Evaluating new PMS options and getting overwhelmed by feature lists. Every system claims to have hundreds of features but trying to figure out what actually impacts daily operations versus what's just feature bloat.

We're a 105 room full service property currently on an older PMS. Basic functionality works but we're missing modern capabilities. Main pain points are limited integration options, no mobile access, reporting requires too much manual work, and training new staff takes forever.

Looking at systems on HotelTechReport.com and the feature comparisons are detailed but hard to parse. Things like "advanced rate management" or "integrated channel management" sound important but not clear what that means in practice.

What PMS features do people actually use every day that make operations smoother? And what features sound impressive in demos but you never actually touch once it's implemented?

Specifically interested in hearing about features related to: front desk operations efficiency, housekeeping coordination, reporting and analytics, integrations with other systems, mobile functionality for staff.

Trying to build a realistic requirements list based on what actually improves hotel operations not just what sounds good on paper.

  • We opted for Cloudbeds. I work in hospitality for quite some time and this one is doing the job well. It has all the things you listed. Easy for front desk employees to learn. You can connect and check the calendar on your phone in a browser. The support is good and they do the pricing based on the number of rooms. You can connect Airbnbs booking Expedia.. they have api if you need later on. We connected whistle for unified communication with customers. We have WhatsApp, meta instagram in one place. I would book a demo with them

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  • Check the HotelTechReport reviews filtered by your property type and size. The feature ratings from similar properties are more relevant than overall ratings.

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  • I asked myself the same question and came to the conclusion that these features are important to compare:

    • The type os support they offer
    • What type/size of hotel they target
    • The year it was launched
    • Whether the pricing is visible online or not
    • Where is the company based
    • What integrations with third party softwares they offer

    I actually put together a spreadsheet with this info comparing 29 PMS. Feel free to DM me if you want a copy.

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