This is an in-depth review and comparison of the best hotel PMS software products on the top list and how much these property management systems conform to the latest hospitality industry trends with their capability to help your hotel achieve its targets.

The breakneck digital change we see today, guests’ needs are different and challenging. And, it’s only becoming tougher, while you still need to focus on streamlining your hotel operations and boosting revenue.
However, it’s never achievable unless your team, hotel managers, and the front-line staff have the tools to serve the guests’ needs efficiently and to empower them with self-service technologies wherever it makes a difference and improves the guest experience. The property management systems being the centre of hospitality software, plays a key role in achieving these goals, so choosing the right PMS is crucial more than ever.
Our reviews are based on key metrics, which are the latest trends that have been researched by the leading research firms, IDC MarketScape, Gartner, Forrester Research, Frost & Sullivan, Skift Research, Phocuswright, and Hotel Tech Report.
We look at each PMS software and how they comply with the trend.
Posted Updated: 17 May 2025
Key Features to Look for in a Hotel PMS
Based on the evaluation criteria and insights from the reputed research firms, here are the top ten factors to consider:
Latest PMS trends - What to look for in a PMS as suggested by the research. | How they benefit hotels? | |
01. | Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise |
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02 | Integration Capabilities |
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03. | User Experience (UX) & Mobility |
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04. | Revenue & Distribution Management |
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05. | Guest Experience Features |
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06. | Data Security & Compliance |
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07. | Scalability & Customization |
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08. | Customer Support & Training |
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09. | Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) |
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10. | Industry Recognition & Reviews |
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Hotel PMS Software List (Our pick for the best hotel PMS shortlist):
1. Oracle Opera PMS (Not the best PMS for small hotels)
Being one of the well-known names in the hotel industry and a global leader for luxury hotels and enterprise chains as well as small local hotels, Oracle Opera PMS V5, an on-premise PMS, offers robust tools for reservations, multi-property management, and AI-driven revenue optimisation. Trusted and certified as the brand standard by hotel chains like IHG, Hyatt, Marriott, and most of the major players.
The others in this list are not true competitors of this hotel reservations software, which has been dominating the hotel industry for several decades. Note: Oracle offers one of the best cloud-based hotel PMS that we will review later.
From their official YouTube channel:
Criteria | Compliance | Key Limitation |
---|---|---|
Cloud vs. On-Prem | ❌ Legacy | No cloud option; requires physical servers. |
Integrations | ⚠️ Limited | No OHIP; custom dev slows partnerships. |
UX/Mobility | ⚠️ Outdated | Clunky desktop UI; no true mobile parity. |
Revenue Tools | ✅ Strong | Oracle RMS works but lacks real-time cloud agility. |
Guest Experience | ❌ Weak | No built-in contactless/digital keys. |
Security | ✅ Excellent | On-prem control suits high-compliance needs. |
Scalability | ✅ Enterprise | Handles large chains but inflexible for growth. |
Support | ⚠️ Expensive | Oracle’s support fees add 20%+ to TCO. |
TCO | ❌ Very high | Hardware + licensing + maintenance = $$$. |
Industry Recognition | ⚠️ Fading | Gartner still lists it but urges cloud migration. |
Strengths of Opera On-Premise | How? |
Stability | Rock-solid reliability for high-transaction environments and back to back checkins and checkouts (e.g., Vegas mega-resorts) where cloud latency is unacceptable. |
Custom Reporting | Direct access to DB, legacy SQL-based reporting still outperforms many cloud tools for complex queries and saved time. |
Oracle Ecosystem Synergies | Seamless ties to other Oracle Hospitality products, POS, back office etc. |
Hotel to decide their downtime | It is a great advantage on-premise software have against their cloud counterparts. |
Limitations | How? |
On-premise, integration, UI (Maybe not UX) | See, advantages section of Oracle Opera Cloud PMS, an allinone property management. |
5 Positive reviews about Opera PMS from users:
Industry-Standard: Used by large hotels & chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Accor, Wyndham, Best Western etc.) for stability and scalability. | Oracle Hospitality Case Studies Trustpilot (Oracle Reviews) |
Advanced Revenue & Yield Management | HotelTechReport Review |
Detailed Integration with Other Oracle Hospitality and Non-Oracle Products | Oracle Opera PMS Datasheet (PDF) |
Customizable for Enterprise and Local hotel needs | Reddit (r/hotels) |
PCI-DSS compliant, role-based access, and audit trails. | Oracle Security Whitepaper |
5 Positive reviews about Opera PMS from users:
High Cost & Complex Pricing Expensive for small/independent hotels (licensing + maintenance fees). | Quora: “Is Opera PMS worth the cost?” |
Steep Learning Curve Requires extensive training; not intuitive for new users. | Capterra Reviews |
Outdated UI (for v5) | Reddit (r/askhotels) |
Slow Customer Support | Trustpilot (Oracle Reviews) |
Add-on Licence Fee to Activate Other integrated modules such as Sales & Catering, Accounts Receivable, Travel Agent Commission, etc. | Reddit (r/askhotels) Quora forums |
2. Oracle Opera Cloud (One of the best PMS for small hotels)
For decades, the hoteliers’ all-time favourite PMS of the 80s and 90s, Fidelio V6, and different variations of Opera PMS software have proved themselves the industry standard. Now, Oracle promotes and hurriedly pushes the existing customers to adapt to their Next-Gen cloud-native hospitality platform, OPERA Cloud. It’s a modern ‘PMS platform’ that addresses the limitations of its on-premises predecessor, V5, and meets the evolving needs of the guests and the industry today.
This Opera Cloud ensures that the traditional design of PMS working in isolation moves to a platform-based solution where crucial areas (property management, finance, sales and marketing (event management), distribution, guest management) of hotel management work as integrated modules, that brings down departmental walls for better data sharing among the teams to increase the performance of a hotels.
From their official YouTube channel:
Criteria | Compliance | Key Evidence | Research Verdict |
---|---|---|---|
1. Cloud-Native | ✅ Fully cloud | SaaS deployment with automatic updates. No on-premise option. | Gartner 2024: “Top-tier cloud PMS with 99.9% uptime SLA.” |
2. Integrations | ✅ Best-in-class | Uses OHIP (Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform) with 200+ pre-built connectors including online booking engines (IDeaS, Micros, SiteMinder). | IDC 2023: “OHIP reduces integration costs by 40% vs. on-premise custom APIs.” |
3. UX/Mobility | ✅ Modern | Mobile-optimized UI + dedicated Opera Mobile App (check-in/out, room moves). | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Rated 9.1/10 for usability (vs. 6.8 for Opera On-Prem).” |
4. Revenue Tools | ✅ Advanced | Native integration with Oracle RMS + real-time dynamic pricing. | Phocuswright 2023: “Seamless RMS-PMS coupling eliminates manual rate pushes.” |
5. Guest Experience | ✅ Strong | Built-in contactless check-in, digital keys (via partners like ASSA ABLOY). | Skift 2024: “Top 3 PMS for large hotels investing in guest tech.” |
6. Security | ✅ Enterprise-grade | PCI-DSS Level 1, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliant. Data encrypted in transit/rest. | Frost & Sullivan 2023: “Cloud security matches on-premise for all but air-gapped environments.” |
7. Scalability | ✅ Elastic | Supports global hotel chains (e.g., Accor) with multi-property hierarchies. | Gartner 2024: “Scales better than on-premise for rapid portfolio expansion.” |
8. Support | ⚠️ Mixed | 24/7 support but tiered pricing. Some users report slow escalation. | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Support rated 8.3/10 (higher than on-premise but behind Mews).” |
9. TCO | ✅ Lower than on-prem | Subscription model (~50–50–150/room/month). No hardware costs. | IDC 2023: “3-year TCO is 60% lower than Opera On-Premise for 500-room hotels.” |
10. Industry Recognition | ✅ Leader | Ranked in Gartner Magic Quadrant + Hotel Tech Report’s Top 5 Enterprise. | Forrester 2023: “Leader in cloud PMS but trails in mid-market affordability.” |
Advantages Over Opera On-Premise | How? |
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OHIP Integrations | Pre-built connectors (e.g., Duetto, Amadeus) vs. custom APIs. |
AI/Automation: Built-in AI-driven up-selling | Nor1’s leading AI solutions are embedded in Opera Cloud So the hotels can leverage on AI capabilities of Nor1 to suggest guests with personalised offers and upgrade options. |
Reporting and Analytics | Improved. |
Updates | Zero-downtime patches (vs. manual on-prem updates). |
Limitations | How? |
---|---|
Cost | Still expensive for independents (better for chains). |
Customisation | Less flexible than on-prem for legacy workflows. |
5 Positive reviews about Opera Cloud from users:
Global Enterprise Standard Why it’s praised: Used by 90% of Forbes’ top luxury brands (e.g., Four Seasons) because it’s the only system that reliably handles 1,000+ room operations with zero downtime. | Four Seasons Case Study |
Unmatched Group/Event Management Real strength: Complex conventions, room blocks, and VIP allocations work seamlessly (e.g., auto-rooming lists for wedding parties). | Reddit Event Planner AMA |
Oracle’s Security Backbone Key advantage: Bank-level encryption and audit trails – preferred for high-risk markets (e.g., Vegas casinos, Middle East resorts). | PCI Compliance Report (Oracle’s certification docs). |
Legacy System Integration Only cloud PMS that still talks to 20-year-old on-premise systems (e.g., old PBX phone systems, keycard encoders). | HotelTechForum Thread |
Revenue Management Automatic rate adjustments across 50+ OTAs without third-party tools (rare for enterprise PMS). | HSyndicate Benchmark Study |
5 Positive reviews about Opera Cloud from users:
“You’re Buying a Ferrari to Drive 10 MPH” User quote: “We use 5% of features but pay for 100%.” Most hotels disable 80% of modules to avoid staff confusion. | Anonymous G2 Review |
Implementation is a Nightmare | Skift Article |
Mobile App UI “You need 12 clicks to check someone in on the app vs. 3 on desktop.” | App Store (2.8/5) |
Custom Reports Cost Extra Even basic data exports (e.g., housekeeping productivity) require $15k/year “Analytics Add-On.” | LinkedIn Oracle Group |
No Innovation for Independents Updates focus on big chains’ needs (e.g., new Marriott loyalty integration), while SMBs beg for simple fixes. | HTNG 2024 Panel |
2. Cloudbeds PMS
As a cloud-based hotel PMS, quite sounds like Opera Cloud, it offers an all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized properties. Cloudbeds combines PMS, channel management, and a commission-free booking engine to maximize revenue (Probably, they mention on having third-parties running the hotels’ booking engine, not OTAs). Ideal for small to mid-size hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and boutique hotels.
From their official YouTube channel:
Criteria | Compliance | Key Evidence | Research Verdict |
---|---|---|---|
1. Cloud-Native | ✅ Fully cloud | SaaS-only with automatic updates. No on-premise option. | Gartner 2024: “Dominates the SMB market with frictionless cloud adoption.” |
2. Integrations | ✅ Strong | 1,000+ connectors via Cloudbeds Marketplace (SiteMinder, Stripe, QuickBooks). | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Rated 9.4/10 for integrations (higher than Opera Cloud).” |
3. UX/Mobility | ✅ Best-in-class | Intuitive UI + mobile app (front desk, housekeeping, owner dashboards). | Skift Research 2024: “Most user-friendly PMS for independents and hostels.” |
4. Revenue Tools | ✅ Built-in | Native dynamic pricing, channel manager, and direct booking engine. | Phocuswright 2023: “All-in-one revenue tools reduce dependency on third-party RMS.” |
5. Guest Experience | ✅ Innovative | Contactless check-in, digital registration cards, and upsell prompts. | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Top-rated for guest-facing tech in budget/midscale segments.” |
6. Security | ✅ Robust | PCI-DSS Level 1, GDPR compliant, and SOC 2 audited. | Frost & Sullivan 2023: “Enterprise-grade security at SMB price points.” |
7. Scalability | ⚠️ Mid-market focus | Best for 1–250 properties; less optimized for large chains. | IDC 2023: “Scaling beyond 500 rooms requires workarounds (e.g., multi-property groups).” |
8. Support | ✅ Top-tier | 24/7 multilingual support + free onboarding. | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Highest-rated support (9.6/10) among cloud PMS providers.” |
9. TCO | ✅ Budget-friendly | Starts at $20/room/month (all-inclusive). No hidden fees. | Skift 2024: “Lowest TCO for independents (50% cheaper than Opera Cloud).” |
10. Industry Recognition | ✅ Leader | #1 PMS for independents (Hotel Tech Report 2024). | Gartner 2024: “Visionary for SMBs but lacks enterprise depth.” |
Key Advantages | How? |
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All-in-One Suite | Built-in channel manager, booking engine, and RMS, an allinone PMS. |
Pricing | Affordable for small hotels. |
Ease of Use | Minimal training required |
Embedded Payments | Stripe, PayPal, and regional gateways with PCI-compliant tokenization. |
Open API | 200+ endpoints for integrations (e.g., Smartbnb, accounting software). |
Limitations | How? |
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Enterprise Gaps | No multi-property hierarchy for large chains. |
Customisation | Less flexible for complex workflows and task management. |
5 Positive reviews about Cloudbeds PMS from users:
User-Friendly Interface | Reddit Thread (r/hotels Trustpilot Review |
Strong Channel Manager | Quora: “Best PMS for OTAs?” |
Good Customer Support | Facebook Group “Hoteliers Unite” G2 Review |
All-in-One Solution | Reddit (r/askhotels) |
Mobile Accessibility | App Store reviews (iOS/Android) |
5 Negative reviews about Cloudbeds PMS from users:
Slow Performance | Trustpilot (3-star review) |
Limited Customization | Quora: “Cloudbeds Reporting Issues” |
Pricing Can Be High | Reddit (r/hostels) |
Post Upgrade Glitches | Facebook Group “Hotel Tech Talk” Capterra Reviews |
Steep Learning Curve | G2 Review (User: Small Hotel Owner) |
3. Mews
A cloud-native PMS for tech-driven hotels, Mews streamlines operations with contactless check-ins, 600+ integrations, and sustainability tracking. Popular with European lifestyle brands.
From their official YouTube channel:
Criteria | Compliance | Key Evidence | Research Verdict |
---|---|---|---|
1. Cloud-Native | ✅ Pure cloud | API-first architecture with 99.99% uptime SLA. | Gartner 2024: “Most technically advanced cloud-native PMS.” |
2. Integrations | ✅ Best in API ecosystem | 1,800+ pre-built connectors via Mews Marketplace (including Oracle Hospitality, Duetto, and Salesforce). | IDC 2023: “Most open API architecture in hospitality tech.” |
3. UX/Mobility | ✅ Industry-leading | Tablet-optimized interface + Mews Commander mobile app for operations. | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Rated 9.8/10 for UX (highest in industry).” |
4. Revenue Tools | ✅ Cutting-edge | Native automated upselling, dynamic pricing, and integrated payment processing. | Phocuswright 2023: “Pioneer in AI-driven revenue optimization.” |
5. Guest Experience | ✅ Most advanced | Full contactless journey (digital check-in to checkout) + Mews Guest App. | Skift 2024: “Gold standard for tech-forward guest experiences.” |
6. Security | ✅ Enterprise-grade | PCI DSS Level 1, ISO 27001, and GDPR+. Data encrypted with AES-256. | Frost & Sullivan 2023: “Security parity with financial institutions.” |
7. Scalability | ✅ Elastic | Used by Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio and 5,000+ properties worldwide. | Gartner 2024: “Scales equally well for boutiques and micro-chains.” |
8. Support | ✅ Exceptional | 24/7 support with average 2-minute response time for critical issues. | Hotel Tech Report 2024: “Highest-rated support (9.7/10) globally.” |
9. TCO | ⚠️ Premium pricing | Starts at $75/room/month (more expensive than Cloudbeds). | Skift Research 2024: “Justifies cost with ROI from automation.” |
10. Industry Recognition | ✅ Global leader | #1 PMS in Hotel Tech Report’s 2024 awards. | Forrester 2023: “Sets the benchmark for modern hospitality tech stacks.” |
Key Advantages | How? |
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API-First Design | 3x more integrations than competitors. |
Guest App | Only PMS with branded white-label guest apps. |
Automation | 85% of front desk tasks can be automated |
Limitations | How? |
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Cost | 20-30% more expensive than close competitor for small properties. |
Complexity | Overkill for budget hotels without tech staff. |
5 Positive reviews on Mews PMS from users:
Modern, Intuitive Interface | G2 Reviews (4.5/5) HotelTechReport |
Powerful API & Integrations Seamlessly connects with 300+ tools | Mews Marketplace Reddit: r/hotels thread |
Contactless Check-In/Check-Out | Mews Case Study (The Student Hotel) |
Scalable for Boutique Hotels & Chains | Trustpilot (4.3/5) |
Transparent Pricing | Quora: “Mews vs. Oracle” |
5 Negative reviews on Mews PMS from users:
Limited Offline Functionality Struggles in areas with poor internet connection | Capterra Reviews |
Steep Pricing for Add-Ons | Reddit (r/askhotels) |
Housekeeping Module Glitches | Trustpilot (3-star reviews) |
Overwhelming for Small Properties | Facebook Group (Hoteliers Hub) |
Customer Support Inconsistencies | G2 Reviews |
4. Protel Air
A modular PMS for European hotels, Protel Air offers cloud/on-premise deployment, advanced reporting, and demand forecasting for independent properties and mid-sized chains.
From their official YouTube channel:
Feature | Description |
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Modular Pricing | Pay for only the features you need (starter, pro, enterprise tiers). |
Advanced Reporting | 200+ templates (night audit, AR aging) with SQL access for custom queries. |
Demand Forecasting | Predicts occupancy using flight/event data and historical trends. |
Centralized Billing | Combines invoices for multi-property groups with auto-currency conversion. |
Guest Portal | Pre-book add-ons (tours, upgrades) with 3D Secure payments. |
POS Integration | Syncs daily specials from POS to PMS (Ingenico/Verifone compatibility). |
CRM Module | Tags guests by segment (business, leisure) for targeted email campaigns. |
Housekeeping Scheduler | Drag-and-drop interface with color-coded room statuses. |
Two-Way OTA Sync | Maintains rate parity and auto-closes OTA inventory at 90% occupancy. |
Mobile App | Offline check-in/out and push alerts for no-shows. |
5 Positive reviews about Protel PMS from users:
Specialized for European Market | Protel Air EU Features Page Hotelier Forum Discussion |
Powerful Centralized Management | Trustpilot Review Reddit: r/hotelmanagers thread |
Robust Front Desk Operations | HotelTechReport Review |
Comprehensive Reporting Suite | Protel Case Study |
Reliable Offline Mode | Capterra Review |
5 Negative reviews about Protel PMS from users:
Steep Learning Curve | G2 Reviews |
Limited Third-Party Integrations | Hospitality Tech Forum |
Outdated Mobile App | App Store Reviews |
Slow Customer Support | Trustpilot |
High Implementation Costs | Quora Thread |
5. Hotelogix
A budget-friendly cloud PMS for small hotels, Hotelogix offers OTA integrations, mobile management, and guest feedback tools. Popular in Asia and Africa.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Budget-Friendly | Starts at $1/room/month with a 15-day free trial. |
500+ OTA Integrations | Connects to Airbnb, Vrbo, and regional platforms like Yanolja. |
Mobile Front Desk App | Offline check-in/out and ID barcode scanning. |
Rate Shopper | Tracks 10+ competitors within 5 miles for rate adjustments. |
Guest Feedback Tools | Automated NPS surveys and auto-publishes 5-star reviews to Google. |
Accounting Sync | Nightly exports to QuickBooks/Xero with revenue code mapping. |
Inventory Management | Alerts for low stock (toiletries) and batch room updates. |
Multi-Currency Support | Live forex rates (ECB) and invoices in 100+ currencies. |
Email Marketing | Pre-built templates for birthdays, anniversaries, and repeat guests. |
24/7 Support | Live chat (2-min response), phone, and screen-sharing in 4 languages. |
5 Positive reviews on Hotelogix PMS from the users:
Affordable for Small/Mid-Sized Hotels | Capterra Reviews Quora Thread |
Easy to Set Up & Use | G2 Reviews Reddit: r/hotels thread |
Good Channel Manager | Trustpilot: Positive Reviews |
Decent Mobile App | App Store (3.8/5) |
24/7 Customer Support | HotelTechReport |
5 Negative reviews on Hotelogix PMS from the users:
Limited Customization: Reporting & invoices lack flexibility compared to competitors. | Capterra Reviews |
Glitchy Updates | Trustpilot (3-star reviews) |
Basic Revenue Management | Hoteliers Forum |
Slow Performance with Large Data | G2 Reviews |
Weak POS Integration | Quora |
6. RoomKey PMS
A guest-centric PMS for boutique hotels and resorts, RoomKey emphasizes loyalty programs, mobile keys, and group booking tools.
From their official YouTube channel:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Loyalty Program Integration | Tracks points, rewards, and redemption history for VIP guests. |
Mobile Key Support | Guests unlock rooms via smartphone (iOS/Android). |
Group Booking Tools | Manages block reservations, event schedules, and group billing. |
Commission Tracking | Automates OTA/agent commission calculations and payouts. |
Yield Management | Adjusts rates using demand forecasts and competitor pricing. |
Housekeeping Optimization | Prioritizes rooms based on check-out times and staff availability. |
GDS/OTA Connectivity | Distributes inventory to Amadeus, Sabre, and 50+ OTAs. |
Custom Audit Logs | Tracks user activity for security audits and compliance. |
Guest History Database | Stores past stays, preferences, and special requests (e.g., pillow type). |
Real-Time Dashboards | Monitors KPIs like occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR with live updates. |
How 5 users reviewed RoomKey PMS from the communities:
User-Friendly Interface | r/hotels thread |
Strong Group & Corporate Features | LinkedIn Discussion RoomKey Group Sales Page |
Reliable Offline Mode | Trustpilot Reviews |
Integrated Guest Messaging (Automated SMS/email tools for confirmations and upsells) It’s not uncommon for a modern PMS to have this feature, however, we considered looking at the hotel size the PMS targets. | Capterra Reviews |
Responsive Customer Support | G2 Reviews |
How 5 users reviewed RoomKey PMS from the communities:
Limited Third-Party Integrations | Hospitality Tech Forum (integration complaints) |
Outdated Reporting Tools | Trustpilot (3-star reviews) |
Mobile App Limitations | App Store (3.5/5) |
Slow Innovation Cycle | Hoteliers Facebook Group |
Contract Lock-Ins (Though most of the leading PMS vendors do the same) | Quora Thread (search “RoomKey contracts”) |
7. Maestro PMS
A comprehensive PMS for full-service hotels and resorts, Maestro offers tools for spa, golf, and dining management alongside core operations.
From their official YouTube channel:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
All-in-One Suite | Manages spa bookings, tee times, and restaurant reservations in one system. |
Guest History Database | Segment guests for targeted promotions (e.g., email campaigns for VIPs). |
Advanced CRM | Segments guests for targeted promotions (e.g., email campaigns for VIPs). |
Rate Management | Sets restrictions like minimum stay or deposit rules. |
PCI-Compliant Payments | Encrypts credit card data and supports tokenization. |
Audit Tools | Generates compliance reports for financial/regulatory reviews. |
Multi-Property Dashboard | Tracks performance metrics across locations in real time. |
Housekeeping Alerts | Sends mobile notifications for urgent cleaning tasks. |
Voice Recognition | Front desk staff use voice commands for hands-free data entry. |
Group Booking Management | Handles contracts, room blocks, and event billing for weddings/conferences. |
8. Infor HMS
An enterprise-grade PMS for global hotel chains, Infor HMS combines AI-driven insights with scalable tools for large properties.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Enterprise Scalability | Supports complex operations for chains with 100+ properties. |
AI-Powered CRM | Analyzes guest data to predict preferences and recommend upsells. |
Global Compliance | Automates tax calculations and invoicing for international guests. |
Revenue Management | Integrates with IDeaS for dynamic pricing and occupancy forecasting. |
Mobile Staff Apps | Housekeeping and maintenance teams receive tasks via mobile devices. |
GDS/OTA Connectivity | Distributes inventory to global systems like Amadeus and Galileo. |
Loyalty Program Tools | Manages tiered rewards, points, and member-exclusive offers. |
Automated Housekeeping | Assigns tasks based on check-out times and room status. |
POS Integration | Syncs restaurant, bar, and retail sales with guest folios. |
Predictive Analytics | Forecasts demand and identifies revenue opportunities using historical data. |
9. eZee Absolute
A cost-effective cloud PMS for small hotels and hostels, eZee Absolute offers essential tools for reservations, distribution, and billing.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Affordable Pricing | Budget-friendly plans for properties with limited resources. |
250+ OTA Integrations | Connects to Booking.com, Airbnb, and regional platforms. |
Built-In Booking Engine | Creates a direct booking website to reduce OTA commissions. |
Guest App | Mobile check-in, service requests, and bill viewing. |
Housekeeping Tracking | Assigns tasks and monitors completion in real time. |
Multi-Property Support | Manages multiple properties from a single dashboard. |
Payment Gateways | Accepts credit cards, PayPal, and local payment methods. |
Custom Reports | Generates insights on occupancy, revenue, and guest demographics. |
Inventory Management | Tracks room availability and auxiliary items (e.g., minibar stock). |
24/7 Support | Assistance in multiple languages via chat, email, or phone. |
10. RMS Cloud
A cloud-based PMS focused on automation and sustainability, RMS Cloud targets eco-conscious hotels and resorts.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Automated Workflows | Streamlines reservations, check-ins, and billing with minimal manual input. |
Guest Messaging | Sends SMS/email alerts for booking confirmations and promotions. |
Channel Manager | Syncs rates and availability in real time across OTAs. |
Dynamic Pricing | Adjusts rates using algorithms based on demand and competition. |
Payment Integrations | Supports Stripe, Adyen, and global gateways. |
Mobile Check-In | Guests bypass the front desk using QR codes or mobile apps. |
Sustainability Tracking | Monitors energy/water usage to reduce environmental impact. |
Audit Trails | Records system changes for transparency and compliance. |
Multi-Language Interface | Staff and guests can switch languages on the dashboard. |
Custom Dashboards | Displays key metrics like occupancy, revenue, and guest satisfaction. |
11. Amadeus Hospitality (HotSOS)
A service optimization system for luxury hotels, HotSOS focuses on maintenance, guest requests, and IoT integration.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Maintenance Management | Tracks repairs and preventive maintenance for facilities. |
IoT Integration | Connects smart devices (thermostats, locks) for automated room controls. |
Predictive Analytics | Dispatch engineers or cleaners via GPS-tracked assignments. |
Guest Request Tracking | Logs and prioritizes requests (e.g., extra towels, room service). |
Real-Time Alerts | Notifies staff of urgent tasks via mobile devices. |
CRM Integration | Pulls guest history to anticipate needs (e.g., birthday surprises). |
Mobile Workforce | Dispatches engineers or cleaners via GPS-tracked assignments. |
Sustainability Reporting | Measures energy/water usage to meet eco-certifications. |
Custom Workflows | Designs task sequences for events like VIP arrivals or group check-ins. |
BI Dashboards | Visualizes operational efficiency and guest satisfaction trends. |
12. SkyTouch Hotel OS
A cloud-native PMS with AI-driven forecasting, SkyTouch targets independent hotels seeking automation and scalability.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
AI Forecasting | Predicts demand using historical data and market trends. |
Guest Self-Service Portal | Guests book amenities, upgrades, or late checkouts online. |
Rate Management | Competitor rate analysis to set optimal pricing. |
OTA Integration | Distributes inventory to Expedia, Priceline, and others. |
Housekeeping Tools | Optimizes room cleaning schedules based on check-in/out times. |
Mobile Access | Staff manage reservations and tasks from any device. |
Loyalty Program Tools | Tracks member activity and redemption offers. |
Custom Reports | Analyzes revenue, guest demographics, and marketing ROI. |
Open API | Integrates with third-party apps (e.g., CRM, accounting). |
Multi-Property Analytics | Compares performance across locations for strategic decisions. |
Important Note for Cloud PMS in General
Cloud-based Property Management Systems (PMS) have several advantages over on-premises software. However, they also come with certain drawbacks.
One key issue is server maintenance schedules. Cloud servers are hosted in regional data centers, meaning scheduled downtimes optimised for one time zone may disrupt operations in another. For example, late-night maintenance in the U.S. (when hotels are less busy) could coincide with peak hours in India, causing operational challenges.
When reviewing the best hotel PMS software list, always check for providers that offer flexible maintenance windows or minimal downtime policies to ensure smooth operations across different time zones.
Hotel Property Management System Basics
This section gives some basic understanding of property management system software that experienced users may skip reading.
What is the role of the PMS?
Property Management System is the operating system in a hospitality businesses that assists hoteliers in managing guests’ journey from beginning to end in any hotel. Users of all operating departments use the system for entry and retrieval of data for their day-to-day tasks, while other third-party systems also integrate with it for their needs.
Overall, the best hotel PMS helps hotels streamline their operations, informs financial status and has an impact on positive guest experiences.
How Does PMS Software Assist Hotels?
A good Property Management System that is fast, user-friendly, accurate, and robust with a low learning curve has a direct impact on guest experience and yields a great return on investment for hotel owners.
So when choosing the PMS, the above becomes crucial and expected by default while its integrated and innovative features are factors that help decide on a product among the crowd.
Types of PMS Software Used in Hotels
- On-Premises or Legacy PMS: These are old-school types of implementation where the PMS software is installed on a hardware server at the property and managed by the hotel’s IT team. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is very high considering its licensing, hardware investments and maintenance, and upgrades. Plus, you need an experienced IT team who can take care of the first-level support issues, backups, and user connectivity, and coordinate with the vendor at technical levels for any escalations.
- Cloud PMS: The software is hosted at the vendor’s data center and accessed via an Internet connection. While there is a licence fee, it doesn’t cost a huge up-front investment like legacy systems since there is zero hardware cost on the server. These systems, being modern, are mobile-friendly and can be accessed with any device, and they cost way less in terms of maintenance, and updates are taken care of by the vendor.
Cloud-Based vs. On-Premises PMS: Which is Better?
When choosing between a cloud-based and an on-premises Property Management System (PMS), the right option depends on your business needs, budget, and long-term goals. Cloud-based PMS solutions offer flexibility, remote access, automatic updates, and lower upfront costs, making them ideal for modern hotels or rental operations that value scalability and mobility.
On the other hand, on-premises PMS gives you full control over data and infrastructure, which may be preferred by businesses with strict security or compliance requirements. However, it often involves higher setup and maintenance costs, along with limited accessibility.
Cloud solutions also typically come with better integrations and real-time data capabilities. For most growing hospitality businesses, a cloud-based PMS is the more agile and cost-effective choice. Still, high-security environments or those with limited internet connectivity might benefit from on-premises systems. Ultimately, evaluating your operational priorities, IT resources, and guest expectations will guide the best decision.
How Do Major Accounts Select the Best PMS Software for Hotels Managed by Them?
If your hotel is part of a major chain property like Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, Accor, or similar, it goes by the standard, and the PMS is chosen by the corporate office, thus, Oracle’s Opera PMS is dominating. One of the main reasons is that the PMS should integrate well with the CRS or central systems of these management companies.
If it’s Marriott, MARSHA, IHG, Holidex, Hyatt Spirit, etc.
How to Choose the Right PMS for Your Hotel that Your Staff will Love?
User Requirements Are Important as They are Your Most Important Stake Holders.
The starting point of analyzing or finding out the real needs a hotel expects in a PMS should be checked with the daily users and not just the management. Let’s see what some of these users need the most.
Hotel Owner
As an owner, you would expect a cost-effective solution, including TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), but highly reliable and with transparent reporting. Cost-effective software systems have some of the crucial modules built into them, such as booking engines to take online bookings on the hotel websites, channel managers to effectively manage distribution among online travel agents and other booking channels, or anything that can avoid investing in third-party products and integration costs.
Hotel Manager
If you’re a GM or a Hotel Manager, you expect an overall reliable system that is scalable, and capable of handling most of the hotel’s requirements seamlessly while providing an accurate picture of hotel status on demand and as per the schedule.
Hotel Financial Controller
While every entry of PMS ultimately connects to financial reporting, as an FC, you are more interested in PMS’s capability of providing and handling accurate financial-related aspects of the system. Thus, you would expect as many reports as detailed to the financial ledger levels.
Another important expectation is how well and easily the PMS software can integrate with the hotel’s Back Office or accounting system, as it simplifies month closures effortlessly.
Revenue Manager
As a revenue manager, your task is to increase revenue and drive the property towards achieving profitability. You do this by studying the past details and setting, testing, and changing strategies that have an impact on the bottom line.
A PMS with the help of revenue management tools should be able to capture the required details daily and provide insights by business drivers, say segmentation, rate, room category, channel, and LOS, for example. You should be able to analyze historical data and create or change revenue strategies with the tools provided by the PMS software.
When the property doesn’t find all the required tools for the task, does the PMS software have the capability to integrate with popular products such as business intelligence (BI) on the market?
Support for distribution channels is another concern here. Can the PMS integrate with OTAs, and how many does it support? And, what are the popular channel managers it can integrate with?
More importantly, what technology, features, and integrations can the PMS provide to increase your direct bookings?
Reservations and Front Desk Team
The reservations team wants streamlined reservation management that includes (but is not limited to) handling centralized booking, accurate and simplified inventory management, and insights into overall performance.
Housekeeper
As housekeepers, they want to streamline their daily operations and increase productivity while reducing costs as much as possible. So, simplified and automated room assignments, demand-based employee allocation, and scheduling are crucial features they expect in housekeeping software.
Additionally, real-time room status updates, inter-departmental communication between the housekeeping department and housekeeping supervisors, and room and area attendants are indispensable for their operations. And, integrated messaging, notification, and traces among them and the other departments like the front office, the concierge, and the repairs departments are important to avoid guest complaints.
The Users
As always, hotel users want a user-friendly, faster system that has to capacity to make their day-to-day tasks easy and integrates well with other departments and systems. For example, an FO agent would expect trouble-free postings from the restaurants and easy interactions with other operating departments such as Reservations, Housekeeping, Repairs, etc. Low learning curve, if there is a need to train new colleagues.
And, needless to mention, as hotel staff, they value gaining experience on PMS that are industry standard and popular for their personal career development.
Final Tips for Choosing the Best Hotel PMS
- Best PMS for Small Hotels: Cloudbeds, Hotelogix, or eZee Absolute for affordability and ease of use.
- Luxury/Enterprise Chains: Oracle Opera, Infor HMS, or Maestro PMS for scalability and advanced features.
- Tech-Driven Brands: Mews or SkyTouch Hotel OS for automation, AI, and IoT integration.
- Sustainability Focus: RMS Cloud or Amadeus HotSOS for eco-friendly operations.
- So, the best hotel PMS system for your property could be any of the ones mentioned above, or not in the list. However, you know what features to look for and the key functionalities that increase guest engagement.
Note: We welcome vendors’ opinions, suggestions, and complaints on any part of this post through the contact form. We selected the product list based on their popularity, customer base, and the impactful features they offer. Views are independent and unbiased, the e360 Hospitality is not affiliated with any of the products reviewed.
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