How to use the SMS Feature?

Hostaway supports two-way SMS (text messages only) communication with a 140-character limitation.

SMS and Automation

The steps are identical to creating regular message automation. To create message automation, please refer to our guide on How to create Message automation.

You will find a toggle switch "Send it by SMS." Make sure to turn it ON.

Sending manual SMS

You can send an SMS from your Inbox by going to the "@" sign and selecting "via SMS".

Please make sure that the reservation has a valid phone number, otherwise, you will not be able to select this option.

Limitations

We can only guarantee two-way SMS messaging for US, CA, and UK phone numbers. Hostaway uses a US phone number.

We cannot guarantee the guest SMS reply in other countries can be received in Hostaway:

• A guest might find it as spam

• A guest might reply but have calls/SMS blocked for foreign numbers

• A guest carrier might block SMS replies to foreign numbers

• An SMS message cannot have more than 140 characters or will fail to be sent

• The SMS number provided by Hostaway for sending messages to guests is not customizable and will be different for each message sent. However, you can include your business phone number in the SMS message so guests can directly contact you. When a guest replies to the SMS, you will receive their response and can continue the conversation.

Is the SMS feature activated by default?

The SMS feature can currently be activated for US, UK, and Canadian customers.

If you are from another region outside of those mentioned above, please submit a request to activate this feature. There can be some limitations for clients outside the regions mentioned in the limitation section.