Escapia Reviews

“Great software

Pros

Escapia is a great vacation rental management software that caters to all my software needs in the vacation rental industry.

Cons

Unfortunately, Escapia lacks ease of use and has a difficult learning curve. Moreover, during our onboarding years ago, the training provided was incomplete, which we discovered much later during a one-on-one session at Rezfest. Escapia then demanded over $3,000 to fix the issues resulting from inadequate training. Over time, we've self-trained to address these problems and utilize the necessary modules. Additionally, Escapia fails to promptly notify users of system glitches, only admitting to them when issues arise. It would be beneficial to receive timely notifications to avoid wasting hours troubleshooting before contacting support.

“Dashboard is a game-changer

Pros

The Reservations Dashboard is fantastic. It allows me to efficiently handle my weekly and future bookings. I can easily view the availability of my properties, track current bookings, and identify areas that require my attention.

Cons

Reconciling daily banking and monthly accounts is part of our routine.

“Stay updated with escapia coach

Pros

I can manage platform operations and utilize electronic signatures, which makes it convenient.

Cons

I find that a big downside of Escapia is the lack of an app, and the system tends to have frequent downtime.

“Our go-to solution

Pros

Switching from a spreadsheet and Google Calendar system to Escapia 5 years ago was a game changer for us. We have eliminated double bookings and reduced potential errors with this fully integrated system. The powerful accounting module has fueled the dramatic growth of our business over the past five years.

Cons

The accounting component is complex to use, but we have become proficient at it. I'm unsure if any other full-function accounting software would be simpler, though.

“Reliable trust accounting software

Pros

The trust accounting capabilities in Escapia have significantly improved the speed and accuracy of our month-end accounting procedures. It also provides detailed financial statements for our owners. Additionally, the integration and mapping with Vrbo are exceptional.

Cons

The addition of numerous new features and improvements is exciting. However, in my opinion Escapia sometimes announces them prematurely without providing a solid launch date.

“Compact and convenient

Pros

It is user-friendly and portable, so I can access it from anywhere. It's strong enough to handle most aspects of my business and can integrate with different apps and websites.

Cons

Software integration is never easy, but this process was at least manageable.

“Simple to use

Pros

I think managing payments and portfolios is really simple and easy to handle. It makes keeping everything organized and on track much simpler.

Cons

I find the login process a bit tedious, as it always requires more than one step.

“User-friendly product

Pros

The software is easy to use, and it helps me keep track of accounting and reservations seamlessly. It has made significant progress in the last 10 years.

Cons

Customer service is not helpful at all, particularly when setting up the software to streamline VRBO integration. Escapia staff has been of little assistance since we currently manage only 15 vacation rental properties. Small businesses should receive the same level of attention as those with larger VR inventories.

“Simple Interface for beginners

Pros

It's easy to use, and their customer service is prompt and helpful when I reach out for assistance.

Cons

The programs are outdated, but I am pleased with the ongoing updates and what I see for the future.

“Totally worth It

Pros

Escapia is flexible and user-friendly. The calendar feature is excellent, and entering data for each booking is very easy.

Cons

The pop up boxes for data entry should be larger.

“Remarkable software!

Pros

The software is incredibly user-friendly and efficiently performs the necessary tasks.

Cons

Like most software, there are occasional glitches, but they are easily resolved with customer support.

“My top choice

Pros

In my opinion, Escapia is the ultimate software for this industry. It fulfills all my requirements and more.

Cons

I have no complaints. Escapia continues to improve and impress.

“Excellent all-round product

Pros

Escapia not only offers the expected functionality and ease of use but also excels in trust accounting and customer support, which are crucial to us.

Cons

The initial learning period took some time, primarily due to the extensive functionality. However, numerous software upgrades over the years have significantly improved its user-friendliness.

“Escapia at Its best

Pros

I think Escapia is really easy to use, and it has lots of reports that help me keep track of different parts of my business.

Cons

I think dealing with the time difference for support can be a bit difficult but it's understandable.

“Streamlined the operations

Pros

Escapia has streamlined our vacation rental program significantly. It facilitates the entire process, from inputting reservations to online bookings, payment collection, and advertising. It truly covers all our needs.

Cons

I've noticed that pricing and seasonal aspects can get a bit complicated.

“Top-notch software

Pros

We love the reporting features and how easy it is to use. Whenever we contact customer support, their response time is excellent. They provide a summary of the assistance provided and often share support articles to help us in the future.

Cons

I wish the integration of AirBNB and VRBO fees into the software was smoother.

“11 years with Escapia and excellent support

Pros

The customer support team is available whenever you need and highly supportive. They continually work on improving the software to stay ahead of the competition, which is commendable in today's complex market.

Cons

As the companys bookkeeper, I have always desired a better accounting module. However for reservation management, it works great.

“Best support system

Pros

I appreciate being able to reach a real person who promptly assists me with any issues I encounter.

Cons

It can be a bit challenging for new users, but with support, I can resolve any issues.

“Does the job perfectly

Pros

With our businesss unique nuances, Escapia offers the flexibility to adapt to most situations. Having choices is something we appreciate.

Cons

Comparing our vacation rental software (Escapia) with our long term rental software (AppFolio), we have noticed that training and operating in Escapia are more difficult. Unfortunately the system lacks intuitiveness, especially during setup. Setting up a new property, for instance, involves navigating through multiple screens and applications.

“Fantastic solution with excellent support

Pros

I think it's really easy to use, and the training videos are always useful.

Cons

The rates manager has significantly improved compared to its previous version.

“Escapia

Pros

Escapia is incredibly easy to use, making it simple for me to navigate. The ease of use allows for seamless staff training.

Cons

Personally the program updates are the least enjoyable aspect for me since I'm unable to use the software during that time. However, I must acknowledge that Escapia does an excellent job of scheduling these updates in the late evening or early morning when usage is minimal.

“Best Software Around

Pros

The ease of use is fantastic and their customer service is top notch!

Cons

Not a single thing. We are extremely satisfied with Escapia Software!

“Great software that is well established in the vacation rental industry

Pros

Trust accounting is crucial to our business and we feel confident knowing that Escapias accounting module is reliable. The integration with other products has been seamless and the layout and functionality of Escapia are intuitive, reducing unnecessary clicking.

Cons

We have no complaints about Escapia.

“Almost there

Pros

We utilize most of Escapia's features. While we have our accounting system for expenses, billing, and owner payouts, Escapia seamlessly complements our operations.

Cons

Escapia has considerable potential for additional functionality, hence the "almost there" sentiment.

“Great software for our business!

Pros

Setting up and configuring the software was a breeze, and new users quickly get up to speed. Escapia integrates well with various channels for listing postings.

Cons

The webpage within the software is relatively basic and lacks customization options. However, most bookings are made through other linked sites.

“Escapia is a staple PMS in the VR industry!

Pros

I have been using Escapia for more than 8 years now (as of 2022). I particularly love the escrow accounting features combined with the reservation and calendar management. Once you become familiar with the software, Escapia is easy to use and provides numerous options for customization through reports and setups.

Cons

I wish Escapia would integrate with more third-party tech companies and have a more open API feed.

“Thank you Escapia!

Pros

Whenever I encounter an issue, I can always reach out to someone for assistance. The round-the-clock service is exceptional!

Cons

I'm still a bit perplexed by some accounting aspects, but I'm confident I'll figure it out soon!

“Horrible customer support

Pros

Making reservations is a simple task that anyone can accomplish effortlessly.

Cons

It's incredibly challenging to receive assistance when needed. For example, I've encountered a discrepancy of over $60,000 in bank reconciliation, and it's been nearly a week without hearing from anyone.

“Excellent PMS but needs modernizing

Pros

The accounting, housekeeping, and work order modules are impeccably designed providing a smooth experience.

Cons

The pricing module is not user-friendly and cumbersome. It lacks a direct connection with Airbnb and doesn't offer a built-in website solution.

“Best Overall PMS system today

Pros

The softwares ease of use and robust functionality make it stand out.

Cons

Reconciliation and the absence of out-of-the-box solutions are significant pain points. Everything needs to be customized.

“Amazing Software!

Pros

The setup and learning process are straightforward, and the reports provided are excellent!

Cons

My experience with the software thus far has been negative.

“Great Customer Support and Product

Pros

The user friendly interface and responsive customer service make seeking help a hassle-free process.

Cons

Due to its comprehensive nature, the platform requires a significant amount of time to learn.

“The ONLY software you need for Vacation Rentals!

Pros

The support we receive from the Escapia team surpasses any other software company we've worked with. Although transitioning from v12 was challenging, the Escapia team ensured our comfort before going live. The new rates manager is exceptional, simplifying the process of setting and adjusting rates. No more juggling multiple windows and rate rules it's all on one screen.

Cons

We are missing some essential reports that we used in V12 but the Escapia team has been responsive to our requests and is actively working on new reporting features. Transitioning between software companies has its learning curve, but it has been worth it.

“Great Software for Vacation Rental Business

Pros

The implementation staff handled the switch from our old PMS seamlessly, and we're delighted with the decision we made. Integration with VRBO/Homeaway and working with a website host/digital marketing agency that understands our PMS were crucial factors for us.

Cons

The service order module is poorly configured for how we manage our maintenance staff. Our staff cannot enter a task assigned to a specific unit with an associated time duration that can be transferred to an owner statement for charging. The process requires filling out too many fields, which doesn't align with our needs.

“A Good Match for our Vacations Rental Management needs!

Pros

We are grateful to have a reliable and user friendly software system that offers exceptional customer service support. With nearly 100+ properties to manage, Escapia is a valuable resource for our team to communicate with guests and owners, coordinate housekeeping and maintenance schedules, and set up service orders for external vendors.

Cons

I have no negative feedback about this software. We are extremely satisfied with it!

“Going Beyond a Necessary Evil

Pros

I really like the continuous commitment Escapia has made to improve its software over the past year. The COVID-19 crisis prompted them to take urgent action, recognizing the remote work environment prevalent in the vacation rental industry. The UI changes and business/performance dashboards have significantly enhanced navigation and data interpretation.

Cons

Navigating the unit integration still feels clunky. Fortunately, we don't have an extensive number of third-party apps that require integration, but having a central hub for smoother app navigation would be beneficial.

“Its a breeze to check on my vacation rental investment

Pros

Access to up-to-date information about my vacation rental property investment is just a click away anytime. I can easily track rental activity, compare month to month or year to year and simplify my bookkeeping tasks.

Cons

It provides a comprehensive overview of a property investment's performance without overwhelming with excessive details.

“Run away from this one!

Pros

Unfortunately, I haven't had a positive experience with this company and would consider it one of the worst I've dealt with.

Cons

The implementation process was the worst. It took an incredibly long time and the organization was lacking. Considering the $7,000 setup fees, one would expect a much better experience.

“Cadillac product

Pros

Escapia is a powerful tool that greatly benefits our business, and the support they offer is outstanding.

Cons

For us it was simply too costly as a small vacation rental company.

“Great Company

Pros

The software is user friendly, visually appealing and provides detailed information. The integration with credit card processing is crucial, and Escapia handles it seamlessly.

Cons

There are some minor quirks not worth mentioning, but overall, it's a decent software.

“Medicore Software In A Sea Of Mediocrity

Pros

Escapia strives to be an all in one solution, with direct integration with HomeAway/VRBO and excellent customer support. The team is clearly dedicated to making improvements, although it can sometimes feel like pushing a dinosaur up a hill.

Cons

The software feels disjointed, almost like a Frankenstein's creation, with poorly connected modules. Its lack of an open API limits integration with other systems. Overall, the software is outdated, and while improvements are on the horizon, they are slow to come. Patience wears thin in the meantime.

“Very Strong System, But Outdated and Clunky

Pros

The booking engine is robust and Escapia is a well established software that consistently performs its core functions. It has reliable API connections with all the necessary suppliers and offers trust accounting capabilities.

Cons

Its an outdated system with minimal updates in the past four years. The reporting and rate engines are frustrating to use, and there are several idiosyncrasies that make training and utilization challenging. The inability to connect with Airbnb is a significant problem, along with the "Price Consistency" rules from Vrbo.

“Love Escapia, excited for their new software

Pros

I have many great things to say about Escapia starting with their exceptional customer support. Whenever I encounter an issue, a quick phone call resolves it within minutes. We manage 70 vacation rental properties and rely on Escapia for everything, from pictures to descriptions and rates. We recently attended one of their meetings where they announced the upcoming launch of a new, updated Escapia that combines their other software offerings. I am genuinely excited about it!

Cons

Occasionally, it may experience temporary outages but the Escapia team promptly resolves them. Theres nothing specific that I like the least because they are always willing to address any issues.

“Very Helpful!

Pros

It was relatively effortless to use, and it provided immense help.

Cons

Personally I couldn't find any drawbacks with the software.

“Room for improvement

Pros

Overall the software is very easy to use and mostly self explanatory when it comes to creating and monitoring reservations.

Cons

Glitches or system failures occur nearly every day. We frequently encounter "server error" screens or a spinning wheel, preventing us from performing any tasks. Many days, we have to log off or clear cookies to restore functionality. This happens far too often to be beneficial for our company.