SEA Getaways is a Seattle-based Airbnb management company that handles listing, pricing, guest communication, and cleaning coordination for Seattle short-term rental owners. They're locally focused and full-service. But no published fees, Seattle-only coverage, and undisclosed contract terms leave HostStarter as the more transparent and flexible alternative.
| Feature | SEA Getaways | HostStarter ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Management Fee | Not disclosed publicly (est. 18–22%) | 12.5% flat — published, no surprises |
| Contract Required | Terms not disclosed publicly | Month-to-month, cancel with 30 days notice |
| Service Level | Full-service, Seattle focused | 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; Seattle only; unknown contract terms | Zero complaints |
You can't find SEA Getaways's fee on their website. HostStarter publishes 12.5% openly. Seattle's STR market is heavily regulated, which already adds complexity for property owners — the last thing you need is opacity from your management company on top of it.
SEA Getaways operates in the Seattle area. If you own properties in other cities — or plan to invest in markets beyond Seattle — you'd need a new management relationship for each one. HostStarter serves 30+ markets, so one relationship covers your entire portfolio wherever you invest.
In Seattle, full-service local STR management typically runs 18–22%. At 20% on a $4,500/month property, you're paying $900/month in management fees. HostStarter charges $562.50. That's $337.50/month — $4,050/year — staying with you instead of going to the manager.
SEA Getaways doesn't publicly disclose their contract or exit terms. HostStarter is month-to-month with 30 days notice to cancel — no penalties, no pressure. If we're not performing, you should be able to leave without a legal process.
Three reasons owners switch from SEA Getaways to HostStarter — and don't look back.
At 12.5% flat with zero add-on fees, HostStarter is almost certainly cheaper than SEA Getaways 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) | Not published |
| RedAwning | From 10% | Full-service | Varies |
| Evolve | 10% / 15% / custom | Half-service; owner arranges cleaning | Varies, $250 onboarding |
| Surge | 15-25% | Full-service | 90 days notice |
| Grand Welcome | High teens | Full-service, standardised | Varies |
| AvantStay | Not published | Full-service, luxury tier | Negotiated |
| Vacasa | Not published | Full-service | 90 days notice |
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.
