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As a hotelier, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies is essential to offer your guests the best possible experience. One such technology is front desk hotel software.

When it comes to front desk software for hotels, there are many different options to choose from. It can be hard to decide which is best for your property. This article will look at the best front-desk hotel software options available. We will discuss the benefits of using each one, how much they cost, and the key features to look for when deciding.

In this article, we'll discuss what front desk hotel software is, how it works, and its benefits. We'll also consider the best front-desk hotel software options currently available.

So, whether you're in the market for a new system or are just curious about what's out there, read on!

What Is Hotel Front Desk Software?

Hotel front desk software is a computer application that helps hotel staff manage reservations, check-ins, and check-outs. It also helps team keep track of guest payments and room assignments.

Most hotel front desk software applications allow you to:

  • Manage Reservations
  • Check guests in and out
  • Print room keys
  • Print invoices
  • View reports

The benefits of using hotel front desk software include increased efficiency, reduced staff workload, improved customer service, and improved accuracy.

The cost of hotel front desk software varies depending on the features and complexity of the application. However, most applications range in price from $500 to $2,000 per license.

Best Hotel Front Desk Software Summary

Tool Best For Trial Info Price
1
innQuest

The roomMaster HMS dashboard provides you with various management tools for hotel front desk operations.

Best for check-ins and room assignments

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
2
Canary Technologies

Canary Technologies provides personalized pre-arrival engagement and real-time service requests via its guest messaging feature.

Best for personalizing guest experiences

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
3
Little Hotelier

Here's Little Hotelier's 'reservation' tab, which shows all invoices of the reservations in the search results and searches for reservations by invoice number.

Best for boutique hotels

Not available

Pricing upon request Website
4
eZee FrontDesk

Here's the room view dashboard in the Ezee Frontdesk.

Best for all-in-one hotel solutions

Not available

From $20/user/month (billed annually) + $50 base fee per month Website
5
innRoad

Here's innRoad's tape chart feature.

Best for independent hoteliers

Not available

From $150/user/month Website
6
Maestro PMS

Here's the Maestro PMS front desk dashboard view.

Best for contact-free staff interactions

Not available

Pricing upon request Website
7
Hoteliga

Here's the reservation calendar feature in Hoteliga.

Best for user-friendly interfaces

Not available

From $30/user/month (min 3 seats) Website
8
Mews Hospitality Cloud

Here's Mews Hospitality Cloud's operations dashboard screenshot.

Best for cloud property management

Not available

From $25/user/month (min 5 seats) Website
9
Operto

Here's Operto's dashboard, which allows you to manage the entire guest journey from before check-in.

Best for integrating smart devices

Not available

Website
10
Smart Hotel Software

Here's the room/reservation status tab overview in Smart Hotel Software.

Best for diverse property features

Not available

From $45/user/month (billed annually) + $60 base fee per month Website

Best Hotel Front Desk Software Reviews

Best for check-ins and room assignments

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

roomMaster HMS by InnQuest is a cloud-based hotel management software designed to improve guest experiences and simplify hotel operations. It offers an intuitive interface for tasks like reservations, rate management, and customer data handling. 

Why I Picked roomMaster HMS: Your team can quickly check guests in and out, assign rooms, and manage reservations all from one screen. It also allows you to track guest preferences, making it easier to provide personalized services that elevate the guest experience. You’ll have easy access to up-to-date room availability and pricing, so you can make decisions in real time, helping you offer faster and better service at the front desk.  Additionally, the software includes a dynamic channel manager that connects to major online travel agencies (OTAs), optimizing online distribution and preventing overbookings.

Standout features & integrations:

Other features include a housekeeping module, which lets your staff easily update room statuses as they are cleaned and ready for guests. The software also has built-in reporting tools, allowing you to generate occupancy reports or monitor revenue without needing separate software. Integrations include AdriaScan, Amadeus, H&L, Sage, Triptease, Windcave, Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, QuickBooks, Alpharooms, Bookeasy, and Hotwire.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Prevents overbooking through channel management
  • Easy integration with OTAs and direct website booking
  • Multi-property management capabilities

Cons:

  • Setup can be complex
  • While customizable, some users still find limitations in how much they can tailor the software

Best for personalizing guest experiences

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Canary Technologies is a hospitality management platform that aims to improve the guest experience for hotels, vacation rentals, and lodging establishments.

Why I Picked Canary Technologies: Canary offers contactless check-in, which allows guests to complete the check-in process via their mobile devices before arriving at the hotel. This not only reduces wait times at the front desk but also enables your team to focus more on personalized guest interactions. Additionally, the system can present pre-scheduled special offers during check-in, helping to boost revenue and tailor experiences through room upgrades and other services. Another valuable aspect is the digital authorization feature, which replaces traditional paper credit card authorization forms with a secure, digital process. 

Standout features & integrations:

Other features include guest messaging, which enables your team to communicate with guests through their preferred channels, such as SMS or WhatsApp. The digital tipping feature allows guests to tip staff electronically, promoting fair compensation and boosting staff morale. Additionally, the tablet registration feature eliminates the need for paper registration cards, further enhancing the check-in process and reducing paper waste. Integrations include Amadeus, Maestro, Skytouch, Choice Advantage, HiRUM, Shift4 Payments, IQware, Oracle Hospitality, InnQuest, RoomKey, innRoad, Booking.com, Cloudbeds, BookingCenter, and Alice.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Contactless check-in enhances guest convenience
  • Dynamic upsells to increase additional revenue
  • Digital tipping options

Cons:

  • Occasional technical glitches
  • Limited integration options with certain property management systems

Best for boutique hotels

  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Little Hotelier is a property management software solution, designed with boutique hotels in mind. It offers a range of tailored features to help small establishments increase revenue while providing a memorable guest experience.

Why I Picked Little Hotelier: In my quest to find the most suitable management tools for different types of hotels, Little Hotelier emerged as a top pick for boutique establishments. Through comparing and judging various software solutions, it became evident that Little Hotelier had a unique offering tailored to boutique hotels' nuances and specific requirements. I chose it for this list because it truly understands and caters to the particular needs of these smaller, more intimate properties.

Standout features & integrations:

Little Hotelier boasts a comprehensive booking engine that streamlines reservation management for boutique establishments. Their cloud-based property management system ensures smooth front desk operations with integrated modules that range from guest profiles to payment processing. Key integrations encompassing Airbnb, booking.com, and GDS facilitate bookings across multiple platforms, ensuring boutique hotels can maximize their occupancy rates.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive cloud-based property management system for streamlined operations.
  • Robust integrations with major booking platforms improve online booking capabilities.
  • Tailored features specifically for boutique hotels, making it an optimal choice for such establishments.

Cons:

  • Periodic updates might require a short learning curve for users.
  • Limited customization options for larger hotel chains.
  • Might be over-featured for very small bed and breakfast establishments.

Best for all-in-one hotel solutions

  • From $20/user/month (billed annually) + $50 base fee per month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Ezee Frontdesk provides a comprehensive hotel management system that integrates a variety of functionalities vital for the hospitality industry. By offering an all-in-one solution, it effectively addresses the diverse needs of hotel operations.

Why I Picked Ezee Frontdesk: I selected Ezee Frontdesk after closely examining numerous property management tools available today. It consistently emerged as a top contender due to its versatile features and modules. Moreover, in line with its tagline of being an all-in-one solution, it delivers an integrated approach, making it best suited for hotels seeking comprehensive software.

Standout features & integrations:

Ezee Frontdesk has a robust booking engine, simplifying the reservation management process. Its integrated channel manager ensures that all bookings, from an OTA or direct channels, are synchronized to prevent overbooking. The software solution also provides a point of sale (POS) system, catering to outlets within the hotel, like restaurants or gift shops. Key integrations include connectivity with platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia, ensuring a wider reach for the property.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Connectivity with major OTAs and platforms like Airbnb.
  • Comprehensive point of sale system.
  • Integrated booking engine and channel manager.

Cons:

  • Some modules might be superfluous for smaller b&bs or independent hotels.
  • Requires consistent internet connection for cloud-based property management system.
  • Steeper learning curve for those new to hotel management systems.

Best for independent hoteliers

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

innRoad is a comprehensive property management system crafted for the hospitality industry. Catering particularly to independent hoteliers, it combines multiple modules to help streamline operations, boost occupancy, and provide an improved guest experience.

Why I Picked innRoad: I compared and evaluated various tools for the hospitality industry, emphasizing their ability to meet specific niche needs. innRoad stood out for its customized features and user-friendly cloud-based property management system. It's the 'Best for independent hoteliers,' offering a comprehensive management solution.

Standout features & integrations:

innRoad prioritizes an intuitive booking engine, which is essential for reservation management. Moreover, its front desk operations ensure smooth interactions and the hotel management system effortlessly integrates with tools like POS for effective point-of-sale transactions. On the integration front, innRoad has partnerships with leading platforms such as Airbnb, booking.com, and Expedia, ensuring that independent hoteliers have a broad reach in the market.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Partnerships with major booking platforms boost visibility and occupancy for independent hotels.
  • Comprehensive booking engine and POS integrations help streamline operations.
  • Designed with independent hoteliers in mind, ensuring a catered experience.

Cons:

  • Setup and integration might require a learning curve for some users.
  • The emphasis on independent hotels may leave out features beneficial for larger hotel chains.
  • Smaller hotel chains might find some features excessive for their needs.

Best for contact-free staff interactions

  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.3/5

Maestro PMS offers an intuitive property management solution tailored to the hospitality industry. Its commitment to enabling contact-free staff interactions proves essential, especially in today's health-conscious environment.

Why I Picked Maestro PMS: I chose Maestro PMS after weighing the options and comparing its features to other tools in the market. Its emphasis on safety through contact-free interactions significantly influenced my decision, making it stand out. This focus on minimizing physical interactions is why Maestro PMS is best for ensuring staff can work safely while maintaining an excellent guest experience.

Standout features & integrations:

One of Maestro PMS's defining features is its mobile app, which facilitates contactless front desk operations, allowing guests and staff to interact without direct contact. The software solution integrates a robust booking engine, ensuring reservation management. Additionally, its integration with major OTAs, like Booking.com and Expedia, helps properties maximize their occupancy rates.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Connectivity with major OTAs for increased revenue.
  • Comprehensive booking engine integration.
  • Dedicated mobile app for contact-free operations.

Cons:

  • The pricing structure may not be favorable for smaller, independent hotels.
  • Requires training to maximize all its modules and tools.
  • Might be more features than smaller properties like b&bs need.

Best for user-friendly interfaces

  • From $30/user/month (min 3 seats)

Hoteliga is a property management software solution tailored for the hospitality industry, offering a range of features from reservation management to revenue management. What sets Hoteliga apart is its emphasis on a user-friendly interface, making tasks smoother for hoteliers and streamlining operations.

Why I Picked Hoteliga: While comparing various hotel management systems, Hoteliga caught my attention because of its intuitive interface. My determination was based on the tool’s ability to simplify complex tasks through its easy-to-use design. I chose this platform, believing it excels in providing the hospitality industry with a user-friendly experience, which is crucial for efficient front desk operations and overall management.

Standout features & integrations:

Hoteliga offers a robust booking engine that ensures optimized occupancy and a guest experience. Furthermore, its property management system has integrated modules catering to various needs, from point of sale to guest profiles. With critical integrations, including Airbnb, booking.com, and Expedia, Hoteliga makes managing bookings from various OTAs easy.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective integrations with major OTAs, improving booking capabilities.
  • Comprehensive property management system with diverse modules.
  • Intuitive interface suitable for all levels of computer proficiency.

Cons:

  • Customer support response times can be improved.
  • Integration with some niche OTAs might be missing.
  • Might lack advanced features for larger hotel chains.

Best for cloud property management

  • From $25/user/month (min 5 seats)

Mews Hospitality Cloud is a comprehensive software solution, designed to cater to the needs of diverse properties ranging from motels to campgrounds. Offering robust cloud-based property management, it provides establishments with the flexibility and tools they need to operate effectively in the digital age.

Why I Picked Mews Hospitality Cloud: In the process of selecting a cloud property management system, Mews Hospitality Cloud consistently stood out. Through thorough comparison and judging its features, I determined that it offers a robust set of capabilities not commonly found on other platforms. The reason I chose Mews is due to its commitment to bringing property management to the cloud, emphasizing mobility and accessibility, which justifies it as the 'Best for cloud property management.'

Standout features & integrations:

Mews Hospitality Cloud offers intuitive back office management capabilities, making daily operations smoother. Its mobile device compatibility means management can oversee operations on the go, ensuring constant connectivity. Mews integrates with a range of online booking engines, RMS platforms, and even travel agents, ensuring properties are always connected and bookings are always synchronized.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrations with popular RMS systems, online booking platforms, and travel agents.
  • Mobile device compatibility allows for effective management on-the-go.
  • Comprehensive cloud-based property management suitable for diverse property types from hostels to hotel properties.

Cons:

  • Potential additional costs for premium integrations or upgrades.
  • Initial setup can require a dedicated time investment.
  • Might be more feature-rich than required for very small properties.

Best for integrating smart devices

Operto is a specialized tool focused on improving the hospitality management experience through smart device integrations. Designed for a range of accommodations, including motels, hostels, and campgrounds, it connects various devices, elevating the modern guest experience.

Why I Picked Operto: In determining the best tools for different aspects of hospitality, my judgment was naturally influenced by unique selling points. Operto caught my attention because of its unparalleled emphasis on smart device integrations. I chose it for this list because it excels at integrating a diverse range of devices, making it an invaluable tool for properties keen on improving guest experience through technology. This is why I confidently label it as 'Best for integrating smart devices.'

Standout features & integrations:

Operto's main strength lies in its ability to connect various devices in a property, creating a synchronized environment. The tool ensures every device communicates efficiently, from smart thermostats to advanced security systems. Integration-wise, Operto works well with popular booking engines and RMS systems, facilitating smooth office management and online reservations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of accommodations from motels to campgrounds.
  • Integrations with popular RMS and online booking engines make it versatile.
  • Excellent for properties looking to offer a tech-driven experience.

Cons:

  • The emphasis on device integration might overshadow other essential property management features.
  • Initial setup may require an adjustment period for staff unfamiliar with smart tech.
  • Might be overkill for properties not keen on smart device integration.

Best for diverse property features

  • From $45/user/month (billed annually) + $60 base fee per month

Smart Hotel Software offers a comprehensive solution for hotels and properties with diverse features and services. Catering to various property types, from B&BS to large hotel chains, it simplifies management tasks and improves the guest experience by managing diverse property features.

Why I Picked Smart Hotel Software: While selecting software solutions, Smart Hotel Software particularly stood out to me because of its versatility in accommodating different property features. I judged it based on its capability to handle variations from independent hotels to large hotel chains effortlessly. I chose this tool because it's unmatched for properties that offer a wide spectrum of features to their guests.

Standout features & integrations:

Smart Hotel Software boasts a robust booking engine that simplifies reservation management. Integrated with OTAs such as Airbnb and booking.com, it ensures optimal occupancy. Furthermore, its intuitive property management system makes front desk operations and payment processing hassle-free for diverse property features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Optimal integrations with major OTAs for increased bookings.
  • Intuitive user interface ensures efficient front desk operations.
  • Offers a property management system suitable for properties with diverse features.

Cons:

  • Requires periodic training to utilize the software's full potential.
  • Might not be the most cost-effective option for very small properties.
  • Some advanced modules might be overwhelming for beginners.

Other Hotel Front Desk Software

Below is a list of additional hotel front desk software that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. Eptura

    For room-centric management

  2. Cosmo

    For multi-property management

  3. SkyTouch

    For growth-ready hotels

  4. Hostaway

    Good for automation and marketing

  5. Cloudbeds

    For centralized hotel operations

  6. Guesty

    Good for centralized vacation rental management

  7. monday.com

    Good for team collaboration and project tracking

  8. Jonas Chorum

    Good for streamlined front office tasks

  9. BrightSide Rental Management

    Good for maximizing rental revenue

  10. Agilysys Hotel PMS

    Good for dynamic rate management

  11. RoomKeyPMS

    Good for comprehensive property oversight

  12. RDPWin

    Good for resorts and vacation rental properties

  13. GuestSuites

    Good for robust cloud-based operations

  14. Clock PMS

    Good for guest self-service options

  15. Roomsy

    Good for direct booking enhancement

  16. Hotelogix

    Good for real-time inventory distribution

  17. HelloShift

    Good for hotel team communication

  18. Hospitable.com

    Good for guest communication and upselling

  19. Smoobu

    Good for synchronized booking channels

The Benefits Of Using Hotel Front Desk Software

So, what are the benefits of using hotel front desk software? For starters, it can help you manage your reservations more efficiently. With accurate records of past, present, and future bookings, you can keep track of peak and low seasons and make better projections for future business.

Hotel front desk software can also help you keep track of your guests’ preferences, dietary requirements, and room preferences. This can help ensure they have a pleasant stay and that their needs are taken care of.

Additionally, hotel front desk software can automate many tasks traditionally handled by human staff, such as check-in/check-out procedures and billing. This can save you time and money and free up your team to handle more critical tasks.

Finally, hotel front desk software is usually very affordable and can often be purchased with a subscription model that makes it easy to keep up to date with the latest updates and features.

The Cost Of Hotel Front Desk Software

So, how much does hotel front desk software cost? The price varies depending on the features and capabilities of the software but typically starts at around $500 per year.

Key Features To Look For

There are several key features to keep in mind when purchasing hotel front desk software, including:

  • Guest management
  • Room reservations
  • Check-in/check-out
  • Housekeeping
  • Food and beverage orders
  • Event management
  • Billing and invoicing
  • Reporting

Other Hotel Administration Software

Here are some other useful tools for front desk and admin services.

What Next?

Don't forget to browse around the site for more great hotel management tips, templates, and tools. Plus, join The Hotel GM newsletter for expert tidbits sent right to your inbox!

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.