10 Best Property Management Systems for Small Hotels 2024

With over a decade of experience advising small hotels on optimizing their operations, I have gained an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved in managing bookings, room availability, guest experiences, and pricing strategies.

Through consultations with independent hotel owners, I have witnessed firsthand how the right technology not only simplifies management tasks but also significantly boosts revenue. This is achieved through strategic implementations of upselling techniques, automated revenue management, and enhanced guest experiences. It takes hard work to make things simple!

Choosing an appropriate Property Management System (PMS) is pivotal for transforming and elevating operations in small hotels.

This article provides a detailed guide through top management software specifically designed to meet the unique needs of small hotels, ensuring you can make an informed decision that best suits your business.

Best Small Hotel PMS: The Top 3

The reviews presented below are carefully curated by the HotelMinder expert team, leveraging our extensive expertise and deep understanding of the industry. We've selected the three most popular solutions among our clients, utilizing our in-depth knowledge and extensive hands-on experience with these products. Each review is backed by thorough analysis and reflection of feedback from existing customers, ensuring you receive well-rounded, authoritative insights.

Sirvoy: Best for Hoteliers on a Budget

Sirvoy stands out as an easy-to-use, cost-effective booking system tailored for various types of accommodations including hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and motels. It integrates a Property Management System, Booking Engine, and Channel Manager into one solution, ensuring seamless management and increased bookings.

Why We Selected Sirvoy:

Sirvoy is our top pick due to its affordability and comprehensive feature set. Sirvoy provides an all-in-one solution that simplifies property management without breaking the bank. It is especially beneficial for small to mid-sized businesses aiming to maintain a tight budget.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Sirvoy offers a multitude of great features including a responsive Booking Engine, a built-in Channel Manager that integrates with major booking sites as well as Google Hotel Ads. The software supports direct bookings through your website without any commission fees.

Pros:

• Ease of use: Sirvoy's interface is intuitive, making it accessible for users with varying levels of tech-savviness.
• Comprehensive integrations: Seamlessly integrates with major OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb.
• Excellent customer service: User reviews consistently highlight the exceptional support provided by Sirvoy's team.
• Cost-effective: Starting at just €10/month for up to 2 units, it provides very substantial value for its price.
• Flexibility and scalability: Suitable for a wide range of accommodations from small B&Bs to larger budget hotels.

Cons:

• Basic functionality: Some users might find the system lacks advanced features needed for more complex operations.
• Limited customization options: Particularly in areas such as reporting and payment processing.
• Slow feature updates: New features can take time to be implemented and rolled out to users.

Pricing:

Sirvoy offers two main pricing plans:

• Starter Plan:?starting at €10/month for up to 2 units, providing essential booking and management features suitable for smaller businesses.
• Pro Plan:?starting at €34/month, offering full access to all features including the Channel Manager and more advanced integrations.

Top 3 Verified Reviews:

• It does everything I need to manage our lodge reservations and billing — Tim, Proprietor
• Sirvoy was very good value and easy to set up. — John, Director
• Sirvoy's support team feels like family - patient, respectful, friendly, communicative and knowledgeable. — Cherie, Owner Manager

For more verified reviews from users of Sirvoy, click here.

Sirvoy Exclusive Offer: Sign up for a free trial now: get 50% discount on your first 3 months

Cloudbeds: Best All-In-One, Expandable Option

Cloudbeds is a standout in the hospitality management software market due to its comprehensive and unified platform that seamlessly integrates key functionalities, allowing hoteliers to streamline their operations and enhance guest experiences very effectively.

Why We Selected Cloudbeds:

Cloudbeds offers an all-in-one solution tailored for various property types, from boutique hotels to large vacation rentals. Its ability to consolidate multiple tools into a single interface helps hoteliers avoid managing disparate systems.

The add-on modules of PIE, for automated rates management, and Whistle for automated guest communication, make Cloudbeds an ideal solution for properties looking to optimize their operations without dealing with multiple systems.

Standout Features & Integrations:

• Integrated Channel Manager for all major OTAs
• A comprehensive & good looking booking engine
• Advanced revenue management tools (PIE) and guest communication (Whistle)

Its integrations with tools like Stripe for payments and Mailchimp for marketing enhance its utility, offering a customizable solution that adapts to various operational needs.

Pros:

• Unified System:?Centralizes all operations into one platform.
• User-friendly Interface:?Simplifies training and daily operations.
• Comprehensive Reporting:?Provides valuable insights for better decision-making.
• Customizable Integrations:?Easily connects with other essential tools.

Cons:

• Learning Curve:?New users may need time to adapt.
• Customer Service:?Some inconsistency in support quality.
• Pricing:?Not transparent, & can become expensive with added features.

Pricing:

Cloudbeds offers tiered pricing based on the property size and specific needs. Custom quotes are available upon request, allowing for tailored solutions that fit different types of establishments.

Top 3 Verified Reviews:

• What I like the most is that CloudBeds keeps me in control. — Stephen, Owner
• It took me less than 5 minutes to teach my employee everything they need to be efficient in the program. — Carl, Owner
• I manage a 25 room boutique hotel, and Cloudbeds offers everything that we need in a nice, neat little package. — Corey, General Manager

For more verified reviews from users of Cloudbeds, click here.

Cloudbeds Exclusive Offer: Sign up for a demo and receive $250 of free credit

Hostaway: Best for Vacation Rental Businesses

Hostaway stands out as a comprehensive and versatile vacation rental property management software and channel manager, designed to streamline operations for property managers.

Why We Selected Hostaway:

Hostaway's robust API connections, a solid mobile app with messaging and calendar functionalities, and an easily integrated booking engine make it a reliable choice for managing vacation rental properties and small hotels.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Hostaway offers several standout features that cater specifically to small property managers:

• A proprietary channel manager that ensures smooth connectivity
• Dedicated customer support that provides dedicated assistance from day one.
• Advanced automation capabilities for handling repetitive tasks, financial reporting, and task management systems.
• An open API allowing for custom integrations and access to over 150 integrated software partners through a dedicated marketplace.

Pros:

• Highly Customizable:?Allows tailoring to the specific needs of property managers.
• Automations:?Robust tools for automating repetitive tasks.
• Unified Systems:?Combines multiple functionalities like communication tools and direct booking website capabilities.
• Comprehensive Integrations:?Extensive integration with other tools and platforms.

Cons:

• Complexity:?May be overwhelming for smaller operations due to the breadth of features.
• Cost:?Potentially higher pricing due to the advanced features and comprehensive integrations.

Pricing:

Hostaway offers a range of flexible pricing plans tailored to the size and requirements of the property management business. For specific pricing details, interested users are encouraged to request a demo.

Top 3 Verified Reviews:

• I’m very pleased! Quick pick up when I call too. — Tari, owner
• Excellent customer service, efficient and the wait time is short. Reps are knowledgeable and extremely helpful. — Phill, CEO
• Good product overall. Does everything I need it to do (and more). — Dan, owner

For more verified reviews from users of Hostaway, click here.

Hostaway Exclusive Offer: Sign up for a demo and get 50% off the setup fee!

Best Small Hotel PMS in 2024: Shortlist

Small hotels with fewer than 30 rooms should look for?PMS software?that focuses on essential modules like online reservation tools and integration with existing reservation platforms. This will help them free up the staff to take care of other pressing matters. It will also get rid of human errors in bookings and invoicing.

Sirvoy — An easy to setup and feature full all-in-one solution designed for small to medium sized properties everywhere, like hotels, b&bs, hostels and campsites. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — Sign up for a free trial now: get 50% discount on your first 3 months

Little Hotelier — Little Hotelier is a cloud-based property management solution designed for small properties such as bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, inns, lodges, and small hotels. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — 50% off your first 6 months and 50% off set up fees

Cloudbeds — Cloudbeds is the leading platform redefining the concept of PMS for the hospitality industry, serving tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries worldwide. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — Sign up for a demo and receive $250 of free credit

Hostaway — Hostaway is an all-in-one vacation rental software for professional property managers who want to get more bookings with less hassle. Hostaway helps you get more out of your business while spending less time with tedious manual tasks. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — Sign up for a demo and get 50% off the setup fee!

SabeeApp — SabeeApp is an all-in-one cloud hotel management software tailored for independent hotels and other small accommodation like vacation rentals and B&B's. It offers 4 main core modules: - a PMS - a Channel Manager - an Internet Booking engine - a Payment Gateway. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — Sign up for a trial now to get 50% discount on your first 3 months

bookingplanner — Bookingplanner?offers an affordable?all-in-one solution for your hotel, B&B or holiday home to achieve more bookings with less administration. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — 50% discount on professional onboarding costs

Noovy — An affordable all-in-one solution for independent hotels, from property management to channel management and from booking engine to payment collection. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — No setup fee; a saving of 295€

GuestDiary — is the ultimate all-in-one and low cost solution for small hotels and guesthouses to manage their reservations and online presence. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — Sign up now and get a 60 days 100% FREE TRIAL

ED for hotels — All-in-one PMS system that allows to manage your hotels more efficiently & cost-effectively. EXCLUSIVE OFFER — Get free set up + two month free trial or €50 credit

Our Top 3 Essential Small PMS Features

These are the top 3 things we, at HotelMinder, strongly recommend considering when choosing management software for your small hotel. Why? Because upon implementation, it's certain to save you time and increase your bottom line - resulting in more time to focus on your guests and in turn, improve ratings.

Keep in mind, most Property Management Systems (PMS) offer add-ons and/or integrations to include the features below if they aren’t already included by default. So, there’s no excuse! If you're unsure, feel free to get in touch!

Dynamic Revenue Management

Say hello to the game-changer for small hotel businesses - auto dynamic pricing. Instead of fixed prices that might have you missing out on profits, your room prices adjust based on factors such as the popularity of the season, competitor pricing, and demand surges during special events. It's like having a real-time pulse on the market.

While it sounds like a lot of work, automation simplifies the process. An automated system handles the task of calculating these factors in real-time and adjusting your prices accordingly.

This not only boosts your revenues but also helps fill up your rooms more efficiently. It's like having a virtual assistant who's always on call, ensuring the most value for your offerings.

For the best revenue management system options (some are bundled with PMS solutions), check here.

Guest Messaging Integration

A guest messaging system is an essential feature in your hotel operations. Beyond responding to messages from various online travel agencies through a unified Inbox, it allows for real-time, personalized communication with your guests.

Being able to swiftly and seamlessly handle guest requests or feedback builds a strong relationship with them.

But there's an added advantage - automation. Built-in Artificial Intelligence and language model capabilities streamline responses to repetitive guest inquiries, freeing up staff time from mundane tasks.

This enhances the guest experience and also leads to a more efficient team. Remember, every great guest experience starts and ends with outstanding communication.

Keyless Access Control (Smart Locks Integration)

In the era of smart homes, hotels can’t be left behind. It's time to consider a system that elevates security and offers guests the convenience of using a simple key card or a secure mobile app instead of traditional keys.

Integrating an advanced keyless access control system with your hotel's Property Management System (PMS) significantly boosts your hotel's reputation. More than 70% of guests believe that technology enhances their overall hotel experience. Plus, this is an excellent way to safeguard both your hotel's and guests' sensitive data.

Think of it as a tireless security guard – always monitoring, reporting, and preventing unauthorized access. It's no surprise that research shows how hotels using integrated technology see improved operational efficiency.

How does a PMS help a small hotel?

A Property Management System (PMS) streamlines small hotels' daily operations by automating critical tasks such as reservations, housekeeping, revenue management, and guest interactions. By consolidating various functions onto a single platform, these tools not only simplify the hotel management process but also enhance overall guest satisfaction.

Key Functions and Benefits

• Reservation Management: Efficiently handle bookings, track room availability, and manage cancellations.
• Front Office Operations: Streamline check-in/check-out processes and enhance guest relationship management.
• Housekeeping Management: Coordinate room statuses, task assignments, and inventory seamlessly.
• Reporting: Generate detailed reports on hotel performance, occupancy rates, and revenue.
• Guest Experience: Provide personalized services and respond promptly to guest requests.

Choosing a PMS for Small Hotels: Key Considerations

When selecting a Property Management System (PMS) for small hotels, prioritizing simplicity and comprehensive integration is essential.

Small hotels benefit significantly from systems that bring together multiple operational functions onto one platform. This consolidation reduces the management burden of multiple software solutions, making it particularly advantageous for hotels with limited staff.

An Unified System

Opting for a PMS that amalgamates core functionalities — like booking engines and channel management —into a single solution can minimize complications and streamline operations. This holistic approach is especially beneficial for small hotels, simplifying training and reducing software management overhead.

For example, all of the systems listed on this page are particularly suitable for small hotels as they bundle Property Management System (PMS) with the Channel Manager (CM) and a Booking Engine (BE) for the hotel website.

Some systems then offer add-ons to third party systems or in-house developed modules offering more extensive functionalities such as advanced reporting functionality, dynamic pricing, integration with OTA messaging services, etc. This allows small accommodation business owners to add functions as they need in a plug & play fashion.

User-Friendly Interface

The interface of the PMS should be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing hotel staff to manage reservations and guest interactions efficiently without the need for extensive technical training.

This ease of use speeds up the onboarding process for new staff and reduces the likelihood of human error, which is crucial in maintaining operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Tools to Personalize Guest Experience

A robust PMS enables small hotels to offer personalized services that can significantly enhance the guest experience. Key features include:

• Guest Profiles: The ability to store detailed information about guests, including their preferences and previous interactions. This capability allows hotels to tailor their services to meet individual needs and preferences, thereby enhancing guest loyalty and satisfaction.
• Automated Communication: instant messaging and email messaging tools that manage communication with guests before, during, and after their stay ensures consistent interaction and personalization. This not just aids in providing better service but also enhances the overall guest experience by making them feel considered.

Selecting the Right PMS: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Hotels

Choosing the right Property Management System (PMS) is crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency of small hotels. This guide provides a structured approach to help you make an informed decision.

Step 1: Assess your Specific Needs

Begin by thoroughly understanding the specific requirements of your hotel. Consider the size of your property, the typical guest profile, and any unique operational challenges you face. This assessment will help you pinpoint key features your PMS must have to address these needs effectively.

Step 2: Compile an Essential Feature List

Based on your needs assessment, list down the essential features your PMS should offer. Prioritize functionalities such as a unified system that integrates various operations (booking, channel management, guest communications) and an interface that is user-friendly to ensure ease of use for your staff.

Step 3: Conduct Market Research

With your list of required features in hand, undertake comprehensive market research to identify PMS solutions that align with your criteria. Compare each system's offerings, focusing on features, reliability, scalability, and integration capabilities with other tools you may use.

Step 4: Schedule Demos and Collect Feedback

Arrange for demonstrations of the PMS solutions that best fit your needs. Include key staff members who will be using the system in these demos to obtain their insights and feedback on the usability and functionality of each option. Their hands-on experience can provide valuable perspectives on how well each system will meet your operational requirements.

Step 5: Finalize your Decision

Evaluate all the information and feedback gathered to make a well-informed choice. Select a PMS that not only meets your feature requirements and budget constraints but also offers reliable customer support to help with any challenges during and after implementation.

By following these steps, you ensure that the PMS you choose is well-suited to enhance the efficiency and guest service capabilities of your small hotel.

FAQ’s for Small Hotel PMS

How much does a PMS typically cost for a small hotel?

Costs vary based on the scope and scale of operations but generally start from around $50 per month for basic packages to several hundred dollars for more comprehensive solutions.

What are common pricing models for a PMS in small hotels?

Monthly or annual subscriptions are standard, often tiered based on the features included.

What range of pricing should be expected for a PMS in a small hotel?

Expect anything from $50 to several hundred dollars per month, depending on the feature set.

Are there free PMS options available?

Some providers offer free versions or trial periods. For a comprehensive list of free options, check here.

Do these PMSs offer integrations with other tools?

Yes, integrating with tools like POS systems, payment gateways, and CRM software is common, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

What differentiate a PMS for a Small Hotel and a PMS for a Big Hotel?

Aside from the pricing — bigger hotel tech is typically much more expensive than small hotel tech — the main differences will be: compliance with industry standards (ie: data protection), customization & integrations possibilities (ie: integration with Salesforce), complex reporting (ie: custom reporting for a chain of hotels). Here’s our list of the most popular PMS systems for medium and big hotels.