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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudbeds | From $20/user/month | Website |
| Little Hotelier | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Lodgify | From $36/month (billed annually) | Website |
| innRoad | From $150/user/month | Website |
| RMS | From $125/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Sirvoy | From $9/user/month. | Website |
| eZee Absolute | From $45/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| WebRezPro | From $5/user/month, (billed annually). | Website |
| SiteMinder | From $40/user/month | Website |
| Hotel Runner | From $8/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
Cloudbeds is a property management software that caters to hotels looking to enhance their direct booking numbers. The platform delivers a suite of tools that assist in efficiently managing property operations while simultaneously driving up direct reservations.
Why I Picked Cloudbeds:
In choosing Cloudbeds, I considered its value to budget hotels aiming to increase their direct bookings. It differentiates itself through its user-friendly interface and robust booking engine, which can be a pivotal tool for attracting direct bookings. For budget hotels that aim to avoid hefty commission fees from third-party booking sites, this platform can serve as an excellent choice.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Cloudbeds provides a range of helpful features, such as a user-friendly booking engine, a comprehensive front desk system, and revenue management tools. Notably, it integrates with more than 300 online travel agencies and tech partners, including Airbnb and Booking.com, enabling properties to maintain broad market visibility while promoting direct reservations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integrations with major travel agencies
- Affordable pricing for budget hotels
- Robust direct booking features
Cons:
- Some users may find the learning curve steep
- Limited customization options
- Additional features might be available only at higher pricing tiers
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
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
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
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
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
SiteMinder is a platform offering a range of software products designed for hotel businesses. This cloud-based platform shines in providing hotels with the capability to manage a vast array of distribution channels effectively, helping to maximize revenue and occupancy rates.
Why I Picked SiteMinder:
In making my selection, I took into account SiteMinder's unparalleled capabilities in managing extensive distribution channels. Its strength lies in its Channel Manager, a feature that lets hotels reach vast global and local networks of travelers. This unique aspect makes it an ideal choice for hotels wanting to boost their visibility across multiple booking platforms.
Standout Features and Integrations:
SiteMinder's Channel Manager is a pivotal feature, allowing hotels to manage inventory across hundreds of online booking sites simultaneously. Moreover, the platform's integration with over 300 hotel management systems makes it a versatile solution. It also includes robust integrations with global distribution systems (GDS), and online travel agencies (OTAs), providing hotels the ability to reach a broad audience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Suitable for hotels of all sizes
- Integrates with a wide range of systems
- Powerful distribution channel management
Cons:
- Customer service could be more responsive
- Additional features might require higher pricing tiers
- The platform can be overwhelming for first-time users
Hotel Runner
Best for hotels wanting powerful analytics for strategic decision making
Hotel Runner is a cloud-based property management system that offers diverse features for effectively managing your property's reservations. Its powerful analytics make it an optimal choice for hotels that require in-depth insights to aid strategic decision-making.
Why I Picked Hotel Runner:
In making my selections, Hotel Runner caught my attention due to its powerful analytic capabilities. In the current data-driven business landscape, having insights at your fingertips is key to making strategic decisions, and Hotel Runner excels in this aspect. That's why I firmly believe it's best for those looking for data-driven decision-making support.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Hotel Runner brings to the table an advanced reporting and analytics feature that allows for a comprehensive understanding of your property's performance. Besides, it offers a unified reservation system and seamless inventory distribution. It integrates well with a wide array of platforms, including online travel agencies, payment gateways, and social media platforms, which are integral parts of the contemporary hospitality industry.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad integration capabilities
- Unified reservation system
- Advanced analytics for informed decision making
Cons:
- Higher-end features come with an increased cost
- Lacks some customization features
- The interface might have a learning curve for some
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.
- RoomRaccoon
Best for small hotels needing an all-in-one system
- Checkfront
Best for adventure lodgings wanting robust tour and activity management
- Operto
Good for hotels aiming for seamless automation in guest experience
- Hotello
Good for properties needing a reservation system with an integrated PMS
- GuestRez
Good for hotels needing customizable software with flexible settings
- 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.
Summary
Navigating the multitude of small hotel reservation systems available can be a daunting task, but understanding your specific needs can make the process significantly easier. Whether it's comprehensive channel management, a dedicated cloud-based platform, or a system specifically tailored to B&Bs, there's a solution designed to meet your unique requirements.
- Understand Your Needs. Before diving into the search, make sure you understand your business needs. Do you require a simple booking system or a comprehensive suite of features like channel management and customer relationship management? Your decision should reflect your operational necessities.
- Consider the User Experience. The reservation system isn't just for your convenience; it's also part of your customers' experience. Choose a system that offers a seamless booking process, has an easy-to-navigate interface, and provides superior customer support.
- Look Beyond the Price Tag. While it's important to find a solution within your budget, it's equally crucial to ensure that it offers good value for your money. Look at the features it offers, the level of customer support, and the scalability it provides as your business grows. Some systems might be cheaper, but they may not offer the functionality or support you need. Conversely, a more expensive system might offer more than what you need. Strike a balance between cost and value.
What Do You Think?
Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. We've done our best to provide a comprehensive list, but we acknowledge the rapidly evolving nature of the tech industry.
If you're using a small hotel reservation system that you believe deserves to be on this list, we invite you to share it with us. Your suggestions are invaluable in helping us keep our resources current and beneficial to all.