HostReply AI — Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How do I install the HostReply AI Chrome extension?

Visit the product page at donbrico.net/hostreply-ai and follow the download link for the Chrome Web Store. Click "Add to Chrome" and confirm the installation. Once installed, you’ll see the HostReply AI icon appear in your browser toolbar, ready to use on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.

Do I need to create an account to start using HostReply AI?

No account creation is required to begin. HostReply AI works directly in your browser after installation. The extension processes everything locally, so there is no login or sign-up step—just install and open a guest message thread on your preferred platform to get started.

How do I generate my first guest reply with HostReply AI?

Open any guest conversation on Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com. Click the HostReply AI icon in your browser toolbar or the inline button that appears near the message input field. The extension will analyze the conversation history and generate a contextual reply. You can review, edit, and send it directly from the pop-up.

Can I use HostReply AI on both my desktop and laptop?

Yes, as a Chrome extension, HostReply AI syncs across any device where you are signed into the same Chrome browser. Install it once on each device, and your settings, templates, and voice preferences will carry over automatically if you have Chrome sync enabled.

Features & Usage

How does HostReply AI generate replies that sound like me?

The extension learns your writing style from your conversation history on the platform. It analyzes your past messages to detect patterns in tone, formality, and phrasing. You can also set a custom voice preference in the settings panel to reinforce specific language choices, such as casual or professional.

Can HostReply AI handle check-in and check-out messages automatically?

Yes, HostReply AI includes quick templates for check-in instructions, check-out reminders, and other common scenarios. You can activate these templates with one click from the extension pop-up. Each template pulls relevant booking details from the conversation context so you don't have to type the date or guest name manually.

Does HostReply AI work on Vrbo and Booking.com, or only Airbnb?

HostReply AI is purpose-built for all three major platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. When you open a message thread on any of these sites, the extension detects the platform and adapts its reply generation to match the interface and typical message structure.

How do I customize the quick templates in HostReply AI?

Open the extension settings by right-clicking the HostReply AI icon and selecting "Options." From there, you can edit the default templates for check-in, check-out, late arrival, and other common replies. You can also create new templates from scratch and assign them to specific trigger words or booking statuses.

Will HostReply AI translate guest messages for me?

HostReply AI can generate replies in the same language as the guest's incoming message. If a guest writes in French, the suggested reply will be in French. For languages not fully supported by the local AI model, the extension will prompt you to verify the translation before sending.

Privacy & Security

Where is my guest conversation data stored?

All data processing happens locally on your computer. HostReply AI does not send your guest conversations, booking details, or personal information to any external server. The extension uses a local AI model that runs entirely inside your browser, so your data never leaves your device.

Does HostReply AI share my hosting data with third parties?

No. HostReply AI is designed as a privacy-first tool. There are no third-party analytics, no cloud storage of your messages, and no data sharing with advertisers or platform providers. The only data transmitted is the extension update check, which is standard for all Chrome extensions.

Can property management teams use HostReply AI without exposing guest data to each other?

Yes. Because all processing is local to each user's browser, team members can install HostReply AI on their own devices without centralizing guest data. Each host or manager retains full control over their own conversations, and no shared server stores team-wide message history.

What happens to my data if I uninstall the extension?

Uninstalling HostReply AI removes the extension and its local data from your browser. Any templates or voice preferences you saved are deleted along with the extension. Your guest conversations on Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com remain unaffected and stay on those platforms as normal.

Pricing & Licensing

Is there a free version of HostReply AI, and what does it include?

Yes, HostReply AI offers a free tier that includes basic reply generation and access to the standard quick templates. The free version is limited to a certain number of replies per day. For unlimited usage and advanced features like custom voice training and template creation, you need the premium license.

How much does the premium version cost, and how do I pay?

Pricing for HostReply AI is listed on the product page at donbrico.net/hostreply-ai. The premium license is a one-time purchase or subscription, depending on the current plan. Payment is processed securely through the Chrome Web Store or the Donbrico checkout page, and you can upgrade from free at any time.

Can I get a refund if HostReply AI doesn't work for my property?

Refund policies are handled by the platform where you purchased the license (Chrome Web Store or Donbrico directly). Check the specific refund terms at the time of purchase. Most digital products offer a 30-day refund window if the extension does not function as described.

Troubleshooting

Why isn't HostReply AI showing up on my Airbnb message page?

First, make sure the extension is enabled in Chrome by going to chrome://extensions and toggling HostReply AI on. If it still doesn't appear, try refreshing the Airbnb tab or restarting Chrome. Some ad blockers or privacy extensions can interfere—try disabling them temporarily to test.

HostReply AI is generating replies that don't match my hosting style. How do I fix this?

Open the extension settings and check your voice preference settings. If you haven't set a custom voice, the extension uses your conversation history by default, which may take a few messages to calibrate. Try sending 5-10 manual replies first to give the local AI more data to learn from, then regenerate.

The extension is running slowly or freezing. What should I do?

HostReply AI runs a local AI model, which can be resource-intensive on older computers. Close other heavy browser tabs or applications to free up memory. If the issue persists, go to chrome://extensions, disable HostReply AI, re-enable it, and restart Chrome. For ongoing performance problems, check the product page for any known issues or updates.

Can I use HostReply AI on a shared or work computer?

Yes, but keep in mind that the local AI model and any saved templates are stored in that specific Chrome profile. If you log into a different Chrome account on the same computer, you will need to install and configure HostReply AI again. For shared computers, ensure you sign out of Chrome to protect your hosting data.