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Thermostats: Overview

Understand how thermostat automation works, available settings, and how to manage connected devices.

Written by Tim Parry

Hospitable’s thermostat integration helps hosts automate temperature control across their properties. Using preset modes and smart automation, you can balance guest comfort with energy efficiency without manual adjustments.

This article explains how thermostat presets work, where to view and manage devices, and the key settings available.


How Thermostat Presets Work

Thermostats in Hospitable use preset modes that automatically adjust temperatures based on reservation status and vacancy periods.

Available Preset Modes

There are three default preset modes:

  • Occupied

  • Unoccupied

  • Long-term Unoccupied

Hosts can also create custom presets.

Occupied Mode

Occupied Mode is designed for active guest stays.

  • Activates 2 hours before check-in

  • Maintains a comfortable temperature range during the reservation

  • Remains active until the reservation ends

There is no setting to delay switching from Occupied Mode to Unoccupied Mode after checkout.

There is no after check-out buffer for thermostats.

After guest check-out, the thermostat automatically switches to the Unoccupied preset.

Guest Controlled

Hosts can allow guests to adjust the thermostat during their stay. If a guest changes the temperature, the system will display this as “Guest Controlled.”

Unoccupied Mode

Unoccupied Mode activates immediately after checkout.

  • Switches to energy-saving temperatures

  • Keeps the property within a moderate range

  • Prepares the space for the next reservation without excessive energy use

Long-term Unoccupied Mode

This mode is used when there are no upcoming reservations.

  • Activates when there are no bookings within the next 2 weeks

  • Uses deeper energy-saving settings

  • Automatically switches:

    • To Unoccupied Mode 2 days before the next reservation

    • To Occupied Mode 2 hours before check-in

This gradual transition helps avoid sudden temperature changes and high energy usage.

Cleaners and maintenance staff can override the temperature for up to 2 hours when the thermostat is in Unoccupied or Long-term Unoccupied Mode.


Viewing Thermostats in the Devices Dashboard

The Devices Dashboard shows all connected thermostats in one place.

You can view:

  • Current preset mode

  • HVAC mode

  • Fan settings

Devices dashboard in Hospitable displaying a list of thermostats with their current preset modes and HVAC settings.

Viewing Thermostat Status in the Inbox

Thermostat information is also visible inside each reservation conversation.

In the right-hand sidebar, you’ll see:

  • Current preset

  • Next scheduled preset change

  • Current property temperature

A colour indicator helps you quickly assess status:

  • Green: Operating as expected

  • Amber: Temperature slightly outside target range

  • Red: Thermostat is offline

Reservation conversation in Hospitable inbox with thermostat status, temperature reading, and colored status indicator.

Key Features and Settings

Guest Control

You can choose whether guests are allowed to adjust the thermostat.

  • Enabled: Guests can change the temperature

  • Disabled: Thermostat remains locked to preset ranges

To update this setting:

  1. Go to Devices → Thermostats → Settings

  2. Toggle Guest Control on or off

  3. Click Save Changes

Thermostat settings page in Hospitable with the Guest Control toggle option.

Automatic Override for Cleaners and Maintenance

If someone manually adjusts the thermostat while it is in an unoccupied mode, Hospitable assumes it is a cleaner or maintenance visit.

  • A temporary override is applied for 2 hours

  • After 2 hours, the thermostat returns to the preset mode

This allows short-term access without disrupting automation.


Offline and Temperature Notifications

You can enable alerts to monitor thermostat performance.

Available notifications:

  • Thermostat goes offline

  • Temperature moves outside a defined range

To configure notifications:

  1. Go to Devices → Thermostats → Settings

  2. Enable or disable notifications for when thermostats go offline

  3. Select your preferred notification method:

    1. Email

    2. SMS

    3. or both

  4. Click Save Changes

Thermostat notification settings in Hospitable with options for offline alerts and temperature thresholds.

Thermostat Pricing

Thermostat access depends on your Hospitable plan:

  • Professional Plan: Includes 2 smart devices (locks and/or thermostats) per active property

  • Mogul Plan: Includes 4 smart devices per active property

Additional devices:

  • $5 per device per month

Hosts on the Host Plan must upgrade to access thermostat integrations.

Read more about subscription plans here: Hospitable Pricing & Subscription Costs


Connecting Your Thermostat

To get started with thermostat automation, you’ll need to connect your device to Hospitable.

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