Setup guide · Updated November 6, 2026

Connect Hostaway to your guest guide

By GuestsBoard

Connect Hostaway to keep your property guide's guest name and stay details current as bookings change.

Does GuestsBoard work with Hostaway?

Hosts with Hostaway Public API access can connect using their Account ID and Secret Key. GuestsBoard imports listings, physical rental units, and recent or upcoming reservations, then registers booking notifications automatically. This uses Hostaway's generic Public API connection option; it does not imply marketplace partnership.

1. Create a Hostaway API key

In Hostaway, open Settings → Hostaway API → Create. Name the connection GuestsBoard and select Hostaway Public API in the partner field. Save the Account ID and Secret Key securely when shown. Follow Hostaway's current credential instructions if your navigation differs.

Use the API key, not your Hostaway password. Enter credentials only in the GuestsBoard dashboard, never in email or support chat.

2. Review units and subscription impact

Connecting imports the account's listings and physical rental units automatically, including archived listings returned by the API. A unit also linked as a standalone listing is imported once. Newly created GuestsBoard properties can increase your subscription quantity and result in prorated charges. Review your account's units and per-property pricing before connecting.

3. Connect in GuestsBoard

Open Settings → Integrations → Hostaway. Enter your Account ID and Secret Key and select Connect Hostaway. Credentials and access tokens are stored encrypted. The connection shows Setting up until its first complete import succeeds.

4. Check the first personalized welcome

Compare a known booking's guest name, dates, check-in and checkout times, timezone, and unit with Hostaway. For properties with several units, check each physical unit separately. Existing guestbook content stays intact. View the welcome on the actual display, then test a booking change and cancellation before relying on it for arrivals.

Unassigned or ambiguous unit bookings, invalid dates, and unsupported responses stop the import with an error. Correct the source data and retry; GuestsBoard does not guess which screen should show a guest's name.

Do I need to create a webhook?

No. GuestsBoard registers its own authenticated booking callback and queues a sync when Hostaway sends a reservation-created or reservation-updated notification. A recovery sync also runs every 15 minutes. Internet access, account size, and provider retry delays affect when updates appear.

If setup or updates need attention

Review the error in Settings → Integrations. Confirm that the key remains active and the listing has a valid timezone and check times. Follow Hostaway's key-renewal guidance before credentials expire. If your key was revoked or replaced, use Update key on the error card with a new key for the same account. Your webhook and any pending disconnect are preserved. Rate limits are respected even when you press Retry. Imports are limited to 5,000 records per collection and 90 seconds; contact support if your account exceeds those limits.

What happens when I disconnect?

Disconnect in GuestsBoard before revoking your Hostaway key. GuestsBoard removes only its own callback, then deletes the stored connection credentials. Imported properties and reservations remain and stop syncing. Review retained bookings before the next arrival. Keep the key active until cleanup finishes; revoked access may require support-assisted cleanup.

Can I use GuestsBoard without reservation sync?

Yes. Your Wi-Fi details, house instructions, recommendations, and general welcome can be maintained directly in GuestsBoard. Hostaway access and fees are separate from your GuestsBoard subscription.