17 Best Small Hotel Reservation Systems Of 2024
10 Best Small Hotel Reservation System Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
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Navigating the world of the best hotel reservation systems can be daunting, but fear not, I've got your back! Having been in your shoes, I understand the importance of choosing the right tools that can propel your business to new heights. That's why I've carefully curated this list of the top 12 small hotel reservation systems.
In a nutshell, these systems serve as your digital concierge, taking charge of all the reservation tasks, so you can focus on what truly matters - your guests. Not only do they offer an easier and smoother booking experience, enhancing guest satisfaction, but they also optimize your operations and increase your profitability.
What Is A Small Hotel Reservation System?
A small hotel reservation system is a software solution specifically designed to streamline and manage the hotel booking process for smaller-scale hotel chains, bed and breakfasts, inns, hostels, and other similar accommodations. This type of system is often used by the hotel industry, managers, or front desk personnel to automate tasks such as hotel room online reservations via mobile app, cancellations, modifications, point-of-sale (POS), and customer communications.
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Its primary purpose is to enhance operational efficiency, improve guest experience by providing a seamless booking process, and ultimately increase revenue by driving more direct bookings and reducing dependency on online travel agencies. From double booking issues to time-consuming manual tasks, from managing disparate distribution channels to driving direct bookings, these systems tackle it all.
Best Small Hotel Reservation System Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| innQuest | Pricing upon request | Website |
| RMS | From $125/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| WebRezPro | From $5/user/month, (billed annually). | Website |
| Little Hotelier | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Lodgify | From $36/month (billed annually) | Website |
| innRoad | From $150/user/month | Website |
| eZee Absolute | From $45/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Sirvoy | From $9/user/month. | Website |
| RoomRaccoon | From $95/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Checkfront | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Small Hotel Reservation System Reviews
roomMaster HMS by innQuest is a hotel management system designed to help hotels of all sizes manage their daily operations more efficiently. It’s an all-in-one platform that provides tools for reservations, guest management, and overall property administration.
Why I Picked roomMaster HMS:
roomMaster HMS is particularly suitable for small hotel reservations because it offers easy-to-use booking features tailored to independent properties. Its hotel booking engine allows you to accept reservations directly from your website, avoiding extra fees associated with third-party platforms. You can also manage online travel agent (OTA) bookings and your own through a single interface, which is especially useful for smaller hotels trying to maximize occupancy. Plus, with its channel management software, you can sync your room availability across various platforms to prevent overbookings.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Other standout features include customizable guest profiles, allowing you to track preferences and personalize experiences. The system also provides a point-of-sale (POS) feature, perfect for managing transactions within your property. Additionally, roomMaster offers a mobile app that lets guests check in and out on their phones. Integrations include AdriaScan, Amadeus, Flip.to, H&L, Sage, Triptease, Windcave, Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, QuickBooks, Alpharooms, Bookeasy, and Hotwire.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy integration with OTAs and direct website booking
- Mobile access gives staff flexibility in daily operations
- Prevents overbooking through channel management
Cons:
- While customizable, some users still find limitations in how much they can tailor the software
- Channel management setup can be complex
RMS is a cloud-based property management system offering a comprehensive suite of tools, among which its dynamic pricing tool stands out. It is designed to optimize the revenue of properties by automatically adjusting room rates based on demand and other factors.
Why I Picked RMS:
When I compared RMS to other systems, the dynamic pricing tool clearly made it stand out. It is not just an add-on but a core feature that is both robust and intuitive. Therefore, I chose RMS because I am convinced it's best for properties seeking to maximize their revenue through dynamic pricing.
Standout Features and Integrations:
RMS brings together a suite of features, including online booking management, front office system, channel management, guest marketing, and most importantly, a dynamic pricing tool. It also integrates with a wide range of third-party applications such as POS systems, payment gateways, revenue management systems, and OTAs, making it a truly comprehensive solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Comprehensive suite of features
- Robust dynamic pricing tool
Cons:
- The user interface might seem dated to some users
- Customer support could be improved
- Might be complex for first-time users
Best for properties needing a customizable, mobile-friendly booking engine
WebRezPro is an all-in-one property management system that streamlines operations and enhances the guest experience. Its strong customization capabilities and mobile-friendly nature make it an attractive choice for properties seeking a flexible booking engine.
Why I Picked WebRezPro:
I chose WebRezPro because it offers an unmatched level of customization. In a world where every property has unique needs, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't always work. WebRezPro stands out for its flexibility, making it best for properties that need a customizable, mobile-friendly booking engine.
Standout Features and Integrations:
WebRezPro showcases a wide range of features like a front desk system, integrated reservations, and guest relationship management. Additionally, its booking engine is mobile-friendly, providing a seamless user experience across devices. The system integrates effectively with various OTAs, POS systems, revenue management systems, and payment gateways, which broadens its functionality.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Mobile-friendly booking engine
- Highly customizable system
Cons:
- Customer support may vary based on user reviews
- Some features might be overwhelming for small properties
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
Best for B&Bs needing a dedicated reservation solution
Little Hotelier is a dedicated property management and business solution built specifically for small hotels, inns, and bed & breakfast establishments. Its key focus is to offer a specialized reservation system to cater to the unique needs of these types of accommodations.
Why I Picked Little Hotelier:
I chose Little Hotelier due to its special focus on small properties and B&Bs. Most systems are built for larger hotels, often making them too complex or overwhelming for smaller businesses. Little Hotelier is different. It provides a streamlined, easy-to-use solution specifically tailored to the needs of B&Bs and small inns, which is why I think it's best for such establishments needing a dedicated reservation solution.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Little Hotelier's key feature is its user-friendly reservation system which allows for real-time booking management. The system also offers an impressive front desk system that simplifies guest check-ins and check-outs. Important integrations include global distribution systems (GDS), online travel agencies (OTAs), and popular social media platforms, ensuring the property's reach and visibility is maximized.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations to expand property reach
- Comprehensive booking management system
- User-friendly interface tailored to the needs of B&Bs
Cons:
- Certain features might be lacking for larger establishments
- Customer support could be improved
- Might be pricey for very small businesses
Lodgify
Best for self-catering properties requiring direct booking functionality
Lodgify is a property management system with a focus on providing solutions for vacation rental owners and property managers. Its standout feature is the ability to facilitate direct bookings, which can be particularly beneficial for self-catering properties to maximize their revenue.
Why I Picked Lodgify:
I chose Lodgify because its functionality facilitates direct bookings, a crucial requirement for self-catering properties. In comparison to other tools, this direct booking capability set Lodgify apart and makes it optimal for self-catering establishments.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Among Lodgify's features, the most beneficial for users are its booking engine that facilitates direct reservations, website builder, and reservation system. In terms of integrations, Lodgify connects with major platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia, allowing for better visibility and more potential bookings.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive reservation system
- Major platform integrations
- Direct booking capability
Cons:
- Some users may find the pricing structure complex
- More customization options could be beneficial
- Initial setup might require some time
innRoad
Best for properties wanting a comprehensive cloud-based platform
innRoad is a property management system that delivers a comprehensive cloud-based platform for hotel businesses. It's especially efficient for properties desiring an all-encompassing, cloud-based solution to streamline their operations and improve the guest experience.
Why I Picked innRoad:
I chose innRoad for its comprehensive approach to hotel management. It provides an all-in-one platform that covers all the essential areas of hotel operations, from booking and reservations to staff management. This is why I believe it's best for properties that are looking for a wide-ranging, cloud-based system to consolidate their operations.
Standout Features and Integrations:
One of the key features of innRoad is its fully-integrated booking engine, which allows businesses to accept reservations directly from their website. Additionally, the platform's property management system (PMS) helps streamline operations while improving efficiency and guest satisfaction. innRoad also provides significant integrations with various OTAs, GDS, and social media channels to maximize the property's reach and visibility.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive range of integration options
- Cloud-based solution allows for access from anywhere
- Offers a comprehensive, all-in-one platform
Cons:
- Setup and transition could be time-consuming
- Customer service response time could be improved
- The interface might seem complicated for beginners
Best for seamless integration with existing property management systems
eZee Absolute is a comprehensive cloud-based hotel management software designed to handle all aspects of your property's operations. It provides robust reservation management system capabilities and stands out for its seamless integration with existing property management systems.
Why I Picked eZee Absolute:
I chose eZee Absolute because of its all-encompassing suite of features and its flexibility in integrating with a hotel's current operations. It's not just another addition to your tech stack, but a tool that blends well with your existing systems. I stand by its 'best for' label because its integration capability reduces the friction often associated with introducing new software, which can be a game changer for many properties.
Standout Features and Integrations:
eZee Absolute offers an intuitive reservation dashboard, a range of reporting capabilities, and a sophisticated rate management system. These features work in tandem to streamline operations and maximize revenue. Furthermore, its seamless integration with other systems is outstanding. From channel managers, online travel agencies, and revenue management systems to payment processing gateways and accounting software (credit card, debit card, etc.), eZee Absolute communicates effectively across a broad range of platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with existing property management systems
- Intuitive reservation dashboard
- Comprehensive set of features
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Requires time to master all features
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller properties
Sirvoy is a hotel reservation software specifically designed to simplify the booking process. It's an ideal choice for boutique hotels because of its user-friendly interface that eases the daily management of reservations.
Why I Picked Sirvoy:
In selecting Sirvoy, the deciding factor was its simplicity and intuitive user interface. Its ease of use is a standout characteristic, making it easy for hotel staff to manage bookings without requiring extensive training. It's 'best for' boutique hotels due to its straightforward interface which aligns well with the needs of smaller, personalized accommodation services where efficiency and simplicity are key.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Sirvoy excels in its ability to offer clear visibility over all bookings, payments, and guest communications. Its unique feature of instant synchronization with all major online booking engines is highly advantageous. Moreover, it integrates effectively with online payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, channel managers, and accounting tools, providing a holistic approach to managing your property.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with no setup charges
- Instant synchronization with major booking channels
- Intuitive user interface
Cons:
- May require additional integrations for comprehensive functionality
- Lacks some advanced features
- Limited customization options
RoomRaccoon is a property management system built specifically to meet the diverse needs of small hotels. It provides a complete solution, handling everything from bookings and check-ins to billing, which makes it an excellent choice for small establishments looking for an all-encompassing platform.
Why I Picked RoomRaccoon:
I picked RoomRaccoon for its capability to serve as an all-in-one system, meeting various operational needs in one place. It distinguishes itself from many tools with its inclusive features tailored specifically for small hotels. It is particularly beneficial for establishments that want to streamline their operations without investing in numerous different platforms.
Standout Features and Integrations:
RoomRaccoon offers essential features such as a booking engine, channel manager, and an automated billing system. The software also provides integrations with notable platforms such as Expedia and Booking.com, which can potentially increase a property's reach and occupancy rates.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with major platforms
- Automated billing system
- All-in-one functionality
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Might not be as cost-effective for larger properties
- Could have more advanced reporting features
Checkfront is an online booking system designed to help businesses like lodges and tours manage their inventories and reservations efficiently. It particularly shines for adventure lodgings because of its robust tour and activity management features.
Why I Picked Checkfront:
In deciding among various property management tools, the tour and activity management feature of Checkfront made it a clear choice for lodges offering adventure activities. The tool is equipped with exceptional functionality that simplifies the process of managing tours and activities, which is why I believe it's the best fit for adventure lodgings.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Checkfront provides a myriad of useful features, including inventory management, online booking, and an insightful dashboard. But the star feature is its tour and activity management capability. It also integrates with various other platforms such as WordPress, Square, and Stripe to ensure a more streamlined operation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive booking system
- Variety of integrations
- Robust tour and activity management
Cons:
- Customer support could be more responsive
- The setup process might be complex for some users
- The interface could be more intuitive
Other Small Hotel Reservation System
Below is a list of additional small hotel reservation system that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- SiteMinder
For hotels looking for vast distribution channel management
- Hotel Runner
For hotels wanting powerful analytics for strategic decision making
- Cloudbeds
For budget hotels wanting to increase direct bookings
- GuestRez
Good for hotels needing customizable software with flexible settings
- Hotello
Good for properties needing a reservation system with an integrated PMS
- Frontdesk Anywhere
Good for hotel owners wanting comprehensive reservation management on-the-go
- Seven Rooms
Good for establishments seeking a reservation system with advanced customer data analytics
Selection Criteria For Small Hotel Reservation System
Having spent a considerable amount of time diving into the world of small hotel reservation systems, I've tested each of these tools extensively. In total, I tried out more than 20 tools, and these were my favorites. However, it's essential to understand the criteria that make a tool valuable in the hotel reservation context.
Core Functionality
The core functionality of a reservation system should include:
- Ability to handle bookings: The system should easily manage, track, and modify bookings.
- Sync with online travel agencies: It should synchronize with OTAs to keep inventory updated.
- Centralize operations: It must centralize all operations in one platform for efficiency.
- Real-time availability: The tool should display real-time room availability to avoid overbooking.
Key Features
When choosing the best small hotel reservation system, consider the following key features:
- Integrations: The tool should easily integrate with existing systems such as the Property Management System (PMS) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
- Analytics and reports: It should provide insightful reports and analytics to make data-driven decisions.
- Mobile access: With the increasing use of mobile technology, a reservation system should be accessible from mobile devices.
- Direct bookings: The software should provide an option for direct booking to avoid OTA and travel agent commissions.
Usability
Usability is another crucial factor for any software tool, including hotel reservation systems:
- User-friendly interface: The software should be easy to use, with an intuitive layout that doesn't require extensive training to understand. For instance, a visual representation of the property's room types and their current status can be particularly helpful.
- Easy onboarding: A good reservation system provides clear instructions and guides for a quick start. Also, customer support should be responsive and helpful in resolving issues.
- Minimalist design: A clutter-free and straightforward design reduces the chances of errors and increases efficiency.
- Customizable settings: Each hotel has its unique needs, so the system should allow customization according to the user's preferences.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using a small hotel reservation system?
Using a small hotel reservation system offers various benefits, including:
- Centralized Operations: These systems bring all your bookings and customer interactions into one place, making management easier.
- Increased Efficiency: Automating the reservation process helps save time and resources by eliminating manual errors and redundancies.
- Improved Customer Experience: Providing a smooth, quick, and easy booking process can significantly enhance customer satisfaction.
- Real-Time Inventory Management: With these systems, you can keep your room availability updated in real-time across all channels, thus preventing overbooking.
- Insightful Reports: The tools provide analytics and reports that help in making data-driven decisions for improved business performance.
How much do small hotel reservation systems typically cost?
Pricing for these tools varies widely, typically depending on the size of your property and the features you need.
What are the common pricing models for these tools?
Many tools follow a subscription-based model, which means you pay a recurring fee, typically monthly or annually. Some providers offer tiered pricing structures where different packages offer varying levels of functionality.
What is the typical range of pricing for small hotel reservation systems?
The starting price for small hotel reservation systems can range from $10 to $100 per user per month. However, prices can increase significantly for advanced features and larger operations.
What is the cheapest and most expensive software?
The exact prices vary based on factors such as property size, number of users, and specific features. However, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Cloudbeds is among the more affordable options, while systems like innRoad tend to be on the pricier end.
Are there any free small hotel reservation systems?
While completely free small hotel reservation systems are rare, some providers offer a free trial period for you to test their services before committing to a purchase. However, always be sure to thoroughly understand the limitations and terms of these trials.
Are there any hidden costs associated with these tools?
While not exactly “hidden”, there are costs that might not be apparent upfront. These can include setup fees, costs for additional modules, charges for premium customer support, and fees for integrations with other systems. It’s essential to ask about these potential costs before making a decision.
Can I use a small hotel reservation system if I have multiple properties?
Absolutely. Most hotel reservation systems are designed to handle multiple properties from a single dashboard. However, costs may increase based on the number of properties managed.
Other Small Hotel Software for You
Here are some other useful tools for running a small hotel or motel.
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