Business owner and developer comparing Hostaway WordPress plugin options for a rental website

Hostaway WordPress Plugin: Does One Exist and What Are the Options?

Yes, a Hostaway WordPress plugin exists. The main options are HostAway Connector, Bizdesire Advanced Connector, and a custom Hostaway API integration. Use a plugin for standard listings and calendars; use custom development for unique booking rules, payments, or complex property search.

I build WordPress systems for vacation-rental businesses, so I often hear this question from property managers. They want their WordPress site to show live availability and accept direct bookings without manually copying data from Hostaway.

The good news is that you do not need to build everything from scratch. However, the right choice depends on how many properties you manage and how custom your booking process is.

Hostaway provides a public REST API covering listings, reservations, calendars, messaging, reviews, tasks, and webhooks. That API makes WordPress integrations possible.supergood

Does an Official Hostaway WordPress Plugin Exist?

Hostaway does not appear to offer one single official WordPress plugin in its own name.

However, WordPress plugins connect to Hostaway through its official API. The most visible options include HostAway Connector and Bizdesire Advanced Connector for Hostaway.

That distinction matters. A plugin may use the official Hostaway API without being built or maintained directly by Hostaway.

Before installing any plugin, check:

  • Who maintains it
  • When it was last updated
  • Whether it supports your Hostaway account setup
  • Whether it supports direct bookings
  • Whether it stores guest data securely
  • Whether it works with your WordPress theme and page builder

What Is the HostAway Connector Plugin?

HostAway Connector is a WordPress plugin that connects a WordPress site to a Hostaway account.

It displays real-time property listings, availability calendars, and direct booking options through Hostaway’s API. The plugin states that it does not store listing, availability, or booking data locally; it fetches data dynamically.wordpress

Free version features

The free version includes:

  • Hostaway property listings with images and details
  • Real-time availability calendars
  • Direct booking through the Hostaway API
  • Lightweight, API-driven setup
  • No local storage of listing or booking datawordpress

This makes it a sensible starting point for a small rental business with straightforward needs.

Pro version features

The Pro version adds more advanced functionality, including:

  • Payment integration
  • Advanced listing filters
  • Guest reviews on listing pages
  • Google Maps integration
  • Reservation management in the WordPress admin areawordpress

If you need a simple direct-booking website, this plugin may be enough. If you need a highly custom guest journey, it may still have limits.

What Is the Bizdesire Advanced Connector?

Bizdesire Advanced Connector for Hostaway is another WordPress plugin option.

Bizdesire describes itself as an official Hostaway partner. Its plugin connects WordPress to Hostaway and displays vacation-rental listings, property search, availability, pricing, and booking functionality.wordpress

Free version features

The free version includes:

  • Direct Hostaway API integration
  • Automatic property synchronisation
  • Responsive property listing grids
  • Property search with availability filters
  • Individual property detail pages
  • Image galleries
  • Shortcodes
  • Elementor compatibility through the Elementor Shortcode widgetwordpress

This can suit a property manager using Elementor or another page builder that supports shortcodes.

Pro version features

The Pro version adds:

  • A complete direct-booking workflow
  • Built-in Stripe payments
  • Additional payment gateways, including Authorize.Net and Wompi
  • Advanced property search and filtering
  • Google Maps and Google Reviews integration
  • Gutenberg blocks
  • WordPress Media Library image support
  • Customisable email templates
  • Enhanced synchronisation toolswordpress

For a business that wants more control over direct bookings, this may be a stronger starting point than a basic calendar plugin.

HostAway Connector vs Bizdesire: Which Should You Choose?

Both plugins connect WordPress to Hostaway. They suit different needs.

FeatureHostAway ConnectorBizdesire Advanced Connector
Property listingsYesYes
Availability calendarsYesYes
Direct bookingsYesYes
Local data storageNoProperty data syncs automatically
Property searchPro versionFree version
Elementor supportNot stated in free versionYes, through shortcode widget
PaymentsPro versionPro version, including Stripe
Reviews displayPro versionPro version
Google MapsPro versionPro version
Reservation managementPro versionPro version

Choose HostAway Connector if you want a lightweight, API-driven setup and do not need advanced search or Elementor-specific features.

Choose Bizdesire if you want property search, Elementor compatibility, and a more complete booking workflow from the start.

However, do not choose based only on feature lists. Test both with your actual Hostaway account, theme, and booking rules.

When Is a Hostaway WordPress Plugin Enough?

A plugin is enough when your requirements are standard.

Choose a plugin if you need:

  • A small number of properties
  • Standard property pages
  • Basic availability calendars
  • Simple direct bookings
  • Standard search filters
  • Basic payment collection
  • A fast launch

For example, a owner with two or three apartments may not need a custom system. A plugin can display listings, show availability, and send bookings to Hostaway.

That keeps the project simple and reduces ongoing maintenance.

When Should You Build a Custom Hostaway Integration?

Build a custom integration when your business process does not fit a standard plugin.

Custom development makes sense when you need:

  • Complex property search filters
  • Multi-language property content
  • Custom booking rules
  • Deposits, instalments, or approval workflows
  • Guest portals with invoices and documents
  • CRM or email-marketing automation
  • Custom property-page layouts
  • Advanced SEO controls
  • Custom reporting for owners or managers
  • A connection to an internal operations system

A plugin can be a good foundation. Custom development can extend it without rebuilding everything.

How Does a Custom Hostaway WordPress Integration Work?

A custom integration connects WordPress to Hostaway through its API.

The usual flow is:

  1. A guest visits a property page.
  2. WordPress requests listing, calendar, or pricing data from Hostaway.
  3. The guest selects dates and submits a booking request.
  4. WordPress validates the request.
  5. Backend code checks availability again.
  6. Hostaway creates the reservation.
  7. WordPress updates the booking status.
  8. The guest receives a confirmation.

Hostaway’s API supports listing calendars, availability, nightly pricing, reservations, and related property data. That makes it possible to build a direct-booking experience around your own WordPress design.apis.apievangelist

What Should a Hostaway Plugin Include?

A good Hostaway WordPress setup should include more than a calendar.

Look for these features:

  • Live property listings
  • Accurate availability calendars
  • Nightly pricing display
  • Minimum-stay rules
  • Cleaning fees and taxes
  • Direct booking form
  • Payment or deposit options
  • Booking confirmation emails
  • Mobile-friendly property pages
  • Fast page loading
  • Clear error messages
  • Secure API credential storage
  • Search Console-friendly URLs
  • Support for future property growth

A plugin that only displays a calendar may be fine for a small site. A plugin that cannot handle payments, guest communication, or custom rules may become limiting as you grow.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Avoid these common Hostaway integration mistakes.

Choosing a plugin before mapping the guest journey

Write down the booking steps first. Then check whether the plugin supports them.

Exposing Hostaway credentials

Never place API keys or secret credentials in page templates or browser-visible JavaScript.

Trusting the displayed calendar

Always recheck availability before creating a reservation. Calendars can change while a guest is browsing.

Ignoring failed bookings

A guest should receive a clear message if a date becomes unavailable or payment fails.

Creating thin property pages

Do not publish dozens of near-identical pages with only the city name changed. Add useful local and property-specific content.

Forgetting mobile testing

Most guests browse rental properties on mobile. Test search, calendars, galleries, and checkout on a phone.

[INSERT: a real client detail, number, or story here — for example, a Hostaway/WordPress project where a plugin limitation, custom booking rule, or integration issue shaped the final solution, without inventing private client data.]

How Much Does a Hostaway WordPress Integration Cost?

A basic plugin setup may cost a few hundred dollars. A custom Hostaway WordPress integration can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the number of properties and booking rules.

The final price depends on:

  • Number of properties
  • Custom design requirements
  • Search filters
  • Direct booking needs
  • Payment provider
  • Guest portal features
  • CRM or email integrations
  • Multi-language support
  • Testing and maintenance

Before requesting quotes, use the Website Cost Calculator to estimate whether you need a simple plugin setup or a full custom booking system.

How to Choose the Right Option

Use this quick decision framework.

Your situationBest option
You have a few properties and standard booking rulesHostAway Connector
You use Elementor and need property searchBizdesire Advanced Connector
You need custom pricing or approval rulesCustom Hostaway API integration
You need a guest portal with invoices and filesCustom WordPress development
You need multi-language property pagesCustom WordPress development
You need a quick launch with limited budgetPlugin first, custom work later

This approach avoids overbuilding. Start with the simplest option that solves the real problem.

When Should You Hire a WordPress Developer?

Hire a WordPress developer when the integration affects bookings, payments, guest data, or revenue.

I recommend professional help for:

  • Multiple properties or locations
  • Direct bookings with payments
  • Custom pricing rules
  • Guest portals
  • CRM integrations
  • Multi-language websites
  • Custom search filters
  • Booking approval workflows
  • Calendar synchronisation issues

A developer should test every booking path. They should check available dates, failed payments, duplicate submissions, mobile layouts, and Hostaway API errors.

For a broader explanation of the integration process, read my guide on how to integrate Hostaway with WordPress. It covers the full setup, security, and booking workflow.

You can also review my WordPress development service for custom WordPress, WooCommerce, and integration work.

FAQ: Hostaway WordPress Plugin

Does a Hostaway WordPress plugin exist?

Yes. HostAway Connector and Bizdesire Advanced Connector for Hostaway are WordPress plugins that connect to Hostaway through its API. They can display listings, availability, pricing, and booking options.

Is HostAway Connector free?

HostAway Connector has a free version with property listings, availability calendars, and direct booking through Hostaway’s API. Its Pro version adds payment integration, advanced filters, reviews, maps, and reservation management.wordpress

Does Bizdesire offer a Hostaway WordPress plugin?

Yes. Bizdesire Advanced Connector for Hostaway is a WordPress plugin developed by Bizdesire, an official Hostaway partner. It supports property listings, search, availability, pricing, and booking functionality.wordpress

Can a Hostaway WordPress plugin handle direct bookings?

Yes. Both HostAway Connector and Bizdesire Advanced Connector support direct booking through Hostaway’s API. Payment features depend on the plugin version and your chosen setup.

When should I use a custom Hostaway integration?

Use custom development when you need complex search filters, multi-language content, custom pricing, guest portals, CRM automation, or booking approval workflows.

How much does a Hostaway WordPress integration cost?

A basic plugin setup may cost a few hundred dollars. A custom integration with direct bookings, payments, custom search, and guest portals can cost several thousand dollars.

Next Step

Before choosing a plugin, map your guest journey. Define how visitors search, view properties, select dates, pay, and receive confirmation.

If your needs are simple, start with a plugin. If your booking rules are complex, consider a custom Hostaway integration.

You can review my Hostaway WordPress integration guide or my WordPress development service. You can also message me on WhatsApp with your property count and booking rules, and I will help you choose the simplest setup that will work reliably.

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