5 Star Stays is a Myrtle Beach-based vacation rental management company with over 30 years of experience in South Carolina's coastal market. That track record is meaningful. But long experience doesn't guarantee low fees — and they don't publish pricing, which means you can't evaluate them without a conversation. HostStarter gives you transparent 12.5% pricing and national coverage.
| Feature | 5 Star Stays | HostStarter ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Management Fee | Not disclosed publicly (est. 20–25%) | 12.5% flat — published, no surprises |
| Contract Required | Terms not disclosed publicly | Month-to-month, cancel with 30 days notice |
| Service Level | Full-service, Myrtle Beach focused, 30+ years experience | Full-service, all property types, 30+ markets |
| Setup / Onboarding Fee | Common | $0 — included in 12.5% |
| Photography Included | Often extra charge | Yes, always included |
| Cleaning Coordination | Varies by market | Yes — fully managed |
| Maintenance Coordination | Limited | Yes — local vendor network |
| Dynamic Pricing | Yes | Yes — daily optimization |
| Listed On | Airbnb + VRBO | Airbnb + VRBO |
| BBB Complaints | No published pricing; coastal SC only; unknown contract terms | Zero complaints |
5 Star Stays has three decades in the Myrtle Beach market — but they still don't publish their management fee. HostStarter publishes 12.5% flat on our homepage. We believe experience and transparency aren't mutually exclusive — and owners shouldn't have to request a quote just to find out what management costs.
5 Star Stays is focused on the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area. HostStarter manages properties across 30+ markets. If you're expanding your vacation rental portfolio beyond South Carolina, you need a manager who can grow with you — not one you have to replace when you add a new market.
Coastal resort markets like Myrtle Beach typically see management fees of 20–25%. At 22% on a $4,000/month property, you're paying $880/month in management fees. HostStarter charges $500 for the same property. That's $380/month — over $4,500/year — in your pocket instead.
5 Star Stays doesn't disclose contract length or cancellation terms online. HostStarter is month-to-month with 30 days notice to cancel. No research required — our terms are on our website. That's how it should work.
Three reasons owners switch from 5 Star Stays to HostStarter — and don't look back.
At 12.5% flat with zero add-on fees, HostStarter is almost certainly cheaper than 5 Star Stays for most owners — often saving $400–$1,200/month.
Month-to-month means we prove our value every single month. You can cancel with 30 days notice, zero penalties, no drama. We win your business through performance.
One 12.5% fee covers everything: listing, photography, dynamic pricing, guest communication, cleaning coordination, maintenance, and a local team who treats your property like their own.
"D and his team were very kind, responsive & helpful. They checked in on our group daily and had all the needed essentials ready. All our questions were answered promptly. He and his property are 5 stars in our book!"
"Jonathan & David were great hosts during our stay. We were first-time group Airbnb users, and they were always responsive, understanding and willing to help when needed. I would highly recommend!"
"Very clean and comfortable house. The property was exactly as described and the host was quick to respond whenever we had questions. Would absolutely book again."
We make it easy. One call, we handle the transition. You start earning more from day one.
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