Overview
This guide answers frequently asked questions about HostBuddy AI. It explains how to use HostBuddy AI's features and integrate them with your property management system.
HostBuddy AI leverages the latest developments in natural language processing to to support hosts in the short-term rental industry with guest messaging. This means HostBuddy can understand the nuances of communication and provide fluent, human-like responses to any guest message.
Our software guides you through the process of adding information about each of your properties. Then, HostBuddy intelligently uses these details you provide to answer guest questions, troubleshoot their issues, and fluently handle day-to-day conversation, ensuring your guests are covered 24/7.
Check out the Meet HostBuddy page to see it all in action!HostBuddy AI is highly customizable and fine-tuned to provide human-like responses to each guest query it receives. This product was created by Airbnb Superhosts with the guest experience in mind. Our product not only provides guests with the information they need but also fosters a conversational and organic experience that ensures your guests receive the attentive and personalized experience they deserve!
There are multiple ways to provide HostBuddy with information about your property. HostBuddy will intelligently parse the information from the different sources, and will use the most relevant details when responding to each guest query. Each of these are optional, and you can use whatever inputs best suit your needs. There is no limit on the amount of text you can add.
1. When you connect a PMS integration, HostBuddy will pull property details from the chosen PMS property listing into its knowledge base. This includes past conversations! It will also pull and maintain real-time guest information, so that HostBuddy knows the status and details of each reservation or inquiry.
2. You can upload files (.txt, .pdf, .docx) into HostBuddy’s knowledge base. This is useful if you already have documents that explain details about your property, or if you want to write your own free text to provide details for HostBuddy.
3. We also provide a detailed manual data section that guides you step-by-step to provide all of the information that Hostbuddy needs to intelligently assist guests. Answer specific questions in the form to fill knowledge gaps, or go through the entire form to use it as HostBuddy’s complete knowledge base for the property. Use other data sources to autofill this section for expedited onboarding!Currently, HostBuddy AI supports integration with many major property management softwares on the market. Here is a list of our current integrations: Guesty, Hostaway, Hostfully, Hostify, Hospitable, Lodgify, Smoobu, Beds24, OwnerRez, Zeevou, BookingSync. If you do not see your property management software here, please let us know! We are actively seeking more integration partners and are happy to consider integrating with your preferred PMS.
HostBuddy is built using the most advanced conversational AI models available today, and is highly customizable to fit the needs of even the most complex property. With robust training on technical problem-solving, it is capable of supporting guests through lockouts, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, usage of HVAC, electronics, or any other challenging support item. Play around with our MeetHostBuddy feature to see how HostBuddy can support your guests today!
You have complete control over the information in HostBuddy’s knowledge base. We also provide controls that allow you restrict any specific pieces of information from being visible to a set of guests - for example, according to the status and timing of their reservation. If information is restricted for a set of guests, then HostBuddy will not have access to that information at all when responding to those guests.
HostBuddy’s knowledge base is segmented by property, meaning when it responds to a guest, it only has access to the information about the property that guest is associated with. This makes it impossible for HostBuddy to provide guests with information about the wrong property.
HostBuddy AI prioritizes security, and follows industry-standard practices to ensure the protection of guest and host information. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of security and privacy for all users.HostBuddy is your dedicated cohost, available whenever you need support. It can be scheduled to work specific days and hours. Whether you need to turn off your phone and unplug or take the wheel and cover guest communications, HostBuddy is ready to assist or stand by until you need it next.
In your dashboard's action items page, you can view a list of important items from when you were away. HostBuddy will indicate which conversations may need your attention and which ones were resolved. This feature helps ensure that you can jump right back in to assist guests with reservation changes, required maintenance, and other items that require your intervention.
HostBuddy AI provides comprehensive support options, including documentation, FAQs, and a dedicated support team to assist users. We are committed to ensuring that your guests are supported correctly and are always happy to work with you to ensure that our software fits your needs. Email support@hostbuddy.ai with any questions!
Yes, HostBuddy can send you notifications about important events - for example, when a new action item has been detected in a conversation that requires your attention. You can configure these notifications in your account, set your preferred timing, and send to multiple recipients if desired.
We currently support sending notifications via email, SMS, and Slack. WhatsApp notifications are in the works and coming very soon.
We would love to hear your thoughts on which integrations you'd like to see support for. Please send us an email to help integrate HostBuddy more into your business at info@hostbuddy.ai.
Questions You Didn’t Know to Ask
This section is dedicated to good questions asked by our customers. Our customer success team will add here over time to help you think of cool ways to use our product!
You can set up this type of offer using our Upsells feature, which allows you to send automated, conditional messages based on property availability. Here’s how you can configure an upsell for early check-ins:
1. Go to the Upsells Section:
Navigate to the Upsells page within the Messaging tab of HostBuddy AI.
2. Select the “Pre-Stay Gap Night” Option:
This option allows you to create an upsell that considers gaps in your property’s booking calendar.
3. Configure the Conditions:
• Number of nights to consider: Set a minimum of 1 night and a maximum of 1 night. This ensures the message is only sent if the property wasn’t booked the night before check-in.
• Upsell Timing: Schedule the upsell to send 0 days before check-in at 8 a.m. Alternatively, you can set it to send the evening before, depending on your booking restrictions or guest preferences.
4. Write Your Custom Message:
Use the message editor to craft a personalized offer. For example:
“Good morning! We’re excited to host you today. We’re offering an early check-in option at 10 a.m. for just €20, available if you’d like to settle in sooner. Please let us know if you’d like to take advantage of this option!”
5. Save the Upsell:
Click Save Settings to apply your changes.
6. Customize for Specific Properties (Optional):
If you manage multiple properties, you can use the Configurations tab to tailor the timing and messaging for each property individually. This can also be helpful for A/B testing different strategies to see which offers perform best.
We have plans to release an app in the near future. For now, you can add HostBuddy AI as a progressive web app by following instructions here:
https://userguide.hostbuddy.ai/tips-and-tricks/hostbuddy-ai-on-mobileThe trial begins the day that you create an account with us - no credit card required! 2 weeks allows for new users to have full functionality to evaluate HostBuddy AI as a communications solution. At the end of your trial, you will need to subscribe fully to continue having access to HostBuddy AI. Subscribing does not end your trial early, meaning you are welcome to subscribe any time during your trial!
We have open office hours that happen nearly every day. Feel free to drop in by checking our calendar here or emailing your CSM for more 1:1 support