10 Best Hotel Email Marketing Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
In the hotel industry, keeping guests engaged and bookings steady is a constant challenge. As a hotel manager, you know how vital effective communication is. That's where hotel email marketing software comes in, helping you connect with guests and drive bookings directly.
I've spent time reviewing and testing various software, and I understand the unique needs of hotel management teams. My goal is to give you a clear, unbiased look at the best options available.
In this article, you'll find detailed reviews of top email marketing tools tailored for your hotel. I'll cover features, pros and cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision for your team.
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Best Hotel Email Marketing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top hotel email marketing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for visually branded hotel emails | Free plan available | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for reservation and property management with integrated email marketing | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for its robust eCommerce CRM capabilities | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $39/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for its comprehensive property management system with built-in email marketing | Not available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small hotels due to its affordable pricing and feature-rich platform | Free plan available and 14-day free trial | From $13/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for combining booking and marketing automation in one package | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for cloud-based hospitality management | Free demo available | From $85/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for customizable and targeted email campaigns | Not available | From $29/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for leveraging guest data to drive direct bookings | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for automating guest emails in various stages of the booking process | Not available | From $75/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Little Hotelier
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
roommaster
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Roomstay Hotel Booking Engine
Visit Website
Best Hotel Email Marketing Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best hotel email marketing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Flodesk offers a unique approach to hotel email marketing by blending aesthetic appeal with functionality, making it an ideal choice for hotels aiming to captivate their guests through visually stunning email campaigns. This tool is particularly appealing to hospitality marketers and hotel managers who prioritize brand consistency and engagement in their email communications. By using Flodesk, you can address challenges like low email open rates and lackluster guest engagement, ensuring your hotel's message stands out in a crowded inbox.
Why I Picked Flodesk
I picked Flodesk for hotel email marketing because of its emphasis on design and deliverability, which are crucial for capturing the attention of potential guests. The software's intuitive email builder allows you to create visually appealing emails with custom fonts and brand colors, ensuring your hotel's branding is consistent and engaging. Additionally, Flodesk's automation features, such as abandoned cart recovery and segmentation based on link clicks, help you target the right audience at the right time, enhancing guest engagement and conversion rates.
Flodesk Key Features
In addition to its design capabilities and automation features, I also found that Flodesk offers several other features that are beneficial for hotel email marketing:
- Patented Layouts: Flodesk provides unique, customizable email layouts that help your emails stand out in the inbox.
- Countdown Timers: This feature allows you to create a sense of urgency in your promotional emails, encouraging guests to book quickly.
- Embedded Polls: Engage your audience by including polls directly in your emails, gathering valuable feedback from potential and past guests.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Flodesk offers a robust analytics suite that helps you track the performance of your email campaigns, enabling data-driven marketing decisions.
Flodesk Integrations
Integrations include Shopify, Zapier, Instagram, Facebook, WordPress, Canva, Stripe, Google Sheets, Slack, and Mailchimp.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Visually polished email templates
- Built-in automation workflows
- Custom font and brand control
Cons:
- Limited advanced API access
- No built-in SMS marketing
ResNexus
Best for reservation and property management with integrated email marketing
ResNexus is a comprehensive property management system that caters to bed and breakfasts, hotels, and inns. Besides its strong capabilities in reservation and property management, it also has a built-in email marketing platform, which can be particularly advantageous for businesses in these sectors.
Why I Picked ResNexus: I selected ResNexus due to its integrated approach to property management and email marketing. It's not merely an email marketing tool but a complete solution for hospitality businesses, making it distinct in this list. The seamless blend of reservation and property management with email marketing makes it ideal for these businesses.
Standout Features & Integrations:
ResNexus provides features such as online reservations, room and property management, and integrated email marketing. Its integrations with various payment processors and other hotel management tools further expand its capabilities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrations with other tools add value
- Supports online reservations
- Provides integrated property management and email marketing
Cons:
- Might require a learning curve to fully utilize its broad set of features
- Pricing is on the higher side
- Might be over-featured for businesses only looking for email marketing
Drip is a marketing automation platform with a strong focus on eCommerce and CRM functionalities. Its ability to leverage customer data to create personalized experiences makes it the best tool for robust eCommerce CRM capabilities.
Why I Picked Drip: I chose Drip for this list because of its strength in integrating CRM and eCommerce functions into email marketing. It stands out due to its customer-centric approach that allows businesses to use customer data deliverability to personalized experiences. This makes Drip the best choice for hoteliers who are seeking to strengthen their eCommerce capabilities through advanced CRM functionalities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Drip's most remarkable features are its advanced segmentation, metric, and automation. These allow users to personalize type of email campaigns based on customer behavior, making for more targeted marketing efforts. For integrations, Drip pairs well with eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, allowing for easy synchronization of customer data.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless integrations with eCommerce platforms
- Advanced CRM functionalities
- Powerful eCommerce capabilities
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- High starting price point
- Might be complex for beginners
Best for its comprehensive property management system with built-in email marketing
Newbook is a comprehensive property management system that offers built-in email marketing tools for the hospitality industry. It allows businesses to manage their properties and conduct targeted email campaigns for email subscribers all from one platform, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an all-encompassing solution.
Why I Picked Newbook: I selected Newbook for its robustness and multi-functional capabilities. What makes it distinctive is its ability to manage various aspects of property management alongside powerful email marketing tools. I believe it's the best for businesses that need a comprehensive property management system integrated with a strong email marketing platform.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Newbook offers a wide range of features, including reservation management, revenue management, and built-in CRM for effective email marketing. Its integrations with other popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Airbnb, enhance its overall functionality and streamline multiple tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust integrations with popular platforms
- Extensive features covering many aspects of hospitality management
- Comprehensive property management system with built-in email marketing
Cons:
- The platform may require some time to learn for new users
- Pricing can become steep with additional features
- May be too complex for very small businesses
Best for small hotels due to its affordable pricing and feature-rich platform
MailChimp is a widely recognized email marketing platform that offers a broad range of functionalities. For small hotels looking for a robust yet affordable tool, MailChimp’s pricing structure and its wealth of features make it an ideal choice.
Why I Picked MailChimp: I chose MailChimp primarily for its approachability and cost-effectiveness. Compared to many marketing tools, MailChimp offers a comprehensive suite of features at an affordable price, making it an excellent pick for small hotels. The tool's design simplicity and rich functionality, combined with its competitive pricing, underline its suitability for this 'best for' category.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of MailChimp include email marketing, unsubscribe feature, automation, A/B testing, and robust reporting. Furthermore, MailChimp offers integrations with major platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, Magento, and Salesforce, allowing users to synchronize data across their business tools seamlessly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Numerous integrations with other business platforms
- Comprehensive suite of email marketing tools
- Affordable pricing suitable for small businesses
Cons:
- The interface may seem complex to new users
- May lack some specialized features of dedicated hotel marketing software
- Advanced features only available at higher price points
Profitroom brings a unique edge to hotel management by converging booking and marketing automation functionalities into one package. Its proficiency in streamlining booking processes while enhancing marketing initiatives validates its selection for the described use case.
Why I Picked Profitroom: I chose Profitroom due to its holistic approach to hotel management. The union of booking and marketing automation distinguishes it in a market where these functions are often offered separately. It earns its title as the best for combining booking and marketing automation in one package, by providing a synergistic system that optimizes both guest reservation experience and marketing endeavors.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Profitroom stands out with features such as a booking engine, revenue management tools, and robust marketing automation. These tools work together to provide a holistic approach to hotel management. It also boasts seamless integrations with a multitude of property management systems, channel managers, and payment gateways.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive features for hotel management
- Wide range of integrations
- Combines booking and marketing automation
Cons:
- Might require a learning curve for new users
- May offer more functionality than needed for small properties
- Pricing information is not readily available
RMS Cloud is a comprehensive hospitality management system designed to simplify hotel operations and enhance guest experiences. Its cloud-based nature enables seamless access from any location, making it perfect for hotel chains or teams that operate in multiple locations.
Why I Picked RMS Cloud: The reason I chose RMS Cloud is because of its comprehensive approach to hospitality management. Instead of just focusing on messaging, it offers a broad suite of features that can cover almost every aspect of hotel operation, from booking to checkout. It stood out because it is one of the few solutions that provide such an extensive range of functionalities on a cloud platform, making it accessible and convenient.
Given its wide-ranging features and cloud-based nature, I firmly believe that RMS Cloud is the best choice for managing hospitality operations in a streamlined and efficient manner, particularly for larger hotel chains or properties with multiple locations.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of RMS Cloud's key features is its Property Management System (PMS), which allows for real-time, centralized control of rates, availability, and guest profiles. Additionally, it also features a point of sale (POS) system, making it easier to manage sales in facilities such as bars, restaurants, and spas within the property.
When it comes to integrations, RMS Cloud boasts a range of partnerships, including those with major OTAs, payment gateways, and even third-party software like revenue management systems, all aimed at providing a seamless and effective hotel management experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrates with a wide range of third-party software and services
- Cloud-based access allows for operation from multiple locations
- Comprehensive feature set covering most aspects of a hotel operation
Cons:
- Less focus on guest messaging compared to dedicated guest messaging platforms
- Additional modules come at an extra cost
- The extensive nature of the platform may result in a steeper learning curve
Experience CRM is a comprehensive marketing solution that excels in enabling highly customizable email campaigns. Its emphasis on target-specific communications helps businesses reach the right audience with the right message, aligning with its 'best for' trait of facilitating targeted email campaigns.
Why I Picked Experience CRM: I picked Experience CRM because it presents a unique combination of customization and targeting capabilities. It sets itself apart with its capacity to create individual customer journeys and highly personalized subject lines and email content. This, coupled with its advanced segmentation capabilities, makes it stand out as the best tool for customized and targeted email campaigns.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Experience CRM's standout features include advanced segmentation, customer journey mapping, and multi-channel campaign management. The platform integrates smoothly with major CMS platforms like WordPress and Joomla, as well as eCommerce solutions such as Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing users to leverage new customer data across different platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong integration with popular CMS and eCommerce platforms
- Advanced segmentation abilities
- Highly customizable campaign management
Cons:
- Advanced features require time to fully understand and implement effectively
- The price point might be high for smaller hotels
- Might have a steeper learning curve for beginners
Revinate is a specialized marketing platform specifically designed for hotels. It facilitates in-depth customer data analysis to boost direct bookings, creating an ideal solution for properties aiming to optimize their occupancy rates through personalized guest engagement.
Why I Picked Revinate: I picked Revinate because it offers a distinctive approach to hotel marketing, focusing on leveraging guest data to maximize direct bookings. Its unique ability to harness customer information to inform marketing strategies sets it apart from other tools. Revinate excels in its unique use case of enabling hotels to drive more direct bookings by utilizing their guest data more effectively.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Revinate offers features like guest feedback management, reputation management, and marketing automation that are specifically designed for the hospitality industry. The tool integrates well with property management systems (PMS) and other third-party hospitality software, enhancing its functionality and ease of use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong integrations with hotel management software
- Ability to leverage guest data for more direct bookings
- Tailored specifically for the hotel industry
Cons:
- Overkill for very small hotels or B&Bs with simpler needs
- Might be complex for beginners
- Pricing isn't transparent
Bookinglayer
Best for automating guest emails in various stages of the booking process
Bookinglayer is a property management tool tailored to assist with online bookings for the hospitality industry. Notably, it also provides email automation capabilities throughout different stages of the booking process, helping businesses to keep their guests informed and engaged.
Why I Picked Bookinglayer: I decided on Bookinglayer because of its unique strength in automating new and past guest communication, which significantly reduces manual effort. It stands out due to its focus on automating emails at different booking stages, making it an optimal choice for businesses aiming to streamline their booking communication.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Bookinglayer offers features like online booking management, automated emails, booking follow-up feature, and real-time availability checks. Integrations with tools such as MailChimp, Stripe, and Google Analytics further extend its functionality, allowing for a more efficient workflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integration with popular tools extends its functionality
- Provides real-time availability checks
- Great for automating communication in different booking stages
Cons:
- Some users might find it challenging to set up automated emails
- The focus on bookings might not cater to all email marketing needs
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
Other Hotel Email Marketing Software
Here are some additional hotel email marketing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- GuestJoy
For enhancing guest communication and upselling opportunities
- For-Sight CRM
For advanced guest profiling and segmentation
- Elastic Email
For AI-powered email templates
- Constant Contact
Good for its user-friendly email marketing interface
- Klaviyo
Good for its advanced segmentation and targeting features
- Brevo
Good for engaging guests with personalized content
- Dailypoint
Good for transforming raw data into usable customer profiles
- Smart Host
Good for automating personalized email communication
- Resort Data
Good for robust reservation and guest management capabilities
Hotel Email Marketing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best hotel email marketing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like personalizing guest communication and managing large contact lists. 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:
- Automate email campaigns
- Segment customer lists
- Personalize email content
- Track email performance
- Manage subscriber lists
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven content suggestions
- Multilingual support
- Dynamic content blocks
- Advanced analytics dashboards
- Integration with PMS systems
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Customizable templates
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
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
- Comprehensive templates
- Supportive chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multi-channel support options
- Response time
- Knowledge base access
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Competitive pricing
- Feature-to-price ratio
- Flexible pricing plans
- Discounts for long-term contracts
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Feedback on customer service
- Frequency of updates and improvements
- User-reported ease of use
How to Choose Hotel Email Marketing Software
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:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business? Consider future needs and whether the tool can handle an increase in guest volume without losing efficiency. |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing systems like PMS or CRM? Ensure the software can integrate smoothly to avoid data silos and manual data entry. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the tool to fit your hotel's branding and communication style? Look for options to customize templates and workflows. |
| Ease of use | Is the software intuitive for your team? Avoid tools that require extensive training. Test the interface for user-friendliness. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will the setup take, and what support is available? Check for training materials and customer support to ease the transition. |
| Cost | Does the pricing fit your budget? Look beyond the sticker price—consider long-term costs and any hidden fees or required add-ons. |
| Security safeguards | Does the tool protect guest data? Ensure it complies with data protection regulations and offers features like encryption and access controls. |
| Support availability | When problems arise, will support be there? Look for 24/7 availability and multiple contact options to ensure timely assistance. |
What Is Hotel Email Marketing Software?
Hotel email marketing software is a tool that helps hotels manage and automate their email communication with guests. Typically used by hotel managers and marketing teams, it provides value by improving guest engagement and driving direct bookings. Features like automated campaigns, segmentation, and personalization help with targeting the right audience and crafting messages that resonate. Overall, these tools enhance communication efficiency and boost guest satisfaction.
Features
When selecting hotel email marketing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automated campaigns: This feature allows you to schedule and send emails automatically, saving time and ensuring consistent communication with guests.
- Segmentation: Helps you divide your contact list into groups based on criteria like booking history, enabling more targeted and relevant messages.
- Personalization: Allows you to tailor emails with guest-specific details, enhancing engagement and making guests feel valued.
- Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into email performance, helping you understand open rates and click-through rates to refine your strategies.
- Template customization: Offers pre-designed templates that you can modify to fit your hotel's branding, ensuring a professional look without starting from scratch.
- Integration capabilities: Ensures the software can connect with your existing systems like PMS and CRM, allowing seamless data flow and reducing manual entry.
- A/B testing: Enables you to test different email versions to see which performs better, optimizing your communication strategies.
- Compliance tools: Helps ensure that your email campaigns comply with data protection regulations, safeguarding guest information.
- Multilingual support: Allows you to communicate with guests in their preferred language, broadening your reach and improving guest experience.
- Responsive design: Ensures emails display correctly on any device, from desktops to smartphones, enhancing readability for all guests.
Benefits
Implementing hotel email marketing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved guest engagement: Automated campaigns and personalization make your communication more relevant, keeping guests interested and connected.
- Increased bookings: Targeted emails through segmentation can encourage direct bookings, reducing reliance on third-party platforms.
- Time savings: Automation and template customization reduce the time spent on manual email creation and sending, freeing up your team for other tasks.
- Better decision-making: Analytics and reporting provide insights into email performance, helping you refine your marketing strategies based on data.
- Enhanced brand consistency: Customizable templates ensure all communications align with your hotel's branding, maintaining a professional image.
- Regulatory compliance: Compliance tools help you adhere to data protection laws, protecting guest information and reducing legal risks.
- Broader reach: Multilingual support allows you to communicate effectively with guests from different regions, expanding your market presence.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting hotel email marketing software 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 hotel email marketing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Hotel Email Marketing Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic email templates, limited automation, and basic analytics. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Customizable templates, basic segmentation, and email scheduling. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Advanced automation, detailed reporting, and integration with CRM systems. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100-$200/user/month | AI-driven insights, multilingual support, dedicated account manager, and advanced compliance tools. |
Hotel Email Marketing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about hotel email marketing software:
How do I integrate email marketing software with my existing hotel systems?
Yes, most email marketing software can integrate with systems like your PMS or CRM. Look for tools that offer API integrations or direct connections to these platforms. This will make it easier to sync guest data and ensure your campaigns are targeted and relevant. Always check the software’s integration capabilities before purchasing.
Can I track the effectiveness of my email campaigns?
Yes, tracking is a standard feature in most email marketing tools. You’ll get insights into open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Use this data to refine your strategies and improve future campaigns. Look for software that offers detailed reporting to get the most value out of your marketing efforts.
Is it easy to switch from one email marketing software to another?
Switching can be straightforward if your new software supports data import and export. Before making a move, ensure the new tool can import your existing contacts, templates, and campaign history. Some providers offer migration assistance, so ask about this during your selection process to ease the transition.
Do I need technical skills to use email marketing software?
No, you don’t need technical skills to use most email marketing tools. They’re designed to be user-friendly, with drag-and-drop editors and pre-built templates. However, a basic understanding of digital marketing principles can help you make the most of the software’s capabilities. Training resources are often available to assist users.
How Can Hotel Email Marketing Software Improve Hotel Reputation Management?
Hotel email marketing software can boost hotel reputation management by making it easy to connect with guests and ask for feedback. Sending personalized emails after a guest’s stay encourages reviews on popular platforms, which is one of the best hotel reputation management strategies. Regularly sharing updates, offers, and helpful content builds trust and keeps guests engaged, improving their view of the hotel over time.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching hotel email marketing software, 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.
