An inquiry is a message sent by a prospective guest to a property manager or host asking questions about a listing before making a reservation. Inquiries may cover availability, pricing, property features, house rules, or suitability for specific needs. Unlike instant bookings, inquiries require a host response before any reservation is made, giving managers the opportunity to screen guests, provide custom quotes, or clarify expectations. Fast inquiry response times are critical — most OTAs factor response rate and speed into search ranking algorithms. A PMS like Hostaway centralizes inquiries from all channels into a unified inbox, enabling quick replies and automated follow-ups that convert more inquiries into confirmed bookings.
Why this matters for property managers
A pre-booking message is a warm lead in mid-decision, and how fast and helpfully you respond largely determines whether it converts into a reservation or drifts to a competitor. Prompt, personal replies also surface fit issues early, letting you steer a guest to the right dates or property before a booking goes wrong. Treat inquiries as low priority and you leave revenue on the table, since the traveler asking questions is closer to booking than any cold audience you could market to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an inquiry and an instant booking?
How quickly should I respond to vacation rental inquiries?
How can I convert more inquiries into bookings?
Should I use instant book or require inquiries for my vacation rentals?
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