Learn how message translation works in Hostaway, what translation features are currently supported, and which workarounds are available for multilingual communication.
Overview
This article explains how message translation works in the Hostaway inbox, what is currently supported, and what workarounds are available for unsupported languages or platforms.
How Message Translation Works
OTA Messages (Airbnb, Booking.com)
- For guests: Messages sent by hosts through Hostaway are automatically translated by the OTA platforms (Airbnb and Booking.com) when displayed to guests in their native language.
- For hosts: Messages received from guests appear in the original language in the Hostaway inbox without automatic translation.
Direct Reservations and Other Communication Channels
- Messages sent or received through direct reservations, email, WhatsApp, or SMS are not automatically translated.
Current Limitations
- Inbox messages: Incoming messages from guests are not automatically translated in the Hostaway inbox.
- Language support: While most major languages are supported, some languages may not be available for translation (e.g., Booking.com does not support Greek, but does support Spanish).
- Mobile app: The translation feature is currently only available on the dashboard, not in the mobile app.
Workarounds for Untranslated Messages
Dashboard Translation Tool
You can use the Google Translate plugin in the Hostaway dashboard to translate incoming messages:
- Navigate to the message in your inbox
- Use the Google Translate plugin in your browser
- Copy and paste the message text to translate it
Mobile Users
Since the translation feature is not yet available in the mobile app, mobile users will need to:
- Copy the message text
- Use a separate translation app or website (like Google Translate)
- Paste the message to get a translation
Future Improvements
We are actively working on implementing the translation of incoming messages on both the dashboard and mobile platforms. This enhancement will allow hosts to see guest messages automatically translated into their preferred language.
Common Questions
Q: If a host sends a message in English to a French client, will they receive it in English?
A: No, the guest will receive the message translated into French through the OTA platform (Airbnb or Booking.com).
Q: Do all OTAs translate messages automatically?
A: The two largest OTAs (Airbnb and Booking.com) provide automatic translation for guests. Other platforms may have different capabilities.
Q: How can I translate messages on my mobile device?
A: Currently, you'll need to use a separate translation app. We plan to add this feature to our mobile app in a future update.