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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

Tools Price
Cloudbeds From $20/user/month
Little Hotelier Pricing upon request
innRoad From $150/user/month
Maestro PMS Pricing upon request
eZee FrontDesk From $20/user/month (billed annually) + $50 base fee per month
Eptura From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Cosmo From $30/user/month (billed annually) + $70 base fee per month
Operto No price details
Smart Hotel Software From $45/user/month (billed annually) + $60 base fee per month
Hoteliga From $30/user/month (min 3 seats)
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Best Hotel Front Desk Software Reviews

Best for centralized hotel operations

  • From $20/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

CloudBeds is a holistic software solution designed to streamline hotel management tasks. As a cloud-based property management system, it centralizes hotel operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows, making it ideal for centralized operations.

Why I Picked CloudBeds: In my quest to determine the top hotel management systems, CloudBeds emerged as a front-runner. I chose it primarily because of its unique ability to centralize diverse hotel operations under one umbrella, a characteristic uncommon in other systems. After comparing and judging various systems, I was convinced that CloudBeds is optimal for those looking to centralize their hotel management.

Standout features & integrations:

CloudBeds showcases a robust booking engine, aiding in effective reservation management. Its channel manager connects with various OTAs like Airbnb and booking.com, maximizing occupancy rates. Furthermore, its POS system improves front desk operations, offering streamlined payment processing and revenue management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient POS system for smooth payment processes.
  • OTA integrations for broader reach and maximized bookings.
  • Comprehensive property management software with centralized functions.

Cons:

  • Advanced modules may require dedicated training sessions.
  • Pricing may be on the steeper side for small-scale hotels.
  • Might be slightly complex for newcomers to grasp initially.

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 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 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 room-centric management

  • From $15/user/month (billed annually)

Eptura is a standout solution that prioritizes room-centric management within the hospitality sector. Whether it's a motel, hostel, or campground, Eptura ensures that each room's specific needs and features are centrally managed, allowing for better profitability and an improved guest experience.

Why I Picked Eptura: Among the many hotel management tools I compared, Eptura came across as a unique solution, emphasizing room-specific features and utilities. Having judged its capabilities, I believed that its room-centric approach is not only different but also crucial for properties wanting to provide personalized experiences. I chose Eptura for this list because it stands out in this area, making it the 'Best for room-centric management.'

Standout features & integrations:

One of Eptura's primary features is its granular focus on individual rooms, capturing specifics such as amenities, conditions, and guest preferences. Moreover, its back office management capabilities enable establishments to streamline operations related to each room. Integrating popular RMS systems and online booking engines, Eptura ensures consistent data flow and reduces manual input.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Compatibility with leading RMS and online booking platforms.
  • Effective back office management ensures smooth hotel property operations.
  • Distinct room-centric approach caters to individual room needs.

Cons:

  • Integration with some specific third-party systems might not be available.
  • Could be too detailed for smaller properties with fewer rooms.
  • Might require a learning curve for staff accustomed to broader management tools.

Best for multi-property management

  • From $30/user/month (billed annually) + $70 base fee per month

Cosmo is a cloud-based property management system tailored for the hospitality business, streamlining operations across multiple properties. This tool shines especially when handling complex management tasks for more than one property, aligning with its strengths in multi-property management.

Why I Picked Cosmo: I selected Cosmo after carefully judging it against its peers in the property management arena. Its prowess in managing multiple properties simultaneously caught my attention, setting it apart from many others. This unique multi-property capability is why I determined Cosmo best for hoteliers overseeing multiple establishments.

Standout features & integrations:

A core feature of Cosmo is its integrated booking engine, allowing for efficient reservation management across different properties. Furthermore, it boasts an intuitive interface with a channel manager that connects with major OTAs like booking.com and Expedia, ensuring maximized occupancy and increased revenue. Another defining aspect is its CRM module, which helps keep track of guest profiles and improves the overall guest experience.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integration with major OTAs for optimal occupancy.
  • Advanced CRM for detailed guest profiles and improved guest experience.
  • Comprehensive multi-property management tools.

Cons:

  • May not be the most budget-friendly option for smaller establishments.
  • Requires time to master all available modules.
  • Might be overwhelming for single property owners.

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.

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.

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. SkyTouch

    Best for growth-ready hotels

  2. Mews Hospitality Cloud

    Best for cloud property management

  3. monday.com

    Good for team collaboration and project tracking

  4. Guesty

    Good for centralized vacation rental management

  5. Hostaway

    Good for automation and marketing

  6. RDPWin

    Good for resorts and vacation rental properties

  7. BrightSide Rental Management

    Good for maximizing rental revenue

  8. Clock PMS

    Good for guest self-service options

  9. Hospitable.com

    Good for guest communication and upselling

  10. Jonas Chorum

    Good for streamlined front office tasks

  11. Roomsy

    Good for direct booking enhancement

  12. RoomKeyPMS

    Good for comprehensive property oversight

  13. Hotelogix

    Good for real-time inventory distribution

  14. HelloShift

    Good for hotel team communication

  15. Smoobu

    Good for synchronized booking channels

  16. Agilysys Hotel PMS

    Good for dynamic rate management

  17. GuestSuites

    Good for robust cloud-based operations

Other Hotel Front Desk Software Reviews

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

Conclusion

So, there you have it: our picks for the 10 best front desk hotel software in 2022. We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of using hotel front desk software and shown you what to look for when purchasing.

Hotel front desk software is an essential tool for any hotel business. It can help improve staff communication, reduce paperwork, and make managing reservations and bookings easier than ever. Prices for hotel front desk software vary, but most programs offer a free trial so you can try before you buy. Key features to look for include online booking capabilities, customer management, and reporting tools.

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.