Managing short-term rental operations requires flexibility, clarity, and the right tools to stay organized and optimize your calendar. At RentalWise, we provide two distinct types of bookings in your CRM to give you full control over your property management: Guest Bookings and Owner Bookings.
Let’s break down what each booking type is, how they work, and when to use them.
What is a Guest Booking?
Guest bookings are reservations made by paying guests, either through:
Online Travel Agencies (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, etc.)
Or manually created within the CRM dashboard by you or your team.
Key Features of Guest Bookings:
Can be moved or relocated between properties- Supports pricing adjustments
- Triggers automated messages and workflows
- Fully integrated with payment processing and guest communications
- Included in reports and revenue calculations
This is your go-to booking type for real guest stays, whether they come through OTAs or are manually entered for internal tracking.
What is an Owner Booking?
Owner bookings are manually created reservations used to block off dates for property owners, friends, family, or internal use. These bookings:
Default to zero pricing ( but can be changed ) - Allow you to assign any guest name or homeowner (not limited to the property's assigned owner)
Think of these as internal calendar blocks—ideal for tracking owner stays, maintenance, or downtime, while still maintaining accurate occupancy reports.
Key Differences: Guest Booking vs. Owner Booking
When to Use Each Type:
Use a Guest Booking when:
The guest is paying for their stay
You want to automate communication and collect payments
You need flexibility to move or adjust the booking
You're syncing with OTAs or your website
Use an Owner Booking when:
The property is reserved for the owner or internal use
You're blocking availability for non-revenue stays
You want to exclude pricing
You need to track occupancy without charging
Final Thoughts
Having a clear understanding of the differences between guest and owner bookings empowers you to maintain accurate records, optimize availability, and improve reporting clarity.
Whether you're welcoming paying guests or hosting property owners, RentalWise gives you the tools to stay on top of your operations with ease.
Take Control of Your Calendar
Log into your RentalWise CRM today and start organizing your reservations with precision.
Need help creating or managing bookings? Visit our Help Center for step-by-step guides.