AvantStay Property Management Review: Is AvantStay Worth It?

Managing vacation rentals can be a lucrative endeavor, but not everyone has the time or expertise to handle the day-to-day responsibilities. That's where professional property management services come in, offering a way to enjoy the benefits without the hassle.

So, is AvantStay property management worth it? Yes, but with caveats. AvantStay works well for owners of upscale properties with 4+ bedrooms in premium vacation markets who want full-service management. However, their lack of transparent pricing, mixed owner reviews, and limited geographic coverage may not suit every investor.

On our list of the best Airbnb property management companies we ranked Awning above AvantStay for its better pricing transparency, more complete service offering, and true nationwide footprint.

What AvantStay Is

AvantStay is a vacation rental management company that specializes in high-end, group-friendly properties across select U.S. markets. Founded in 2015, the company positions itself as a tech-enabled hospitality brand focused on luxury group travel experiences.

The company offers full-service property management, handling everything from listing and marketing properties on multiple channels (including Airbnb, VRBO, and over 50 other platforms) to guest services, maintenance, and interior design. AvantStay's focus on large properties and luxury experiences allows property owners to target high-paying group travelers, which can potentially increase rental income.

Unlike traditional property managers, AvantStay operates more like a hospitality brand, standardizing the guest experience across their portfolio while maintaining each property's unique character.

AvantStay Property Qualification Requirements

To qualify for AvantStay's services, your property must meet specific criteria:

Property Requirements:

• Minimum 4 bedrooms (preferably accommodating 6+ guests)
• Located in high-demand vacation markets
• Upscale amenities and finishes
• Group-friendly layout with spacious common areas
• Outdoor entertainment spaces preferred

Location Requirements: AvantStay operates in select markets across the United States, primarily focusing on:

• California (Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe)
• Florida (Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale)
• Texas (Austin, Dallas)
• Colorado (Denver, Aspen, Vail)
• Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale)
• Tennessee (Nashville)
• South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head)

The company does not publicly specify all qualification details, which means property owners must go through an evaluation process to determine if their property fits AvantStay's portfolio. Properties that don't meet their luxury standards or are located outside their service areas will be rejected.

AvantStay Management Models

Owners must sign a management contract, choosing between two main models:

1. Master Lease Model

AvantStay leases your property directly and pays you guaranteed monthly rent regardless of occupancy. Under this model:

• You receive fixed monthly payments
• AvantStay assumes occupancy risk
• The company covers operational costs including utilities and maintenance
• You maintain property ownership while AvantStay handles everything else
• Typically requires longer commitment periods

2. Vacation Rental Management Agreement (VRMA)

This is a traditional revenue-sharing model where:

• Income fluctuates based on actual bookings
• You share revenue with AvantStay (they take a percentage)
• You remain responsible for operational costs
• More flexibility but also more financial variability
• Potential for higher earnings in peak seasons

What AvantStay Property Management Includes

Here are the services that AvantStay vacation rental property management provides:

Listing and Marketing Services

• Multi-channel distribution: AvantStay lists your property on over 50 booking platforms, including Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and their own direct booking website
• Professional photography: High-quality photos and virtual tours to showcase your property
• SEO-optimized listings: Professionally written descriptions designed to rank well in search results
• Brand marketing: Properties benefit from AvantStay's overall brand marketing efforts

Revenue Management

• Dynamic pricing algorithms: AvantStay uses proprietary technology to optimize nightly rates based on seasonal trends, local events, and market data
• Occupancy optimization: Balancing price and occupancy to maximize total revenue
• Minimum stay requirements: Strategic adjustment of minimum night stays to optimize bookings
• Real-time market analysis: Continuous monitoring of competitor pricing and market conditions

Interior Design and Setup

• Professional interior design services: Complete design packages to elevate your property's appeal
• Luxury furnishings: High-end furniture and decor suited for the luxury rental market
• Standardized amenities: AvantStay-branded amenities and supplies
• Tech integration: Smart home devices for enhanced guest experience

Guest Services

• 24/7 guest support: Round-the-clock customer service for guest inquiries and issues
• Digital check-in/out: Contactless entry systems and digital guidebooks
• Concierge services: Arrangements for grocery delivery, spa bookings, local experiences
• Pre-arrival communication: Automated messaging to prepare guests for their stay

Property Operations

• Professional cleaning: Thorough cleaning between each stay with AvantStay's standards
• Maintenance coordination: Regular property inspections and prompt repair coordination
• Inventory management: Restocking of supplies and amenities
• Landscaping and pool care: Coordination of outdoor maintenance services

Technology and Reporting

• Owner portal access: Real-time dashboard showing bookings, revenue, and property performance
• Financial reporting: Monthly statements and annual tax documentation
• Performance analytics: Detailed metrics on occupancy rates, ADR, and RevPAR
• Mobile app access: Monitor your property's performance from anywhere

Safety and Security

• Guest vetting: Background checks and ID verification for primary guests
• No-party policies: Strict enforcement of occupancy limits and noise regulations
• Smart monitoring: Noise monitors and exterior cameras to ensure compliance
• Insurance coordination: AvantStay provides supplemental liability coverage

AvantStay Terms and Requirements

Contract Terms

AvantStay requires property owners to sign management contracts, though the specific length and terms vary based on the chosen model and property characteristics. Key contract elements include:

For Master Lease:

• Typically 1-3 year initial terms
• AvantStay covers operational expenses
• Fixed monthly payments to owners
• Renewal options available

For VRMA:

• Generally 1-year minimum contracts
• Owners responsible for operational costs
• Revenue sharing based on bookings
• More flexibility for termination

Insurance Requirements

• Owners must maintain comprehensive landlord insurance
• AvantStay provides complementary liability coverage up to $1 million
• Additional coverage may be required for high-value properties
• Owners remain primarily responsible for property insurance

Property Standards

• Properties must meet AvantStay's quality standards
• Regular inspections to ensure standards are maintained
• Owners may need to invest in upgrades to qualify
• Ongoing maintenance requirements to remain in the program

AvantStay Pricing and Fees

AvantStay does not provide transparent pricing information on their website, which is a significant drawback for property owners trying to evaluate their services. Based on owner reports and industry sources:

Management Fees

VRMA Model:

• Fees typically start around 20% of rental revenue
• Can range from 15-35% depending on:
  
  • Property location and demand
  • Size and luxury level
  • Services included
  • Local market competition

Master Lease Model:

• No percentage fees since AvantStay pays fixed rent
• Monthly payments typically 70-85% of projected rental income
• Provides income stability but potentially lower total earnings

Additional Costs

While not always transparent, owners report potential additional costs for:

• Initial property setup and onboarding
• Interior design services (if needed)
• Major maintenance or upgrades
• Marketing beyond standard channels

No Published Onboarding Fees

Unlike some competitors, AvantStay doesn't appear to charge a standard onboarding fee, though this should be confirmed during the application process.

AvantStay Reviews and Reputation

AvantStay has garnered mixed reviews from both guests and property owners across various platforms:

Guest Reviews

TrustPilot: 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,400+ reviews)

• Positive feedback on luxury accommodations
• Praise for cleanliness and amenities
• Good marks for the booking process
• Some complaints about last-minute cancellations

Better Business Bureau: 3.73 out of 5 stars (120+ reviews)

• Generally favorable guest experiences
• Issues with customer service response times
• Occasional maintenance problems

Property Owner Feedback

Owner reviews are more mixed and harder to find publicly:

• Some owners report excellent revenue performance
• Complaints about communication and transparency
• Concerns about property maintenance quality
• Mixed experiences with the onboarding process
• Issues with unexpected costs and fees

Common Complaints

Both owners and guests report similar issues:

• Last-minute cancellations affecting both parties
• Difficulty reaching customer support during problems
• Maintenance issues not addressed promptly
• Discrepancies between advertised and actual services
• Lack of transparency in pricing and policies

Positive Themes

Despite complaints, positive reviews consistently mention:

• High-quality properties and amenities
• Professional photography and marketing
• Strong booking performance in peak seasons
• Effective revenue optimization
• Luxury guest experience

AvantStay vs Competitors

AvantStay vs Airbnb

AvantStay and Airbnb serve fundamentally different roles in the vacation rental ecosystem. This comparison is somewhat misleading since they're not direct competitors:

Airbnb is a booking platform where:

• Individual hosts manage their own properties
• Global reach with millions of listings
• Hosts handle all operational aspects
• Platform fees typically 3% for hosts

AvantStay is a property management company that:

• Manages properties on behalf of owners
• Lists on Airbnb plus 50+ other channels
• Handles all operational responsibilities
• Takes 20%+ of revenue for full service

AvantStay actually uses Airbnb as one of many distribution channels, making them complementary rather than competitive.

AvantStay vs Vacasa

Vacasa is AvantStay's more direct competitor:

• Scale: Vacasa manages 35,000+ properties vs AvantStay's smaller portfolio
• Geographic reach: Vacasa operates internationally vs AvantStay's U.S. focus
• Property types: Vacasa accepts all property types vs AvantStay's luxury focus
• Pricing: Both lack transparency, but Vacasa fees reportedly range 25-35%
• Technology: AvantStay emphasizes tech-forward approach more heavily

AvantStay vs Awning

Awning offers several advantages over AvantStay:

• Transparent pricing: Awning clearly states 15% management fee
• Nationwide coverage: True coverage across all U.S. markets
• Property flexibility: Accepts various property types and sizes
• No long-term contracts: More flexibility for owners
• All-inclusive pricing: Fewer hidden fees and add-on costs

AvantStay vs Evolve

Evolve represents a different model:

• Half-service approach: Evolve charges 10% but owners handle operations
• Wider acceptance: Less restrictive property requirements
• Owner involvement: Requires more owner participation
• Lower fees: Half the cost but half the service

Pros and Cons of AvantStay

Pros

• Strong focus on luxury market and high-end travelers
• Comprehensive full-service management
• Multiple booking channel distribution
• Professional interior design services
• Technology-enabled operations
• Master Lease option provides guaranteed income
• Good guest reviews overall
• Established brand in luxury vacation rental space

Cons

• Lack of pricing transparency
• Limited to specific U.S. markets
• Restrictive property requirements
• Mixed owner reviews and support complaints
• Long contract commitments required
• No clear cancellation or exit policies published
• Higher fees than some competitors
• Limited public information about terms

Who Should Consider AvantStay?

AvantStay works best for:

• Owners of luxury properties with 4+ bedrooms
• Properties in AvantStay's specific service markets
• Investors seeking hands-off management
• Those prioritizing revenue optimization over fee minimization
• Owners wanting guaranteed income (Master Lease option)
• Properties catering to group travel and events

AvantStay may not suit:

• Budget-conscious owners seeking lowest fees
• Properties outside their service areas
• Smaller properties or condos
• Owners wanting transparent, published pricing
• Those seeking flexible, short-term agreements
• Investors requiring detailed public reviews from other owners

Bottom Line

AvantStay offers a premium property management service tailored for luxury vacation rentals in select U.S. markets. Their focus on high-end properties, group travel, and technology-driven operations can deliver strong results for the right properties. The Master Lease option provides unique income stability that few competitors match.

However, the lack of pricing transparency, limited geographic coverage, and mixed owner reviews raise legitimate concerns. The restrictive property requirements mean many owners won't even qualify for their services. Without published fee structures or clear contract terms, owners must go through the application process just to understand the basic economics.

For owners of luxury properties in AvantStay's markets who value premium service over cost savings, AvantStay could be worth exploring. But the absence of transparent pricing and mixed owner feedback suggests carefully evaluating alternatives like Awning, which offers clearer terms, wider coverage, and more flexibility.

Property owners should request detailed pricing, contract terms, and owner references before committing to AvantStay's services. Given the long-term contracts and significant fees involved, thorough due diligence is essential before choosing AvantStay as your property management partner.