10 Best Hotel Market Intelligence Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Navigating the world of hotel management is no easy feat. It takes a deep understanding of market trends, competitor performance, and pricing strategies. I've devoted time to compiling a list of top-tier market intelligence software. Each software on this list offers powerful insights, enabling you to analyze the market, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth.
Take, for instance, hospitality business intelligence software. It serves as a powerful ally, providing real-time data about your competitive landscape. The benefits are immense - imagine making data-driven decisions, spotting market trends in advance, and always staying ahead in the pricing game.
As a hospitality industry veteran, I've been in your shoes, and I know how transformative these tools can be for your business. Let's explore these options together.
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Best Hotel Market Intelligence Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top hotel market intelligence software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for dynamic pricing strategies | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for small hotels aiming to enhance their pricing strategy using competitor analysis | Not available | From $30/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for its competitor tracking feature, offering in-depth market insights | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for real-time competitive pricing insights, ensuring optimal rate parity | Not available | From $100/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for robust data analysis, offering comprehensive market trends and forecasts | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 6 | Best for its comprehensive competitor intelligence, enabling effective strategic planning | Not available | From $300/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for its predictive analytics, enabling better demand forecasting | Yes | From $99/user/month, billed annually | Website | |
| 8 | Best for revenue management, offering automated pricing and inventory controls | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 9 | Best for its advanced AI technology, providing tailored pricing strategies | Not available | Not publicly available | Website | |
| 10 | Best for revenue managers seeking a multi-platform rate comparison tool | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website |
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roommaster
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Little Hotelier
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Minihotel
Visit Website
Best Hotel Market Intelligence Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best hotel market intelligence 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.
roommaster offers an all-in-one hotel management software designed to enhance operations and guest experiences. Its suite of tools addresses various aspects of hospitality management, from reservations to revenue optimization.
Why I Picked roommaster: I picked roommaster for its revenue optimization tools that help you adjust room rates dynamically based on demand, occupancy, and market trends. This supports stronger revenue strategies and gives you the data you need to stay competitive. It also offers a central property management system that keeps all your operational data connected in one place. That means better coordination across departments and fewer booking errors.
What do you get for free?
roommaster doesn't offer a free plan or a free trial. You can, however, request a demo through its website.
Standout features & integrations:
Some other features include a commission-free booking engine that encourages direct reservations, reducing reliance on third-party platforms and increasing profit margins. Additionally, the mobile app offers branded solutions for contactless check-in and check-out, enhancing guest convenience and safety. The platform integrates with major industry solutions like Amadeus, Hoteltix, Sage, Windcave, Airbnb, Expedia, QuickBooks, SiteMinder, TripAdvisor, and Flexkeeping.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile check-in and check-out
- Integrated channel management
- Revenue optimization tools assist in maximizing profitability
Cons:
- Limited customization for reporting
- The interface may feel outdated to some users
New Product Updates from roommaster
Introducing the New Unified roommaster Platform
roommaster has rebranded to unify its offerings into one platform, emphasizing AI-powered hotel management. For more information, visit roommaster's official site.
Best for small hotels aiming to enhance their pricing strategy using competitor analysis
RateIntel is a specialized tool designed to provide small hotels with an edge in pricing strategy through meticulous competitor analysis. Offering valuable insights into market trends and competitor pricing empowers smaller establishments to optimize their revenue strategy.
Why I Picked RateIntel: The choice of RateIntel comes from its targeted focus on small hotels, setting it apart from others. The tool has carved a unique niche in providing robust competitor analysis, which aligns perfectly with its user base's needs. For small hotels aiming to enhance their pricing strategy, RateIntel is the ideal choice, given its focus on competitor analysis and affordability.
What do you get for free?
While RateIntel doesn't offer a free tier, they provide potential users with a free demo to explore the tool and understand its capabilities before committing.
Standout features & integrations:
RateIntel's key features include competitor price tracking, market dynamics analysis, and comprehensive reporting tools. It also integrates with the most common hotel management systems, thus ensuring compatibility with existing software solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy integration with common hotel management systems
- Robust competitor analysis tools
- Designed specifically for the needs of small hotels
Cons:
- The user interface might be less intuitive than some other options.
- Might not be as feature-rich as some other, more expensive tools
- Doesn't offer a completely free plan, only a demo
Klue is a competitive intelligence tool designed to help businesses track, analyze, and outperform their competition. It allows organizations to collect, curate, and distribute competitor insights to provide teams with the information they need to win. Klue's competitor tracking feature provides in-depth market insights, making it an excellent fit for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Why I Picked Klue: In my search for the most effective competitive intelligence tools, I found Klue to be distinctive in its robust competitor KPIs tracking feature. Its capacity to gather a wide range of competitor data and render in-depth market insights sets it apart. I've chosen Klue as the best tool for businesses that want to understand their competition to devise more effective strategies comprehensively.
What do you get for free?
While Klue doesn’t offer a traditional free tier or trial, they provide a free demo upon request. The demo allows potential customers to explore the features and understand how Klue could fit into their operations.
Standout features & integrations:
One of Klue's standout features is its AI-driven data collection, which brings together information from a variety of external and internal sources for comprehensive competitor analysis. Additionally, Klue integrates well with several sales and marketing platforms, such as Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Slack, allowing for the efficient sharing of competitive insights.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integration with sales and marketing platforms
- AI-driven data collection from multiple sources
- Robust competitor tracking for in-depth market insights
Cons:
- The interface might take some time to get used to for beginners.
- Higher-tier plans can be costly
- No traditional free tier or trial
Best for real-time competitive pricing insights, ensuring optimal rate parity
Say hello to OTA Insight, a software designed to deliver real-time pricing insights that help hoteliers stay competitive. The tool provides valuable rate parity dashboard insights, making it a reliable companion for creating optimal pricing strategies.
Why I Picked OTA Insight: OTA Insight's outstanding capability to provide real-time competitive pricing insights captured my attention. This unique feature can aid hoteliers in maintaining a competitive edge and achieving optimal hotel rate parity. I hold that OTA Insight is best for businesses that prioritize up-to-the-minute pricing intelligence and wish to keep their rates competitive and fair.
What do you get for free?
While OTA Insight doesn't offer a fully free tier, they provide potential users with a comprehensive free demo. This lets you explore the functionalities and get a feel for the tool before committing to a paid plan.
Standout features & integrations:
OTA Insight comes packed with powerful features, including competitive pricing insights, rate parity tools, and rate intelligence. The platform also boasts compatibility with various property management systems, revenue management systems, and customer relationship management software.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compatible with various hotel management software
- Ensures optimal rate parity
- Provides real-time competitive pricing insights
Cons:
- Full pricing structure is not transparent and requires a discussion
- Pricing can be on the higher side for smaller establishments
- Doesn't offer a free tier
hoteliQ
Best for robust data analysis, offering comprehensive market trends and forecasts
Introducing hoteliQ, a hotel market intelligence platform that empowers users with data-driven insights. Designed for accurate data analysis, hoteliQ provides comprehensive insights into market trends and forecasts, supporting informed decision-making processes in the competitive hospitality sector.
Why I Picked hoteliQ: Selecting hoteliQ for this list was a straightforward decision, given its detailed data analysis and forecasting capacity. Its ability to provide an all-encompassing view of market trends sets it apart from other platforms. I believe hoteliQ is the optimal choice for robust data analysis freeing hoteliers from clunky spreadsheets, as it offers the necessary insights to understand and anticipate market fluctuations and trends.
What do you get for free?
hoteliQ offers a free demo to prospective customers for a hands-on understanding of its capabilities. However, it doesn't provide users with a permanent free plan or trial version.
Standout features & integrations:
One of hoteliQ's main features is its capability to provide in-depth market analysis, supporting strategic planning through comprehensive trend forecasts. Additionally, it facilitates competitor analysis to keep you ahead of the curve. On the integration front, hoteliQ collaborates well with various Property Management Systems (PMS), bolstering its functionality and usability.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compatible with various PMS
- Allows in-depth competitor analysis
- Provides comprehensive market trend forecasts
Cons:
- High entry-level costs may be prohibitive for small businesses
- Pricing is not transparently listed
- No permanent free plan or trial version
mBrain
Best for its comprehensive competitor intelligence, enabling effective strategic planning
mBrain is a market intelligence software that delivers deep insights into your business competitors. It offers a detailed analysis of market trends, competitor strategies, and industry changes, equipping businesses with information necessary for effective strategic planning. Given its in-depth competitor intelligence, mBrain is ideal for businesses looking to build robust strategies to outperform their competition.
Why I Picked mBrain: In selecting tools, I found mBrain to stand out due to its comprehensive approach to competitor intelligence. Its in-depth data analytics capabilities differentiate it from other tools, which facilitate strategic decision-making. I believe mBrain is the best tool for businesses that want to leverage competitor intelligence for effective strategic planning.
What do you get for free?
mBrain doesn't provide a free plan. However, interested businesses can request a free demo to understand the platform's capabilities and how it can aid their strategic planning process.
Standout features & integrations:
mBrain's key features include its powerful competitor intelligence capabilities, which include tracking competitors' activities, studying market trends, and analyzing industry changes. It also offers seamless integration with various CRM systems and business intelligence platforms, helping businesses align their strategies across various operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with CRM and business intelligence platforms
- Deep analysis of market trends and industry changes
- Comprehensive competitor intelligence
Cons:
- The tool might require a learning curve for new users
- Pricing might be steep for small businesses
- No free plan available
PredictHQ is a demand intelligence platform that leverages predictive analytics to enable businesses to forecast demand more accurately. It assimilates various data points to provide actionable insights, assisting in better decision-making related to pricing.
Why I Picked PredictHQ: When comparing various tools, PredictHQ caught my attention due to its sophisticated predictive analytics. By collating diverse data sources and using advanced machine learning algorithms (RevPAR), it facilitates more precise demand forecasting. Therefore, I determined it to be the best for businesses seeking to leverage predictive analytics for improved demand prediction and consequent pricing strategies.
What do you get for free?
PredictHQ offers a 'Starter' plan which is free of charge. This plan provides limited access to certain categories of demand intelligence data, including public holidays and school holidays. However, this free tier has limitations in terms of data points accessed and the frequency of data updates.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of PredictHQ include advanced predictive data management, demand forecasting, and event tracking, which can influence demand. It integrates seamlessly with various analytics platforms such as Tableau and Looker and business intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI, and Duetto, enabling businesses to visualize and make sense of data more effectively.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time event tracking which can influence demand
- Integration with various analytics and business intelligence platforms
- Advanced predictive analytics for accurate demand forecasting
Cons:
- The interface may be challenging to navigate for beginners.
- Limited features in the free 'Starter' plan
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses
IDEAS
Best for revenue management, offering automated pricing and inventory controls
Ideas is a revenue management solution providing businesses with data-driven insights to optimize product pricing and inventory distribution. It leverages artificial intelligence to automate these processes, helping businesses maximize their revenue potential. With its automated pricing and inventory control features, Ideas is especially advantageous for businesses seeking to enhance their revenue management practices.
Why I Picked Ideas: I chose Ideas for its outstanding capability in revenue management. The tool's ability to automate pricing and inventory controls, fueled by machine learning, sets it apart from others in the market. In my judgment, Ideas stands out as the best tool for businesses needing a sophisticated, automated approach to optimize their revenue management.
What do you get for free?
Ideas do not offer a free plan or trial, but a free demo is available upon request. This demo gives potential customers an overview of the platform's capabilities and how it could benefit their business.
Standout features & integrations:
Ideas' most significant feature is its sophisticated revenue management system, which uses artificial intelligence to optimize pricing and inventory distribution. The platform also integrates seamlessly with various Property Management Systems (PMS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), and Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM), allowing businesses to synchronize their operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with various PMS, CRS, and CRM systems
- AI-driven automation of pricing and inventory controls
- Robust revenue management system
Cons:
- May require a learning curve for new users.
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive
- No free plan or trial available
Best for its advanced AI technology, providing tailored pricing strategies
DataCrops is a dynamic pricing intelligence platform that leverages advanced AI technology to deliver custom pricing strategies. DataCrops helps businesses respond swiftly and effectively to market changes by offering real-time pricing analytics and insights.
Why I Picked DataCrops: I selected DataCrops for its sophisticated application of artificial intelligence in pricing strategy. This AI-driven approach distinguishes DataCrops from other tools. I believe it is particularly suited to providing tailored pricing strategies due to its ability to analyze and adapt to evolving market trends using AI.
What do you get for free?
DataCrops does not have a free tier. However, they offer a free demo upon request, enabling businesses to experience the platform's capabilities firsthand.
Standout features & integrations:
DataCrops provides a robust suite of features, including real-time price monitoring, competitive intelligence, and automated analytics. Its AI algorithms deliver insightful market trend forecasts. The platform can integrate with multiple data sources, offering users a comprehensive visualization of their pricing landscape.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers robust integration with multiple data sources
- Provides real-time pricing analytics and insights
- Utilizes advanced AI for intelligent pricing strategies
Cons:
- Could have a steep learning curve due to advanced AI features.
- Pricing information is not readily available, requiring contact with the company
- Does not offer a free tier
RateTiger emerges as an impressive tool for revenue managers in search of a comprehensive rate comparison platform. The software is engineered to collate and analyze rate data from multiple platforms, which simplifies rate management tasks for revenue managers.
Why I Picked RateTiger: In my selection process, RateTiger stood out due to its ability to provide detailed rate comparisons from various platforms. Its unique selling point lies in its multi-platform rate analysis, which makes it an excellent tool for revenue managers. I believe RateTiger is best for those who seek a comprehensive and efficient way to manage and compare rates from diverse platforms.
What do you get for free?
RateTiger doesn't offer a free tier, but they provide a free demo to explore the software and its functionalities.
Standout features & integrations:
RateTiger offers revenue managers and decision-makers numerous features, including rate shopping, API, channel management, and business intelligence software reporting. It also integrates seamlessly with a wide range of property management systems and central reservation systems, providing a comprehensive solution for rate management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful features like rate shopping and business intelligence reporting
- Integrates with a wide range of hotel management software
- Provides comprehensive rate comparisons across multiple platforms
Cons:
- The learning curve may be steep for those new to rate management software
- Pricing information isn't transparent and needs to be requested
- No free tier available
Other Hotel Market Intelligence Software
Below is a list of additional hotel market intelligence software that we shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- RateGain
For its broad market coverage, ensuring a competitive edge in pricing
- Amadeus
For its seamless integration, facilitating business decision making
- SiteMinder
For robust customer segmentation, enhancing personalized guest experiences
- HumanListening
Good for understanding customer sentiment through voice analytics
- CLEVER Hospitality Analytics
Good for optimizing hotel revenue with advanced analytics
- Appinio
Good for gathering market insights through custom surveys
- Groopit
Good for real-time team collaboration in problem-solving
- happyhotel
Good for improving hotel operations through real-time guest feedback
- Critical Mention
Good for tracking and evaluating media mentions
Selection Criteria for Hotel Market Intelligence Software
In my quest to find the best hotel market intelligence software, I tested and researched numerous tools. Each of these platforms was assessed based on specific criteria, which I believe are essential for anyone in the hospitality sector looking to boost their operational performance, market understanding, and, ultimately, profitability. Below are the criteria I used to evaluate these software solutions:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Provide market trend analysis
- Offer competitor benchmarking
- Deliver demand forecasting
- Enable rate shopping
- Support data visualization
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time data updates
- AI-driven insights
- Customizable dashboards
- Multi-property management
- Mobile app accessibility
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
- Clear and concise reports
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 templates
- Webinars for new users
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 customer service availability
- Multiple support channels
- Quick response times
- Access to a knowledge base
- Personalized support options
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Discounts for long-term commitments
- Free trial availability
- Transparent pricing structure
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on feature usefulness
- Comments on ease of use
- Opinions on customer support quality
- Insights on pricing fairness
How to Choose Hotel Market Intelligence 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? Ensure it can handle more data and users as you expand. Look for solutions with flexible plans and upgrade options. |
| Integrations | Check if it connects with your existing systems like PMS or CRM. Seamless data flow can save you time and reduce errors. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your needs? Look for options that let you adjust dashboards, reports, and alerts. |
| Ease of use | Is the interface intuitive? Your team should find it easy to navigate without extensive training. Test with demos or trials. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Consider the time and resources needed for setup and training. Look for vendors offering strong support during onboarding. |
| Cost | Does the pricing fit your budget? Compare the cost against features and benefits. Watch out for hidden fees or long-term contracts. |
| Security safeguards | Does it protect your data? Ensure it has strong encryption, regular updates, and complies with industry standards. |
| Support availability | What support options are there? Check if they offer 24/7 help, multiple contact methods, and a responsive support team. |
What Is Hotel Market Intelligence Software?
Hotel market intelligence software is a tool that provides insights into market trends, competitor pricing, and demand forecasts. Hotel managers, revenue analysts, and marketing professionals generally use these tools to make informed decisions and enhance revenue strategies. Features like real-time data updates, competitor benchmarking, and demand forecasting help with understanding market dynamics and optimizing pricing strategies. Overall, these tools offer valuable insights that drive better decision-making and improve hotel performance.
Features
When selecting hotel market intelligence software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Market trend analysis: Provides insights into current and future market trends, helping you make informed decisions.
- Competitor benchmarking: Allows you to compare your hotel's performance against competitors to identify areas for improvement.
- Demand forecasting: Predicts future demand to optimize pricing and maximize revenue.
- Rate shopping: Monitors competitor pricing in real-time to ensure competitive pricing strategies.
- Data visualization: Offers clear and concise visual reports to simplify data interpretation.
- Real-time data updates: Ensures you have the most up-to-date information for accurate decision-making.
- AI-driven insights: Uses artificial intelligence to uncover hidden patterns and trends in your data.
- Customizable dashboards: Lets you tailor the interface to display the most relevant data for your needs.
- Multi-property management: Supports managing multiple properties from a single platform for efficiency.
- Mobile app accessibility: Allows access to critical data and insights on the go for flexibility in decision-making.
Benefits
Implementing hotel market intelligence software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Informed decision-making: Access to market trends and competitor data helps you make better pricing and strategy decisions.
- Revenue optimization: Demand forecasting and rate shopping enable you to adjust prices for maximum revenue potential.
- Efficient operations: Multi-property management and customizable dashboards streamline your workflow across various locations.
- Improved competitiveness: By benchmarking against competitors, you can identify strengths and weaknesses to enhance your market position.
- Data-driven insights: AI-driven insights and real-time data updates provide actionable information to guide your strategies.
- Enhanced flexibility: Mobile app accessibility ensures you can make decisions and access data anytime, anywhere.
- Clear communication: Data visualization makes it easier to share insights and strategies with your team for better collaboration.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting hotel market intelligence 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 market intelligence software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Hotel Market Intelligence Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic market trend analysis, limited competitor benchmarking, and standard data visualization. |
| Personal Plan | $15-$30/user/month | Advanced market trend analysis, competitor benchmarking, demand forecasting, and customizable dashboards. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Real-time data updates, AI-driven insights, rate shopping, and multi-property management. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/user/month | Comprehensive data analytics, full integration support, dedicated account management, and priority support. |
FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about hotel market intelligence software:
How do I justify the expense of hotel market intelligence software?
Justify the expense by evaluating the software’s impact on revenue optimization and decision-making efficiency. Consider the potential increase in revenue from better pricing strategies and occupancy rates, and weigh these against the software’s cost to determine ROI.
Should I move to the cloud for hotel market intelligence software?
Moving to the cloud can offer benefits like easier access to data, real-time updates, and lower IT maintenance costs. Consider your team’s need for remote access and your current IT infrastructure when deciding if cloud-based software suits your needs.
Does hotel market intelligence software handle multi-properties?
Many hotel market intelligence solutions support multi-property management. Check if the software allows centralized data access and reporting for all your properties, which can simplify management and improve operational efficiency across locations.
Can this type of software track competitor activity?
Yes, many tools are designed to monitor competitor pricing, availability, and seasonal strategies. The depth of competitor tracking depends on how the system gathers and analyzes rate data. Some platforms offer historical views as well as current snapshots.
Is it cloud-based or locally installed?
Most modern platforms are cloud-based, allowing access from anywhere with a login. Legacy systems may still offer on-premise versions, but those are becoming less common. Deployment type depends on the vendor and the client’s infrastructure preferences.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching hotel market intelligence 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.
