HomeAway acquires GladToHaveYou mobile app

Leading vacation rental website HomeAway is moving further into mobile technology as it has announced that it is acquiring the mobile hospitality app, Glad to Have You.

As part of the move, the Glad to Have You app will be integrated across the HomeAway platform meaning both owners and property managers of the 890,000 listings will have the choice of using the service for free. Non HomeAway users will also be able to use the service for a montly or annual fee.

The Glad to Have You app, which comes in two versions, GladOwners and GladProfessional, is currently available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

It is designed to help owners and property managers communicate with their guests with important property information including check-in and check-out procedures, Wi-Fi details, security codes/property access, recommended restaurants and attractions, location map and important phone numbers. Even after check-in owners can remain in touch with guests throughout their stay and respond to service requests.

Guests will also have the opportunity to leave reviews and include photos of their stay which could to lead to a significant increase in the number of overall reviews on HomeAway sites.