If you're a busy hotel manager worried about satisfying guests, allocating time to research and choose hotel management software that fits your needs may fall by the wayside. Or, you end up just choosing the most popular option in the hotel management world, Opera PMS.
After a while, though, you realize it isn't what you needed at all. You have unique needs that this software doesn't satisfy. You need to find a new solution fast, all while managing a fully booked hotel.
Don’t panic; that’s where we come in.
Oracle’s Opera Hotel PMS dominates the hotel property management sphere, but there are other options available offering a variety of features, and sometimes even cheaper prices.
Below, I’ll cover five Opera PMS alternatives, outlining their pros and cons so you can find the right fit for your hotel.
The five alternatives—listed below in alphabetical order—all have two things in common:
They are specifically geared toward independent hotels.
They’re highly rated and / or have a lot of reviews on Capterra.
1. eZee FrontDesk
eZee FrontDesk’s dashboard
eZee Technosys has the second highest market popularity score of all hospitality property management software we listed on our website, second only to Oracle’s Opera. They offer a “complete range of hospitality solutions inclusive of desktop as well as online property management.
Pros
eZee FrontDesk available in the cloud, —offers front desk, laundry, back-office, accounting, channel manager, and reporting features all in one place with 24-7 live support. If you want to give it a spin first before paying the one-time licensing fee, which starts at $1,150, you can test drive it with a 30-day free trial. Reviewers at Capterra describe it as easy to use, with some noting that it is especially helpful for small hotels looking to keep track of reservations and customer information. Reviewers also describe the system as intuitive for users.
Cons
eZee FrontDesk caters to small hotels, but they also deal with large and very large hotels, claiming more than 6,000 clients in 140+ countries. For the manager of a smaller hotel hoping to deal with a relatively small software company and receive personalized service, this may be a turnoff. It’s worth noting that FrontDesk’s customer service has also been praised in reviews.
Have you used eZee FrontDesk? Leave a review!
2. Hotelogix
Hotelogix’s dashboard
Hotelogix is cloud-based software that caters to independent hotels trying to figure out how to automate operations and boost revenue. The company claims that its software is used in 100 countries, and that you can “get to the cloud in just 1 minute.”
Pros
This property management system integrates all critical operations into one hotel platform, whether that be your front desk, accounts, or even travel agents. Hotelogix also offers a team of hospitality experts available 24-7 to answer clients’ questions. You can begin with a free trial, and pricing starts at just $3.99 per month. Reviewers at Capterra prais the software for being easy to use and automating the booking process, which can be a headache for smaller hoteliers.
Cons
One reviewer noted that the software lacks an inventory system or a calendar for employee shifts.Hotelogix services a large number of clients, and at least one reviewer said that the company can be slow to respond to reported issues.
Have you used Hotelogix? Leave a review!
3. Hotello
An example of Hotello’s reports
Hotello offers a variety of property management features that touch on front desk management, marketing, operations, accounting, and other day-to-day management processes essential to running a successful hotel.
Pros
This system includes standard software features like reservations, check-in/checkout, and invoicing, as well as an availability chart to monitor occupancies and cancellations in real-time. Hotello’s marketing component is a standout feature, giving users the option to automatically send thank you notes to guests and transmit invoices. This solution’s guest preference management system also lets users add specific details about a particular guests, such as allergies, stay history, and favorite rooms. Other day-to-day management features include a housekeeping component, user transaction histories, and data printing and exporting. Hotello is available in a cloud-based format.
Cons
According to Capterra reviews,the software occasionally lags and two folios can’t be opened at once, meaning only one reservation can be made at a time.
Have you used Hotello? Leave a review!
4. MSI CloudPM
Several views of MSI CloudPM’s dashboard
If you love working in the cloud, MSI CloudPM may be the Opera alternative you're looking for. This property management system has all the features of standard PMS software without requiring an expensive hardware installation. By running the application in a browser, you can create tabs to access other features without losing your work. It also features built-in web-based help tools—including video tutorials and live help from technicians.
Pros
Capterra reviewers describe the software as intuitive and user-friendly, and praised the MSI team for being responsive to requests for features, a big deal for smaller hotels with unique needs.
Cons
One user complained that the system is "sometimes slow and shuts down randomly," and that features may not work correctly from time to time. Another user noted that the customer service team quickly responds to any reported "kinks" in the system.
Have you used MSI CloudPM? Leave a review!
5. RoomMaster by InnQuest
RoomMaster’s booking engine
InnQuest's roomMaster is used by thousands of properties in dozens of countries, ranging from major chains to boutique hotels. The software handles property management, online and direct bookings, revenue management, and point-of-sale, among other integrations. It also offers extras such as "auto rate tuning" to adjust rates based on occupancy.
Pros
Capterra reviewers said that the software is straightforward and easy to configure. Managers didn't have to spend a lot of time training their staff due to the software’s simplicity, allowing them to focus on managing the hotel instead. Reviewers cited lots of features to take advantage of, and described customer support as responsive.
Cons
Complaints about roomMaster were relatively random and usually specific to the reviewer's unique situation. However, one reviewer noted that the software lacks 24-hour customer support, although a support agent is available for emergencies. One dissatisfied user stated that the software is not intuitive or easy to use, so your experience may vary.
Have you used roomMaster? Leave a review!
Did we forget anyone?
Have any other favorite Opera PMS alternatives? Drop them Let me know in the comments below.