How to Integrate or Switch Vrbo and Hostaway using iCal or API – Hostaway

Managing your Vrbo properties via Hostaway can be done through two types of integrations: iCal and API. This article provides detailed instructions for setting up or switching between these integrations and highlights their key differences, advantages, and limitations.

Overview of Integration Options

There are two primary integration methods between Vrbo and Hostaway:

iCal Integration: This syncs availability (reservations/blocks) between the platforms but requires manual management of pricing, content, and payments.
API Integration: A comprehensive integration where Hostaway manages rates, availability, property content, and reservations; however, payments occur through external processors.

Switching from Vrbo API to iCal Integration

If you’re currently using the Vrbo API with Hostaway and want to switch to iCal integration, follow these steps:

Unmap Listings from Vrbo API: Remove the API connection for your listing in Hostaway.
Notify Vrbo Integrations Team: Inform Vrbo that you plan to manage the listing directly on their platform and will connect Hostaway via iCal.
Setup iCal Sync: Follow the steps for adding the iCal connection (described in the next section).

Setting Up iCal Integration

To connect Hostaway to Vrbo using iCal, complete these steps:

Preparation

Ensure your Vrbo listings are created in Hostaway.
Log in to your Vrbo account and confirm the "Import & Export" calendar option is available in each listing.

Process

Export Hostaway iCal Link: - Log in to Hostaway > Navigate to Channel Manager > Channels > Select your listing.- Copy the Hostaway iCal export link.
Import Hostaway iCal Link to Vrbo: - Log in to Vrbo > Access your listing calendar > Select "Import Calendar."- Paste the Hostaway iCal link and save.
Export Vrbo iCal Link: - In Vrbo, access your property calendar and use the "Export Calendar" option.
Import Vrbo iCal Link to Hostaway: - Log in to Hostaway > Go to Channel Manager > Channels > Configure > Paste the Vrbo iCal link in the "Import Calendar" field.
Save changes and test synchronization by making a test reservation or block.

Note: iCal sync only includes reservation dates, and updates occur at regular intervals.

Setting Up API Integration

For full-feature integration, API is the recommended method. Here’s how to set it up:

Prepare Your Listings: Ensure Hostaway listings match your Vrbo properties in content and details.
Export Listing from Hostaway to Vrbo: - Navigate to Channel Manager > Channels > Vrbo > Configure.- Select the listing and export it.
Merge Listings via Vrbo Support: - Contact Vrbo Integrated Property Management Support to merge the exported listing with your existing Vrbo listing.
Verify Sync: Confirm that the calendar, rates, and content are syncing correctly between both platforms.

Please check the full guide, Vrbo: Connect to Vrbo

Key Differences: iCal vs. API Integration

iCal Integration

Only syncs availability (reservations/blocks).
Requires manual price, content, and payment management.
Simpler to set up and avoids overbookings.
May lead to sync delays due to interval updates.

API Integration

Syncs availability, rates, content, and reservations.
Payments processed externally (via Stripe or similar systems).
Requires coordination with Vrbo support to finalize connections.

FAQs

Is iCal required for Vrbo integration with Hostaway?

No, iCal is not required if you use the Vrbo API integration. However, before disconnecting iCal, ensure there are no upcoming reservations, as removing it will delete these entries in Hostaway.

What should I do if my integration does not sync correctly?

Verify that all iCal or API export and import links are correctly entered. For API, ensure Vrbo support has finalized the connection.