Best STR software for limited needs

[Will Boller]

Hi forum, I'm sure this topic comes up regularly, but...

We have purchased a vacation rental in Coastal Connecticut, Beach community.  Rentals during the summer are weekly as a rule.  Very new to this and talking to neighbors most folks (landlords and renters) use direct booking to fill up the 13-wk summer calendar.  I would love to find a software to help automate the following tasks, there are lots of options, most at $40/month, would prefer cheaper but will probably pay this for the best software that can best handle:

- creating a direct booking website from my Airbnb listing, I know some websites have an auto-builder which would be preferred

- handling automated messaging

- handling calendar and payments, including add-ons

- sending agreements and collecting and returning deposits

I am overwhelmed with the options and suffering analysis paralysis.  So far OwnerRez seems to be the one I am most leaning towards.  Appreciate those willing to give their 2 cents to a common question.

[John Underwood]

I wonder if Houfy or Guesty would fit the bill for you?

I'd check both of these. I think one of them is pretty reasonably and may even have a no frills free version?