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10 Best Central Reservation System for Hotels Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best central reservation systems for hotels:

Managing hotel reservations can be a daunting task, with overbookings, cancellations, and constant updates. As a hotel manager, you know how crucial it is to keep everything in order to ensure guest satisfaction and maximize bookings.

Central reservation systems can help you tackle these challenges. They simplify reservation management, making it easier for your team to handle bookings efficiently. In my experience, finding the right system can make a world of difference.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best central reservation systems available. I’ve independently tested and reviewed each one, offering you an unbiased look at their features and benefits. You’ll get insights into what each system offers and how it can enhance your hotel’s operations.

Best Central Reservation System for Hotels Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top central reservation system for hotel selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Central Reservation System for Hotels Review

Below are my detailed summaries of the best central reservation systems for hotels on my shortlist. My reviews look at each tool’s key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one.

Best for all-in-one management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Cloudbeds is a comprehensive central reservation system (CRS) that unifies hotel operations by integrating its property management system (PMS), channel manager, and commission-free booking engine into a single cloud-based platform. By consolidating essential functions, it streamlines hotel operations, boosts direct bookings, and enhances revenue management.

Why I picked Cloudbeds: Its all-in-one management capabilities allow you to handle various operations from a single platform. The tool's booking engine supports direct bookings, minimizing reliance on third-party channels. Inventory management ensures real-time updates across all listings. Additionally, the revenue management feature optimizes pricing based on market data.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a customizable booking engine that lets you tailor the booking experience. The platform offers automated invoicing to streamline billing processes. You can also access detailed analytics to monitor your property's performance and identify trends.

Integrations include Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Xero, and Revinate.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable booking engine
  • Real-time channel syncing
  • Commission-free direct bookings

Cons:

  • Complex group booking process
  • Basic CRM functionalities

Best for small property management

  • 30-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Little Hotelier is an all-in-one central reservation system for small accommodations, offering an intuitive platform that combines a property management system, channel manager, and direct booking engine. It enables real-time synchronization across over 450 booking channels, reducing manual tasks and minimizing double bookings. 

Why I picked Little Hotelier: It caters specifically to small properties, offering features that simplify daily operations. The tool includes a booking engine that integrates directly with your website, reducing reliance on third-party platforms. Automated billing and invoicing features save time and reduce errors. Its simple interface makes it easy for your team to learn and use effectively.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a mobile app that allows you to manage reservations on the go. The system provides detailed reporting to track your property's performance. You can also customize booking forms to gather specific guest information.

Integrations include Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Xero, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable booking engine
  • Integrated payment processing
  • Real-time channel syncing

Cons:

  • No front-desk management module
  • Basic CRM functionalities

Best for quick setup

  • Free demo
  • From $150/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 2.5/5

innRoad is a cloud-based central reservation system (CRS) for independent and boutique hotels, offering a quick and seamless setup process. The intuitive interface allows staff to manage bookings, rates, and availability across multiple channels in real-time, reducing the risk of overbookings and enhancing operational efficiency. 

Why I picked innRoad: It offers a quick setup process that allows you to get started without a long onboarding period. The system features an intuitive interface and automatic system updates, ensuring access to the latest features. Its booking engine integrates with hotel websites, supports multiple languages and currencies, and includes upsells like spa packages. It boosts direct bookings through Google Booking Links with live rates and availability.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a built-in property management system that streamlines daily operations. The tool also offers a booking engine that supports direct bookings from your website. Advanced analytics help you track occupancy rates and revenue trends.

Integrations include Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Revinate, TrustYou, and SiteMinder.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable booking engine
  • Automated rate adjustments
  • Real-time OTA syncing

Cons:

  • Lack of advanced analytics
  • Limited group booking features

Best for seamless integrations

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Clock PMS+’s deep integrations make it an ideal solution for hotels seeking unified operations. Its open API architecture connects with various third-party applications to ensure real-time synchronization across platforms. 

Why I picked Clock PMS+: The tool provides seamless integrations with various hotel management platforms. Its reservation management system allows you to efficiently handle bookings across multiple channels. The guest engagement features enable personalized communication with your guests. Automated processes for invoicing and payments reduce manual work for your team.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a centralized guest profile that stores all guest information in one place. The automated check-in and check-out processes save time for your staff. Real-time reporting provides insights into your hotel's performance.

Integrations include Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Analytics, Revinate, SiteMinder, TrustYou, Stripe, and PayPal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Personalized guest communication
  • Automated invoicing system
  • Efficient multi-channel booking

Cons:

  • Limited mobile functions
  • Complex rate setup process

Best for multi-property management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Hotelogix is a cloud-based central reservation system (CRS) for hotel groups and chains, offering centralized control over multi-property operations. Its unified platform allows smooth management of reservations, rates, and inventory across all properties. 

Why I picked Hotelogix: It is built for running more than one property under a single login, which helps you manage multiple locations from one dashboard. You can set group-wide policies, view performance metrics across properties, and control user permissions by role or property. The front desk system updates in real time, so your team won’t risk double bookings or inventory errors.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include night audit automation that helps your team close daily transactions accurately, housekeeping status updates that sync with the front desk, and audit trails to monitor changes across users. You also get built-in POS management to track restaurant or spa charges. 

Integrations include TripConnect, TripAdvisor, Trivago, Expedia, Booking.com, Cvent, SiteMinder, Vertical Booking, Google Hotel Ads, and Agoda.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrated POS system
  • Customizable guest profiles
  • Multi-property rate control

Cons:

  • Manual guest data imports
  • Complex group booking process

Best for instant bookings

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $13.50/user/month (billed annually)

Mini Hotel PMS offers instant, commission-free bookings for small to medium-sized accommodations. It enables real-time availability updates and direct reservations via the property’s website, eliminating the need for third-party platforms and reducing overbookings. 

Why I picked Mini Hotel: The tool excels in providing instant booking capabilities, which helps prevent overbooking. Its commission-free model ensures you keep more of your revenue. With real-time synchronization, room availability updates automatically across all channels. The system also supports secure online payments, giving your guests multiple payment options.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a user-friendly interface for managing direct sales. The system offers secure payment processing with over 500 credit card providers. You can also customize the booking engine to match your hotel's branding.

Integrations include Stripe, Adyen, MercadoPago, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Bank Transfer, and more from their extensive list of payment gateways.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time room availability
  • Customizable booking engine
  • Extensive payment options

Cons:

  • Restricted multi-property management
  • Basic reporting features

Best for advanced pricing management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Amadeus Central Reservation System (CRS) offers advanced pricing and inventory management capabilities. It provides centralized and flexible control for individual properties to adjust packages and incentives based on local demands. 

Why I picked Amadeus CRS: The tool provides advanced revenue management capabilities that cater to complex pricing strategies. Its dynamic pricing engine adjusts rates based on demand and competition. You can manage multiple distribution channels from a single platform. The system also offers detailed reporting and analytics to help you make informed pricing decisions.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a user-friendly interface for managing reservations. The tool also offers a booking engine that allows direct bookings from your website. You can customize reports to track performance metrics that matter to your business.

Integrations include Oracle Hospitality, Sabre, Travelport, SiteMinder, Duetto, Revinate, TrustYou, Cendyn, IDeaS, and RMS Cloud.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive reporting tools
  • Dynamic rate adjustments
  • Advanced pricing options
  • Comprehensive reporting tools
  • Dynamic rate adjustments
  • Advanced pricing options

Cons:

  • Delayed reservation sync alerts
  • Slow bulk rate changes
  • Delayed reservation sync alerts
  • Slow bulk rate changes

Best for data insights

  • Free demo available
  • Project-based pricing model

AltexSoft offers a customizable central reservation system (CRS) for hotels seeking solid data insights and analytics capabilities. Their CRS has advanced data management and business intelligence tools, allowing hotels to collect, store, and analyze huge amounts of data from multiple sources. 

Why I picked AltexSoft: The CRS offers detailed data insights that help you make informed business decisions. It provides dynamic rate management to adjust pricing based on market demand. The integration with Property Management Systems (PMS) ensures consistent information across platforms. Additionally, its AI chatbots enhance customer support, providing immediate assistance to guests.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a comprehensive reservations management system that simplifies booking processes. The CRS supports dynamic rate management, allowing you to adjust rates based on demand fluctuations. Guest profile management helps you personalize services and track guest preferences.

Integrations include Global Distribution Systems (GDS), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Property Management Systems (PMS), and channel managers.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced analytics capabilities
  • Flexible API integrations
  • Custom-built CRS solutions

Cons:

  • Limited pre-built templates
  • Longer development timelines

Best for commission-free bookings

  • Free demo available
  • From $200/month (billed annually) per property

innQuest is a central reservation system that integrates with a hotel’s website and property management system. It offers real-time availability and pricing, ensuring guests can book directly without incurring additional fees. It helps hotels maximize direct reservations and reduce reliance on third-party platforms. 

Why I picked innQuest: The tool offers a commission-free booking engine, allowing you to maximize your revenue. It integrates with a cloud-based property management system and provides tools for revenue optimization. It has a mobile app for guest services and automated booking processes. Its ability to track performance through Google Analytics and other integrations enhances its value.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a cloud-based property management system that simplifies hotel operations. The channel manager ensures your room availability is distributed across multiple platforms efficiently. A mobile app enhances guest interaction, making it easier for your team to manage services.

Integrations include TripTease, Flip.to, Google Analytics, TrustYou, Revinate, Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotelbeds, and Airbnb.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong roomMaster™ syncing
  • Commission-free direct reservations
  • Custom-branded booking interface

Cons:

  • Hard-to-use group bookings
  • Complex initial setup

Best for global reach

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $40/user/month

SiteMinder empowers hotels to expand their global reach through seamless, real-time connectivity with over 450 online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDSs), and metasearch platforms. It connects directly to a hotel’s property management system (PMS), automatically updating room rates and availability across all booking channels.

Why I picked SiteMinder: It offers extensive global distribution capabilities, allowing you to connect with various booking channels worldwide. The platform's channel manager synchronizes room availability and rates in real-time. It supports direct bookings from your website, eliminating the need for third-party commissions. Automated inventory updates reduce the risk of overbooking, keeping your operations smooth.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a user-friendly dashboard that provides a clear overview of your bookings and availability. The reporting tools offer insights into your performance metrics, helping you make data-driven decisions. The platform also supports multiple currencies, making it easier for international guests to book with you.

Integrations include Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Revinate, and TrustYou.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • API access for customization
  • Real-time inventory updates
  • Extensive OTA integrations

Cons:

  • No front-desk operations module
  • Limited built-in CRM features

Other Central Reservation Systems for Hotels

Here are some additional central reservation system for hotels options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Rate Hawk

    For diverse travel services

  2. HiJiffy

    For AI guest communication

  3. IQware

    For inventory management

  4. roommaster

    For managing online bookings

  5. eZee Reservation

    For multilingual booking

  6. Hoteliga

    For detailed guest profiles

  7. Engine

    For business travel bookings

Central Reservation System for Hotels Selection Criteria

When selecting the best central reservation system for hotels to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing overbookings and integrating with existing property management systems. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage room availability
  • Process online bookings
  • Handle cancellations and modifications
  • Integrate with channel managers
  • Generate booking reports

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Real-time inventory updates
  • Multi-property management
  • Customizable booking engine
  • Advanced revenue management tools
  • Mobile app for management on-the-go

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Ease of navigation
  • Intuitive interface design
  • Customizable dashboard
  • Speed of performance
  • User feedback on complexity

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to webinars
  • Step-by-step setup guides
  • Support from chatbots

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Access to a knowledge base
  • Quality of live chat assistance
  • Availability of email support

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Free trial availability
  • Pricing transparency
  • Range of pricing plans
  • Discounts for annual subscriptions

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Feedback on reliability
  • User satisfaction with features
  • Comments on customer service
  • Value for money ratings
  • Overall recommendation rate

How to Choose Central Reservation System for Hotels

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityWill the system grow with your hotel? Consider future expansion and whether the tool can handle increased bookings and additional properties.
IntegrationsCheck if the system works with your current tools like property management systems and channel managers. Avoid systems that require manual data entry.
CustomizabilityDetermine if you can tailor the system to suit your hotel's unique needs. Flexibility in reports and booking engine design can be a plus.
Ease of useIs the interface intuitive for your team? A complex system could slow down operations and increase training time.
Implementation and onboardingLook into the time and resources needed to get started. Are there training resources or dedicated support during the setup phase?
CostCompare the pricing plans against your budget. Watch for hidden fees, and see if a free trial is available to test the system before committing.
Security safeguardsEnsure the system complies with data protection regulations. Check for encryption and secure data storage to protect guest information.
Support availabilityConsider the level of support you’ll need. Is 24/7 support available, and through which channels? Quick help can be crucial during peak times.

What Is a Central Reservation System for Hotels?

A central reservation system for hotels is software that helps manage bookings and room availability across multiple channels. Hotel managers, front desk staff, and reservation agents generally use these tools to simplify operations and maximize occupancy. Managing room inventory, processing online bookings, and handling cancellations help with efficient hotel management and guest satisfaction. Overall, these tools make it easier to keep everything organized and running smoothly.

Features

When selecting central reservation system for hotels, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Room inventory management: Allows you to track and manage room availability in real-time, reducing the risk of overbookings.
  • Online booking processing: Facilitates the handling of reservations made through various online channels, ensuring all bookings are captured efficiently.
  • Channel manager integration: Connects with external booking platforms to synchronize availability and rates, saving time and reducing manual errors.
  • Customizable booking engine: Lets you tailor the booking process to match your hotel's branding and unique requirements, enhancing the guest experience.
  • Advanced reporting: Provides insights into booking trends and performance, helping you make informed decisions about pricing and inventory.
  • Multi-property management: Enables centralized control over reservations and room availability across multiple locations, ideal for hotel chains.
  • Mobile access: Offers a mobile app or responsive interface for managing reservations on-the-go, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
  • Data security measures: Ensures guest information is protected with encryption and compliance with data protection regulations.
  • User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive design that’s easy for staff to navigate, reducing training time and improving efficiency.
  • Automated communication: Sends confirmation emails and reminders to guests, enhancing communication and reducing manual tasks.

Benefits

Implementing central reservation system for hotels provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved booking accuracy: Reduces errors in reservations with real-time room inventory management and channel integration.
  • Time savings: Automates routine tasks like booking confirmations and updates, freeing up your team's time for other duties.
  • Increased occupancy rates: Optimizes room availability across channels, helping fill more rooms and boosting revenue.
  • Enhanced guest experience: Provides a smooth booking process with a customizable booking engine, meeting guest expectations.
  • Data-driven decisions: Offers advanced reporting tools that give insights into booking trends and performance for better decision-making.
  • Centralized control: Manages multiple properties from a single platform, simplifying operations for hotel chains.
  • Flexibility and convenience: Allows mobile access for managing reservations on-the-go, ensuring you stay connected wherever you are.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting central reservation system for hotels requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in central reservation system for hotels solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Central Reservation System for Hotels

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic room management, limited booking channels, and basic reporting.
Personal Plan$10-$30/user/monthRoom management, online booking processing, integration with a few channels, and standard reporting.
Business Plan$50-$100/user/monthAdvanced room inventory management, multiple channel integrations, customizable booking engine, and advanced reporting tools.
Enterprise Plan$150-$300/user/monthMulti-property management, full integration suite, advanced revenue management features, and dedicated support services.

Central Reservation System for Hotels FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about the central reservation system for hotels:

Do central reservation systems support multi-property management?

Yes, many central reservation systems support multi-property management, allowing you to manage reservations and availability across several locations from a single platform. This feature is especially beneficial for hotel chains or groups looking to centralize their operations. It simplifies the management process and provides a unified view of all properties, helping you make informed decisions.

Can a central reservation system integrate with existing hotel systems?

Yes, most central reservation systems can integrate with existing hotel systems like property management systems and channel managers. Before purchasing, check if the CRS supports the specific integrations you need. This ensures seamless data flow between systems, reducing manual entry and minimizing errors. Integration capability is crucial for maintaining efficient operations and maximizing your hotel’s technological investments.

What is the difference between a central reservation system and a property management system?

A central reservation system (CRS) focuses on managing bookings and room availability across channels, while a property management system (PMS) handles broader hotel operations like guest check-ins, billing, and housekeeping. If you’re looking to streamline reservations, a CRS is key, but integrating it with a PMS can enhance overall hotel management. Many hotels use both systems together for a more comprehensive approach to managing their operations.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching central reservation system for hotels, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

Tim Fisher
By Tim Fisher

Tim brings over two decades of experience leading at the crossroads of tech, editorial, and AI innovation. From launching and scaling Lifewire into a top-ranked tech site, to spearheading AI operations at People Inc., he’s spent his career building systems that connect people with smarter solutions. His favorite problems are the ones that unlock new possibilities when properly solved. For Tim, problems are just undiscovered opportunities, and AI has opened the door to solving challenges once thought immovable. When he’s not tinkering with large language models, Tim is either re-reading Project Hail Mary, or eating Mexican food.