20 Best Hotel Booking & Reservation Software in 2024

As the hospitality industry works to get past the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels are facing two apparent challenges. The first one is how to deal with the impending travel boom. Second is the cutthroat competition that comes with such a boom. As marketing warfare is now typically waged and fought online, hotel management must strategize to make their offerings stand out while making touchpoints widely accessible and easy to use. This is where hotel booking software solutions come in to help with bookings, reservations, marketing, and even hotel property management.

Fortunately, today’s best hotel booking and reservation software are quite advanced and feature-rich. They provide users with capabilities above and beyond their traditional scope. Many include marketing integrations and web chat. Also, they make it possible for their platforms to be embedded in other business touchpoints. Thus, they will have call-to-action features across all channels.

In this article, we will provide you with a list of the best hotel booking software together with their key features. In this way, you can cut your product research time and test drive the top ones out for yourself.

Even though the revenue of hotels and resorts industry has dipped tremendously from pre-COVID levels, many experts are optimistic that they will bounce back. In fact, from a 10-year low of a $720 billion market value in 2021, pundits predict that by the end of 2022, the industry will be valued at around $1.06 billion—back to 2016 levels. Should this happen, it is not all well and good. Well, not for all but only for those that have prepared.

As mentioned, hotels and other hospitality businesses will face two challenges: dealing with the travel surge and the bloody competition that comes with it. And according to search statistics, more and more consumers make online purchases and bookings. Many of the searches also come from mobile devices. So to keep up, hospitality businesses need to improve their online presence not only in terms of visibility and discoverability but also by improving sales leads.

One way to do this is to have action buttons for sales and inquiries on business touchpoints, especially on one’s website. This is because more than 66.7% of bookings are directly made on a business’s website. Modern hotel booking and reservation software solutions also connect hotels to other platforms such as third-party services and marketplaces that are used 24.3% and 9.1% of the time respectively. So, without much further ado, here are the best hotel booking and reservation software tools that can help you stay on top of your operations and keep up with your competitors.

What should you look for in hotel booking software?

When evaluating hotel booking software, it’s essential to consider features that can simplify operations, enhance guest experience, and increase bookings. Key factors to look for include:

• Centralized Reservation System: A centralized booking engine lets hotels manage online and offline bookings from one place, reducing overbookings and improving occupancy rates.
• Channel Management: A channel manager synchronizes inventory across multiple booking channels (e.g., OTAs, hotel website, GDS), ensuring real-time updates on availability and pricing.
• Guest Communication Tools: Automated messaging (such as booking confirmations, reminders, and check-in instructions) keeps guests informed and improves customer satisfaction.
• Revenue Management Features: Built-in revenue management tools analyze data to help adjust prices based on demand, maximizing profits during peak times and avoiding low occupancy in off-peak periods.
• Payment Processing and Security: Secure payment gateways and compliance with standards like PCI DSS ensure guests can pay safely. Integration with various payment methods is also a plus.
• Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive reporting tools allow hotels to analyze occupancy rates, revenue, and guest demographics to make data-driven decisions and tailor marketing efforts.
• Mobile Accessibility: Mobile-friendly software or dedicated apps enable hotel staff to manage bookings on the go, improving flexibility and response times.

20 Best Hotel Booking & Reservation Software in 2022

1. Preno

Preno is an automated hotel management software that makes overseeing hospitality tasks effortless. This cloud-based solution makes it easy to track your hospitality business. It also has real-time updates so you know immediately when there are new bookings or changes to existing reservations.

Additionally, it lets you collect more direct bookings. In this way, you can avoid OTA fees that can range between 10% to 30% per room that is booked. Plus, Preno can process payments through a booking engine you can embed on your website.

And whenever you need to check your hotel’s performance, you only have to look through Preno’s reports. The solution offers comprehensive reporting so you can see which source brings you the most bookings. You can also learn what is the most popular room type and which dates are the busiest.

2. Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds is an integrated hotel management platform that can help accommodations streamline operations to provide seamless guest experiences using its automation capability. Because of this, staff can be more productive and save hours of work every day.

Additionally, it has a calendar that can aid in creating smooth workflows. This shows, at a glance, the availability of rooms and the current bookings. From there, staff can also upgrade guests and update rates as needed. Plus, this shows rooms that are available across OTAs.

The easy-to-use hotel management platform adds to frictionless daily operations with real-time data. From arrivals and departures to reservations, you can see them as soon as you log in to the system. And, real-time visibility is a hallmark feature of the best hotel booking and reservation software platforms.

3. HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a solution that gets you closer to clients. With it, you can have faster and better bookings that customers will truly appreciate. That is because you can take control of all bookings from a single command center.

Since it is an all-in-one tool, you can book rooms for customers and schedule conference rooms or facilities at the same time. On top of that, you can provide invoices from the same solution. Clients themselves have access to a personalized portal that makes the application easy to use so they can even schedule rooms or facilities by themselves.

You can also define availability by the hour. In this way, clients can choose which hours they want to reserve or book an amenity. That leaves other hours available to other customers who may want to use them.

4. Oracle Hospitality

Oracle Hospitality offers tools for flawless workflows from the back office to the front desk. Among these are a wide array of hardware, software, and integrated services and cloud solutions. With these, hotels and similar businesses can get to know their customers more to offer personalized services.

But Oracle Hospitality goes beyond offering the usual tools expected of hotel booking and reservation software. Rather than stick to room bookings by day, it also offers timeshare options. This makes it easier for luxe vacation rentals and boutique hotels to offer an extended stay to guests.

5. RezOvation

RezOvation is a web-based booking and reservation software designed for bread-and-breakfast business operators. It has a booking engine that can integrate with your website. Because of that, interested customers can view room availability at their convenience. As well, they can make reservations by themselves through the booking engine. This saves them the trouble of waiting to contact your business during contact hours.

What’s more, RezOvation can help you to avoid no-shows and loss of revenue. It reminds guests of their bookings when the scheduled time draws near via email. And to make their experience more seamless, customers can pay for their rooms through the integrated credit card processor.

6. Little Hotelier

Little Hotelier is an innovation for the front desk operations of small accommodations. This cloud-based reservation and booking solution offers tools for managing expenses and resources. As such, they can maximize everything at their disposal to gain additional profit.

Among the features it has that can help achieve profitability is a channel manager. This allows the business to oversee its listings in different OTAs. There is also a commission-free booking engine you can add to your website. The latter can make it easier for guests to check availabilities and make reservations.

7. ResNexus

ResNexus is a hotel booking management solution that offers the latest innovative features to users. It has everything, from front desk management tools to red carpet service functionalities. With its broad range of capabilities, it is suitable for businesses of all sizes.

You can greatly reduce your administrative workload with this reservation management system. The application even has a guest history feature that can help your business establish strong relationships with customers. Plus, it is useful in your marketing efforts. However, if you prefer more powerful marketing tools, you can consider the 20 best marketing tools.

8. Propertyware

Propertyware is a scalable and versatile property management software. It is purpose-built for small residential properties that are in low-density areas. With its state-of-the-art features, it is possible for property owners to reduce expenses while driving revenue.

This booking and reservations solution also boasts a robust information workflow. This enables property managers to communicate with owners and tenants unobtrusively. On top of that, Propertyware is capable of automation, thereby reducing the administrative stress on managers. And in case you need more to provide top-notch assistance to clients, you can choose from the top 10 customer support solutions.

9. Guesty

Guesty is a unique reservation and booking platform for Airbnb and vacation rental operations. It is known for its easy-to-use solutions for workflow automation, channel management, and reporting. Also, it is a go-to platform because of its multi-location management capability that provides support to different accommodation types. These include urban rentals and even glamping.

Key features include a multi-calendar view, an owner’s portal, and a booking website. Also, it has features to easily manage extended stays. Moreover, it has performance management solutions such as analytics and a module for managing revenue. And, what’s great about Guesty is that you can access all of its features through its mobile app.

Furthermore, what really makes Guesty unique among its peers is that it provides users with 24/7 guest communication services. Basically, a dedicated team of Guesty representatives performs customer service tasks for you. Also, thanks to Guesty’s API, you can make the platform work with other third-party solutions. Lastly, Guesty is only available via a quote-based plan.

10. eviivo

eviivo is a reservation and booking software solution popular among hospitality businesses of different types. Hotels aren’t the only users of this app. Many operators of vacation rentals and B&Bs use eviivo as well. Its key features include check-in/out management, a website builder, guest communication tools, and price management. Moreover, thanks to its smart booking engine, it helps users to avoid overbookings.

Like other top applications, it also has features for payments, channel management, promo management, owner management, and guest management. Moreover, it connects with other travel platforms, including Expedia and Agoda, among many others. Pricing plans start at $30 every month.

11. Acuity Scheduling from Squarespace

Acuity Scheduling from Squarespace is a customizable appointment scheduling software that helps businesses automate their workflows, payments, and bookings. It offers features such as real-time availability, easy payment and intake forms, and automated email and text message reminders. The platform also provides a branded scheduling page that showcases services and availability, allowing clients to self-schedule appointments.

Acuity Scheduling from Squarespace is flexible enough to support many types of operations and can even be accessed on both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, Acuity Scheduling from Squarespace can be integrated with other third party apps such as Xero, Quickbooks, Salesforce, and Zoho.

12. YouCanBook.me

YouCanBook.me is a booking platform solution for hotels and other accommodation businesses. It provides users with an easy way to let their clients book stays and appointments. This is because you can easily embed the platform on your website and social media pages. This is not just useful for checking in but also for booking other facilities such as conference rooms and other event spaces. Other features include credit card payments support, cancellations, appointment reminders, multiple calendar connectivity, and tentative bookings management.

The program is also customizable. So, users will be able to stay consistent with their branding and user experience. Also, the platform works with third-party solutions, including Google Calendar, Office 365, Stripe, Zoom, and Zapier. Lastly, pricing starts at an affordable $10 per calendar per month.

13. Bookeo

Bookeo is a commission-free booking and reservations solution for hotel management. It helps users streamline their booking workflows from check-ins to events. These include hotel conferences, weddings, music functions, and many more. Moreover, the platform includes marketing tools and business performance analysis solutions. So, users will not only be able to increase their bookings but also measure how well they are performing.

Other features include a client database, online payment support, advanced scheduling, appointment calendar, and calendar sync. Also, you can integrate Bookeo with your website. And, it also works seamlessly with other third-party solutions, including MailChimp and QuickBooks. It also has native integrations with social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Pricing starts at $14.95 per user every month.

14. SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me is an online booking solution useful for hotel property management operations. The platform is so flexible that it is not only being used in hospitality but also in many different industries. It is known for its comprehensive set of features, including membership management, payments management, recurring tasks, mobile interface, group booking, and invoice printing. Moreover, it has additional features for promotions including coupon codes and gift card management.

Furthermore, the solution also works with third-party tools. These include Facebook, Google Analytics, PayPal, and Skrill, among many others. SimplyBook.me also has a free plan available to smaller operations. Premium plans start at $9.90 per month.

15. Checkfront

Checkfront is a booking and reservations software solution with robust customer management tools. Like other booking platforms, it connects with other online travel services for bookings and reservations. Moreover, it facilitates online payments for stress-free transactions. Other features include a site builder, waivers, and customization options. The platform is flexible enough to support different types of hospitality operations not limited to accommodations and rentals. In fact, it is popularly used for tours and other vacation activities as well.

Checkfront works seamlessly with other software solutions. These include QuickBooks, Stripe, and MailChimp. Also, it connects with other popular travel services such as Expedia Local Expert and GetYourGuide. Pricing starts at $49 per month.

16. RMS Hospitality Cloud

RMS Hospitality Cloud is a cloud-based booking and reservation platform popular among hospitality businesses. Its user base ranges from hotels to resorts and even campgrounds and lifestyle villages. It has comprehensive channel management, payments support, reservation management, front-of-house management, reporting, billing, and invoicing, among many others. Popular users include Ascott and Discovery Parks.

Moreover, through its open API, RMS Hospitality cloud works seamlessly with third-party products. So, you can connect it with other business solutions such as CRM software. Lastly, the application is only available via custom subscription plans.

17. Vrbo (HomeAway)

Vrbo (HomeAway) is a booking and reservation software solution where property owners and managers meet potential guests. This online marketplace has basic property management solutions. These include an easy-to-use reservation management system, an online booking module, and listing performance analytics. Also, it has traveler reviews management features to increase reputation organically.

And in case you already have an existing listing on another online travel agency, you can set up your Vrbo listing quickly. This is because the platform can read that information to make the setup faster. Lastly, Vrbo lets you choose between a subscription plan or a pay-per-booking plan.

18. Sirvoy

Sirvoy is a booking and reservation management system popular in the hospitality industry, serving different kinds of accommodations operations. Its clients are not only limited to hotels. It also serves B&Bs, hostels, and guest houses, among others. It is prized for its user-friendliness and comprehensive list of features. These include a booking engine, guest communications, and a channels manager. The product also includes a useful room rate feature, enabling users to create multiple room types with add-ons options. Also, like other top tools, it provides an intuitive website builder.

The app has basic booking features. These include statistics, reports, a calendar overview, and customizable alerts. It also has payment processing capabilities. Moreover, it works well with other travel solutions such as Expedia and TripAdvisor. Pricing is based on the number of rooms you manage. Its Essential plan—for 21 to 50 rooms—costs $39 every month.

19. Rent Manager

Rent Manager is a popular comprehensive reservation and booking solution flexible enough to be used by different types of businesses. It has basic and advanced features for marketing and leasing, reporting, business operations, accounting, and maintenance. The suite also includes communication tools, an owner management module, accounts receivable, and work orders management. Also, unlike other platforms, it has a metered utility management feature to boot.

Rent Manager has integrations with other platforms such as Rently, CondoWorks, and AvidXchange, among many others. And, because of its open API, users can connect it to virtually any solution or software stack. Lastly, the platform is available via quote-based subscription plans.

20. SiteMinder

SiteMinder is a comprehensive hotel management platform designed for property managers and hoteliers of all sizes. It offers features for channel management, booking optimization, and performance reporting, tailored for general managers, revenue managers, and marketing executives. SiteMinder integrates with property management systems (PMS), customer relationship management (CRM) systems, revenue management systems (RMS), and payment gateways. The platform’s subscription-based pricing is customizable to fit the needs and size of each property.

What’s the best hotel reservation & booking software for you?

As you can see on the list, you can choose from many types of hotel reservation software solutions. Some offer easy-to-use generic and flexible solutions while others offer specialized features. There are also those that were made specifically for hotels while others are better suited to other types of tourist accommodations. So, ultimately, it is you that has to come up with the answer for yourself.

But if you are looking for a complete and easy-to-use solution, you can do well with Preno, then compare it with the other top solutions on the list. And if you want to make certain your hotel or property is well-equipped through and through, you can invest in a PMS, too. But first, you can familiarize yourself with the 10 important features of a property management system.

Key Insights

• Travel Boom and Competition: The hospitality industry is gearing up for a post-COVID travel boom, leading to increased competition. Effective use of advanced hotel booking software can provide a competitive edge.
• Multi-functional Capabilities: Modern hotel booking software offers comprehensive functionalities, including marketing integrations, web chat, and property management, making them essential for seamless operations.
• Direct Bookings: Over 66.7% of bookings are made directly on a business’s website. Thus, having an effective booking engine integrated into the website is crucial for maximizing direct bookings and reducing OTA fees.
• Mobile Optimization: A significant portion of bookings and searches come from mobile devices, emphasizing the need for mobile-optimized booking platforms to enhance user experience and capture more reservations.
• Automation and Real-time Updates: Features like real-time updates, automated tasks, and reporting tools in booking software can streamline operations, reduce administrative workload, and improve overall efficiency.
• Guest Experience and Personalization: Advanced booking software allows for personalized guest experiences, from booking to check-out, helping to build stronger customer relationships and increase repeat business.
• Channel Management: Effective channel management features in booking software ensure that hotels can manage listings across various OTAs seamlessly, reducing the risk of overbookings and maximizing occupancy.
• Integration with Third-party Solutions: The ability to integrate with third-party solutions, including CRM software, payment processors, and marketing tools, enhances the functionality and versatility of booking platforms.

FAQ

1. What is hotel booking software? Hotel booking software is a digital tool designed to help hotels and other accommodations manage reservations, bookings, guest information, and other related tasks. It often includes features such as automated booking, payment processing, and integration with third-party services.
2. How can hotel booking software benefit my business? Hotel booking software can streamline your operations, reduce administrative workload, enhance guest experience, and increase bookings. It offers features like real-time updates, automation, marketing integrations, and reporting tools, which can improve efficiency and profitability.
3. Why is mobile optimization important for hotel booking software? A significant portion of hotel bookings and searches are conducted on mobile devices. Mobile optimization ensures that your booking platform provides a seamless user experience on smartphones and tablets, capturing more reservations and reducing the risk of losing potential customers.
4. What are the key features to look for in hotel booking software? Key features to look for include real-time updates, automation, mobile optimization, channel management, integration with third-party solutions, personalized guest experiences, and comprehensive reporting tools.
5. How does channel management work in hotel booking software? Channel management allows hotels to manage their listings across multiple OTAs from a single platform. This ensures that room availability is updated in real-time across all channels, reducing the risk of overbookings and maximizing occupancy.
6. Can hotel booking software help with marketing efforts? Yes, many hotel booking software solutions include marketing tools and integrations. These features can help you create targeted marketing campaigns, manage promotions, and track the performance of your marketing efforts to increase bookings and revenue.
7. What are the benefits of integrating hotel booking software with other third-party solutions? Integration with third-party solutions enhances the functionality of hotel booking software. It allows you to connect with CRM systems, payment processors, marketing tools, and other business applications, providing a more comprehensive and streamlined approach to managing your hotel operations.
8. How can hotel booking software improve the guest experience? Hotel booking software can personalize the guest experience from booking to check-out. Features like automated communication, personalized offers, and easy access to booking information help create a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat business.
9. What should I consider when choosing a hotel booking software? Consider factors such as the specific needs of your hotel, the key features offered by the software, ease of use, integration capabilities, customer support, and cost. It’s also important to read reviews and test the software through free trials if available.
10. Are there any free hotel booking software options available? Yes, some hotel booking software options offer free plans with basic features, while others provide free trials for a limited period. These options can be suitable for small operations or for testing the software before committing to a paid plan.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.