HomeAway Software has been providing and maintaining websites for hundreds of professional property management companies who use its market-leading Escapia software platform since purchasing the software company in 2010.
However, Expedia-owned HomeAway recently announced that property management clients who currently use HomeAway-provided websites will no longer be able to access their company websites as of May 2019.
“As of May 2019, we will no longer support Escapia Web or provide a HomeAway-powered website solution for Escapia customers,” a HomeAway spokesperson said. “We continue to support and offer all other Escapia features, including our Glad To Have You guest hospitality app and auto responder products, and our comprehensive Escapia lead management system.”
Update from HomeAway (10/24, 11:30 et): “Support for the current Escapia Web Portal will be discontinued on May 31, 2019, though HomeAway Software will continue to support the Escapia Booking Engine and all API integrations, as well as other HomeAway Software website partners and third-party solutions.”
“Escapia Web Portal was becoming outdated and there are many 3rd parties who provide state-of-the-art web capabilities, which we think is important for our customers. We are focusing on key initiatives around performance and pricing and decided to partner with a company that could bring value to our customers, ” he added. “Bluetent is our preferred partner, following an extensive RFP process. However, customers are free to use any website provider.”
The scale-back in HomeAway’s software division is not limited to websites. HomeAway Software is also retiring one of its software platforms, PropertyPlus, in 2019.
According to HomeAway, Escapia customers who are currently using its websites have until May 2019 to switch to one of the following options:
Option #1: Rezfusion Essential from Bluetent
As HomeAway’s preferred website provider, Bluetent provides full website solutions with top-tier designs, SEO functionality and exceptional security and PCI compliance. Bluetent created an integrated website platform with custom features and preferred pricing exclusively for HomeAway Software users called Rezfusion Essential.
Option #2: Full Website Solution from HomeAway Software Partners
Choose a full website solution from a HomeAway Software partner for a proven website solution designed for vacation rental property managers.
Option #3: Self-Managed Website with Escapia Booking Engine
This is the do-it-yourself option that lets you buy, build, manage and host your own website from hosting companies like GoDaddy, SiteGround, or HostGator. Once you build your website, you can plug in the Escapia Booking Engine to enable online reservations.
Option #4: Full Custom Website and API Booking Engine
This option gives you or a third party the option of a fully custom website, built just for you, and an online booking experience that is powered through integration to your HomeAway Software APIs. This option gives you the ultimate in flexibility, but may also be a more expensive solution.
Becky Allwine
October 26, 2018 at 8:58 am
If you already have or are willing to use WordPress for your website, check out the FSVR Manager plugin! It’s been used by a few companies since 2012 and provides a full mobile friendly website. One time fee of $750 and no other expenses to you! http://fsvrmanager.com
Savvy
October 26, 2018 at 1:20 am
Unfortunately, whether you are talking about a small or big web management company sometimes they can go out of business. Fortunately, there are many other professional companies that can handle your needs. Currently The Savvy Monk Studio (http://thesavvymonk.com) is welcoming new clients please feel free to check us out.
Peter Scott
October 25, 2018 at 5:56 pm
Amy – Thanks for the clear reporting on this. I know there has been some miss understanding of vision and intent. Currently Bluetent is welcoming a large number of very high-quality professional managers onto the RezFusion Platform (https://www.bluetent.com/platform/) and the number of direct bookings is quite impressive. Please come check us out at VRMA as we are looking forward to the biggest show yet!!
Heather Richer
October 24, 2018 at 8:10 pm
RedAwning Group and our Blizzard Internet Marketing team also offer a full suite of website and digital marketing options, providing seamless connectivity for these clients. https://www.redawninggroup.com/press/product-offerings-drive-direct-bookings-optimize-revenue-enhance-roi/
Mark
October 24, 2018 at 5:35 pm
Curious as to what Bluetent will charge? Anyone have more details on this?
Braeden Flaherty
October 24, 2018 at 10:56 pm
Hi Mark-
Essential has no setup or commission costs at all. The monthly fee is the lowest we’ve ever offered, but depends on how many properties you’re listing. I’d encourage you to reach out via this form: http://www.bluetent.com/rezfusion-essential-features-highlights-video/ or if you’re attending VRMA come say hello at our booth.
I hope we have the opportunity to show you more about Essential.
Tracy Lotz
October 24, 2018 at 9:59 am
Well the #1 thing Escapia users can do is move to LiveRez.