Manage a Holiday home, B&B, tourist apartment or small hotel and looking for a free WordPress plugin to automatically sync Airbnb calendars and Booking.com?
If you’re listing your property on multiple booking platforms, you know how important it is to keep your availability up to date. A booking received on Airbnb should also be listed on your Booking.com calendar and, if possible, on your WordPress site’s calendar.
Fortunately, there are several free WordPress plugins with iCal sync, which allow you to connect the calendars of the main OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) without necessarily having to buy an expensive Channel Manager.
Some of these plugins also offer additional features:
- Availability calendars to be included in the site.
- Automatic synchronization with Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.
- Booking requests directly from WordPress.
- Management of multiple apartments or rooms.
- Bookings with no additional plugin fees.
- Compatibility with Elementor and Gutenberg.
- Ability to add online payments via Stripe.
In this guide we will see 5 Free WordPress Plugins That Support Syncing with Airbnb and Booking.com, analyzing features, benefits, and limitations.
How does the synchronization between WordPress, Airbnb, and Booking.com work?
Before choosing a plugin, it’s important to understand how calendar syncing works.
Most free plugins use the standard iCal (iCalendar), which allows different systems to exchange information on busy and available dates.
Imagine that you manage an apartment published on three channels:
- Airbnb
- Booking.com
- Your WordPress site
When a guest books from August 10 to August 15 through Airbnb, the connected WordPress calendar can import the reservation and automatically block those dates.
Similarly, if you receive a booking directly from your site, the plugin can export the busy dates to Airbnb and Booking.com.
This process is called iCal two-way sync.
iCal sync: free, but not instant
It’s important to make a distinction: iCal sync isn’t necessarily real-time.
Each platform checks external calendars according to its own update intervals. Even a plugin that frequently updates incoming feeds cannot force Airbnb or Booking.com to read the changes immediately.
As a result, the system reduces the risk of overbooking, but it cannot eliminate it completely.
If you want to learn more about how it works, read our complete guide to syncing Airbnb calendars and Booking.com.
Top 5 Free WordPress Plugins to Sync Airbnb and Booking.com in [Year]
We have selected solutions that claim to include in the free version the functions necessary to exchange availability via iCal.
1. Host Domination Booking Engine – free Booking Engine with Airbnb sync and Booking.com
Host Domination Booking Engine is a WordPress plugin developed specifically for vacation rentals, B&B, tourist apartments, short-term rentals, and accommodation facilities.
Its main feature is to combine a free booking engine with automatic synchronization of iCal calendars.
Unlike a simple availability calendar, it also allows you to receive booking requests directly from your website.
Free syncing with Airbnb, Booking.com, and other platforms
Host Domination Booking Engine FREE supports the import and export of iCal/ICS calendars, allowing you to connect compatible platforms such as:
- Airbnb
- Booking.com
- Vrbo
- Google Calendar
- Holidu and other systems that provide compatible iCal feeds
The plugin allows you to manage an unlimited number of facilities or rooms and connect up to 3 external iCal feeds per calendar in the free version.
External calendars are automatically synced approximately every 30 minutes, via WordPress scheduled tasks. There’s also a button to manually update calendars.
Each facility also has its own iCal connection to export to external platforms.
Features available for free
The FREE version includes:
- Unlimited calendars for properties and rooms.
- Two-way iCal sync with import and export.
- Direct booking requests, via email and optionally WhatsApp.
- Responsive calendar, which can be viewed in one or two month mode.
- Base price per night, visible directly on the calendar.
- Minimum stay, to avoid requests that are less than the allowed duration.
- Guest selection, with adults and children.
- Dashboard WordPress to consult reservations.
- Elementor and Gutenberg compatibility.
- Free AI Concierge, available as an optional add-on.
The plugin works directly on WordPress, without requiring a mandatory subscription to an external booking platform.
Why is it interesting for Airbnb and Booking.com users?
The advantage is being able to support OTAs with a booking system on your website.
An owner can continue to receive bookings from Airbnb and Booking.com, while simultaneously displaying availability on their site and receiving direct requests.
Bookings obtained directly from the site do not involve commissions applied by Host Domination Booking Engine. Of course, there are any hosting costs and other services used.
Host Domination Booking Engine PRO: Stripe payments and advanced management
For those who want to go beyond booking requests, it is also available Host Domination Booking Engine PRO.
The PRO version adds:
- Online payments via Stripe.
- Automatic confirmation of bookings after payment.
- Advanced rates for specific days and periods.
- Advanced availability management.
- Up to 10 external iCal feeds per property.
- Planning view to control bookings for multiple properties.
- Mobile web app and push notifications.
- Stripe refund management.
- Different Stripe accounts for each property, with Multi-Stripe in BETA.
- Optional add-ons for down payments, coupons, promotions, extra services, and other features.
It’s a particularly attractive solution for property managers, co-hosts, and owners who want to increase direct bookings and reduce dependence on OTAs.
Useful links:
Download Host Domination Booking Engine for FREE from WordPress.org
Try the FREE Booking Engine demo
Discover the demo of the Booking Engine PRO
2. Vachr Short-Term Rental Reservations – Direct Bookings and iCal Synchronization
Vachr Short-Term Rental Reservations is another free solution dedicated to the management of tourist rentals.
It presents itself as a complete system to receive reservations directly from your website, manage guests and synchronize availability with external platforms.
Key features
- iCal two-way sync with Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.
- Management of multiple apartments.
- Booking calendar.
- Online payments through Stripe or Mollie.
- Management of deposits and balances.
- Automated emails for guests and owners.
- Guest portal and reservation management tools.
One of the interesting points is the availability of payment features already in the free plugin, it being understood that payment providers can apply transaction fees.
Who is it recommended for?
Those looking for a short-term rental solution that also includes administrative tools and payment management.
However, the amount of functionality requires you to devote attention to the initial configuration.
Discover Vachr on WordPress.org
3. GDA Kraft Booking – iCal Calendar & Vacation Rental Reservations
GDA Kraft Booking is a free plugin oriented to the management of tourist accommodation, B&B, villas and small accommodation facilities.
It offers an availability calendar and a booking request system, with the ability to connect OTAs through iCal.
Key features
- Import Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo calendars.
- iCal export for individual units.
- Scheduled control of external calendars.
- Management of seasonal prices and rates.
- Booking requests and manual bookings.
- Management of the tourist tax.
- Compatibility with Gutenberg, Elementor, and Divi 5.
- Multi-language support, including English.
The free plugin declares external calendar updates every 15 minutes, although the actual execution depends on the WordPress environment and the intervals of the connected platforms.
Online payments are available through an optional additional service, which has its own fees.
Who is it recommended for?
Those looking for a vacation rental booking system with rate management and specific features for the hospitality industry.
It should be noted that this is a relatively recent project, also distributed as a public beta.
Discover GDA Kraft Booking on WordPress.org
4. Mansio – Airbnb Direct Bookings & Calendars & Booking.com
Mansio is a WordPress plugin designed primarily for vacation rentals and apartments already listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.
Its setting is oriented towards direct bookings, without requiring the owner to abandon the portals used.
Key features
- Automatic import of Airbnb calendars and Booking.com.
- iCal export of reservations received from the site.
- Management of multiple properties.
- Gutenberg calendar.
- Email notifications.
- Manage bookings from the WordPress panel.
- Payment by bank transfer or at the facility.
- Area dedicated to guests.
Free synchronization is mainly concentrated on Airbnb and Booking.com, while the extension to other platforms is proposed among the PRO features.
Who is it recommended for?
Owners of apartments and vacation rentals who want to build a direct booking site with a calendar connected to the two main OTA platforms.
Discover Mansio on WordPress.org
5. Ethereal Booking – free Booking Engine with iCal sync
Ethereal Booking is a WordPress plugin that allows you to create pages dedicated to facilities, show a calendar of availability and receive direct bookings.
It includes a two-way iCal sync to connect your site to Airbnb and Booking.com.
Key features
- Import and export iCal calendars.
- Booking form with selection of dates and guests.
- Management of rooms and apartments.
- Pricing calculation.
- Automated emails.
- Payment at the facility or by bank transfer.
- Support for multiple languages.
- Shortcodes to insert forms and calendars into WordPress pages.
To use Stripe and PayPal directly in the booking process, there is a PRO version.
Who is it recommended for?
Smallholders and managers looking for a free booking system with a synchronized calendar and essential features.
Discover Ethereal Booking on WordPress.org
Comparison table: Free WordPress plugins with Airbnb sync and Booking.com
The features indicated refer to the functions declared by the developers in their official sheets. The availability of integrations may change with updates.
Warning: Not all free WordPress plugins include syncing with Airbnb and Booking.com
A common mistake is installing a free booking plugin thinking that iCal sync is automatically included.
In fact, some well-known plugins only offer the availability calendar for free and require a paid update to connect OTAs.
Two examples are:
WP Simple Booking Calendar: allows you to create a calendar and view available dates for free, but syncing with Airbnb and Booking.com is a Premium feature.
WP Booking System: includes calendars and booking forms, but iCalendar import and export are listed as features of the Premium version.
This means that Free plugin and free sync are not necessarily the same thing.
Before installing a booking system, it is therefore advisable to check that the free version really includes both operations:
- Import the dates occupied by external portals.
- Export site bookings to Airbnb and Booking.com.
How to connect WordPress to Airbnb and Booking.com for free
Once you’ve chosen a plugin that supports iCal, the linking process generally follows a few steps.
Step 1 – Install the WordPress plugin
Log in to the WordPress dashboard and select Plugins → Add New.
Search for the desired plugin, install it, and activate it.
In the case of Host Domination Booking Engine you can directly search for the name of the plugin in the official directory.
Step 2 – Create the Facility Calendar
Add your vacation rental, room or apartment and configure the required settings.
Generally, you’ll need to define your property name, guest capacity, and any booking rules.
Step 3 – Copy the Airbnb iCal link
Go to your Airbnb listing and locate the calendar export feature.
Copy the iCal link generated by the platform and enter it in the field dedicated to external calendars of the WordPress plugin.
Step 4 – Connect Booking.com Too
Log in to the Booking.com Extranet and verify that the calendar export feature is available for your property.
Copy the iCal link and add it to the plugin, if your version allows you to import multiple external calendars for the same property.
Step 5 – Export the WordPress calendar to OTAs
To complete the two-way sync, copy the iCal link generated by the WordPress plugin and import it into external platforms.
After connecting, check that busy dates are listed correctly and check the frequency of updates.
Important: Syncing your site with Airbnb and Booking.com doesn’t automatically guarantee that the two OTAs are synced with each other. Check the actual links and configuration of all calendars.
Free iCal plugin or Channel Manager: which one to choose?
A WordPress plugin with iCal synchronization can be sufficient for many small accommodation facilities.
If you manage one or a few vacation rentals and primarily want to keep busy dates up to date, a free solution can be a great place to start.
A Channel Manager with API connections may be more suitable when you also need to synchronize rates, restrictions, complex availability, and operational information across numerous channels.
The choice depends mainly on the number of properties, the volume of bookings and the operational functionalities required.
Why combine a free Booking Engine with Airbnb and Booking.com?
Airbnb and Booking.com can be important channels to gain visibility and reach new guests.
However, relying solely on OTAs means depending on their trading conditions and applicable fees.
Having a WordPress site with a Booking Engine allows you to build an independent booking channel.
For example, a guest who has already stayed at your property may return directly to your site to check availability and book again.
With a system like Host Domination Booking Engine you can show an updated calendar, receive direct requests and, using the PRO version, also manage online payment via Stripe.
This way you don’t necessarily have to choose between OTAs and direct bookings: You can use both channels, keeping availabilities connected.
FAQs about WordPress plugins with Airbnb sync and Booking.com
Is there a completely free WordPress plugin to sync Airbnb and Booking.com?
Yes. Host Domination Booking Engine FREE, Vachr, GDA Kraft Booking, Mansio, and Ethereal Booking include free iCal sync features between WordPress and compatible platforms.
Can I sync WordPress with Airbnb without using a Channel Manager?
Yes. If Airbnb provides your listing’s iCal link, you can import it into a compatible WordPress plugin without necessarily using a Channel Manager.
Can I connect Booking.com to my WordPress site’s calendar?
Yes, if your Booking.com account offers calendar import and export features and the WordPress plugin you use supports iCal.
Is iCal sync really free?
The iCal standard does not require a subscription itself. However, some plugins reserve sync features for paid versions.
Can I sync prices between WordPress, Airbnb, and Booking.com as well?
No, simply syncing iCal availability does not automatically synchronize rates. This feature requires specific integrations, usually via API or Channel Manager.
Can a WordPress plugin avoid Airbnb fees and Booking.com?
Bookings received directly from your website are not subject to OTA fees because they do not pass through their platforms. Any costs of the plugin, the site and the payment service used remain. Bookings received through OTAs continue to follow their respective commercial conditions.
What is the best free WordPress plugin to sync Airbnb and Booking.com?
It depends on your needs. For those looking for a lightweight Booking Engine, with free iCal calendars, WhatsApp integration and the ability to switch to Stripe payments later, Host Domination Booking Engine It is a solution to be considered.
If you need different functions, such as certain administrative tools or payments already included in the free version, you can also consider the alternatives presented.
Conclusion: Which WordPress plugin to choose in the 2026?
If you own a vacation rental, B&B, or vacation rental, you don’t need to start with a complex and expensive way to connect your site to Airbnb and Booking.com.
There are free WordPress plugins that can import and export iCal calendars, view availability, and receive direct bookings.
Host Domination Booking Engine FREE It is a particularly interesting solution to get started: it allows you to create calendars for your facilities, synchronize availability and receive booking requests without necessarily purchasing a license.
For more advanced needs, you can upgrade to the PRO version, adding Stripe payments, advanced pricing management, and features for property managers and multi-property managers.
Download Host Domination Booking Engine for free and start connecting your WordPress site to Airbnb and Booking.com.
If you are still considering which solution to use for your site, we also recommend our guide dedicated to best booking WordPress plugins for vacation rentals, B&B and hotels, where we also compare booking systems with different functionalities.
