Ranking The Best Hotel Property Management Software in 2024

Most people who have spent their careers in the hotel industry can’t even remember a time when property management software wasn’t around. It seems impossible that people once had to do business without it. Now we have the opposite problem: there are so many options to choose from, so many PMS available, that to choose one for your hotel, let alone know which one will be most efficient for the business can be a nightmare.

In this article, we’ve attempted a detailed comparison between the top-ranked hotel PMS of today, and come out with an objective ranking. If you want to know the PMS that is most likely to best suit your hotel, depending on it’s unique needs, you should find it here.

Overview of Top Hotel Property Management Systems

• Best for Large Hotels: Oracle OPERA Cloud PMS
• Best Cloud-Native Solution: Mews Hotel PMS
• Best for Small Properties: Little Hotelier
• Best for Guest Engagement: Agilysys Stay
• Best for Vacation Rentals: Hostaway

Since there is no one product that is going to meet everyone’s needs, you will need to determine just what your property requires. Whether you manage a sprawling hotel chain or a quaint bed and breakfast, you should be able to find a hotel property management system that is tailored just for you.

#1 Oracle OPERA Cloud PMS – Best for Large Hotels

Specifications:

• Scalable for large and multi-property management
• Extensive support in more than 200 countries and territories
• Seamless integration with Oracle MICROS Simphony POS 

Pros:

• Robust data security and compliance features
• Real-time data access across properties
• Automated data transfer with OPERA Accelerator

Cons:

• Extensive training required for new users
• Higher price makes it unsuitable for smaller properties

When you are in charge of a large hotel or a chain of properties, it is vital that you have a PMS that meets all of your needs. Oracle OPERA Cloud PMS is one of the leading systems today, with comprehensive management features and seamless integration capabilities that are built to impress.

It is in use by such names as Melia Hotels International and BWH Hotel Group for a reason. It is reliable and powerful and provides real-time data access and actionable insights so advanced reporting and analytics are a breeze.

Of course, since this is such a powerful package, it does come with the downside of being more difficult to learn. Many users report a steep learning curve for newcomers, and the pricing can also be prohibitive. However, for enterprises that require a powerful system to manage their worldwide operations, this is the one to choose.

Price: 

There is no information regarding pricing available on this product’s website, but by providing them with information on your company, they can give you a quote. There is some information to be found online that shows the base charges to be around 3.5% per charge with other fees on top of that.

Rating:

• Scalability: 5/5
• Integration: 5/5
• Cost: 3/5
• User-Friendliness: 4/5

#2 Mews Hotel PMS – Best Cloud-Native Solution

Specifications:

• 99.9+% uptime guarantee
• Over 1,000 integrations through Mews Marketplace
• Mobile app available

Pros:

• Reliable and secure cloud-native architecture
• Automates many operations
• Revenue generation from unused spaces with Mews Spaces

Cons:

• Additional investment needed for certain integrations
• So many features that it can be complicated

Mews Hotel PMS is a powerful modern property management system that has been built from the ground up. It has been designed for the cloud, which means that it promises a near-perfect uptime and allows hotel owners to focus more on their guests rather than glitchy software. 

While this product is truly feature-rich it can also be a problem for those with limited staff or technology skills. However, with time and training, this is a program that can not only make a hotel more efficient, but also increase overall guest satisfaction. Its added ability to maximize occupancy at all times is a huge benefit to those looking to increase revenue.

Pricing:

This product is available at one of three different price points: Starter, Pro, and Enterprise. The Starter package is an easy-to-use product that requires all you might need for smaller properties. The Pro package provides more features including access for corporate travel and self-service kiosk check-in. The Enterprise package allows unlimited connections, API access, and more. The starting price for the most basic package appears to be around $100 per month at this time.

Rating:

• Reliability: 5/5
• Feature Range: 4/5
• Cost-Effectiveness: 4/5
• User Experience: 4/5

#3 Little Hotelier – Best for Small Properties

Specifications:

• Online booking tool
• Front-desk solution
• Mobile app available

Pros:

• Specifically designed for small properties
• Automates key data entry tasks
• Provides a centralized control hub

Cons:

• Limited scalability for larger properties
• Lacking advanced features

Little Hotelier is for the little guys. It is made for small properties and provides the same kinds of property management tools normally found in much more expensive products. It is a property management system that truly offers a refreshing simplicity that has been designed to meet the needs of B&Bs, hostels, and guesthouses. 

Unlike more complicated property management systems, it has an intuitive design that is easy to learn, and the mobile app means that you can manage your property when you are offsite.

Little Hotelier also provides a comprehensive suite of tools that automate a lot of the more tedious tasks that no one likes to do. In return, you will have more time to focus on your guests.

Price: 

Little Hotelier is available in three different packages: Basics, Pro, and Premium. The Basics package is priced at $30 per month plus a 1% booking fee and comes with everything you need to get started. The Pro package has a fixed price of $155 per month and includes features such as insights, hotel metasearch, and online payments. The Premium package’s price is not available online but can be provided once you fill in a simple online form.

Rating:

• Suitability for Small Properties: 5/5
• Efficiency: 4/5
• Scalability: 3/5
• Feature Set: 4/5

#4 Agilysys Stay – Best for Guest Engagement

Specifications:

• Web reservations tool
• Self-service kiosk check-in and check-out
• Mobile check-in and check-out

Pros:

• Emphasizes guest satisfaction and operational efficiency
• Innovative features for streamlined operations
• Many guest-powered self-service tools

Cons:

• Staff training is required to maximize usage
• Self-service focus is not always guest-friendly

In today’s modern world, most hotel guests expect a certain amount of automation. The benefits of self-check-in and check-out cannot be overstated – no one wants to wait in line when they get to a hotel. Agilysys Stay is the PMS of choice for companies that are focused on providing more power to their guests.

Not only is this a powerful product that provides web reservations and self-service kiosks, but it also enables online ordering of food, real-time view of room charges, and more. 

This kind of self-service approach is certainly not going to be for every property, If this is what your guests expect, then it will be well worth the price. There is considerable training required, especially at the onset, but once it is in place, Agilysys Stay can streamline many aspects of your operations.

Pricing:

This product is available at three different price points – Essential, Growth, and Premium. The Essential package starts at just $55 per month, Growth is $174 per month, and Premium is $375 per month. They are all available with a free trial as well.

Rating:

• Guest Engagement: 5/5
• Innovative Features: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Adaptability: 4/5

#5 Hostaway – Best for Vacation Rentals

Specifications:

• Distribution management
• Unified communication inbox
• Proprietary channel manager

Pros:

• Ideal for vacation rentals
• Enhances efficiency
• Industry-leading communication tools

Cons:

• Features may be too specific for traditional hotel setups
• The focus on vacation rentals limits widespread usage

Hostaway is one of the leading PMS for vacation rentals due in part to its focus on automation and a unified inbox for all communication. Hostaway ensures that property managers can stay organized and responsive without getting bogged down with different software packages.

The proprietary channel manager makes it easier to manage an overall online presence and direct bookings, which is essential for any vacation rental. However, because it is so focused on vacation rentals, it might not be the best choice for larger properties.

Pricing:

Although Hostaway promises no hidden fees, there is actually no pricing information on its website. But, if you search online, you will find that they charge a $100 setup fee and $40 per listing, with a minimum of $160 per month.

Rating:

• Specialization: 5/5
• Communication Tools: 5/5
• Automation: 4/5
• Versatility: 3/5

How to Choose the Right Hotel Property Management System

Choosing the right PMS for your hotel is a decision that should be made following a fair amount of self-evaluation. Before you can choose any product, you need to understand the shortcomings of your current situation and then create a shopping list of features that could help you now and in the future.

Aspects such as the size of your property, your company goals, and your budget will all determine which product is going to work best for you. There is no use in spending more than you need to on a PMS system if it ends up costing you more than it actually earns.

Any software you choose must also be able to use. Not only should you be able to onboard all of your staff quickly and easily, but your guests should find it to be a benefit to them. If they feel burdened with unwieldy check-in procedures, they might just end up choosing another property. 

Scalability is an important feature if you plan on adding more properties down the line. Some of the leading programs allow you to add to the product over time, providing you with more features at a higher price point. 

Finally, now that a lot of programs are cloud-based, reliability isn’t as large of an issue as it used to be. However, by choosing a program with close to 100% uptime, you will feel confident when you go home at night that everything will run smoothly.

Key Features to Look For in a Hotel PMS

Any PMS consists of a variety of features that all work in conjunction to keep your property running. At the core of any program is reservation management, which allows guests to book rooms and allows you to monitor availability and adjust rates on the fly. 

Guest management is also vitally important since many guests now prefer to check in and check out online or via an app rather than the traditional way of heading to the front desk.

Some of the key features of a modern hotel PMS include:

• Reservation management
• Guest relationship management
• Front desk operations
• Housekeeping management
• Reporting and analytics
• Online booking engine
• Channel management
• Point of sale integration
• Mobile accessibility

These features are able to work together to streamline hotel operations, enhance guest experiences, and create greater revenue for hotel chains.

Housekeeping management is another unique feature that has been getting a lot of attention recently. By allowing management to instantly view which rooms are empty, which are clean, and which need cleaning, they can get guests in and out with ease.

Reporting and analytics features are some of the most exciting for many owners since they allow easy access to analytics that provide clear, actionable insights. Having a direct booking engine is also helpful, particularly for smaller properties as a way to avoid commissions from booking agencies.

Finally, your PMS should be able to operate remotely, ideally with a mobile app that works on all platforms. This will enable you to keep a close eye on all aspects of your business, even when you aren’t onsite.

Importance of Integrations and Customizations

A hotel’s operations depend on the integration of its various software components. A PMS should be able to work with third-party systems, automating tasks and ensuring that data flows smoothly from one section to another. It also eliminates the need for manual data entry, which reduces errors and lessens the burden on guests.

Another consideration when looking at hotel property management software should be cost efficiency overall. When you choose a PMS program with a built-in POS, you will save money right off the bat while consolidating data. When the PMS and POS systems operate as one, you can deliver the highest level of personalized, guest-centric service across the property.

Future Trends in Hotel Property Management Systems

PMS solutions have changed considerably in just the last decade, and they are on the precipice of changing again. Artificial intelligence is set to play a leading role, automating inventory management and personalizing the guest experience in ways we cannot even imagine.

The API-first approach is becoming increasingly important. It ensures that PMS solutions can seamlessly integrate with all aspects of a property, from housekeeping and bookkeeping to POS and reservations. 

Attribute-based selling is another trend on the rise since it allows guests to tailor their stays. Dynamic pricing algorithms are also useful as they allow hoteliers to price their rooms at the best price for hotel and guests alike.

Summary

There is no mistaking the power of a PMS with appropriate features for your property. Not only does it make paperwork less of a hassle, but it can help you fill your rooms, profit more off of each guest, and leave each guest feeling like they are your only guest.

So, whether you are managing a large, international hotel chain or a cozy B&B, there are options that will fit your needs. By doing your research and discovering some of the latest features afforded by advanced technology, you should be able to find a PMS that works for you today and into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key benefits of using a cloud-based hotel PMS?

The key benefits of using a cloud-based hotel PMS include the ability to lower initial costs, provide mobile access for management, better integration with third-party products, and enhanced security. These products work faster than traditional software does and improve overall efficiency in any property. 

Can a hotel PMS help increase my hotel’s revenue?

Yes, a hotel PMS can significantly increase your hotel’s revenue by optimizing room rates. By also managing reservations more efficiently, you will gain valuable insights for revenue-boosting strategies.

How does a hotel PMS enhance guest satisfaction?

Many guests now prefer online check-in and check-out, and by allowing more efficient housekeeping schedules, each guest has a smoother stay.

Is it difficult to switch to a new hotel PMS?

Switching to a new hotel PMS isn’t easy. It takes time and training, but with dedicated support for data migration and proper planning, the transition can actually be fairly smooth and offer almost immediate revenue benefits.

What should I consider when choosing a PMS for a small hotel or B&B?

There are many considerations when you are choosing a PMS, not least of which is finding a system that is truly user-friendly and cost-effective. It should also offer a wide range of features that make your business work smoother and enable your guests to have more control over their reservations and their stays.