Operto Resources

Ten Best Hotel Management Software for 2023

Long ago, hotel management software would handle room assignment, guest invoicing, and not much else.

Essentially, it was a glorified Excel spreadsheet. Thankfully, things have changed.

Hotel tech today is so enriched by the latest in solutions, widgets, features, and functions, it’s dizzying to follow.  With channel managers, contactless check-in, real-time tracking, guest-facing apps, and more, a fully centralized tech stack is the one thing you can’t do without.

So if you want to be more efficient, personalized, and profitable—and find out which hotel management software is best for your business—read on.

10 best hotel management system software.

All the hotel management system in our list score highly across a range of product review platforms, offer channel integrations, hotel check-in automation, and improve the guest experience with task management tools to support you and your team.

These are the best hotel management software tools in 2023:

Mews

Pricing

There are four plans to choose from, starting at $8.09 per month (billed annually, minimum $200/month).

Key Features

  • Cloud-based software that automates all operations from booking to check-out to revenue management
  • Can be used from hotelier’s phone
  • Integrates with external channel managers
  • Manages reservations, revenue, housekeeping, the guest journey, payments, and more
  • Includes a full suite of support options including emergency phone support and an online Knowledge Base.

Best for:

A solid all-around solution for mid-size operations (note: integrations are limited outside of the enterprise plan)

What the pros say

“It’s a very cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for small-scale hotels. It’s easily understandable and user-friendly.”

See the full review here

Cloudbeds

Pricing

There are four plans to choose from, starting at $8.09 per month (billed annually, minimum $200/month).

Key Features

  • Cloud-based software that automates all operations from booking to check-out to revenue management
  • Can be used from hotelier’s phone
  • Integrates with external channel managers
  • Manages reservations, revenue, housekeeping, the guest journey, payments, and more
  • Includes a full suite of support options including emergency phone support and an online Knowledge Base.

Best for:

A solid all-around solution for mid-size operations (note: integrations are limited outside of the enterprise plan)

What the pros say

“It’s a very cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for small-scale hotels. It’s easily understandable and user-friendly.”

See the full review here

eZee Absolute

Pricing

Pricing depends on your number of beds/units and your chosen plan. From $45 per month when paid annually for the basic plan for a ten-room hotel, without a booking engine or extra management software.

Key Features

  • All-in-one hotel operation management system
  • Also includes a mobile app that can send alerts and produce reports
  • Flexible enough to oversee multiple properties and guests on a single platform
  • Also includes payments and a POS (point-of-sale) system
  • Works as a channel manager, with a single automatically-updating dashboard for all your online distribution channels
  • Also securely manages guest data and sensitive information in the same platform via customizable user accounts

Best for:

Businesses that don’t want a full range of features for their PMS can essentially pick and choose which ones they value most.

What the pros say

“System integration and set-up is very straightforward and quick to do. System is easy to operate in the day to day operation.”


See the full review here

StayNTouch

Pricing

Contact StayNTouch directly for exact prices. Offers packages from the basic Standard to the advanced Enterprise, with Standard all the features outside of the multi-property options.

Key Features

  • A cloud-based technology that “frees your staff from the front desk,” automating and digitizing your entire system remotely
  • Offers front desk operations, rate management, reservations, housekeeping, and financial information all within the same system
  • Works with its own Guest Mobility (mobile) and Guest Kiosk systems for increased guest control from check-in to check-out
  • A big range of integrations to all major software partners, across everything from keyless entry to guest payments, to TV and WiFi to finance and accounting
  • Prioritizes making it easy for staff to upsell and drive revenue

Best for:

Hoteliers focused on speeding the check-in and check-out process with a smart solution with helpful onboarding.

What the pros say

“The implementation of the PMS was super easy and the team at StayNTouch provided great service throughout the training.”

See the full review here

WebRezPro

Pricing

Contact WebRezPro for a free quote.

Key Features

  • A flexible PMS for all kinds of businesses, from B&Bs to larger hotel groups
  • Cloud management system allows easy remote access
  • Includes functionality for front desk operations, housekeeping, rate management, reports, accounting, a booking engine, and payment processing integration, such as Stripe

Best for:

Vacation property managers looking for a simple, accessible platform.

What the pros say

“The system is easy to use and can manage all simple booking tasks with options, training videos, and customer service for any questions not found in the system.”

See the full review here

Little Hotelier

Pricing

Contact StayNTouch directly for exact prices. Offers packages from the basic Standard to the advanced Enterprise, with Standard all the features outside of the multi-property options.

Key Features

  • A cloud-based technology that “frees your staff from the front desk,” automating and digitizing your entire system remotely
  • Offers front desk operations, rate management, reservations, housekeeping, and financial information all within the same system
  • Works with its own Guest Mobility (mobile) and Guest Kiosk systems for increased guest control from check-in to check-out
  • A big range of integrations to all major software partners, across everything from keyless entry to guest payments, to TV and WiFi to finance and accounting
  • Prioritizes making it easy for staff to upsell and drive revenue

Best for:

Hoteliers focused on speeding the check-in and check-out process with a smart solution with helpful onboarding.

What the pros say

“The implementation of the PMS was super easy and the team at StayNTouch provided great service throughout the training.”

See the full review here

Save money on keyless access by upgrading your locks without changing the hardware.

Learn more about Operto Boost.

Cloudbeds

Pricing

At request from Salto via its website.

Features

Many different sizes and designs in the range, with a series of material and color options to suit your needs. Slim and discreet designs. Uses Bluetooth and NFC technology. 

Pros

Salto offers different types of locks in this range, with very clear options for different countries, which is great for international hotel groups. Slim design works on narrower door frames. Easy to install on any kind of door. Always able to open from the inside for extra guest peace of mind. Highly-customizable online via Salto’s website, from finish to technology to handle style and more.

Cons

The design could appear clunky to some. Only one of the models has a keypad; only one does not have a lever handle. Whether this works for you really depends on your guests, and how you’re using Operto to connect all your devices together. For some, this will be fine.

Review

A highly-modern security lock available in an almost endless array of styles and finishes, with the option to have a standalone SVN data-on-card technology, Wi-Fi, or third-party integrations. 

MEWS

VingCard Allure is a highly innovative electronic locking solution with a unique, flexible design

Pricing

Given upon request.

Features

Ideal for new constructions, the Assa Abloy Vingcard Allure is based on the VingCard’s RFID locking platform. It’s mobile-access compatible and has customizable wall panels where you can leave your hotel logo or illustrations. It includes an illuminated room number option with 16 selectable LED light themes.

Pros

It’s compatible with RFID technology and gives designers freedom of choice.

Cons

It’s a mobile key, which presents all the fallback requirements we listed above.

Review

Good option if you’re building your hotel from scratch and want a mobile key option. Best if you plan to keep your front desk staff.

Yale Linus® Smart Lock

The Yale Linus® Smart LockThe Yale Linus® Smart Lock

Pricing

 From $303

Features

Can be accessed remotely. Available in black or silver. Sleek, discreet design that is invisible from the front—yet still functions like a proper smart lock, including integrating perfectly with Operto Connect. Biometric verification, “Hide Entry Codes” feature, two-factor authentication, two-layer encryption, and lost-phone disablement. Biometric identification feature will use your phone’s built-in authentication tools to prompt fingerprint or facial recognition before you can unlock or lock your home remotely.They also have 2-factor authentication: Yale Access account is protected by 2- factor authentication meaning that users will be required to verify their identity with either an email or phone number.

Pros

Linus® is easy to use and can be installed within minutes on almost every door. Allowing for keyless access, the auto unlock functionality will open the door as you approach and lock it automatically as you leave. You can even grant temporary access to family & friends! Linus® also features DoorSense™ technology which will tell you if the door is closed or if anything unexpected happens, like it being left ajar. The smart lock can be controlled remotely for extra peace of mind. Featuring integrations with voice assistants, smart lighting, home share and hosting platforms, Linus® offers a seamless user experience.

Cons

Not many, other than that professional installation costs extra with Yale (unless you get it 0% financed with us). However, this is common.

Review

Whether it’s used for short-term rentals or holiday cottages, small BnBs or huge hospitality brands, the automated operations from Operto integrated with the Linus® Smart Lock will free up guests and property managers time, offering them a secure and seamless rental experience.

Want to see how you can connect Yale locks to your PMS through Operto? Click here to get a demo.

Learn more about Operto Connect.

Yale nexTouch Series

The nexTouch Sectional Mortise Keypad Lock, part of the Yale nexTouch Series (Image: Yalecommercial.com) The nexTouch Sectional Mortise Keypad Lock, part of the Yale nexTouch Series (Image: Yalecommercial.com)

Pricing

Contact Yale directly via its website form.

Features

Can manage up to 500 keycodes. Some are offered in a variety of sleek designs and colors, from brass to bronze, chrome, and black. Privacy mode can be enabled from inside, and the keypad deactivates for 180 seconds after five failed entry attempts, ensuring better security.

Pros

Specially designed for commercial settings. Made with material that is especially easy to clean—such as stainless steel or clear coated finishes—in high-traffic, commercial spaces with normal cleaning materials. Weather-resistant for outdoor use and temperatures between 40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) at 95% humidity.

Cons

Uses batteries and requires a 9V battery as a backup if the power fails. Not Wi-Fi-connected unless upgraded.

Review

As its name suggests, the nexTouch series is designed for the post-Covid world and is made from material that is easy to clean, and that stays clean for longer, touch after touch. The range has enough variety to suit all doors and is designed to withstand outdoor use—perfect for hotels with external doors, or especially rural locations.

The Yale Access App

In-Depth

All of the Yale lock series and locks listed above are compatible with the Yale Access app, which allows guests to open and close locks – and enables you to set access – with a touch of your phone. The app even allows automatic entry and locking via Bluetooth, and offers a history of activity for extra peace of mind. 

 

But Operto Connect™’s online platform goes much further than a lock-unlock app, so guests—and you—can have 24/7 easy smartphone access for all aspects of your rental, and keep watch over the entire system.

 

It also connects to smart assistants such as Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, making the lock voice-activated too; and also integrates with platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, to enable hosts to offer secure and automated check-in and check-out.

Yale, SmartThings and Operto Connect

The Yale Assure locks series can also connect to the SmartThings app, which offers a truly “smart home” experience. 

 

SmartThings can connect to tools such as Google Nest—for temperature and light control—and mundane-but-necessary functions such as opening the garage door, setting washing machines, and putting timers on electric plugs. 

This means it enables guests to use extra cool features such as setting the coffee machine to prepare a freshly-brewed mug as soon as they wake up—while you can continue monitoring how your guests are doing overall through the wider Operto Connect system.

Igloohome smart locks and lock boxes

Pricing

From $236 for keypad locks

Features

 A wide variety of styles, e.g. for doors, outhouses, etc due to door-mounted and padlock-style locks. Can be used with a smartphone, keypad, RFID tags, or traditional keys.

Pros

Does not require an Internet connection or Bluetooth connection to work or for PIN codes to be granted. Protects against hacking using its own AlgoPIN system. Guests do not need to download an app (but one can be used if you choose). Uses a “One Time Password OTP” similar to banks, and codes can be sent via WhatsApp, SMS, and more. Biometric access on some models. Integration with platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Weatherproof from -4°F to 129°F (-20°C to 54°C).

Cons

The lockbox option does not solve problems inherent with keys (e.g. loss, theft). Limited customization available. All have keycode pads – the basic models do not have a “no-code” option. Higher costs for some fancier models. Requires AA Alkaline batteries.

Review

Igloohome offers the most-varied array of smart locks on this list, with solutions to fit almost every lock, door style, or access needs – as long as you are happy to provide keypad codes – and is the only truly “smart” lock here that can be accessed remotely without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Operto Guest Technologies

Modern hotel and vacation rental lock technology platform.

Pricing

From $15 / unit or room

Features

Offers a range of different smart lock hardware and provides the software that integrates with your PMS. Guests have their own portal which they can use to find the code to unlock the door (generated with each booking).

Plus, owners and team members all have their own portals and codes, so you can always see who’s been in and out and when. Best of all, we have an entire team that’s there with you. Transitioning to keyless comes with its hiccups, and we’re here to partner with you through it all.

Benefits

Removes the need for front desk staff, long wait times, crowded hotel lobbies. Plus, we don’t just give you the new locks and send you on your way. We provide you with the software that integrates with your PMS and personal human support to help you on your way.

Some key things to remember.

A modern hotel door safety lock is not just a fancy keypad. Each comes with it’s own unique benefits and potentially unseen liabilities depending on your business’s unique needs and existing infrastructure. 

Make sure your locks are connected to the rest of your technology.

Using a set-up such as our Operto Connect software, you can actually connect many smart door locks to a central system—so that you can control and keep watch on locks remotely in case of emergency, or simply for ease of use wherever you are.

Platforms like Operto can even connect your lock to check on the security and operation of other features, such as your guest’s room energy control and guest room noise monitoring.

 

Guests can also use the system to find crucial details such as WiFi password, temperature of the room, and who to contact if they have any questions. It’s seamless, frees up your front desk – and operational stress.

No more costly keycards

In an instant, the usual security issues with traditional keys—and even RFID cards—are no longer a factor. No more risk of keys or cards being lost, stolen, or accidentally locked in the room (which also means you can make a serious saving on the costs of replacement). No more issues with random demagnetization of cards. No more insecure, rickety lockboxes. No more need to have paid staff sitting at Reception all day “just in case”

Security codes and room safety

Smart locks also mean that key codes can be changed once guests have checked out and can be set to allow only trusted housekeeping staff to enter. Notifications to your phone or other devices mean that you know which stage of the process your rental is at throughout – from check-in to check-out, cleaning, and when it’s turned around ready for new guests.

Mobile keys are a game changer, but not always critical

Some new locks don’t even need a smartphone, Bluetooth, or an Internet connection to work—making them perfect for guests whose phone batteries are dead, international guests with phones that don’t work overseas; or for exciting, super-remote, off-grid locations.

Keeping your locks online and connected

Many of the locks on this list even have backup sources of power, meaning that they remain secure even in the event of batteries running low, power going out, or Wi-Fi disconnecting. Most work along the same lines as a traditional, heavy-duty hotel door lock—with the added security of being connected, enabling you to check or secure them remotely, at the touch of a button

The hospitality touch point you can’t afford to get wrong.

There’s no denying smart hotel door lock technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years, making a connected system a smart choice – literally! – for your next hotel door lock revamp.

There’s no denying smart hotel door lock technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years, making a connected system a smart choice – literally! – for your next hotel door lock revamp.

 

With a wide range of styles, systems, platforms, and prices, smart locks are no longer the preserve of hotel owners with enormous budgets or only those with inaccessibly-high-tech set-ups.

 

Using systems such as Operto Connect™ to integrate these hotel lock options with your existing PMS makes this kind of hyper-connected, highly-controlled, remote-access technology available to all hotel owners, no matter your business style or size.

 

And the Operto Connect™ system is not just a fancy check-in and check-out monitor—as well as smart locks, it also connects to a range of other trusted partner devices, allowing you to keep track of settings such as climate control, heat, and noise.

 

This means that you can both keep guests happy and save money, by ensuring a rental is cozy in winter and cool in summer, turning the lights and heat off when not needed, and keeping track of the status of potentially-costly and important installations such as boilers, thermostats, and air conditioner units.

Operto Connect™ links everything, including the Netatmo noise monitoring system, which can help you check on noise levels—whether your guests have rowdy kids or a fun party is getting a little out of hand—and take the most appropriate action to keep everyone happy.

 

Long story short, our system is the closest thing to being there…without you actually having to be there.

From check-in to check-out, it’s clear that finding the right hotel lock for your business—and connecting it to everything else needed to run your rental smoothly—is key (pun very much intended).

Not sure which lock is right for your hotel or vacation rental?

Tell us more about your hotel so we can see whether Operto would be a good fit.