With a hotel management software, it is so much easier to run a hotel, as you can expedite such tasks as room booking, guest serving, tracking inventory, and more. Many hotel owners choose free options to save money while still getting the job done effectively.
Being in the business for quite a long, I didn't just consider the cost when testing programs for this overview. I also looked into how well they integrate with our current hotel systems and whether it is possible to adapt them to properties of different sizes and complexities.
With an efficient hotel management software, any manager can find the work easy since he/she can use it to speed up room booking, guest serving, inventory keeping and other small tasks too.
As I work in this industry for about 7 years, I know that many small or family hotel owners, they prefer free options for management. My requirements for this list are not only the cost but ultimately how well it could work in small hotel systems and whether it could be used in already existing system.
Property management systems (PMS) are essential for handling daily operations like room reservations, check-in/check-out, housekeeping, and guest billing.
Channel managers play a crucial role in managing hotel room distribution across various online travel agencies (OTAs) and booking channels.
Revenue management systems (RMS) make it possible to optimize revenue by analyzing market demand and adjusting room rates accordingly.
Customer relationship management (CRM) systems are indispensable for nurturing guest relationships, keeping track of their preferences and feedback, and staying engaged with them before, during, and after their stay.
Asset management systems are great tools for keeping track of hotel inventory, including linens, supplies, and equipment.
For me, the most notable feature of HotelRunner is its holistic approach to hotel management. Users get a complete package of tools for property management, online bookings, channel management, and revenue optimization.
I like that all instruments are conveniently located in one place, so I can streamline operations, without resorting to multiple disparate systems.
Besides, HotelRunner is unmatched when it comes to managing channels. Hotels can distribute their available rooms across different online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDS), and direct booking platforms. Thus, they can foster their visibility and revenue opportunities. You can start with a free plan. It contains all the must-have features. For more advanced capabilities, upgrade to the premium version for $50 per month.
Unlike its competitors, Smoobu offers a unique booking engine that can be easily integrated into websites. This is super convenient, as users can enjoy a smooth booking process and hassle-free direct bookings.
Another reason to opt for this hotel management software is the possibility of improving the property's online visibility without relying on third-party booking platforms. Therefore, you’ll save on commission fees in the long run.
I have tried out Smoobu’s Smart Price feature and discovered that this tool can analyze market demand, seasonal trends, and competitor rates in real-time. It then automatically adjusts pricing to optimize revenue management. In other words, it can adapt prices dynamically according to market conditions, so properties can boost revenue without the hassle of manual adjustments.
Hotelogix is an awesome decision for small and medium-sized hotels. The toolset of this property management program is a sort of sophisticated list of features that can help in front-office operation, managing reservations, housekeeping, and lots of reporting tools.
What I personally like the most is that it's very flexible. Even though it is fully free, the program can be very useful for both the small boutique hotels and large accommodation facilities. Its interface is very simple and self-explanatory that is perfect for new stuff in your hotel, so I don’t need to waste long hours describing how to deal with it.
To my mind, KWHotel is one of the best free hotel channel management software. I value its extensive guest management capabilities and tools for guest communication and relationship upkeep. For instance, you can take advantage of automated email and SMS alerts, customized guest messaging, and guest feedback gathering. Such features are usually missing in similar software. But keep in mind that some features are only accessible through a $55 annual subscription.
The provided analytical tools offer more than just basic measurements. With them, you can delve deep into different facets of hotel management. For instance, you can collect tailor-made reports and monitor performance metrics aligned with your specific objectives. The list of parameters included revenue per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate (ADR), and guest satisfaction ratings.
QloApps provides a flexible booking engine that a user can easily incorporate into a hotel's website. Thanks to this software, my hotel can uphold its brand identity and offer guests a tailored booking process. This has a positive effect on the number of bookings. Besides, with QloApps, I don’t have to search for third-party instruments, as all I need is available here.
QloApps provides smooth integration with widely used payment gateways, channel managers, and other external tools. Thus, hotel managers can simplify processes while remaining efficient and responsive.
If needed, hotel managers can customize the software to meet specific requirements and preferences. This is crucial for improving overall productivity and guest satisfaction.
Nobeds stands out with its channel management tool. It generates instant updates and synchronizations, so you always know which rooms are vacant and won’t have to sort out overbooking issues.
While testing the program, I discovered some interesting features like rate parity management and automated distribution. Using them, hotel managers can customize their pricing strategies and boost revenue across all channels.
Nobeds is different from a lot of other inventory management software, because it smoothly connects with different online booking sites and channels. This means hotel owners can control their inventory across many platforms, like OTAs and direct booking sites, all in one place.
Beonprice has a Dynamic Pricing Engine tool that utilizes machine learning technologies and big data analysis to change room prices automatically. It considers such factors as how many people want rooms, the time of year, what other hotels are charging, and events nearby. It helped me a lot by setting prices that attracted customers while making sure the hotel was always full.
Furthermore, Beonprice provides thorough market analysis features and tools for making competitive overviews. Therefore, hotel managers always have valuable information about trends in the market, charges set by other hotels, and forecasts about how many guests they can expect. So, they can make well-informed decisions to keep their hotel ahead of the competition.
HubSpot CRM is a go-to choice for hotels looking for the best free hotel management software to establish a firm interaction with guests. The highlight of this program is its strong features aimed at helping hotels build good relationships with customers and grow their business.
HubSpot CRM has excellent contact management features. Users can gather all guest information from one platform, including past conversations and preferences. In addition, there are efficient tools for tracking emails and automating tasks. So, hotel staff can keep track of guest involvement and send follow-up messages instantly.
SuiteCRM differs from other free hotel management instruments with its open-source nature and vast customization capabilities. This means hotels can adjust it to fit their needs and preferences. Besides, with this customer management software, you can store your data in one place and track interactions promptly.
SuiteCRM also includes marketing automation tools. Take advantage of them if you want to create unique marketing campaigns and hit it off with guests instantly. Hotels can attract more direct bookings and boost guest interaction.
The last but not the least is Bitrix24 which offers project and team work management tools that are very useful if you’ve just started a business. With this tool, your team members can work together, share documents, and keep tabs on progress (that is very helpful in case of some unexpected issues or hot season), ensuring everything runs smoothly and tasks are completed on time. Some features available at $19/month but it’s not expensive at all.
Bitrix24 has enhanced analyzing and reporting data tools. In this manner, hotels can properly have an eye on necessary points like how full the hotel is, how much money it's making, and how satisfied the guests are. With all this data, you, like a head manager, are supposed to make decisions based on how you run the stuff and increase profit.
An open-source system allows you to, at will, view, change, and share its source code. It may prove to be technically more flexible since the source code is accessible, but usually, it offers maximum intrinsic flexibility only at a higher threshold of technical knowledge. Free software does not permit access to its code but normally comes with a more user-friendly interface.
Some free programs may be limited in what they can do or they may offer extra features for a fee.
Yes, with channel managers like Nobeds, you will easily take control of room availability across platforms such as Booking, Expedia, and Airbnb.
Yes, tools like QloApps are specifically tailored for small hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
