Save time, boost bookings: How STR hosts can harness automation and AI
- james73515
- Jul 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Running a short-term rental business is no small feat – but thanks to advances in automation and AI, hosts and property managers can now save significant time, improve guest satisfaction, and drive more bookings. On a recent episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Adam Buckmaster from eviivo shared how smart tech can transform the way STR professionals operate. The full episode is available on our website, YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.
Automate guest communication for a seamless experience
One of the most effective ways to save time is by automating guest communication. From the moment a guest books to post-checkout follow-ups, automation ensures the right information is sent at the right time – freeing up hours of admin work.
Adam recommends mapping out your guest journey and setting up automated, personalised messages at key stages:
Booking confirmation with reassurance and key info
Pre-arrival emails with check-in instructions or upsell offers
During-stay prompts for local experiences or support
Post-checkout messages encouraging reviews or repeat bookings
“When done right,” Adam explains, “automation isn’t just efficient – it enhances the guest experience.” Tools like chatbots can even respond to FAQs 24/7 in multiple languages, increasing your conversion rate while you sleep.
Use a robust PMS to centralise operations
Managing multiple listings across platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and your own direct booking website can quickly get overwhelming. That’s why Adam stresses the importance of having a reliable property management system (PMS) with real-time channel management.
“A solid PMS keeps your listings synced and reduces the risk of double bookings,” he says. With a platform like eviivo, you can manage pricing, availability, guest messages, and payments in one place – saving time and reducing costly errors.
Tech that works while you sleep
AI isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a practical tool that’s changing the game. From auto-generating property descriptions to optimising pricing and analysing guest behaviour, AI is becoming essential in the STR tech stack. But Adam notes the importance of balance: “Automation is great, but you need to monitor and override it when necessary. It should support you, not replace you.”
Keep improving: review your tech stack regularly
Adam’s top tip? “Every quarter, review your tools and talk to your tech providers. There’s always something new that could save you even more time.” Whether it's an updated feature, a new integration, or a more efficient process, staying current can give you a competitive edge.
STR hosts: it's time to work smarter with automation and AI
If you’re still juggling guest messages manually or logging into multiple platforms every day, it’s time to modernise. With the right systems and smart automation, you can reclaim your time, reduce stress, and scale your short-term rental business effectively.
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