Airbnb automation investment important?

Investing in Airbnb automation can make managing your property much easier, especially for small hotel owners and operators. By automating repetitive tasks, you can work more efficiently, give guests a better experience, and grow your business without all the hassle.

  • Save time on routine tasks: Automation takes care of repetitive jobs like guest communication and cleaning schedules, freeing up your time for more important things.
  • Reduce expenses: Streamlining operations and cutting down on manual work can help you save on costs related to property management.
  • Improve efficiency: Automation tools help make sure everything gets done on time, without the errors and delays that can happen when doing things manually.
  • Better guest experience: Automated responses and simple check-in processes make for a smoother, more enjoyable stay for guests, which can lead to better ratings and repeat bookings.
  • Increase scalability: Automation makes it easy to manage multiple properties, helping you grow without dramatically increasing your workload.
  • Gain more freedom and flexibility: Knowing that essential tasks are being handled automatically gives you more freedom to focus on what matters most.

How to get started with Airbnb automation tools

To start automating your Airbnb property, figure out which tasks are eating up most of your time, like guest messaging, cleaning coordination, or pricing adjustments. Then, find the right tools to automate these tasks. 

There are various Airbnb automation apps available, including Little Hotelier, which helps with guest messaging, scheduling cleanings, and managing your bookings across platforms. 

Pro-tip: Look for software that integrates well with what you’re already using, is scalable, and easy to use. Some popular tools include messaging platforms, dynamic pricing tools, and booking calendar synchronisers.

airbnb automation

How to automate your Airbnb business: How does Airbnb automation work?

Automating your Airbnb business involves using the right tools to handle different aspects of property management, so you can focus more on creating memorable guest experiences and less on the day-to-day tasks. Below, we explore the key areas where automation can make a big difference.

Guest communication

Automating guest communication is a great way to save time. Airbnb automated messages examples include responses to common questions (pre-stay), sending booking confirmations and check-in instructions (during stay), and following up after their stay to ask for reviews or feedback (post-stay). These tools can also personalise messages so guests feel valued even though the communication is automated.

If you’re wondering how to automate Airbnb messages, Little Hotelier can help with that.

Pricing and revenue management

Dynamic pricing tools help you make the most out of your revenue. You can set minimum and maximum rates to ensure profitability, offer discounts and promotions at the right times, and adjust rates based on occupancy and demand. Automated pricing keeps your rates competitive and helps maximise occupancy and revenue.

Check-in and check-out

Smart locks and self-check-in tools make the process easier for both guests and owners by automating an Airbnb check-in. Guests can check in whenever they like using automated access codes, without needing a key handoff. This improves guest satisfaction and makes it easy for owners to manage properties remotely.

Reviews

Getting good reviews is key to success on Airbnb. Automation tools can send reminders to guests after they’ve checked out, increasing the chances that they’ll leave a positive review. This helps boost credibility and attract future bookings.

Cleaning

Coordinating cleaning services between guest stays is crucial. Automation tools can notify cleaning staff as soon as a booking is confirmed or a guest checks out, making sure the property is always ready for the next guest without any manual coordination.

Smart home technology

Smart home devices, like thermostats, lights, and security cameras, can be used to improve energy efficiency and keep the property secure. These devices can be controlled remotely and programmed to adjust based on guest check-in and check-out, reducing energy use and keeping things comfortable for guests.

Upsells

Automation can also help you offer extras to guests, like early check-ins, late check-outs, or services like airport transfers. Messaging platforms can present these options before guests arrive, giving you a chance to boost revenue while improving the guest experience.

What is the best Airbnb automation software for small properties?

For small properties, Little Hotelier offers an all-in-one solution to automate guest communication, pricing, and property management. It’s specifically designed for small hotel owners and operators, making it easy to integrate and scale:

  • Automate routine guest communication: Little Hotelier helps you keep that personal touch while automating routine communication like booking confirmations, check-in details, and follow-up messages.
  • Streamline pricing with dynamic tools: Easily adjust your pricing strategy with dynamic tools that help you maximise revenue and keep occupancy high.
  • Ensure smooth check-in processes without sacrificing the personal touch: Automated check-in tools make things easy for guests while still allowing you to add a personal touch.
  • Simplify property management tasks: Little Hotelier brings together booking management, housekeeping, and guest communication into one easy-to-use platform.
  • Focus on small hotel needs: Little Hotelier is designed with small properties in mind—affordable, easy to implement, and simple enough that you don’t need extensive training to get started.

For larger hotels, SiteMinder is an excellent option. SiteMinder provides comprehensive automation features, including channel management, dynamic pricing, and integration with property management systems. It allows larger properties to efficiently manage multiple listings and optimise guest experience and revenue:

  • Manage multiple distribution channels: SiteMinder connects with numerous OTAs and booking platforms, helping you get more visibility and bookings.
  • Adjust pricing based on real-time data: SiteMinder’s dynamic pricing features allow you to adjust rates in real-time, keeping you competitive while maximising occupancy and revenue.
  • Integrate with PMS to maintain operational efficiency: Seamless integration with property management systems helps streamline operations, reduce manual work, and keep guests happy.
  • Advanced channel management: Perfect for larger hotels with multiple listings—manage availability, bookings, and rates across platforms with ease.
  • Customisable automation: SiteMinder provides flexibility to meet the specific needs of larger properties, giving you better control and efficiency.

Little Hotelier is perfect for small properties—it’s simple, easy to integrate, and budget-friendly. SiteMinder, on the other hand, is designed for larger hotels, offering powerful channel management and advanced features to handle complex operations and multiple properties.

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).