Why there are Amazon links here: Brave Review is paid a commission for qualifying Amazon purchases made through the links below. Your price does not change, and using our links is entirely optional. How this works
Best Thermostat for a Holiday Let Between Guests
A holiday let needs a thermostat that survives constant turnover: guests who fiddle with it, cleaners who ignore it, and owners who are not on site. The five picks below cover that ground, from budget-friendly smart models to app-controlled units that can be locked down remotely. Remote owners, hands-off landlords and hosts managing more than one property will find a match here. The overview table gives the short answer; the reviews that follow explain the trade-offs behind each choice.
The Picks at a Glance
| Product | Key Spec | Best Use | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55 | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Energy Star | Simple DIY install on a budget | Budget |
| Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 | 7-day programmable, color touchscreen | Hosts wanting on-unit scheduling | Mid-range |
| Google Nest Thermostat | Programmable Wi-Fi, charcoal finish | App-first remote management | Mid-range |
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential | Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant | Voice control across ecosystems | Mid-range |
| Amazon Smart Thermostat | Works with Alexa and Ring | Alexa and Ring households | Budget |
Best Overall: Sensi Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi, DIY, Alexa, Energy Star Certified, ST55
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Voice control: Alexa
Certification: Energy Star
Installation: DIY
Type: Smart thermostat
The Sensi ST55 is the straightforward choice for a host who wants remote control without a complicated setup. It connects over Wi-Fi, pairs with Alexa and carries an Energy Star rating, so the efficiency case is built in. The DIY install keeps setup costs down, and the app gives an owner the ability to adjust settings without driving to the property.
It suits first-time hosts and anyone managing a single let who wants a dependable name at a budget price. The trade-off is that it is a no-frills smart thermostat: hosts who want a color touchscreen or a built-in scheduling interface on the wall may find it plain.
Best for On-Unit Scheduling: Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Programming: 7-day
Display: Color touchscreen
Certification: Energy Star
Voice control: Alexa ready
Finish: Gray
The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 is built for hosts who want scheduling set on the device itself, not buried in an app. The 7-day programming lets each day of the week run its own schedule, which is useful when a let has predictable quiet periods between bookings. The color touchscreen makes those settings easy to see, and the Energy Star rating keeps efficiency in the picture.
It suits owners who like to hand a cleaner or co-host a clear on-wall interface. The trade-off is the touchscreen: guests who are curious about buttons may adjust it, so a lock code or app oversight is worth planning for.
Best for App-First Hosts: Google Nest Thermostat – Smart Thermostat for Home
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Programming: Programmable
Type: Smart thermostat
Finish: Charcoal
Brand ecosystem: Google Nest
The Nest Thermostat is the pick for owners who run the let from a phone. It is a programmable Wi-Fi model with the familiar Nest app behind it, so schedules and temperature changes can be handled remotely between guests. The charcoal finish is neutral enough to sit on most walls without drawing attention.
It suits remote hosts and owners of multiple properties who want one dashboard for everything. The trade-off is ecosystem gravity: the Nest experience is strongest when the rest of the home already leans Google, and hosts committed to Alexa or Ring may prefer a different route.
Best for Voice Control: ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Voice control: Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant
Programming: Programmable
Certification: Energy Star
Type: Smart thermostat
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is the flexible option for a let where guests arrive with different smart speakers. It works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant, so voice control is not tied to one ecosystem. The Energy Star certification and programmable Wi-Fi setup round out the package for an efficiency-minded host.
It suits hosts who want to offer guests voice control without committing the property to a single platform. The trade-off is that broad compatibility can mean more setup steps, so plan the initial configuration around the assistants actually used in the property.
Best Budget Pick: Amazon Smart Thermostat
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Voice control: Alexa
Ecosystem: Ring
Type: Smart thermostat
Focus: Energy savings
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is the value pick for hosts already inside the Amazon and Ring world. It works with Alexa and Ring, so voice commands and integration with doorbells and cameras sit in one place. The energy-saving focus makes it a sensible fit for a let where running costs matter.
It suits budget-conscious hosts and owners of Alexa-equipped properties. The trade-off is that it is tightly bound to the Amazon ecosystem: hosts running Google or Apple homes will get less out of it, and should look at the ecobee or Nest instead.
Before You Buy
- Compatibility: Check the property’s heating and cooling system against the thermostat’s supported wiring before ordering.
- Connectivity: Confirm reliable Wi-Fi at the thermostat’s wall location, since every pick here depends on it.
- Guest-proofing: Look for app lock codes or pin protection so guests cannot override schedules.
- Ecosystem: Match the thermostat to the smart speakers and hubs already in the let to avoid duplicate apps.
- Scheduling: Decide whether schedules should live on the device or in the app, based on who services the property.
- Installation: Weigh DIY against professional install; a budget pick saves money only if the wiring is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can a smart thermostat save money on a holiday let?
Yes. Programmable schedules and remote adjustment let an owner cut heating or cooling during empty periods between bookings. -
Which thermostat is easiest for guests to use?
Models with a simple on-wall interface and app-side lock controls work best, so guests can adjust comfort without breaking schedules. -
Do these thermostats need Wi-Fi?
All five picks are Wi-Fi models, so a stable connection at the property is essential for remote control. -
Can an owner control the thermostat when the let is empty?
Yes. Each pick supports app-based control, which lets an owner set back temperatures between guests. -
What if the let has Alexa and Ring devices?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat integrates most directly, while the ecobee covers Alexa alongside Siri and Google. -
Is a color touchscreen worth it for a rental?
It helps cleaners and co-hosts read settings at a glance, but it also invites guest fiddling, so lock features matter.
Bottom Line
The Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55 is the best thermostat for a holiday let between guests for most owners: Wi-Fi control, Alexa support, an Energy Star rating and a DIY install at a budget price. Hosts who want a touchscreen on the wall should look at the Honeywell Home model, and Alexa-and-Ring households will get the most value from the Amazon Smart Thermostat.
