BrightSide Software logo

BrightSide Short Term Rental Software
Do more. Work less.™

Our cloud-based hospitality software is both powerful and easy to use. But more importantly, our support team is here for you, ready to help make your user experience the best it can possibly be.

  1. BrightSide is powerful and easy to use from anywhere you have Internet access.
  2. BrightSide’s API integrates directly with Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Google Vacation Rentals and others.
  3. BrightSide support responds to email requests in minutes or hours, not days or weeks. No AI, real people.
  4. BrightSide support answers the phone. If we can’t answer, leave a message and we will call you back. Really.
  5. BrightSide is affordable. We do not add charges for features; it’s all included in the subscription.
BrightSide Software logo

BrightSide Short Term Rental Software
Do more. Work less.™

Our cloud-based hospitality software is both powerful and easy to use. But more importantly, our support team is here for you, ready to help make your user experience the best it can possibly be.

  1. BrightSide is powerful and easy to use from anywhere you have Internet access.
  2. BrightSide’s API integrates directly with Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Google Vacation Rentals and others.
  3. BrightSide support responds to email requests in minutes or hours, not days or weeks. No AI, real people.
  4. BrightSide support answers the phone. If we can’t answer, leave a message and we will call you back. Really.
  5. BrightSide is affordable. We do not add charges for features; it’s all included in the subscription.

About BrightSide Support

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So far BrightSide Support has created 54 blog entries.

November 15, 2024 | Release Notes

2024-11-15T14:15:10-05:00

The BrightSide development team is committed to improving the performance, features, and user experience of our software. These are just some of the improvements we made over the past three weeks.

New Features & Updates

  • Redesigned the “Integration Partners” settings screen.
  • Added the ability to generate a test NACHA file for banks.
  • Added all reservation stay types to the “Calculate Month” screen to help track balances more easily when closing the month.
  • Simplified reservation and report permissions.

Bug Fixes & Performance Improvements

  • Changed the button wording from “Email” to “Send” on the Print/Email Guest Letters function to reflect that it also sends text messages.
  • Fixed a minor bug where selecting an arrival date equal to the current departure date displayed zero nights, causing an issue saving the reservation.
  • Improved mobile responsiveness on minimum stay overrides.

Support Requests Since October 25, 2024

  • Completed 105 support requests.
  • Answered 77 support phone calls and provided assistance.
  • Returned 32 support phone calls.
  • Answered 324 support emails.
November 15, 2024 | Release Notes2024-11-15T14:15:10-05:00

Google Vacation Rentals

2024-11-14T16:41:20-05:00

Summary

BrightSide is one of only fifteen “USA based” vacation rental software companies with the designation Certified Google Vacation Rentals Connectivity Partner.* BrightSide successfully completed a long certification process and met the standards of Google Vacation Rentals (GVR) integration requirements.

What this means for BrightSide accounts is that you can be listed in the search results on Google, providing guests an opportunity to book directly on your website instead of third party booking sites.

What is Google Vacation Rentals?

GVR is one of the best ways to get direct bookings. For example, when someone searches Google for “condo rentals in Panama City Beach,” or “cabin rentals in Gatlinburg,” the search results include units that are connected via BrightSide. Google then displays units for rent in your search area and allows guests a number of booking options.

The screenshot below is the Google search result for “cabin rental gatlinburg tn.” The top three results are on the screen next to a map of the area, with 2,484 more properties available to view.

Google Vacation Rentals Search Results
Google Vacation Rentals Search Results

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Why do I need to be on GVR?

GVR helps you get more direct bookings. Without it, you are competing with big OTA ad budgets and trying to get bookings with organic traffic. This can be difficult to say the least. GVR is a game changer for smaller companies and anyone who wants more direct bookings.

Let’s start by saying what happens when you are not directly connected to GVR.

  1. People search Google for cabins in Gatlinburg TN.
  2. Search results include properties with links to OTAs like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com. They also display properties with direct integrations to GVR.
  3. Since you do not have an integration with GVR, your properties do not show up in the search results for direct booking.

This is what happens when you are directly connected to GVR.

  1. People search Google for cabins in Gatlinburg TN.
  2. Search results include your properties. They can enter stay dates and the rates, fees, and other charges are displayed to the guest. The rates and fees are correct, because they pull them from BrightSide in real time.
  3. Google provides booking options with a button for them to “Visit Site,” including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and others. Most importantly, they include a link to the “Official Website” where they can book directly.

NOTE: BrightSide uses your domain name as the “Official Site” so your company’s brand is front and center (see screenshot). Not all PMS companies do this. Some use their own  domain name, even though the link takes the guest to your website (see second screenshot).

BrightSide Uses Your Domain Name as the Official Site
BrightSide Uses Your Domain Name as the Official Site

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Other PMS Companies Use Their Own Domain Name
Other PMS Companies Use Their Own Domain Name

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Can anyone just list properties on GVR directly?

No, without a property management software (PMS) like BrightSide, small to large size companies cannot list directly on Google Vacation Rentals. Google states that you must manage at least 5,000 properties to connect directly.

How do I get listed on Google Vacation Rentals?

BrightSide connects all of our clients to Google Vacation Rentals free of charge. During your BrightSide onboarding, we begin the integration process for GVR. If you don’t want to be on there, just tell us. Otherwise, we will get you connected as soon as possible.

We don’t ask you to do this yourself. You have enough to do, so we do it for you.

* List of certified connectivity partners according to Google.com. Accessed on 11/13/2024.

Google Vacation Rentals2024-11-14T16:41:20-05:00

BrightSide vs Hostaway

2024-11-14T09:49:10-05:00

Comparison: BrightSide vs Hostaway

COMPARISON: The following comparison is based on twenty (20) properties under active management. Since neither company charges booking fees, or fees based on revenue, monthly revenue is not used in the comparison.

BrightSide includes ALL of our features in our subscription fee.

BrightSide Subscription: $320/month. See our pricing tool for additional units.
Hostaway Subscription: $800/month.

We are using $40.00 per unit for Hostaway. Since we don’t know where their price break begins, the fee could be higher or slightly lower.

BrightSide’s Pricing

BrightSide’s pricing is simple and transparent. Our monthly subscription fee is based on the number of active units you manage. That’s it.

You can use our pricing tool to see what you would pay in monthly subscription fees. BrightSide doesn’t charge for add-ons, texting, email, integrations, or any other feature of our software; it’s all included.

Hostaway’s Pricing

Hostaway’s pricing is not transparent, so we had to do a little digging. They provide exact pricing information only when you sign up for a demo and speak to a sales representative. This may be due to their “custom pricing” model. However, according to HotelMinder.com*, Hostaway’s monthly pricing typically starts at around $40.00 per unit and can go as low as $20.00 per unit. Other sources state that Hostaway’s pricing begins at $50.00 per property per month with discounts for high volume managers.

BrightSide Fees

Comparison uses twenty (20) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $320
  • Smart Lock Integration – $0**
  • Built-In Dynamic Pricing – $0

BrightSide Total = $320

** BrightSide does not charge for smart lock integration. However, expect to pay a subscription fee to a smart lock partner, i.e.: dormakaba, PointCentral, or RemoteLock.

Hostaway Fees

Comparison uses twenty (20) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $800
  • Smart Lock Integration – $160 ($8 x 20)**
  • Built-In Dynamic Pricing – $19.99

Hostaway Total = $979.99

** Hostaway charges a tiered smart lock management fee. If you integrate with a third party, like RemoteLock, you will need to pay them a subscription fee also.

Feature Comparison

BrightSide’s much lower price may lead you to believe that we don’t offer the features that Hostaway does. However, that conclusion would be incorrect. Here are just a few of the differences. Compare these, then check out our full list of major features.

This chart does not include all the features of BrightSide or Hostaway. The purpose is to provide you with some of the differences and similarities.

BrightSide

$32000month
  • ✔ All Features Included
  • ✔ Unread Message Notifications
  • ✔ Email and Phone Support
  • ✔ Google Vacation Rentals Integration
  • ✔ No Double Bookings
  • ✔ Direct API Channel Manager
  • ✔ Automated Emails – Owner Stays
  • ✔ Built-In Dynamic Pricing Tool
  • ✔ Dynamic Pricing Integrations
  • ✔ Bulk Price Overrides
  • ✔ Pet Fees Per Pet/Night or Per Stay
  • ✔ Maintenance Management
  • ✔ Built-In Electronic Signatures
  • ✔ Multiple Rental Agreements
  • ✔ Automated SMS Texts
  • ✔ Dedicated SMS Text Number
  • ✔ OTA Message Integration
  • ✔ Automated Emails – Guest Stays
  • ✔ Open API
  • ✔ Google Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Built-In Review System
  • ✔ iCal Link Support
  • ✔ Auto Generated Owner Statements
  • ✔ Owner Portal – Options to Limit Access
  • ✔ Guest Portal
  • ✔ Make Partial Payments in Guest Portal
  • ✔ Archive Listings
  • ✔ Unread Message Notification/Filter
  • ✔ Filter Reservations by Booking Source
  • ✔ OTA Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Minimum Nightly Rates
  • ✔ Matterport VR Tours
  • ✔ Display Photos by Website or OTAs
  • ✔ Travel Agency Source Tracking
  • ✔ Hyper Links in Guest Emails
  • ✔ Add Attachments to Auto Guest Emails
  • ✔ OTA Blackout Dates
  • ✔ Multiple Auto Email Trigger Conditions

Hostaway

$80000month
  • No
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • Add-on
  • No***
  • No***
  • No
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
  • No***
Comparison: BrightSide vs Hostaway

COMPARISON: The following comparison is based on twenty (20) properties under active management. Since neither company charges booking fees, or fees based on revenue, monthly revenue is not used in the comparison.

BrightSide includes ALL of our features in our subscription fee.

BrightSide Subscription: $320/month. See our pricing tool for additional units.
Hostaway Subscription: $800/month.

We are using $40.00 per unit for Hostaway. Since we don’t know where their price break begins, the fee could be higher or slightly lower.

BrightSide Subscription

Comparison uses twenty (20) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $320
  • Smart Lock Integration – $0**
  • Built-In Dynamic Pricing – $0

BrightSide = $320

** BrightSide does not charge for smart lock integration. However, expect to pay a subscription fee to a smart lock partner, i.e.: dormakaba, PointCentral, or RemoteLock.

Hostaway Subscription

Comparison uses twenty (20) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $800
  • Smart Lock Integration – $160 ($8 x 20)**
  • Built-In Dynamic Pricing – $19.99

Hostaway = $979.99

** Hostaway charges a tiered smart lock management fee. If you integrate with a third party, like RemoteLock, you will need to pay them a subscription fee also.

Hostaway’s Pricing

Hostaway’s pricing is not transparent, so we had to do a little digging. They provide exact pricing information only when you sign up for a demo and speak to a sales representative. This may be due to their “custom pricing” model. However, according to HotelMinder.com*, Hostaway’s monthly pricing typically starts at around $40.00 per unit and can go as low as $20.00 per unit. Other sources state that Hostaway’s pricing begins at $50.00 per property per month with discounts for high volume managers.

This chart does not include all the features of BrightSide or Hostaway. The purpose is to provide you with some of the differences and similarities.

BrightSide’s Pricing

BrightSide’s pricing is simple and transparent. Our monthly subscription fee is based on the number of active units you manage. That’s it.

You can use our pricing tool to see what you would pay in monthly subscription fees. BrightSide doesn’t charge for add-ons, texting, email, integrations, or any other feature of our software; it’s all included.

Feature Comparison

BrightSide’s much lower price may lead you to believe that we don’t offer the features that Hostaway does. However, that conclusion would be incorrect. Here are just a few of the differences. Compare these, then check out our full list of major features.

BrightSide

$32000month
  • ✔ All Features Included
  • ✔ Unread Message Notifications
  • ✔ Email and Phone Support
  • ✔ Google Vacation Rentals Integration
  • ✔ No Double Bookings
  • ✔ Direct API Channel Manager
  • ✔ Automated Emails – Owner Stays
  • ✔ Built-In Dynamic Pricing Tool
  • ✔ Dynamic Pricing Integrations
  • ✔ Bulk Price Overrides
  • ✔ Pet Fees Per Pet/Night or Per Stay
  • ✔ Maintenance Management
  • ✔ Built-In Electronic Signatures
  • ✔ Multiple Rental Agreements
  • ✔ Automated SMS Texts
  • ✔ Dedicated SMS Text Number
  • ✔ OTA Message Integration
  • ✔ Automated Emails – Guest Stays
  • ✔ Open API
  • ✔ Google Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Built-In Review System
  • ✔ iCal Link Support
  • ✔ Auto Generated Owner Statements
  • ✔ Owner Portal – Options to Limit Access
  • ✔ Guest Portal
  • ✔ Make Partial Payments in Guest Portal
  • ✔ Archive Listings
  • ✔ Unread Message Notification/Filter
  • ✔ Filter Reservations by Booking Source
  • ✔ OTA Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Minimum Nightly Rates
  • ✔ Matterport VR Tours
  • ✔ Display Photos by Website or OTAs
  • ✔ Travel Agency Source Tracking
  • ✔ Hyper Links in Guest Emails
  • ✔ Add Attachments to Auto Guest Emails
  • ✔ OTA Blackout Dates
  • ✔ Multiple Auto Email Trigger Conditions

Hostaway

$80000month
  • All Features NOT Included
  • No Unread Message Notifications***
  • ✔ Email and Phone Support
  • ✔ Google Vacation Rentals Integration
  • No Prevent Double Bookings***
  • ✔ Direct API Channel Manager
  • No Automated Emails – Owner Stays***
  • Built-In Dynamic Pricing Tool (Add-on)
  • ✔ Dynamic Pricing Integrations
  • No Bulk Price Overrides***
  • No Pet Fees Per Pet/Night or Per Stay***
  • No Maintenance Management
  • ✔ Built-In Electronic Signatures
  • No Multiple Rental Agreements***
  • ✔ Automated SMS Texts
  • No Dedicated SMS Text Number***
  • No OTA Message Integration***
  • ✔ Automated Emails – Guest Stays
  • ✔ Open API
  • No Google Reviews Integration***
  • No Built-In Review System
  • ✔ iCal Link Support
  • No Auto Generated Owner Statements***
  • No Owner Portal – Options to Limit Access***
  • ✔ Guest Portal
  • No Auto Generated Owner Statements***
  • No Archive Listings***
  • No Unread Message Notification/Filter***
  • No Filter Reservations by Booking Source***
  • No OTA Reviews Integration***
  • ✔ Minimum Nightly Rates
  • No Matterport VR Tours***
  • No Display Photos by Website or OTAs***
  • No Travel Agency Source Tracking***
  • No Hyper Links in Guest Emails***
  • No Add Attachments to Auto Guest Emails***
  • No OTA Blackout Dates***
  • Limited Auto Email Trigger Conditions***

SUMMARY

Pricing

Do not assume that BrightSide is an inferior product because our pricing is so much less than others. That would be a mistake. We don’t need to charge more, so we don’t. If you like paying more for fewer features there are plenty of other options.

BrightSide charges a simple monthly subscription fee. Your credit card processing fees are separate, but we included it in these comparisons. In our example above, we compared BrightSide to two of Hospitable’s plans.

Hospitable’s top “Mogul with Direct Premium” plan is 166% higher than BrightSide. Their least expensive plan, “Pro with Direct Basic” is 52% higher.

If you don’t need the ability for guests to book directly on your website, you can just pay for their basic subscription, which is 150% higher than BrightSide with all our features.

Features

BrightSide includes all of our features in our subscription. Hospitable’s “Mogul with Direct Premium” plan is required to get all of their features. Even with that plan, BrightSide has more benefits. Hospitable does offer a few things BrightSide does not, like guest vetting, tax remittance on your behalf (limited), and built in damage protection. These features are paid for by adding the Direct Premium option. You may offer damage protection to guests in BrightSide, but BrightSide does not charge you to do it.

* HotelMinder.com accessed on 11/8/2024. https://www.hotelminder.com/partner=Hostaway

*** According to Hostaway’s “Product Feature Requests,” these and many other features, are what their users would like to see added, but currently do not have. This page last accessed on 11/11/2024.

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The Hostaway logo is used under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 where allowance is made for “fair use” when used for criticism, comparisons, commentary, teaching, and other purposes. The Hostaway logo belongs to its respective owner and this website does not claim any rights over it. The data from Hostaway was accessed from their website on 11/8/2024. While we do our best to provide up-to-date information, it may have changed over time, so we cannot guarantee the accuracy of their data.

BrightSide vs Hostaway2024-11-14T09:49:10-05:00

BrightSide Fix in Progress (UPDATE)

2024-11-05T09:26:02-05:00

BrightSide Fix in Progress (UPDATE) | November 5, 2024

A simple typo was the culprit in the database update. This has been fixed and you should be back to normal operations. You may need to log out, log in, then clear your cache, Ctrl+Shift+R on a Windows computer or Shift+Command+G on an Apple computer. Again, we are sorry for the interruption.

BrightSide Fix in Progress (UPDATE)2024-11-05T09:26:02-05:00

BrightSide Fix in Progress

2024-11-05T09:12:21-05:00

BrightSide Fix in Progress | November 5, 2024

The database update failed to install correctly overnight and many of you are experiencing the fallout from that. A fix is installing now. Everyone should be back up and running normally soon. We apologize for the inconvenience!

BrightSide Fix in Progress2024-11-05T09:12:21-05:00

Cleaning Reports

2024-10-18T15:01:55-04:00

Cleaning Reports

Cleaning Arrival/Departure Report

This report is useful when you need a summary of the cleaning schedule for a single housekeeper or all of them. Options for running this report make it a flexible tool for staying up to date with what needs to be cleaned and when. You may email and/or print this report directly from BrightSide.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Cleaning Arrival/Departure Report

Report Options

  • Cleaner: You may select “All Cleaners” or an individual cleaner by name. If you are going to email this report to the cleaner, select that individual.
  • Type: The options here are Arrivals/Departures, Arrivals, or Departures.
    • Arrivals/Departures: This option includes reservations arriving in the date range of the report as well as the departures.
    • Arrivals: This option includes only the reservations arriving in the date range of the report.
    • Departures: This option is the most useful for cleaners. It includes only reservations departing in the date range of the report. However, the date and number of days before the next arrival is listed also.
  • Start Date: Choose the beginning date of the report. You may want to email/print a weekly outlook, or just a daily list.
  • End Date: Choose the ending date of the report.
  • Include Guest Stay: You want to include these in most cases, after all, these are the units that need cleaning.
  • Include Owner Stay: You want to include these if units need to be cleaned after an owner stay. Some owners clean the unit after an owner stay, so you can exclude this when needed.
  • Include Owner Guest: You want to include this stay type unless it is excluded from cleaning for some reason.
  • Include Maintenance Block: If you clean units after a maintenance block, include this stay type.
  • Include Access Details: This option includes the unit address, key code, and alarm code.
  • Print Notes: Selecting this option includes any “Cleaning Notes” recorded in the reservation.
Cleaning Arrivals/Departures Report Options
Cleaning Arrivals/Departures Report Options

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Sample Cleaning Arrival/Departure Reports

Cleaning Arrivals/Departures Report Sample
Arrivals/Departures Report Sample

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Arrivals Report Sample
Arrivals Report Sample

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Departures Report Sample
Departures Report Sample

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Log

There may be an occasion when you need to edit the cleaning log to correct the record. Perhaps a cleaner marked a unit clean, but someone else actually cleaned it. Or, a cleaner accidentally marked it clean and you need to return it to dirty status so the cleaning is not skipped. You have two choices when editing the log, reassigning to a different cleaner and/or undoing the clean.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Cleaning Log

  • When a guest checks into a unit, the unit is automatically marked dirty and shows up in the Cleaning Log as “dirty.” Awesome Place reservation #10 is an example. There is nothing to edit because the unit has not been cleaned yet.
  • When a cleaner marks the unit clean on the Unit Cleaning List, a record of that shows up in the Cleaning Log. Reservations #5 and #4 are examples in the screenshot below.
  • Before the next guest checks in, you may edit the cleaner and even “Undo Clean.” “Undo Clean” removes the entry from the Cleaning Log and returns it to the Unit Cleaning List so it can be cleaned. This is normally done when a cleaner marks it clean by mistake.
  • After a guest checks in for the subsequent reservation, you do not have the option to “Undo Clean” on the previous reservation. The option is no longer available. However, you may still edit the name of the cleaner if needed. Reservation #6 is an example of this situation. You cannot undo the clean because reservation #10 already checked in.
Edit the Cleaning Log
Edit the Cleaning Log

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Last Cleaned Report

This report is a simple printout with the unit name, the cleaner, and the date the unit was last cleaned.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Last Cleaned Report

Last Cleaned Report
Last Cleaned Report

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Billing Report

This report is used to determine how much you need to pay the cleaners and for which units. You may enter specific dates so you can see what you owe for the week, the month, or any given time period. This report can be emailed, viewed and printed, or exported in Excel format.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Cleaning Billing Report

Cleaning Billing Report
Cleaning Billing Report

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Weekly Audit

The Cleaning Weekly Audit report provides a weekly snapshot of the cleaning costs broken down by the day. You can run this report for all cleaners or a specific cleaner for any time period. The result is a table with the name of the unit, dates, amount owed, and the totals for the week.

NOTE: While the Cleaning Audit Report Options allows you to enter a date range of more than a week, the resulting report provides data only for the seven days following the Start Date entered.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Cleaning Weekly Audit

Report Options

  • Cleaner: Select “Any” or the name of a specific cleaner.
  • Start Date: The start date is really the only date you need to enter. The report provides data for up to seven days following this date.
  • End Date: The end date defaults to the seventh day after the start date. You may enter an end date of more than seven days, but the report only provides data up to seven days.
  • Options: Tick this box if you want to include units that have not been cleaned.
Cleaning Weekly Audit Report Options
Cleaning Weekly Audit Report Options

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Weekly Audit
Cleaning Weekly Audit

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Charge List

The Cleaning Charge List provides you with a snapshot of charges and fees for cleaning broken down by unit, stay type, and the payor. This report is printable and exportable in Excel format.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Cleaning Charge List

Cleaning Charge List
Cleaning Charge List

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Cost Analysis

The Cleaning Cost Analysis report gives you quick access to view what you paid for cleaning versus how much you charged for cleaning. You can view a year to date summary or select a date ranges. This report is printable.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Reports > Cleaning Cost Analysis

Report Options

  • Type: Select “Year to Date Summary” or “Date Range Detail.”
    • Year to Date Summary: This report gives you month by month cleans, cleaning cost, guest charges, owner paid, owner charges, and final cost.
    • Date Range Details: This report gives you the unit, reservation number, arrival and departure dates, guest name, cleaning cost, guest charges, owner paid, owner charges, and final cost.
  • Start Date: Enter the start date for the period you need information. Dates are ignored when you select the “Year to Date Summary.”
  • End Date: Enter the end date for the period you need information. Dates are ignored when you select the “Year to Date Summary.”
  • Sort By: “Unit” or “Arrival Date.”
Cleaning Cost Analysis Options
Cleaning Cost Analysis Options

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Cost Analysis
Cleaning Cost Analysis Report

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Cleaning Cost Analysis
Cleaning Cost Analysis Report YTD

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Cleaning Reports2024-10-18T15:01:55-04:00

BrightSide vs Escapia

2024-11-14T12:18:20-05:00

Comparison: BrightSide vs Escapia

COMPARISON: Escapia and Vrbo are both owned by Expedia Group, so Escapia understandably focuses on integrations with Expedia Group owned properties.

Escapia’s pricing is not really transparent. You must speak with an Escapia sales representative to receive a custom price quote. Our online research found Escapia’s pricing for one hundred units on a software referral site***. They reported the basic monthly fee is $9.00 per unit for 100 units. Since that is the only pricing we could find, we are using that number in our comparison.

BrightSide includes ALL of our features in our subscription fee. This chart does not include all BrightSide’s or Escapia’s features. The purpose is to show some of the differences and the similarities.

EscapiaConnect Add-on

In order to integrate with Google Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, and Booking.com, Escapia utilizes a channel manager called EscapiaConnect. This integration allows you to accept bookings on those platforms and integrate with their messaging systems. BrightSide doesn’t need a channel manager since we integrate with these platforms via direct API.

Escapia users must pay an additional $5.00 per unit, per month, for this service. EscapiaConnect is required if you want to connect to any of the non-Expedia owned OTAs listed above and others. In our chart below, we include EscapiaConnect since it is needed to provide the best side by side comparison.

NOTE: If you do not want to connect to Google Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, or Booking.com, you do not need EscapiaConnect, just Escapia’s basic service.

BrightSide Fees

Comparison uses one hundred (100) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $1,200.00

BrightSide Total = $1,200.00

Escapia Fees

Comparison uses one hundred (100) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $900.00
  • Escapia Connect – $500.00 ($5.00 x 100)

Escapia Total = $1,400.00

BrightSide (100 Units)

$1,20000monthly
  • ✔ True Cost | $1,200.00
  • ✔ Price Based on 100 Active Units
  • ✔ All Features Included
  • ✔ Email and Phone Support
  • ✔ Google Vacation Rentals Direct Integration
  • ✔ Airbnb Direct Integration
  • ✔ Booking.com Direct Integration
  • ✔ Direct API Channel Manager
  • ✔ Custom Automated Emails
  • ✔ Built-In Dynamic Pricing Tool
  • ✔ Dynamic Pricing Integrations
  • ✔ Cleaning Management
  • ✔ Maintenance Management
  • ✔ Built-In E-Signatures
  • ✔ Multiple Rental Agreements
  • ✔ Automated SMS Texts
  • ✔ OTA Message Integration
  • ✔ Open API
  • ✔ Google Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Airbnb Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Booking.com Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Built-In Review System
  • ✔ iCal Link Support
  • ✔ Guests – Adults and Children
  • ✔ Bed & Bathroom Allocation
  • ✔ Owner Reports
  • ✔ Owner Portal
  • ✔ Owner Statements
  • ✔ In-House Website Design
  • ✔ Website Expert Partners
  • ✔ Free Ongoing Training
  • ✔ Supports Multiple Taxes by Unit

Escapia + EscapiaConnect (100 Units)

$1,40000monthly
  • ✔ Base Cost | $900.00
  • ✔ Price Based on 100 Active Units
  • ✔ Requires EscapiaConnect (+$500.00/month*)
  • Requires EscapiaConnect*
  • Requires EscapiaConnect*
  • Requires EscapiaConnect*
  • ✔ Expedia Owned Channels*
  • ✔ Custom Automated Emails **
  • Requires Adobe Sign Account
  • Requires EscapiaConnect**
  • No
  • No
  • No
  • Expedia & Vrbo Only
  • No
  • No
  • No
  • ✔ Website Expert Partners
  • Free One Hour Training Per Month****
  • Limited Tax Support
Comparison: BrightSide vs Escapia

SUMMARY: Escapia and Vrbo are both owned by Expedia Group, so Escapia understandably focuses on integrations with Expedia Group owned properties.

Escapia’s pricing is not transparent. You must speak with one of their sales representatives to receive a custom price quote. Our online research found Escapia’s pricing for one hundred units on a software referral site***. They reported the basic monthly fee is $9.00 per unit for 100 units. Since that is the only pricing we could find, we are using that number in our comparison.

BrightSide includes ALL of our features in our subscription fee. This chart does not include all BrightSide’s or Escapia’s features. The purpose is to show some of the differences and the similarities.

EscapiaConnect Add-on

In order to integrate with Google Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, and Booking.com, Escapia utilizes a channel manager called EscapiaConnect. This integration allows you to accept bookings on those platforms and integrate with their messaging systems. BrightSide doesn’t need a channel manager since we integrate with these platforms via direct API.

Escapia users must pay an additional $5.00 per unit, per month, for this service. EscapiaConnect is required if you want to connect to any of the non-Expedia owned OTAs listed above and others. In our chart below, we include EscapiaConnect since it is needed to provide the best side by side comparison.

NOTE: If you do not want to connect to Google Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, or Booking.com, you do not need EscapiaConnect, just Escapia’s basic service.

BrightSide Fees

Comparison uses one hundred (100) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $1,200.00

BrightSide Total = $1,200.00

Escapia Fees

Comparison uses one hundred (100) active properties.

  • Subscription Fee – $900.00
  • Escapia Connect – $500.00 ($5.00 x 100)

Escapia Total = $1,400.00

BrightSide (100 Units)

$1,20000monthly
  • ✔ True Cost | $1,200.00
  • ✔ Price Based on 100 Active Units
  • ✔ All Features Included
  • ✔ Email and Phone Support
  • ✔ Google Vacation Rentals Direct Integration
  • ✔ Airbnb Direct Integration
  • ✔ Booking.com Direct Integration
  • ✔ Direct API Channel Manager
  • ✔ Custom Automated Emails
  • ✔ Built-In Dynamic Pricing Tool
  • ✔ Dynamic Pricing Integrations
  • ✔ Cleaning Management
  • ✔ Maintenance Management
  • ✔ Built-In E-Signatures
  • ✔ Multiple Rental Agreements
  • ✔ Automated SMS Texts
  • ✔ OTA Message Integration
  • ✔ Open API
  • ✔ Google Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Airbnb Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Booking.com Reviews Integration
  • ✔ Built-In Review System
  • ✔ iCal Link Support
  • ✔ Guests – Adults and Children
  • ✔ Bed & Bathroom Allocation
  • ✔ Owner Reports
  • ✔ Owner Portal
  • ✔ Owner Statements
  • ✔ In-House Website Design
  • ✔ Website Expert Partners
  • ✔ Free Ongoing Training
  • ✔ Supports Multiple Taxes by Unit

Escapia + EscapiaConnect (100 Units)

$1,40000monthly
  • ✔ Base Cost | $900.00/month
  • ✔ Price Based on 100 Active Units
  • Requires EscapiaConnect (+$500.00/month*)
  • ✔ Email and Phone Support
  • ✔ GVR Integration (Requires EscapiaConnect*)
  • ✔ Airbnb Integration (Requires EscapiaConnect*)
  • ✔ Booking.com Integration (Requires EscapiaConnect*)
  • ✔ Expedia Owned Channels Manager*
  • ✔ Custom Automated Emails **
  • ✔ Built-In Dynamic Pricing Tool
  • ✔ Dynamic Pricing Integrations
  • ✔ Cleaning Management
  • ✔ Maintenance Management
  • ✔ E-Signatures Requires Adobe Sign Account
  • ✔ Multiple Rental Agreements
  • ✔ Automated SMS Texts
  • ✔ OTA Messaging (Requires EscapiaConnect**)
  • ✔ Open API
  • No Google Reviews Integration
  • No Airbnb Reviews Integration
  • No Booking.com Reviews Integration
  • Review System for Expedia & Vrbo Only
  • No iCal Link Support
  • No Guests Tracking – Adults and Children
  • ✔ Bed & Bathroom Allocation
  • ✔ Owner Reports
  • ✔ Owner Portal
  • ✔ Owner Statements
  • No In-House Website Design
  • ✔ Website Expert Partners
  • Free One Hour Training Per Month****
  • Limited Tax Support

SUMMARY

Pricing

BrightSide and Escapia are comparably priced, although BrightSide is less expensive by $2,400.00 a year in our comparison. If you do not need or want to utilize Google Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Booking.com, or any other non-Expedia owned OTA, you may stick with their basic subscription. BrightSide does not charge extra for any of these integrations.

Features

The bottom line is BrightSide provides value by offering more built-in features than Escapia for a lower price.

* The EscapiaConnect channel manager is required to connect to Google Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, and Booking.com. The fee is $5.00 per unit, per month, for this add-on.

** You must have EscapiaConnect in order for the messaging system to work with Airbnb and Booking.com messaging. The fee is $5.00 per unit, per month, for this add-on.

*** SoftwareFinder.com. Accessed on 10/08/2024.

**** Escapia’s Vrbo Optimization training is not subject to the monthly limit.

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The Escapia logo is used under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 where allowance is made for “fair use” when used for criticism, comparisons, commentary, teaching, and other purposes. The Escapia logo belongs to its respective owner and this website does not claim any rights over it. The data from Escapia was accessed from their website on 10/5/2024. While we do our best to provide up-to-date information, it may have changed over time, so we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data.

BrightSide vs Escapia2024-11-14T12:18:20-05:00

Housekeeping Setup

2024-09-26T10:41:20-04:00

Summary

Housekeeping is a vital part of the short term rental business. In this article, learn how to create a user account for housekeepers, create a housekeeper  contractor account, assign housekeepers to units, and enter cleaning rates. Follow all the steps below to add a housekeeper to your account.

Create a User Account

Housekeeper User Type

Like many property management companies, you want your housekeepers to be able to log in and see their assignments and mark the unit clean when they have completed their work. First, you must create a user account for them.

Navigate to: Setup > Users > Add

  1. Username: Enter the name of the housekeeper. Spaces are not allowed.
  2. Type: Select “Housekeeper” from the dropdown menu. The housekeeper designation limits the permissions and only allows this user to view housekeeping data.
  3. Password: Enter a password. For better security, the user should change this after they log in for the first time.
  4. Save
Create a Housekeeper User Account
Create a Housekeeper User Account

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Create a Contractor Account

Housekeepers

In the previous step, you created a user and assigned the type as “housekeeper.” Now you need to create a contractor record. This allows you to assign cleaning responsibilities to a particular user.

NOTE: The steps below include information you must have for BrightSide’s housekeeping to work effectively. In addition, we recommend that you complete as many of the other fields as possible.

Navigate to: Setup > Contractors > Add

  1. Name: Enter the first and last name of the housekeeper.
  2. Type: Select “Cleaning” from the dropdown menu. If this person has maintenance responsibilities also, you may select both “Cleaning” and “Maintenance.” By making both of these selections, this user will be able to access the maintenance area of BrightSide and receive maintenance related assignments.
  3. Email: Enter the user’s email address. You can send cleaning notices to this address.
  4. User: Select this person’s user account from the dropdown. This allows this person to log in and see their own schedule and assigned units only. IMPORTANT: If you do not select a user account here, this person has access to everyone’s schedule and assigned units, not just their own. Leave blank for cleaning managers who need to see  everything.
  5. Save
Create a Housekeeper Contractor Account
Create a Housekeeper Contractor Account

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Assign Unit Cleaners

Assignments

Now that you created user and contractor accounts for all your housekeepers, you may assign them to units. When you regularly assign a housekeeper to particular units, make those assignments here. If you randomly assign housekeepers to units, you may skip this step and manually assign them as needed.

Navigate to:  Cleaning > Unit Cleaners

  1. Select: Choose the housekeeper from the dropdown list. When the unit needs cleaning, it automatically shows up on their cleaning list.
  2. Save
Assign Unit Cleaners
Assign Unit Cleaners

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Unit Cleaning Costs & Charges

Costs & Charges

Usually, the cost (the amount paid to the housekeeper) varies depending on size and location. In order for BrightSide to correctly calculate your housekeeper’s pay, you need to enter what it cost for the unit to be cleaned.

You also need to enter the cleaning fee you want to charge the guests and/or owners.

NOTE: The housekeeper selected in the previous step (Assign Unit Cleaners), shows up in the unit’s “Cleaning” block. If needed, you may change it here and it will update the Unit Cleaners as well.

Navigate to:  Properties > Units > Select a Unit > Rates (tab)

Unit Cleaning (Costs)

  1. Cleaner: The housekeeper selected in “Unit Cleaners” is the default here. If you change it here, Unit Cleaners updates also.
  2. Cleaning Costs: Enter the amount you pay the cleaner for each type of stay. Circumstances may exist where you don’t pay the same amount for a particular stay type. For example, you may pay a lower amount for a maintenance block since it may not require a full cleaning.
  3. Charge Cleaning To: In most cases, select “Guest” since they usually pay the cleaning fee. Additional options include Nobody, Owner, and Management.
  4. Pay Cleaning to Owner: In rare circumstances, like when an owner always cleans their unit after a guest stay, you may want to pay the owner for cleaning. Tick this box and BrightSide automatically pays the cleaning fee to the owner.

Unit Charges

  1. Cleaning Fee: This is the amount you charge a guest for cleaning the unit after a guest stay. If you charge a standard cleaning fee for every unit, you may set up the default amount in Charges and Fees. When your cleaning fee varies by unit, enter the amount here.
  2. Owner Cleaning Charge: Enter the amount you charge an owner for cleaning the unit after an owner stay and an owner guest stay.
Unit Housekeeping Setup
Unit Housekeeping Setup

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Housekeeping Setup2024-09-26T10:41:20-04:00

Modify Cleaner Scheduling

2024-09-25T17:01:41-04:00

Summary

Under normal circumstances, housekeepers are assigned to a specific unit or units. When the unit needs to be cleaned it shows up on that cleaner’s daily cleaning list. On occasion, you may need to modify the assignment by giving it to another cleaner, or by changing the date it should be cleaned. To accomplish this, you must make changes in Cleaner Scheduling before it is cleaned.

Cleaner Scheduling

By default, a reservation is scheduled to be cleaned on the checkout date by the housekeeper assigned to that unit (if any). When the assigned cleaner or the cleaning date needs to be reassigned, you can modify it by going to “Cleaner Scheduling.” These assignment modifications only can be made in advance of the cleaning. If you need to change it after the fact, you must do it in the “Cleaning Log” report. Keeping it up to date ensures you pay the correct cleaner.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Cleaner Scheduling

  1. Start/End Dates: Enter the date range where you want to modify the cleaning schedule.
  2. Grayed Out Cleaners: When an entry is disabled (grayed out) it means it has already been marked clean and cannot be modified here. If the record needs to be corrected, due to an incorrect cleaner or cleaning date, you may change it by going to the Cleaning Log.
  3. Modify Date or Cleaner: Units that have not been marked clean, may be modified by changing the date it needs to be cleaned or by selecting a different cleaner from the dropdown.
  4. Print/Export: This list can be printed or exported to Excel via the buttons at the bottom.
Cleaner Scheduling
Cleaner Scheduling

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Ready to Clean

Now that you have assigned units to specific cleaners, housekeepers can log into their BrightSide accounts and see what they need to clean in the Unit Cleaning List.

Modify Cleaner Scheduling2024-09-25T17:01:41-04:00

Unit Cleaning List

2024-09-25T16:54:19-04:00

Summary

Units that need to be cleaned show up on the daily Unit Cleaning List. Housekeepers and front-desk staff can both view units that need to be cleaned. This is also the place where housekeepers mark the unit clean when they have finished cleaning.

Units stay on the cleaning list until it is marked Clean or Skip. BrightSide does not allow you to check in a guest if the unit remains in Dirty status. So if you are using the BrightSide cleaning features, it must be marked clean before the next guest can check in.

Unit Cleaning List

NOTE: Housekeepers assigned a username will see only their own assignments in the Unit Cleaning List when they login to BrightSide. Housekeeping managers can see everyone’s assignments.

Navigate to: Cleaning > Unit Cleaning List

  1. Unit: This is the name of the unit that needs to be cleaned.
  2. Status: Clean or Dirty
  3. Last Reservation: The reservation that is checking out.
  4. Next Reservation: The reservation that is checking in. By the guest’s name you see how many days before the next check-in. BTB is back to back (same day).
  5. Date Cleaned: If this is different than the expected clean date, modify it here.
  6. Cleaner: When someone other than the assigned cleaner completes the cleaning, change it here. This ensures the correct person is paid for the cleaning.
  7. Action: The cleaner or desk staff should mark it Clean or Skip. Skip cleaning should be marked only if it did not need cleaning after a maintenance block or something of that nature. If you mark one Clean or Skip by mistake, you may click Undo to return it to dirty status.
Unit Cleaning List
Unit Cleaning List

Click on Image for Enlarged View

Unit Cleaning List2024-09-25T16:54:19-04:00
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