Skip to main content

10 Best Central Reservation System for Hotels Shortlist

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

Managing a hotel is no easy task. From juggling bookings to keeping track of guest preferences, there's a lot on your plate. That's where a central reservation system comes in. It helps you manage reservations efficiently, freeing up your time for other important tasks.

I've spent years in the hotel management industry, testing and reviewing software independently. I aim to offer you an unbiased, well-researched review of the top central reservation systems. These tools can help your team improve booking efficiency and enhance revenue management.

In this article, I'll share my top picks, focusing on their unique features and benefits. With my insights, you'll be better equipped to choose the right solution for your hotel.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing hotel management software since 2023. As hotel managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different hotel management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.

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
  • From $20/user/month
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 seamless integrations

  • Free demo available
  • From $90/user/month
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 quick setup

  • Free demo available
  • 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 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 inventory management

  • Free demo available
  • From $200/user/month

IQware’s Central Reservation System (CRS), known as IQho, streamlines inventory and rate management across multiple hotel properties by integrating with its property management system. It centralizes control of availability and pricing, syncing channels in real time to prevent overbookings.

Why I picked IQware: It excels in inventory management, ensuring that your rooms are always optimally allocated. Its real-time updates prevent overbooking and lost revenue opportunities. The system supports detailed reporting, giving you insights into occupancy and revenue trends. Additionally, its user-friendly interface simplifies training for your team.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an advanced booking engine that maximizes direct bookings. The system offers revenue management tools to optimize your pricing strategies. Multi-property management allows you to oversee several locations from a single dashboard.

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Hard-to-track reservation changes
  • Complex group booking process

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 AI guest communication

  • Free demo available
  • From $30/user/month (billed annually)

HiJiffy is an AI-powered central reservation system that transforms hotel guest communication by automating interactions across the entire guest journey—from booking inquiries to post-stay feedback. This comprehensive approach enhances guest satisfaction and reduces staff workload. 

Why I picked HiJiffy: Its AI-driven communication tools allow you to automate guest interactions, providing immediate responses to inquiries. The platform integrates a chatbot that handles booking queries and customer service efficiently. You can customize the chatbot to reflect your hotel's branding and tone. This improves guest satisfaction by ensuring quick and accurate information delivery.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a centralized dashboard that consolidates all guest communications in one place. The platform also offers analytics tools to track communication performance. You can set up automated responses for frequently asked questions, saving your team time and effort.

Integrations include Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Analytics, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Centralized communication dashboard
  • Customizable chatbot interface
  • Efficient AI-driven communication

Cons:

  • No front-desk management module
  • Limited OTA integration capabilities

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 diverse travel services

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Rate Hawk is a comprehensive B2B central reservation system for travel professionals, offering wide travel services beyond hotel bookings. With access to over 2.7 million accommodation options across 220 countries, RateHawk also provides bookings for flights, train tickets, car rentals, and transfers, all within a single platform. 

Why I picked Rate Hawk: The platform provides diverse travel services, allowing you to book hotels, flights, and car rentals all in one place. It features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the booking process. The system offers competitive rates by aggregating data from multiple suppliers. Additionally, its advanced search filters help you find the best options for your clients quickly.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a comprehensive booking engine that supports multiple travel services. The platform offers real-time availability and pricing updates, ensuring accurate information. You can also access detailed reports to track your bookings and expenditures.

Integrations include Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, Travelport, Worldspan, and other global distribution systems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrated flight and transfer bookings
  • Real-time availability updates
  • User-friendly B2B interface

Cons:

  • No integrated CRM features
  • Limited direct hotel contracts

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. Hotelogix

    For multi-property management

  2. Amadeus CRS

    For advanced pricing management

  3. SiteMinder

    For global reach

  4. eZee Reservation

    For multilingual booking

  5. Engine

    For business travel bookings

  6. Hoteliga

    For detailed guest profiles

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 bookings
  • Update room availability in real-time
  • Handle multiple distribution channels
  • Process payments securely
  • 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:

  • Dynamic pricing adjustments
  • Integration with AI chatbots
  • Customizable booking engine
  • Multi-language support
  • Advanced analytics and reporting

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

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Customizable user settings
  • Mobile accessibility

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

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Comprehensive user guides
  • Access to webinars and tutorials
  • Onboarding support from the vendor

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 live chat and phone support
  • Comprehensive knowledge base
  • Proactive customer service

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

  • Competitive pricing compared to features
  • Availability of flexible pricing plans
  • Transparency in pricing structure
  • Discounts for long-term commitments
  • Cost-effectiveness for small properties

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

  • Overall user satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on software reliability
  • Comments on ease of use
  • Praise for customer support
  • Reports on return on investment

How to Choose a 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
ScalabilityCan the system handle your hotel's growth? Consider future expansion and whether the tool can accommodate more rooms or properties without extra costs.
IntegrationsDoes it connect with your existing systems, like property management software or accounting tools? Check for compatibility to avoid data silos.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor the system to meet your specific needs? Look for flexible settings and user roles to fit your hotel's operations.
Ease of useIs the system intuitive for your team? Test the interface for simplicity to reduce training time and errors.
Implementation and onboardingHow long does it take to get up and running? Ask about support during setup and any training materials available.
CostAre the pricing plans transparent and within your budget? Watch for hidden fees or costs for additional users or features.
Security safeguardsDoes the system protect guest data? Ensure compliance with data protection standards like GDPR or PCI DSS.
Support availabilityIs help available when you need it? Check for 24/7 support options and quick response times to resolve issues promptly.

What Is a Central Reservation System for Hotels?

A central reservation system for hotels manages room bookings and availability across various channels. It is used by hotel managers, front desk staff, and reservation agents to efficiently handle reservations and improve guest experiences. 

Its features include real-time inventory updates, multi-channel distribution, and automated booking confirmations to manage bookings and reduce overbookings. These tools provide value by simplifying hotel operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. 

Features of Central Reservation System for Hotels

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

  • Real-time inventory updates: Automatically updates room availability across all channels to prevent overbookings.
  • Multi-channel distribution: Allows you to manage bookings from various online travel agencies and direct channels in one place.
  • Automated booking confirmations: Sends instant confirmations to guests, reducing manual work and enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Dynamic pricing management: Adjusts room rates based on demand and market trends to maximize revenue.
  • Customizable booking engine: Lets you tailor the booking process to match your hotel's branding and specific needs.
  • Advanced reporting tools: Provides insights into occupancy rates and revenue trends to support informed decision-making.
  • Secure payment processing: Ensures safe handling of guest payments, complying with industry standards like PCI DSS.
  • Mobile app access: Allows you to manage reservations and check availability on the go, enhancing flexibility.
  • Guest profile management: Keeps track of guest preferences and history to personalize services and improve guest experience.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with existing property management systems and other tools to streamline operations.

Benefits of a Central Reservation System for Hotels

Implementing a 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 management: Centralized control of reservations helps you manage bookings efficiently and reduces the risk of overbookings.
  • Increased revenue: Dynamic pricing and multi-channel distribution allow you to optimize room rates and reach more potential guests.
  • Enhanced guest experience: Automated confirmations and guest profile management ensure personalized and prompt service, boosting guest satisfaction.
  • Time savings: Automating routine tasks like booking confirmations and inventory updates frees up your team to focus on guest interactions.
  • Better decision-making: Advanced reporting tools provide valuable insights into your hotel's performance, supporting strategic planning.
  • Greater flexibility: Mobile app access and integration capabilities let you manage operations on the go and connect with other essential systems.
  • Secure transactions: Secure payment processing protects guest data and ensures compliance with industry standards, building trust with your customers.

Costs and Pricing of Central Reservation System for Hotels

Selecting a central reservation system for hotels requires understanding 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 booking management, limited channel support, and basic reporting.
Personal Plan$25-$50/
user/month
Enhanced booking management, mobile access, and basic analytics.
Business Plan$50-$100/
user/month
Multi-channel distribution, dynamic pricing, and advanced reporting tools.
Enterprise Plan$100+/
user/month
Full integration capabilities, customizable booking engine, and dedicated support.

Central Reservation System for Hotels FAQs

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

Why and when should a hotel use a central reservation system (CRS)?

A hotel should use a CRS to connect its property management system with all sales channels. This ensures all reservation data is up-to-date and accurate across platforms. By using a CRS, you can manage room inventory efficiently and reduce the risk of overbookings.

What are the two types of central reservation systems?

The two main types of central reservation systems are Property Management Systems (PMS) and Channel Managers. PMS handles internal hotel operations, while Channel Managers connect your hotel to various online sales channels, ensuring consistent availability and pricing.

Why is a central reservation system important for the hospitality industry?

A central reservation system (CRS) plays a vital role in the hospitality industry, especially for hotel chains, independent hotels, and travel agents. It allows properties within the hotel industry to manage hotel rooms and availability across multiple locations in real time.

This system is critical for hotel distribution, ensuring consistent data across platforms and enabling seamless collaboration between different types of hotels and external partners like travel agents. By centralizing bookings and guest information, a CRS improves operational efficiency and boosts revenue potential for all hotel categories.

How does a central reservation system fit into a hotel’s technology ecosystem?

A central reservation system is a core component of a hotel’s broader ecosystem of technology. It integrates with other solutions like revenue management systems and call center operations to provide a unified booking and guest service experience.

The CRS supports a hotel’s distribution strategy by pushing room inventory to multiple sales channels, optimizing reach and revenue. Whether used by standalone properties or as part of a larger system, a well-implemented CRS ensures that inventory, pricing, and guest data are consistent across all platforms.

What's Next?

Elevate your professional edge in hospitality & hotel management - subscribe to our newsletter for a curated blend of expert advice, industry news, and success secrets!

Cory Masters
By Cory Masters

Cory Masters is a dynamic professional with 10+ years of experience working across hotel and hospitality management, accounting, financial management, office management, and operations. She's passionate about elevating other professionals in the community, using her 4 years as an Assistant Hotel Manager at Four Seasons to share the lessons she's learned about managing guest interactions, reservations, hotel staff, hotel services, hotel management systems, and more.