Top 5 Channel Managers in 2025 for Vacation Rentals and Short-term Rentals
The hospitality industry in 2025 is defined by complexity and opportunity. Between the rise of niche marketplaces, the diversification of guest expectations, and the need for efficiency, property managers and hoteliers are under pressure to maximize every booking channel available.
This is where a channel manager becomes indispensable. A channel manager connects your booking system to multiple online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia. It keeps calendars, prices, and availability in sync, ensuring consistency and reducing manual errors. For both short term rental managers and hoteliers, it’s the backbone of a successful distribution strategy.
In this article, we review the top 5 channel managers in 2025, highlighting what makes each platform unique and which type of operator they are best suited for.
Why a Channel Manager Matters in 2025
With travelers booking through a growing variety of platforms, managing distribution manually is no longer sustainable. The right channel manager helps:
- Save time by reducing repetitive administrative work.
- Expand visibility across multiple OTAs and niche platforms.
- Eliminate double bookings with real-time availability updates.
- Optimize rates and boost occupancy.
Top 5 Channel Managers in 2025
1. Rentals United – Built for Scaling Vacation Rentals
Who it works best for: Professional vacation rental managers and enterprises.
Rentals United, the revenue-first channel manager built specifically for scaling portfolios of any size, from 50 units to 10.000. Beyond connectivity, it provides AI-driven optimization and powerful analytics to maximize both revenue and operational efficiency.
Highlights:
- Compare performance across channels, properties, and timeframes
- Monitor revenue, cancellations, and booking behavior in real time
- Distribution across 90+ global and niche OTAs, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, and luxury marketplaces like Plum Guide.
- Seamless PMS integrations with 60+ providers, extending existing systems rather than replacing them.
- Specialized features for luxury property managers.
- Advanced reporting with AI-powered insights to inform revenue strategies.
Why Rentals United?
- Trusted by the world’s leading property managers
- Purpose-built to grow revenue through smarter distribution
- Backed by 15+ years of vacation rental expertise
- Enterprise-grade reliability (SOC 2 certified)
- Personalized support and success coaching
For property managers aiming to expand internationally or diversify into luxury markets, Rentals United provides both reach and depth, making it a strong option in today’s competitive landscape.
2. BookingPal – Expanding Reach Through Vacation Rental Distribution
Who it works best for: Vacation rental property managers seeking broad OTA and marketplace connectivity.
BookingPal is a channel manager focused on short term rentals and vacation properties, helping managers expand their distribution through connections to a wide range of OTAs, travel agencies, and booking platforms. Its technology ensures real-time synchronization of rates, availability, and content across channels.
Highlights:
- Direct integration with major OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia.
- Access to regional and niche marketplaces for targeted guest acquisition.
- Real-time updates to reduce manual work and prevent double bookings.
- Reporting tools to track performance across distribution partners.
For property managers looking to maximize visibility and bookings while reducing manual effort, BookingPal provides a reliable distribution solution tailored to vacation rentals.
3. Planyo – Flexibility Beyond Lodging
Who it works best for: Mixed-use operators (accommodation + tours, activities, or rentals).
Planyo is more than just a channel manager—it’s a full online booking system. While it supports vacation rentals and hotels, its biggest strength lies in its multi-industry adaptability, covering tours, equipment rentals, and service-based businesses.
Highlights:
- Real-time availability sync with multiple platforms.
- Suitable for businesses offering both lodging and activities.
- Customizable booking experiences and payment solutions.
- Cloud-based flexibility for operators managing diverse services.
4. Channex – API-First Connectivity
Who it works best for: PMS providers and technology-driven property managers.
Channex is designed for those who want API-first infrastructure rather than a traditional dashboard. It acts as the invisible engine behind distribution, making it popular among PMS developers or large-scale operators seeking custom connectivity.
Highlights:
- Two-way API sync with OTAs and booking platforms.
- Built for scalability and speed.
- White-label capabilities for PMS and software partners.
- Best suited for tech-savvy operators and enterprise use cases.
5. iGMS – Vacation Rental Automation at Scale
Who it works best for: Professional Airbnb and Vrbo hosts, property managers with growing portfolios.
iGMS combines channel management with property automation tools. It integrates directly with Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, providing a unified solution for operational efficiency.
Highlights:
- Automated guest messaging and task management.
- Financial reporting and cleaning coordination tools.
- Simple interface ideal for mid-sized property managers.
- Best suited for rental-focused operators rather than hotels.
Integrating Channel Managers with Guest Experience Tools
Selecting the right channel manager is only part of building a successful strategy. To truly deliver a seamless guest journey, operators need to connect their distribution tools with solutions that enhance every stage of the stay.
That’s where Chekin comes in. By integrating with the channel managers mentioned above and other leading platforms, Chekin empowers property managers and hoteliers to move beyond distribution and fully automate guest management. With Chekin, you can:
- Automate online check-in and ID verification.
- Enable remote access and secure guest arrivals.
- Simplify operations by automating online payments, tourist taxes and legal compliance.
- Boost revenue opportunities with smart upselling tools tailored to each guest.
- Save up to 87% of time spent on guest management while improving satisfaction.
Conclusion
In 2025, choosing the right channel manager is essential for any hospitality business that wants to stay competitive. The right solution ensures accurate distribution, maximizes visibility, and helps property managers and hoteliers drive both occupancy and revenue.
Yet, distribution is only one side of the equation. By integrating a channel manager with guest experience apps like Chekin, operators can go beyond bookings to deliver seamless stays. From automated check-in and ID verification to remote access, payments, and compliance, these integrations reduce workload while enhancing guest satisfaction.
Ultimately, the combination of a strong channel manager and guest-focused technology creates the foundation for sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and memorable experiences that keep guests coming back.
Discover how Chekin can help you automate check-in, stay compliant, protect your property, and boost revenue—saving 87% of your time and earning more from every booking.
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