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.
Book a Free Discovery CallAdvertised starting rates as published by each company in August 2026. Starting rates usually apply to the entry service tier, so check what is included before comparing.
| Company | Advertised fee | Service level | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| HostStarter | 12.5% + $99/mo | Full-service | Month-to-month, no setup fee |
| TIDY | From 3.9% | Software-assisted, not full-service | Month-to-month |
| MasterHost | From 8% (Chicago), 10% elsewhere | Tiered; entry tier excludes most operations | Month-to-month |
| Awning | From 10% | Full-service (claimed) | 90 days notice |
| RedAwning | From 10% | Full-service | Varies |
| Evolve | 10% / 15% / custom | Half-service; owner arranges cleaning | Varies, $250 onboarding |
| Surge | 15% | Full-service, local team | No annual contract |
| Grand Welcome | High teens | Full-service, standardised | Varies |
| AvantStay | Not published | Full-service, luxury tier | Negotiated |
| Vacasa | Approx. 25-35% | Full-service | Annual typical |
Full-service Airbnb management typically runs 15% to 25% of rental revenue. Advertised 8% to 10% tiers are usually half-service, leaving cleaning, restocking and maintenance to the owner. HostStarter charges 12.5% of revenue plus a $99 per month software fee, with no setup fee and no long-term contract.
Often no. A 10% fee that excludes housekeeping coordination, restocking and maintenance is not cheaper than a 15% fee that includes them, because you still pay for that work separately or do it yourself. Compare all-in cost per year, not the headline percentage.
With HostStarter the listing stays in your own account and payouts arrive directly from Airbnb, so your review history and search ranking stay with you if you leave. Some managers move the listing onto their account, which means the reviews you built stay with them.
HostStarter is month-to-month with no cancellation penalty and no setup or onboarding fee. Several national managers require annual agreements with early-termination fees, and at least one charges a separate onboarding fee, so read the exit clause before signing.
Full-service covers listing and pricing plus housekeeping, restocking, maintenance coordination and guest support. Half-service usually covers only the listing, pricing and messaging. The fee gap between the two is mostly explained by which one you are actually buying.
