Homevy vs Stonetree: Who Provides Superior Short-Term Rental Services?

With Dubai’s short-term rental market growing by 42% in 2023, choosing the right property management company is crucial than ever.

While many companies promise exceptional service, only a few deliver consistently. Question is – how do you cut through the noise and choose a company that doesn’t disappoint?

We’re here to help.

Today, we’ll compare two of Dubai’s leading property management companies — Homevy and Stonetree — to determine whose short-term rental service is better.  By the end of this blog, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Let’s go!

Introducing Homevy and Stonetree

Homevy might be the new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. They’ve quickly become a force to be reckoned with, shaking things up with fresh ideas and an extreme focus on helping property owners earn more.

Founded by property owners who experienced the frustrations of traditional management, Homevy is committed to ensuring — no one endures hidden fees, poor communication, or subpar service ever. 

And then there’s Stonetree, with 7 years of experience in Dubai — managing short-term and long-term rentals for different property owners. They’ve also built a loyal following of landlords who appreciate their steady hand and personalised approach. 

Overall, these two vacation rental companies seem like good choices for both homeowners and guests—until you take a closer look.

Homevy vs. Stonetree: Which Company Provides More Guest Services?

Many guests want an experience that makes them feel like they’re living the dream (even if it’s just for a week). That’s why add-on services are essential for improving guest experience.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Homevy understands that guests want to experience Dubai to the fullest, so they offer a range of exclusive guest services addressing every whim and desire. Think private airport transfers, expert tour guides, luxury car rentals, daily maid service, personal chefs, in-house massage therapy, yacht rentals – all the works.

Even personal fitness training.

Stonetree, on the other hand, takes a more “keep-it-simple” approach. They focus on the essentials, like providing fresh linens, regular cleaning, and prompt maintenance. While these services are important, they might not create the same level of excitement and “wow factor” as Homevy’s curated experiences.

The Verdict: If you want your guests to have an unforgettable vacation experience in Dubai, Homevy’s extensive range of value-added services is the best choice.

Homevy vs. Stonetree: Which Vacation Rental Company Provides a Better Guest Experience?

Homevy is obsessed with guest satisfaction – going above and beyond to ensure every guest feels pampered and cared for.

They do this by providing;

• 24/7 guest support and proactive communication
• local recommendations for guests
• tailored welcome packages
• additional guest services

On the flip side, Stonetree’s approach appears to be less satisfactory based on guest feedback.

Too many negative reviews suggest Stonetree is less proactive and responsive to guest queries, compared to Homevy. This may leave guests feeling unsure or unsupported, especially if they encounter issues during their stay. Also, there have been several reports of Stonetree delaying or withholding security deposit (paid by guests).

Source: Dubaireview

Some guests have also reported challenges with Stonetree’s maintenance and the quality of repairs. This can be a major inconvenience for guests and prevent them from enjoying their stay.   

The Verdict: By providing genuine hospitality, 24/7 support, — and communicating proactively, Homevy creates a better vacation rental  experience for guests.

Does Homevy or Stonetree Offer Better Airbnb Management Fees?

Let’s talk about the bottom line—because who doesn’t love saving money? Homevy and Stonetree take different approaches to pricing and fees, and here’s what you need to know;

Management Fees

Homevy believes in keeping things simple and transparent. There are no hidden fees, setup charges, or onboarding costs. They offer a performance-based pricing model as well, charging only 14% as property management fee.

Stonetree charges a higher commission, pegged at 20% + VAT, which is deducted from owners’ gross rental income. There are also additional charges for property registration, periodic maintenance, guest welcome kits, interior design, or customised amenities. 

Stonetree’s extra costs can add up, especially if you have multiple properties.

Security Deposit

For guests, Homevy requires a 500 AED security deposit, which is significantly lower than Stonetree’s 2000 AED deposit.

This can be a major advantage for attracting guests and securing bookings, as it reduces the financial burden on guests and makes your property more appealing.

What’s more? 

Homevy only “holds” the security deposit on your guest’s card and doesn’t actually charge it unless there are damages. This provides a smooth experience for guests, who can rest assured that their funds won’t be tied up unnecessarily.

In contrast, Stonetree charges a full security deposit upfront, and there have been reports of delayed refunds. This can create frustration and negative experiences for guests.

Source: Dubaireview

Check out what another guest said about how Stonetree handled their security deposits, as seen on Dubai Review:

Source: Dubaireview

The Verdict

Homevy’s transparent and performance-based pricing makes it better for owners who want flexibility and more vacation rental revenue. Their lower security deposit and “hold only” policy also creates a more positive guest experience.

Homevy vs. Stonetree: Which Holiday Homes Company Uses Better Tech?

The right tech tools can make all the difference for property owners and guests. So, who handles this area better?

Homevy uses technology in everything that matters;

• setting rental prices with a dynamic pricing tool
• managing bookings and rentals online
• using smart locks for guests’ easy access
• providing a detailed digital guidebook
• sending prompt messages, alongside a mobile app for both guests and owners

While Stonetree also offers valuable tools like a landlord app and online reporting, their technology may not be as advanced or comprehensive as Homevy’s. 

Homevy vs Stonetree: Which Company Offers Better Customer Support for Vacation Rentals?

Things don’t always go according to plan—even on vacations.

That’s why reliable customer support is essential for a successful vacation rental experience.  

Photo by Yan Krukau

Homevy understands that emergencies don’t always happen during business hours. So they offer 24/7 guest support, enabling guests to reach out anytime and anywhere to get assistance.

Stonetree takes a more traditional approach to customer support, assigning each client a dedicated property manager as their primary point of contact. While this can create a sense of personalized service, it also has limitations. Your dedicated property manager might be available outside of standard business hours, but their responsiveness may vary depending on their workload and availability.

The Verdict: While Stonetree’s personal property manager approach adds a nice touch, but they might not always be available when you need help. Homevy, on the other hand, stands out with 24/7 guest support, making it a better choice for quick assistance.

Which Holiday Homes Company In Dubai Is Better?   

At a glance, here’s a table comparing Homevy and Stonetree;

So, which company provides a superior short-term rental experience in Dubai?

Homevy.

With their focus on a great guest experience, smart technology, fair pricing, and all-around services – they’re an easy choice for both property owners and guests.

And if you’re ready to experience the Homevy difference – go ahead, book a no-strings-attached consultation call to get things rolling.

Ciao!