What Is the Best Hotel Management Software?

Our Top 3 Hotel Management Software picks

1. Preno – Overall #1, best for hotel or motels looking for an all-in-one that’s easy to use yet powerful
2. Oracle PMS – Good for large chains like Hilton, but not ideal for smaller companies
3. Guesty – Good for single of multi-location Airbnb properties, but not ideal for many hotels or motels

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In an industry that thrives on the delicate dance of impeccable customer service and efficient operations, hotel management software plays the unseen role of choreographer. It synchronises tasks, optimises resources, and ensures a seamless guest experience. Yet, finding the best software among the sea of options can be as daunting as orchestrating one of those behind-the-scenes ballets without a cue.

This post is designed to guide you, the hotel manager, through the labyrinth of hotel management software. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh-faced entrepreneur ready to dip your feet into the waters of the hospitality industry, making informed decisions about the software you choose can mean the difference between a waltz and a stumble.

Understanding Your Needs: What Hotel Managers Seek

To start with efficiency, you first identify the intricate steps that need synchronisation. From 5-star hotel management software to small hotel management software, the priorities remain the same. For hotel managers, these are often operational challenges like overbooking, revenue management complexities, or guest service redundancies.

With this in mind, hotel management software should offer solutions that include:

• Streamlined reservation and booking management
• Hotel front desk management software
• Integrated billing and invoicing processes
• Real-time reporting and analytics for proactive decision-making
• Housekeeping and maintenance task management
• Seamless channel management for online presence and booking platforms

Addressing each area is crucial, but the ability to integrate all processes into a single, easy-to-access system is the true barometer of a software’s worth.

Features to Look For in Hotel Management Software

The colour and flare of fancy software may dazzle at first glance, but the real stars are often the functions that provide a solid foundation for hotel operations. These features include:

• Reservation Management: The core of hotel operations, an effective system should handle bookings, cancellations, and modifications, managing room inventory without a hitch.
• Point of Sale (POS): Streamline sales across various departments, providing guests with a single bill at checkout that includes everything from the minibar to spa services.
• Accounting Integration: With accounting often at the root of operational efficiency, seamless integration is non-negotiable.
• Housekeeping Management: Efficient staff scheduling and room assignment, often with a mobile app for real-time updates, can mean the difference between war and peace in the housekeeping department.
• Reporting and Analytics: From inventory status to revenue forecasting, robust reporting tools arm managers with the insights they need for strategic decisions.

Top Hotel Management Software in the Market

The shiny ballroom of hotel management software is crowded with contenders, each with its own pros and cons. Among the top dancers in the current market are:

• Preno: This New Zealand-based software has gained traction for its user-friendly interface, straightforward pricing, and strong support. Preno offers a comprehensive suite that includes everything from reservation and channel management to integrated payment solutions. They also offer a free 7-day trial which allows you to try before you buy.
• Cloudbeds: With a focus on providing solutions for independent properties, Cloudbeds offers an all-in-one system that includes reservation and channel management, POS, housekeeping, and revenue forecasting tools. Their user-friendly platform is also highly customisable to fit the unique needs of each property.
• Mews: This cloud-based software boasts an impressive lineup of integrations, making it a seamless addition to any hotel’s tech stack. Their user-friendly interface and robust automation tools have also earned them high marks from industry professionals.

It’s important to remember that the best software for one hotel may not be so for another. The key is to match the software’s strengths with your hotel’s unique needs.

Case Study: The Burgoyne – Embracing Innovative Systems with Preno

The Burgoyne, a historical property originally built in 1783 and nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, underwent a significant transformation when new ownership took charge in 2018. This boutique 11-room country house accommodation seamlessly merged old-world charm with modern amenities to enhance guest experiences.

Challenge Faced:

• Manual and time-consuming administrative processes.
• Lack of seamless integration between different operational systems.
• Inefficient handling of guest bookings and accounts.

How Preno Helped:

1. Automation and Personalisation: Preno’s email templates allowed for automated yet personalised communication, saving valuable time on confirmation emails.
2. Streamlined Credit Card Management: Multiple credit card details were securely stored in guest profiles on Preno’s system, reducing manual input and verification time.
3. Integration Capabilities: Preno seamlessly integrated with other software solutions like SiteMinder (channel manager), Xero (accounting software), and Lightspeed Kounta POS, optimising various operational aspects.

Results Achieved:

• Time Savings: The automatic credit card feature alone saved up to 60 hours per month on administrative tasks.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Multiple credit card details were securely managed, reducing manual errors and time spent on manual data entry.
• Improved Guest Experience: Ready-to-go email templates and personalised guest interactions enhanced the overall guest experience, fostering loyalty and repeat visits.
• Synergistic Operations: Integration with other smart software solutions improved overall operational efficiency and accuracy.

Testimonial:

Rachael Owen, Marketing Manager at The Burgoyne, highlighted the effectiveness of Preno in enhancing their operations: “Before Preno, we used to be really old-school. Now we have an incredibly effective system, which saves us so much time. All the enhancements have been massive time-savers, which gives us more time to spend on the customer experience and overall accuracy.”

By leveraging Preno’s innovative property management software, The Burgoyne successfully optimised their processes, enhanced guest satisfaction, and achieved significant time savings, enabling them to focus more on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Implementing Hotel Management Software

Transitioning to new hotel management software can indeed feel like mastering a fresh routine on the dance floor. To ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruptions, it’s essential to follow a structured approach:

1. Assess Current Processes: Before diving into software integration, take the time to evaluate your current operational processes. Understanding how things are currently managed will provide valuable insights into areas that can benefit most from software automation and optimisation. This assessment will help you tailor the implementation to address specific pain points and streamline workflows effectively.

2. Select the Right Vendor: Choosing the right software vendor is a crucial step in the implementation process. Consider factors such as compatibility with your existing systems, the level of support provided, and the quality of the training program offered. Opt for a vendor that not only offers a feature-rich software solution but also aligns with your business needs and provides excellent customer support to guide you through the transition.

3. Training and Support: Investing time and resources in comprehensive training for your team is key to maximising the benefits of the new software. Look for a hotel management software that offers robust training programs tailored to your staff’s roles and responsibilities. Effective training will empower your team to leverage the software’s full potential, improve efficiency, and enhance guest experiences. Additionally, ensure that the vendor provides ongoing support post-implementation to address any issues or questions that may arise during the onboarding process.

Future Trends in Hotel Management Software

The hotel management software industry is akin to a dynamic dance floor, constantly evolving with new trends and technologies emerging each season. Among the current spotlight-stealers are:

1. Advanced Personalisation: A key trend in hotel management software is advanced personalisation capabilities. These features enable hotels to offer highly tailored guest experiences by automatically adjusting room settings based on individual preferences. Dynamic pricing tools have also become increasingly common, allowing for flexible pricing strategies based on demand and other factors.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is reshaping the landscape of hotel management software. From chatbots that assist guests with inquiries to automated check-in processes, AI-driven solutions are streamlining operations and enhancing guest interactions. This trend is set to continue growing, providing more efficient and personalised services for hotel guests.

3. Eco-Friendly Integrations: Sustainability is taking centre stage in the hospitality industry, and hotel management software is following suit. Emerging trends include eco-friendly integrations that focus on reducing environmental impact. Features such as energy usage tracking, waste management modules, and other green initiatives are becoming integral parts of modern hotel management software, allowing properties to adopt more sustainable practices and meet the growing demand for eco-conscious accommodation options.

As the hotel management software industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of these future trends can help hoteliers adapt to changing guest expectations, enhance operational efficiency, and differentiate their properties in an increasingly competitive market. By embracing advanced personalization, leveraging AI and automation, and integrating eco-friendly practices, hotels can position themselves at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the hospitality sector.

In a world where the right partner can make a duet a delight, choose your hotel management software with care. It should provide not only the basic steps but also the flexibility to perform with the grace of a seasoned professional.

Remember that technology, like dance, is both an art and a science. The best software is not just the one with the flashiest moves; it is the one that can lead, follow, and dance with equal measures of elegance and precision.

If your business is considering adopting hotel management software, you might also be interested in reading:

• The Top 5 Hotel Management Software for NZ Hoteliers