Introduction to Airbnb's Full-sync

The Hometime Platform's Upgrade to Airbnb's Full-sync

Airbnb Full-sync transforms how your property data is managed by automatically synchronising most fields between the Hometime Platform and Airbnb. This comprehensive integration eliminates manual data entry, reduces inconsistencies, and ensures your listings are always accurate and up-to-date across channels.

What's New with Airbnb's Full-sync

• Comprehensive Data Synchronisation – The majority of fields supported in Airbnb's API will be automatically synced from the Hometime Platform to Airbnb, eliminating discrepancies and reducing manual data entry.
• Expanded Property Fields – Access new field options that provide more comprehensive property information, with some additional fields synced to other channels for better listing management.
• Sync Error Logging – Airbnb sync errors are clearly displayed when sync fails, providing specific information on what needs to be resolved.
• Enhanced Log Performance – Logs have been optimised to improve loading times, allowing you to quickly check who made specific changes to any property fields.

Why It Matters

This full-sync integration transforms how property data is managed, by reducing manual work and resolving the inconsistencies that have existed between the Hometime Platform and Airbnb. The enhanced accuracy will help ensure your listings are always up-to-date and consistent.

This change sets us up for the next phase of this project—creating properties in the Hometime Platform straight after a contract is signed and publishing Airbnb listings directly from the Platform. This means your properties will be open for bookings, quicker!

What Fields are Now Synced?

Almost all fields that are available on both Airbnb and the Hometime Platform now automatically sync. However, some fields that exist in the Hometime Platform already or have been added still aren't synced to Airbnb due to limitations in the Airbnb API or different structures used in the Hometime Platform.

Fields That Don't Sync

Access & Arrival

• Access instructions and Check-out instructions aren't synced because they're saved as free text in the Hometime Platform and don't match Airbnb's specific check-in and check-out instruction fields

House Rules

• Quiet hours and Commercial photography and filming allowed have been introduced, but aren't currently supported in the Airbnb API. We anticipate they will be supported in the future and will display on the Direct Booking site if selected

⚠️ Tip: Hover over the tooltip next to each field to see which channels receive automatic updates and which need manual updates.

Important Changes

We've made some important changes to existing fields to simplify mapping with Airbnb and introduce new options:

Property Types

• All Airbnb Property types (both Airbnb property type fields) are now available in the Hometime Platform, with more options and greater detail

Amenities

• Streaming services have been consolidated in the TV amenity, which includes a sub-field Streaming services which matches Airbnb's sub-category structure
• Brand and Model fields have been removed from redundant amenities. Fields that have contained brand and model data have been retained (e.g. the fields have been removed from amenities like Backyard, Private living room etc., but not Air conditioning)
• Rooms & spaces previously listed as amenities (such as Rooftop or Courtyard) now appear under the new Rooms & Sleeping → Rooms and spaces section
• Garden & backyard has changed to Backyard to align with Airbnb, though Garden can still be added under rooms and spaces
• Patio & balcony is now a single amenity option (matching Airbnb), with individual options still available as rooms and spaces
• There are a lot of additional sub-fields now available in the Hometime Platform, to align with Airbnb’s amenities.

WiFi

• WiFi name and WiFi password have moved from amenities to Access & Arrival → Arrival & Guest Interaction for easier access

Parking

• Parking options now align with Airbnb's more detailed structure
• The car spaces short code in automated messages will use the number from the Free parking on premises field, as car spaces can also be added to Paid parking on premises

Directions & Getting Around

• Previously combined into one Directions field, these are now separate fields matching Airbnb
• Existing properties may still contain Getting around information in the Directions field – you can remove this or leave it as helpful guest information

Scenic Views

• Previously called Nearby locations with only four options, now includes all Airbnb scenic view options

Rooms & Sleeping

• A new Rooms and spaces section aligns with Airbnb options, including privacy settings
• All Airbnb bed types are now supported in the Hometime Platform (e.g. Cot, Hammock ect.)

Check-in Type

• The Key handover has been renamed to In-person greeting to match Airbnb terminology
• All check-in types are now supported, with Building staff added

Safety Devices

• Security cameras/audio recording devices has been split into separate fields for better control; Noise decibel monitor & Security cameras

Safety Features & Utilities

• Not a good fit for children 2-12 & Not a good fit for children under 2 have been renamed to match Airbnb and moved from House Rules to Safety Features & Utilities → Guest safety considerations

House Rules

• Profile photo required, Government ID, and Recommendations from other hosts are being removed as they're deprecated Airbnb fields
• Good track record is now available as a replacement option, aligning with Airbnb

Direct Booking Site & Multi-channel

With the introduction of additional options and new fields, some will now be pushed to Booking.com & Vrbo where they are supported through our channel manager and on the respective channel.

Only minor changes have been made to the Direct Booking Site, with additional Guest Safety information, new Amenities, Scenic views & Location features now visible on listings.

FAQs

Can I still edit properties on Airbnb after full-sync?

You shouldn’t edit synced fields on Aribnb, as fields will become locked and Platform data won’t update on Airbnb. Always use the Hometime Platform for edits to maintain sync functionality (unless they aren’t automatically synced to Airbnb—they can be updated in the Platform)

What happens if sync fails for a field?

Sync error logs will show specific issues with clear resolution guidance to help you fix any problems—you can create a ticket if required.

How long does sync take after making changes?

Most changes sync to Airbnb within a few minutes of being edited in the Hometime Platform. If there are delays, check back after and hour and create a support ticket if the changes still haven’t synced.

Will this affect my other channel connections?

Some fields sync to multiple channels simultaneously. For example, parking options update on Airbnb, DBS, and Vrbo. Check the field tooltips to see which channels receive automatic updates.