12 Best Hotel Scheduling Software
After careful evaluation, I've curated a list of the 12 best hotel scheduling software to tackle your operational challenges. Let's explore!
- ZoomShift - Best for streamlined team scheduling in hospitality
- Agendrix - Best for enhancing employee shift management efficiency
- Little Hotelier - Best for small hotel businesses seeking comprehensive management tools
- Hotel Effectiveness - Best for optimizing labor costs in the hotel industry
- Resource Management by Smartsheet - Best for large-scale resource allocation and tracking
- Cloudbeds - Best for integrating reservation and property management
- RoomKey PMS - Best for improving guest experiences with personalized service
- Life House - Best for boutique hotels seeking tech-enabled operations
- InnRoad - Best for independent hotels requiring a full-service platform
- TCP Hospitality - Best for comprehensive labor-management in hospitality
- Seven Rooms - Best for leveraging customer data for personalized service
- SiteMinder - Best for maximizing revenue with a hotel commerce platform
Managing a hotel, big or small, comes with a myriad of tasks and responsibilities. Everything from room availability, reservations, room service, and staff scheduling, to providing a remarkable guest experience is on you. It can feel overwhelming, right? Here's the thing; it doesn't have to be that way.
You gain control, improve efficiency, and offer the best guest experience possible. The tangible benefit here is time saved and costs minimized. Remember those nights spent juggling Excel sheets, trying to align employee availability with shifts? Or the frustration of double bookings, and the confusion around resource allocation?
These tools nip those issues in the bud. They are user-friendly, web-based, and designed specifically for the hospitality industry. You will spend less time on administrative tasks and more on the thing that matters the most - providing an exceptional guest experience.
Trust me, once you use these, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them. Check them out, pick the one that suits your needs the best, and let the software do the heavy lifting. You won't be disappointed.
What is a Hotel Scheduling Software?
Hotel scheduling software is a specialized tool designed to streamline and optimize operations within the hospitality industry. From small boutique hostels, to campgrounds, motels, vacation rentals, and large hotel chains. These digital solutions are widely used to manage and organize key aspects of the business.
They handle diverse tasks including staff scheduling, POS system, room booking and hotel reservations, rate management, online booking engine, front-office and back-office management, invoicing, managing day-to-day operations, upselling, payment processing (credit card, debit card, etc.), messaging via mobile app, check-in and check-out, SaaS (Software as a Service) interface, hotel website management, customer relationship management, and resource allocation.
They provide an integrated platform where all these functions interact smoothly, enabling hoteliers to provide exceptional customer service, manage their resources efficiently, and ultimately, drive profitability.
12 Best Hotel Scheduling Systems Overview
1. ZoomShift - Best for streamlined team scheduling in hospitality
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time-tracking software. It’s designed to simplify the process of creating work schedules, managing employee availability, and tracking employee hours. It provides features, such as drag-and-drop schedule creation, automatic shift reminders, and real-time reporting.
Why I Picked ZoomShift:
ZoomShift caught my eye as a reliable and robust tool designed to simplify the complexities of team scheduling within the hospitality industry. I chose it because of its ease of use and dedicated features that directly cater to the needs of a dynamic industry such as hospitality. ZoomShift stands out with its straightforward, intuitive interface, reducing the friction in the process of scheduling and managing shifts, making it best for streamlined team scheduling in hospitality.
Standout features & integrations:
ZoomShift's time clock feature allows employees to clock in and out directly from their devices, providing accurate time-tracking. The tool also includes a comprehensive shift scheduling system, enabling managers to swiftly create, update, or delete shifts, minimizing manual errors. ZoomShift integrates well with payroll systems like Gusto and ADP, making it easier to process payments based on the tracked hours.
Pricing:
ZoomShift's pricing starts from $2/user/month.
- "Premium" Plan: From $2/user/month (min 15 seats, billed annually)
Pros:
- Efficient shift scheduling and management
- Accurate time-tracking
- Easy integration with popular payroll systems
Cons:
- A minimum of 15 seats is required for the "Premium" Plan
- Primarily focuses on scheduling, missing out on some advanced features
- Billed annually, which might not suit all businesses
2. Agendrix - Best for enhancing employee shift management efficiency
Agendrix is an employee scheduling software specifically designed to improve efficiency in workforce management. Its robust set of features facilitates the scheduling process, making it ideal for enhancing employee shift management efficiency.
Why I Picked Agendrix:
I selected Agendrix due to its comprehensive, yet simple approach to employee scheduling. The tool truly shines with its easy-to-use interface and broad feature set tailored specifically for employee management. In my judgment, Agendrix stands out with its well-thought-out design, combining scheduling, time-tracking, and communication tools in one platform, which justifies why it is best for enhancing employee shift management efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Agendrix boasts of a flexible scheduling feature, which allows for the smooth creation and adjustment of work schedules. The software also has an automated time-tracking system, providing accurate labor cost insights. It integrates with numerous payroll and HR systems like QuickBooks, Xero, and ADP, offering a seamless flow of information between different software tools.
Pricing:
Agendrix's pricing starts from $1/user/month.
- "Pro" Plan: From $1/user/month (billed annually, + $20 base fee per month)
Pros:
- Flexible and straightforward scheduling
- Integrated time-tracking and labor cost insights
- Supports numerous integrations with payroll and HR systems
Cons:
- Extra charge as a base fee each month
- Billed annually, which might not suit all businesses
- Advanced features require higher-priced plans
3. Little Hotelier - Best for small hotel businesses seeking comprehensive management tools
Little Hotelier is a property management system and a hotel management solution specifically created for small hotels, B&B’s, inns, and other small lodging facilities. It's a complete suite of tools designed to simplify operations, making it particularly beneficial for small hotel businesses seeking comprehensive management solutions.
Why I Picked Little Hotelier:
I picked Little Hotelier because it offers a powerful blend of features tailored to the needs of small hotel businesses. Its uniqueness lies in its comprehensive solution that integrates front desk operations, reservations, channel management, and billing into a single platform. Its focus on small-scale operations is what makes it the best for small hotel businesses seeking comprehensive management tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Little Hotelier features a user-friendly front desk system that streamlines daily operations. It also includes an integrated channel manager to ensure real-time updates across all your booking channels. In addition, the platform can seamlessly integrate with popular online travel agencies and global distribution systems, increasing the visibility of your property to potential guests.
Pricing:
Pricing for Little Hotelier is upon request.
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of management tools
- Integrated channel manager for wide distribution
- Streamlined front desk operations
Cons:
- Pricing information not readily available
- May be too complex for very small operations
- Limited customization options
4. Hotel Effectiveness - Best for optimizing labor costs in the hotel industry
Hotel Effectiveness provides labor-management solutions specifically for the hotel industry. The software enables hotel owners and managers to plan, track, and manage their labor requirements and costs, hence, it is best for optimizing labor costs in the hotel industry.
Why I Picked Hotel Effectiveness:
I chose Hotel Effectiveness because it specifically addresses the major concern of labor cost optimization in the hotel industry. Its specialty lies in providing a focused solution rather than being a generalist hotel management software. Given its commitment to labor cost management and its comprehensive features in this area, I determined it's the best for optimizing labor costs in the hotel industry.
Standout features & integrations:
Hotel Effectiveness includes advanced features, such as the PerfectLabor™ tool that provides an ideal labor plan for each department in a hotel. It also has an automated time and attendance tool, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing errors. It integrates well with major property management systems, HR platforms, and payroll providers, ensuring a smooth data flow across all systems.
Pricing:
The pricing for Hotel Effectiveness is upon request.
Pros:
- Specializes in labor cost management
- Provides automated time and attendance tracking
- Good integration with other hotel management systems
Cons:
- Pricing information isn't transparent
- May lack some general hotel management features
- Could be complex for small hotel operations
5. Resource Management by Smartsheet - Best for large-scale resource allocation and tracking
Resource Management by Smartsheet offers an extensive solution for resource allocation and tracking in large-scale projects. The software empowers managers to monitor their resources, optimize their allocation, and make data-driven decisions. Hence, it is best for large-scale resource allocation and tracking.
Why I Picked Resource Management by Smartsheet:
I selected Resource Management by Smartsheet because it offers in-depth functionality for resource management. Its ability to handle complex, large-scale projects is unique, and its flexible resource management capabilities stood out to me. It's best for large-scale resource allocation and tracking due to its comprehensive features and robust scalability.
Standout features & integrations:
Resource Management by Smartsheet comes packed with features like real-time dashboards, Gantt charts, automated workflows, and more. The software provides a consolidated view of resource allocation, helping to identify and address resource conflicts proactively. Integration-wise, it can link with various other systems, including ERP, CRM, and other project management tools, offering a unified resource management solution.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $14/user/month.
Pros:
- Robust resource management features
- Good for managing large-scale projects
- Extensive integration capabilities
Cons:
- Might be overwhelming for small businesses
- Can be complex to use initially
- Higher learning curve compared to simpler tools
6. Cloudbeds - Best for integrating reservation and property management
Cloudbeds is a cloud-based hotel property management software that streamlines property and reservation management processes. It combines operations management, online booking, and customer relations into one platform, making it optimal for integrated reservation and property management.
Why I Picked Cloudbeds:
Cloudbeds was my choice for its robust functionality and comprehensive integration of property and reservation management. I found the software unique due to its ability to merge various aspects of the hospitality management system (HMS) into a single interface. I believe it's best for integrating reservation and property management because it brings efficiency to those processes by reducing the need for multiple platforms.
Standout features & integrations:
The most significant features of Cloudbeds include its Property Management System (PMS), Reservation System, and Revenue Management System. These tools allow for streamlined management of bookings, properties, and revenue generation. Cloudbeds integrates with a host of services including, but not limited to, Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb, facilitating better channel management.
Pricing:
Cloudbeds offers pricing starting from $20/user/month.
Pros:
- Comprehensive integration of property and reservation management
- Robust channel management with numerous integrations
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger hotel chains
- Setup can be time-consuming
- Customer support could be improved
7. RoomKey PMS - Best for improving guest experiences with personalized service
RoomKey PMS is a cloud-based Hotel Property Management System designed for hotels to manage bookings, rates, and guest engagement. The software's central theme revolves around improving guest experiences, making it best for establishments to prioritize personalized guest services.
Why I Picked RoomKey PMS:
I chose RoomKey PMS for this list due to its emphasis on enhancing guest experiences through personalized services. The platform's uniquely guest-centric approach and intuitive features stood out. I believe it's the best tool for improving guest experiences as it offers efficient tools to manage reservations, customer engagement, and personalized service delivery.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of RoomKey Hotel PMS include online booking management, front desk operations, and CRM features that enable personalized guest services. The tool integrates well with several third-party applications, including Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda, facilitating seamless reservation management.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $100/user/month. Please note, this is a starting price and may vary based on the size of your establishment.
Pros:
- Focuses on improving guest experiences through personalized services
- Provides comprehensive property management features
- Offers robust third-party integrations for seamless operations
Cons:
- Pricing may be high for smaller establishments
- Interface could be more intuitive
- Customer support can be improved
8. Life House - Best for boutique hotels seeking tech-enabled operations
Life House is a tech-enabled hotel management platform tailored to the needs of boutique hotels. It harnesses technology to streamline operations, manage bookings, and optimize revenue, making it ideal for boutique hotels that aim for technology-aided operations.
Why I Picked Life House:
In selecting Life House, I considered its tech-forward approach and how it tailors to boutique hotels. Its model, which infuses technology into everyday operations and guest experience, sets it apart. Given this, I deduced that Life House stands out as the best for boutique hotels seeking tech-enabled operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Life House's standout features include a dynamic pricing engine, an intuitive booking platform, and tech-enabled guest communication. It integrates with multiple online travel agencies (OTAs) and also provides a seamless connection with popular social media platforms for effective marketing.
Pricing:
Life House pricing begins at $120/user/month. Please remember that this is a starting price and may vary depending on the requirements and scale of your boutique hotel.
Pros:
- Provides tech-forward operations specifically tailored to boutique hotels
- Offers robust third-party integrations
- Includes a dynamic pricing engine for revenue optimization
Cons:
- May not be suitable for larger hotel chains
- The platform may require some learning curve to understand its tech-based features
- Customer support could be improved
9. InnRoad - Best for independent hotels requiring a full-service platform
InnRoad is a comprehensive hotel management system that specializes in serving independent hotels. It provides a broad range of services, including reservation management, online booking, and reporting, catering ideally to independent hotels looking for a comprehensive platform.
Why I Picked InnRoad:
I picked InnRoad for its extensive features that cater specifically to the needs of independent hotels. What makes it stand out is its all-in-one platform, which simplifies hotel management processes. Given these considerations, it seems clear to me that InnRoad is best suited for independent hotels that need a full-service platform.
Standout features & integrations:
InnRoad offers a multitude of key features, such as real-time inventory management, an integrated booking engine, and advanced reporting tools. It integrates well with various OTAs and Global Distribution Systems (GDS), further enhancing its reach and functionality.
Pricing:
InnRoad's pricing starts at $150/user/month. Note that this is the starting price, and actual pricing might vary depending on the scale and specific needs of your independent hotel.
Pros:
- Offers comprehensive features tailored for independent hotels
- Provides real-time inventory management
- Integrates with multiple OTAs and GDS
Cons:
- Might not be cost-effective for very small hotels
- The interface could be more intuitive
- Some users have reported slow customer service response times
10. TCP Hospitality - Best for comprehensive labor- management in hospitality
TCP Hospitality is a labor-management tool designed specifically for the hospitality industry. It offers features like labor forecasting, shift scheduling, and real-time reporting, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive labor-management in the hospitality sector.
Why I Picked TCP Hospitality:
I chose TCP Hospitality because of its unique focus on labor-management within the hospitality industry. Its capability to offer targeted solutions like labor forecasting and real-time reporting differentiates it from other general labor-management tools. It's for these reasons I believe TCP Hospitality is the "Best for comprehensive labor-management in hospitality.”
Standout features & integrations:
TCP Hospitality is packed with useful features, including labor forecasting that helps predict staffing needs, real-time reporting for instant data access, and automated shift scheduling to optimize workforce efficiency. The tool integrates seamlessly with multiple payroll systems, enhancing its utility for comprehensive labor-management.
Pricing:
Pricing for TCP Hospitality starts at $12/user/month. Keep in mind that this is the starting rate, and actual pricing may vary depending on the specific requirements of your hospitality business.
Pros:
- Comprehensive labor-management features tailored for the hospitality industry
- Real-time reporting for instant access to data
- Seamless integration with multiple payroll systems
Cons:
- The user interface could be more user-friendly
- The tool may have a steep learning curve for some users
- Limited customization options in the reporting module
11. Seven Rooms - Best for leveraging customer data for personalized service
Seven Rooms is a reservation, seating, and guest management platform primarily tailored to the hospitality industry. It provides tools that aid businesses in leveraging customer data for personalized service, thus enhancing guest experiences significantly.
Why I Picked Seven Rooms:
I selected Seven Rooms primarily for its commitment to enhancing guest experience by harnessing the power of customer data. Its standout features include advanced data collection and analysis, which enable personalized customer service and engagement. This focus on personalization makes Seven Rooms an exceptional tool, and it's why I've determined it to be the "Best for leveraging customer data for personalized service.”
Standout features & integrations:
Seven Rooms boasts key features, such as comprehensive reservation management, targeted marketing campaigns, and detailed guest profiling, which allows businesses to provide unique, tailored service. It integrates effectively with a range of other hospitality tools, including major point-of-sale (POS) systems, marketing platforms, and the best hotel management software, making it an integral part of a robust hospitality management suite.
Pricing:
Seven Rooms pricing starts from $200/user/month. This is the base rate, and additional costs may apply depending on your business's specific requirements and the exact features you choose to utilize.
Pros:
- Effective utilization of customer data to enhance guest experience
- Integration capabilities with a wide range of hospitality tools
- Advanced reservation management system
Cons:
- Pricing might be on the higher end for smaller businesses
- The user interface might be challenging for less tech-savvy users
- Could have more options for customization within the platform
12. SiteMinder - Best for maximizing revenue with a hotel commerce platform
SiteMinder is a complete hotel commerce platform that assists businesses in broadening their reach and maximizing revenue through efficient room distribution and strategic revenue management. It's particularly potent for those looking to derive the most income from their hospitality offerings.
Why I Picked SiteMinder:
I chose SiteMinder because it demonstrates an effective approach to hotel commerce management, offering the tools necessary to boost revenue and enhance operational efficiency. What sets it apart is its extensive network of distribution channels and advanced revenue management capabilities, leading me to judge it as the "Best for maximizing revenue with a hotel commerce platform.”
Standout features & integrations:
SiteMinder offers features, such as channel management, a direct booking engine, and revenue management tools that are designed to maximize profits and optimize occupancy rates. Furthermore, it integrates smoothly with a range of Property Management Systems (PMS), Global Distribution Systems (GDS), and revenue management systems, enhancing its functionality and usability within a broader hospitality management ecosystem.
Pricing:
Pricing for SiteMinder begins at $40/user/month, which includes access to the central platform and essential features. Additional fees may apply for access to premium features and integrations.
Pros:
- Extensive network of distribution channels
- Advanced revenue management tools
- Smooth integration with various systems
Cons:
- Might be more complex than some other platforms
- Not the best fit for very small establishments
- Additional costs for premium features and integrations
Other Hotel Scheduling Software
Below is a list of additional hotel scheduling software that we shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Celayix - Good for managing a large and diverse workforce in hospitality
- ConnectTeam - Good for providing a unified communication platform along with scheduling
- When I Work - Good for quick and intuitive employee scheduling in hotels and resorts
- Hyre - Good for event staffing needs within the hospitality industry
- Sling - Good for the lodging industry with integrated task management
- Workforce.com - Good for hotels with time and attendance tracking needs
- Deputy - Good for hospitality businesses seeking schedule cost calculation
Selection Criteria for Hotel Scheduling Software
In my endeavor to provide an exhaustive and authentic review, I've rigorously evaluated more than twenty hotel scheduling software solutions. Based on the specific criteria I deemed critical for the hotel industry, I've chosen the best tools that meet those parameters. Here is the key criteria that I focused on:
Core Functionality
- Employee Scheduling: Enables managers to create and modify work schedules for employees
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Tracks the hours an employee works and monitors adherence to scheduled hours
- Communication Tools: Provides platforms for managers and employees to communicate about schedules, shift changes, and other issues
Key Features
- Mobile Accessibility: Allows managers and employees to access schedules and communicate from any device
- Labor Cost Calculation: Helps calculate labor costs and predict future costs based on scheduling
- Automatic Scheduling: Uses algorithms to automatically generate optimal schedules based on employee availability and business needs
Usability
- Intuitive Interface: The software should have a clear, easy-to-understand interface, making it straightforward for managers to create schedules and for employees to understand their shifts
- Quick Onboarding: Offers comprehensive onboarding resources, ensuring users can quickly understand and effectively use the system
- Robust Customer Support: Provides prompt and efficient customer support to troubleshoot any issues users might encounter
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using hotel scheduling software?
Hotel scheduling software brings multiple benefits to the table. Firstly, it saves time by automating the scheduling process, removing the need for manual entries. Secondly, it improves accuracy by reducing the likelihood of human error in scheduling and time-tracking.
Thirdly, it enhances communication, allowing managers and employees to discuss schedules and changes in real-time. Fourthly, it provides valuable insights into labor costs and helps predict future costs. Lastly, these tools often come with mobile functionality, allowing staff to check their schedules, request changes, and communicate with managers from anywhere.
How much do hotel scheduling software tools cost?
The cost of hotel scheduling software tools varies widely, depending on the range of features, the number of users, and the provider. Some tools operate on a subscription basis, charging a monthly or annual fee per user. Others might offer tiered pricing structures, where different tiers come with different features and cater to different sizes of hotels.
What is the typical range of pricing for hotel scheduling software?
The typical price range for hotel scheduling software can start from around $10 per user per month and go up to $100 or more. Remember, more expensive doesn't always mean better—it's important to find a tool that fits your specific needs and budget.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive hotel scheduling software?
Among the tools mentioned in this list, Connecteam starts from a lower price point at $29 per month for up to 200 users, while innRoad can be more expensive, with prices starting at $150 per user per month. However, prices can change, and it's always a good idea to check the provider's website for the most up-to-date information.
Are there any free hotel scheduling software options?
Yes, some tools like When I Work offer a free plan for up to 75 users. However, these free options often come with limitations in features or user numbers, and upgrading to a paid plan may be necessary for larger hotels or for access to advanced features. Tools like Hotelogix and eZee also offer a free trial or demo to allow potential customers to evaluate the software's features and usability before committing to a purchase. Always remember to consider your specific needs when choosing a tool.
Summary
To wrap up, selecting the ideal hotel scheduling software hinges on a few key factors: identifying your hotel's specific needs, evaluating the tool's core functionalities, and assessing its usability. This guide has offered insights into various scheduling software tools, each best suited to different needs and circumstances.
Furthermore, it's crucial to look beyond just scheduling capabilities when evaluating these tools. Many of them offer additional valuable functionalities, such as reporting and forecasting, which can contribute to a more comprehensive and effective management system. Hence, paying close attention to key features and ensuring they align with your operational needs is a vital part of the selection process.
Lastly, consider the tool's design and ease of use, as these factors are just as critical as its functionalities. Opting for user-friendly software ensures a smoother transition for your team, leading to better adoption rates. This, in turn, will ultimately lead to greater efficiency in your scheduling processes, promoting overall operational efficiency in your hotel.
What do you think?
We hope this list empowers you to make your hotel operations smoother and more efficient. But the world of technology is vast and ever-evolving. If there's a tool that's been instrumental in your hotel management success and it's not on our list, we'd love to hear about it.
Let's continue the conversation and build the ultimate guide to hotel scheduling software tools together. Your input is always welcome and highly appreciated!