Winners For The Best Value Small Hotel Management Software

Small hotel owners know all too well how juggling reservations, guest services, and back-office operations can quickly become overwhelming without the right management tools. But knowing which ones are “the right management tools” for a small hotel can be tricky.

In this article, we’ve evaluated the top hotel management software solutions based on their usability and value, specifically for small hotels. We’ve compared key features such as ease of use, cost-effectiveness, integration capabilities, and the specific tools they offer for reservation management, channel integration, and customer relationship management.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to choose a software solution that not only fits your operational requirements but also empowers your team to deliver exceptional service, making your hotel stand out in a crowded market.

Snapshot Overview: Best-in-Class Small Hotel Management Solutions

Choosing the right property management system can significantly improve your small hotel’s operations. 

Here are the top small hotel management solutions for 2024:

• Best for All-in-One Solution: Cloudbeds
• Best for Small Properties: Little Hotelier
• Best for Time-Saving: ThinkReservations
• Best for Guest Experience: aZee Absolute
• Best for Direct Bookings: RoomRaccoon

These hotel software solutions address various needs, from managing operations comprehensively and efficiently to improving guest experiences and increasing direct bookings.

1. Cloudbeds – Best for All-in-One Solution

Cloudbeds is a comprehensive, cloud-based hospitality management platform designed to streamline operations for properties of all sizes, including small hotels.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Property Management System (PMS) with drag-and-drop calendar and customizable reports
• Channel Manager connecting to 300+ OTAs with real-time updates
• Conversion-optimized Booking Engine with a mobile-friendly design
• Revenue Management tools with dynamic pricing and competitor rate shopping
• Unified platform for reservation management, operations, and distribution channels

Cloudbeds channel manager allows hotels to manage their inventory and rates across multiple channels from a single platform.

Unique Benefits of All-in-One Solution: 

Cloudbeds integrate multiple essential functions into a single platform, providing a unified experience for hoteliers. This means less time switching between systems and more time focusing on guests. You’ll have a single source of truth for all operations, reducing errors and miscommunications between departments.

Pros:

• A fully integrated platform eliminates the need for multiple systems
• Automation of tasks saves time and reduces errors
• 24/7 customer support with live chat, phone, and email
• Extensive marketplace of third-party integrations
• Regular updates and improvements
• User-friendly interface
• Minimal training required
• Comprehensive features, including tax, bed, and registration management
• Seamless integrations with major booking channels

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some standalone systems
• Potential complexity for very small properties
• A steeper learning curve due to the breadth of features

Set aside dedicated training time for your staff to overcome the steeper learning curve. Cloudbeds offers comprehensive video tutorials and documentation. Plan for a 2-3 week onboarding period, with daily 30-minute training sessions to gradually introduce different features. Assign a ‘champion’ on your team to become the go-to expert for questions and troubleshooting.

Pricing: 

Cloudbeds pricing plans are tiered so that you can select a plan tailored to your business, but they don’t publish their rates. Click here to get a pricing quote. 

Click the “Request a Demo” link in the header to complete and submit your details to schedule a demo.

Per Capterra, there is no free trial or a free version.

Customer Service: 

24/7 support is available with generally positive reviews, though some users have reported occasional delays during peak times.

Suitability for All-in-One Solution: 

Cloudbeds is particularly suitable for small hotels looking for a comprehensive solution as it combines PMS, channel management, and booking engine functionalities, reducing the need for multiple software integrations.

Ratings: 

Price: 3/5
Design: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Features: 5/5
Support: 4/5

Customer Review: 

“Cloudbeds has transformed the way we run our small hotel. Having everything in one system has saved us countless hours and helped us maximize our revenue. The support team is also fantastic – always responsive and helpful.”

2. Little Hotelier – Best for Small Properties

Little Hotelier caters to small hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. Its streamlined interface and focus on essential features make it ideal for properties with limited staff and technical expertise, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop calendar for managing reservations
• Direct booking engine to maximize commission-free bookings
• Automated guest communications and templates
• Housekeeping management tools
• Two-way rate and availability updates

Little Hotelier integrates with popular tools like Xero for accounting, SiteMinder for channel management, and Mailchimp for email marketing, enabling small hotels to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

Unique Benefits for Small Properties: 

Little Hotelier’s streamlined interface and focus on essential features means even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can still efficiently manage your property. You’ll spend less time figuring out complex software and more time providing personalized service to your guests.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface requires minimal training
• Affordable pricing with no setup fees or long-term contracts
• Integrates with critical OTAs and payment gateways
• Mobile app for managing the property on the go
• Ability to reach more guests and take direct bookings
• Retains guest history for personalized experiences
• Excellent for very small properties like 2-star hotels
• Streamlined operations

Cons:

• Limited reporting and analytics compared to more robust systems
• No built-in revenue management tools
• Potential deflection of issues to external parties like OTAs
• It may not scale well for rapidly growing properties

Consider your 2-3 year plan if you anticipate rapid growth. Little Hotelier is ideal for properties with up to 30 rooms. Beyond that, you may need to factor in the cost and time of migrating to a more robust system. Remember to reassess your needs every six months to ensure you’re not outgrowing the software.

Pricing: 

Per SelectHub, pricing starts at $104 per user per month (billed annually) for the Basic plan, which includes the PMS, booking engine, and channel manager. The Advanced plan adds features like automated guest communications and advanced reporting.

Click the “Try for free” button in the header to complete and submit your details to start your 30-day free trial.

Customer Service: 

They are known for responsive customer service, with generally positive user reviews.

Suitability for Small Properties: 

Little Hotelier’s focus on simplicity and core functionalities makes it an excellent choice for small hotels that don’t need complex features and prefer an easy-to-use system.

Ratings: 

Price: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Usability: 5/5
Features: 4/5
Support: 3/5

Customer Review: 

“As a small B&B owner, I don’t have time to learn complicated software. Little Hotelier is intuitive and has all the essential features I need to run my property efficiently. Plus, the price is unbeatable for what you get.”

3. ThinkReservations – Best for Time-Saving

ThinkReservations specializes in efficiency, using automation and streamlined processes to save time for small hotel operators.

Key Features:

• Automated reservation confirmations, pre-arrival emails, and post-stay surveys
• Customizable booking engine with promo codes and packages
• Integrated payment processing with automated reconciliation
• Comprehensive reporting with customizable dashboards
• Intuitive reservation displays
• Effective syncing of reservations

ThinkReservations offers a customizable booking engine that can be embedded on a hotel’s website, allowing guests to book directly and reducing reliance on third-party booking sites. This can help hotels save on commission fees and build stronger relationships with their guests.

Unique Benefits for Time-Saving: 

ThinkReservations excels in automating routine tasks, freeing small hotel staff from repetitive work like sending confirmation emails or updating availability. This allows more time to enhance guest experiences and develop growth strategies.

Pros:

• Extensive automation capabilities reduce manual tasks
• Integrates with 100+ third-party systems, including OTAs, POS, and keyless entry
• Responsive customer support with high user satisfaction ratings
• Continuously adding new features based on customer feedback
• Enhances organizational efficiency
• 24/7 customer support
• Consistent software updates

Cons:

• Some advanced features require additional fees
• Limited reporting capabilities
• There is no feature to send actionable quotes or pre-authorize credit cards
• The user interface can be overwhelming at first due to the number of features

To navigate the initially overwhelming interface, customize your dashboard to show only the most essential features for your daily operations. Spend 15-20 minutes each day exploring one new feature or report. Within 2-3 weeks, you’ll be comfortable with the full range of tools. ThinkReservations also offers weekly webinars – schedule at least one team member to attend these for ongoing education.

Pricing: 

ThinkReservations doesn’t publish its pricing. Contact ThinkReservations for a custom quote.

Customer Service: 

Generally well-regarded, with users praising the responsiveness and knowledge of the support team.

Suitability for Time-Saving: 

ThinkReservations is particularly suitable for small hotels looking to maximize efficiency and reduce time spent on administrative tasks.

Ratings: 

Price: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Usability: 5/5
Features: 3/5
Support: 4/5

Customer Review: 

“ThinkReservations has been a game-changer for our small hotel. The automation features have saved us hours every week, and the integrations with our other systems make everything run smoothly. The support team is also top-notch – they’re always quick to respond and help us optimize our setup.”

4. eZee Absolute – Best for Guest Experience

aZee Absolute (now YCS – Yanola Cloud Solutions) focuses on enhancing the guest experience through its suite of hospitality management tools. Its modules include Ezee Reservation for front desk operations, Ezee Centrix for channel management, and Ezee Burrp for restaurant management, providing a comprehensive solution for various hotel operations.

Key Features:

• Customizable guest portal for online check-in/out, service requests, and messaging
• Mobile app for staff to manage tasks and communicate with guests on the go
• Integration with in-room tablets for personalized guest experience
• Reputation management tools to monitor and respond to online reviews
• Cloud-based with operational automation
• A comprehensive range of features, including front desk operations, online bookings, and revenue management tools

Unique Benefits for Guest Experience:

aZee Absolute stands out for its tools designed to personalize and enhance the guest journey, from booking to post-stay communication. This means you can create a seamless, personalized experience for your guests without increasing your workload. You’ll be able to anticipate guest needs and preferences, leading to higher satisfaction rates and more repeat bookings.

Pros:

• A comprehensive set of guest-facing features to improve satisfaction and loyalty
• Highly customizable interface to match hotel branding
• Integrates with leading CRM and upselling platforms
• 24/7 live support with dedicated account managers
• Enhances guest interactions
• User-friendly and customizable interface
• Cost-effective for small hotels
• Quality customer support and training options

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to basic PMS systems
• Some features may be overkill for very small properties
• Potential lagging issues when making changes to bookings
• Some users report occasional system slowdowns

To mitigate system slowdowns, ensure you’re using the latest version of your web browser and clear your cache regularly (at least once a week). AZee Absolute recommends a minimum internet speed of 10 Mbps for optimal performance. If slowdowns persist, try accessing the system during off-peak hours (typically early morning or late evening) for resource-intensive tasks like running extensive reports.

Pricing: 

aZee Absolute has tiered pricing with four pricing plans

• Classic – $27 per month paid annually (for the Cloud Property Management System (PMS) only)
• Elite – $45 per month paid annually (for the Cloud PMS + Booking Engine)
• Star – $45 per month paid annually (for the Cloud PMS + Channel Manager)
• Champion – $63 per month paid annually (for the Cloud PMS + Booking Engine + Channel Manager)

A 14-day Free Trial is available for all plans.

Click the “Free Trial ” button on the pricing page to complete and submit your details and proceed with the trial. The trial doesn’t require a credit card and is available for unlimited users.

Customer Service: 

24/7 support is available with generally positive reviews. Some users have noted occasional language barriers with international support staff.

Suitability for Guest Experience: 

aZee Absolute is particularly suitable for small hotels looking to differentiate themselves through superior guest experiences and personalized service. 

Ratings: 

Price: 5/5
Design: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Features: 5/5
Support: 4/5

Customer Review: 

“Since switching to Ezee, our guest satisfaction scores have skyrocketed. The guest portal and in-room tablets have been a huge hit, and the reputation management tools have helped us improve our online presence. The system is also very user-friendly for our staff, which translates to better service for our guests.”

5. RoomRaccoon – Best for Direct Bookings

RoomRaccoon is known for its strong focus on helping small hotels increase direct bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs.

Key Features:

• Conversion-optimized booking engine with customizable design and promo codes
• Built-in rate comparison widget to encourage direct bookings
• Automated email marketing campaigns to drive repeat business
• Integration with Google Hotel Ads to increase visibility in search results
• Dynamic pricing for rate management
• Raccoon Price Checker tool for competitive rate comparison

RoomRaccoon’s booking engine offers features like real-time availability, flexible rate plans, and customizable design templates, making it easy for hotels to create a seamless booking experience on their website and drive more direct bookings.

Unique Benefits for Direct Bookings: 

RoomRaccoon excels in maximizing direct booking revenue for small hotels. You can build direct guest relationships by reducing reliance on OTAs and their high commission rates, leading to increased revenue per booking and higher profit margins.

Pros:

• Proven track record of increasing direct bookings for small hotels
• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop calendar and customizable dashboard
• Competitive pricing with no setup fees or long-term contracts
• Responsive customer support with high user satisfaction ratings
• Multi-property functionality
• Customizable booking engine

Cons:

• Limited third-party integrations compared to some other systems
• Reporting and analytics features are relatively basic
• Some users report a learning curve for advanced features
• Occasional double bookings reported by some users

To minimize the risk of double bookings, implement a daily reconciliation process. Assign a staff member to cross-check bookings across all channels each morning, paying particular attention to high-demand dates. Set up email alerts for when inventory reaches critical levels (e.g., last 2-3 rooms) to monitor these situations manually. If issues persist, contact RoomRaccoon support to ensure your channel manager settings are optimized.

Pricing: 

RoomRacoo has tiered pricing with four pricing plans

• Entry – $188 per month paid yearly
• Starter – $239 per month paid yearly
• Premium- $353 per month paid yearly
• Enterprise- $494 per month paid yearly

The number of features and upgrades increases with each higher plan. A one-time activation fee applies.

Click the “Book a Demo” button in the header to complete and submit your details to request a demo and receive your free 30-day trial logins.

Customer Service: 

Generally well-regarded, with users praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.

Suitability for Direct Bookings: 

RoomRaccoon is particularly suitable for small hotels looking to increase their direct bookings and reduce commission costs from OTAs.

Ratings: 

Price: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Features: 5/5
Support: 4/5

Customer Review: 

“RoomRaccoon has been instrumental in helping us increase our direct bookings. The booking engine is so easy to use and customize, and the rate comparison widget has been a game-changer. We’ve seen a significant shift in our booking mix since implementing the system, with much less reliance on OTAs.”

These small hotel management software solutions offer unique features and benefits tailored to different priorities. 

The choice depends on each small hotel’s specific needs, size, and goals. 

Take advantage of free trials when available and carefully consider your property’s unique requirements before deciding.

Choosing Your Perfect Small Hotel Management Software

When choosing your ideal small hotel management software, consider these key aspects:

Usability: 

A user-friendly interface is crucial for easy system navigation. aZee Absolute, for instance, is known for its customizable interface, though its mobile app could be improved. User-friendly software is beneficial even with high staff turnover or limited tech-savviness, leading to shorter training times, fewer errors, and more efficient operations.

What if your staff still needs help with the software despite its supposed user-friendliness? 

Don’t assume the problem is with your team. 

Consider these steps:

1. Reach out to the software provider for additional training resources.
2. Implement a peer-to-peer training system where more tech-savvy staff members mentor others.
3. If issues persist, re-evaluate whether the software meets your team’s needs and skills.

Scalability: 

As your hotel grows, your software needs to scale with you. Little Hotelier excellently supports small properties with its hotel booking software, but it may require more scalability for those planning significant future expansion.

This means you won’t have to switch systems as your business grows. Scalable software can save you the time, money, and headaches associated with migrating to a new system every few years, allowing you to focus on expanding your business instead.

But what if your business suddenly outgrows your software faster than expected? 

Here’s what to do:

1. Immediately contact your current provider to explore any stopgap solutions or additional modules.
2. Start evaluating more robust systems right away. Don’t delay this process.
3. Consider hiring a hospitality IT consultant to manage the transition smoothly.
4. Be prepared to implement some manual processes temporarily to bridge any capability gaps.

Feature Completeness: 

Ensure the software includes all the necessary features for your operations. ThinkReservations, while excellent for time-saving, lacks advanced features like sending actionable quotes and pre-authorizing credit cards. Assess your needs and choose software that covers all bases.

This means you can manage all aspects of your hotel from a single platform. Having a comprehensive set of features eliminates the need for multiple software solutions, reducing costs and complexity in your tech stack.

To ensure you choose the most suitable software for your hotel, follow these steps:

1. Create a prioritized list of must-have features for your property. 
2. Involve staff from different departments (front desk, housekeeping, management) to consider all perspectives. 
3. Allocate 2-3 weeks for your top 2-3 software choices trials. 
4. During each trial, have staff members complete a daily log of pros, cons, and any workarounds needed.

What if you realize mid-trial that a crucial feature is missing? 

Don’t just write off the software immediately. 

Instead:

1. Contact the provider to see if the feature is in development or available as an add-on.
2. Explore third-party integrations that fill the gap.
3. Evaluate whether the missing feature is truly deal-breaking or whether the software’s other strengths outweigh this weakness.

Customer Support: 

Quality customer support can make or break your experience with hotel management software. Little Hotelier offers highly regarded support during software integration but has had instances of deflecting issues to external parties like OTAs. Conversely, Ezee Absolute is praised for its effective 24/7 support alongside local support.

Quality customer support means you’re not left to figure things out when issues arise. It translates to less downtime, faster problem resolution, and a smoother overall experience with the software, allowing you to focus on running your hotel rather than troubleshooting tech problems.

But what if you encounter a critical issue and can’t get timely support? 

Here’s a contingency plan:

1. Document the issue thoroughly, including screenshots and step-by-step descriptions.
2. Check user forums or community groups for potential workarounds.
3. Have a backup plan for critical functions, such as manual processes or a simple spreadsheet system.
4. If poor support becomes a pattern, evaluate alternative software options, prioritizing customer service.

By meticulously evaluating these factors and reviewing hotel management software, you can choose the best hotel management software, which will streamline operations, uplift guest experiences, and facilitate your hotel’s growth using hotel management systems.

Remember, no software is perfect, and challenges will arise. 

The key is to have contingency plans and remain flexible in your approach. Regular reassessment of your software needs and performance will help ensure that your chosen system continues to serve your hotel effectively as it grows and evolves.

Streamline Your Small Hotel: Choosing the Right Management Software in 2024

Selecting the right hotel management software is vital for the success of small hotels, leading to

• streamlined operations
• improved efficiency
• and enhanced guest experiences. 

Each software solution reviewed here offers unique strengths, from Cloudbeds’ comprehensive all-in-one platform to RoomRaccoon’s direct booking booster capabilities. 

You can make an informed decision by understanding your specific needs and considering factors such as:

• usability
• scalability
• feature completeness
• and customer support.

Investing in the right property management system will streamline your operations, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. 

Now is the time to leverage these powerful tools and take your small hotel to new heights. 

Start your software selection process today by setting a clear timeline. 

Aim to have your new system chosen within 4-6 weeks and fully implemented within three months. This typically involves:

• 1-2 weeks for initial research
• 2-3 weeks for trials
• one week for final decision-making
• and 4-6 weeks for implementation and staff training. 

Setting this concrete timeline will ensure your property can immediately benefit from improved efficiency and guest experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hotel management software for small hotels?

The best hotel management software for small hotels depends on your specific needs. This article reviews several top options for 2024, each excelling in different areas. Consider your hotel’s size, primary goals, and budget when selecting.

Is Little Hotelier scalable for growing properties?

Little Hotelier suits small properties but may need to scale better for significant future expansion. Growing properties should further evaluate its capabilities.

What are the key features of aZee Absolute?

aZee Absolute offers a user-friendly and customizable interface with critical features such as front desk operations, online bookings, revenue management, and operational automation.

How does RoomRaccoon boost direct bookings?

RoomRaccoon boosts direct bookings by offering an integrated booking engine that enables commission-free bookings through hotel websites and dynamic pricing and tools to compare direct booking rates with other popular channels. This helps hotels increase their direct bookings and revenue.