From PMS and CRS to CRM, IBE, and channel managers, the world of hotel tech can feel overwhelming. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to end up with a cluttered, disconnected system that slows your team down rather than speeding things up.
But here’s the thing: your hotel tech stack should be your silent business partner – streamlining processes, saving time, and supporting better guest experiences. If it’s doing the opposite, it may be time to rethink it.
What Is a Hotel Tech Stack?
A hotel tech stack refers to the collection of hospitality software and hotel systems that you use to run your property. Think of it as the digital backbone of your operations. It typically includes:
- A Property Management System (PMS) to run daily operations.
- A Channel Manager to sync bookings across OTAs.
- A Booking Engine for direct reservations.
- CRM and email marketing tools to nurture guest relationships.
- Accounting and POS integrations to track payments and revenue.
- Add-ons like revenue stack management tools, mobile apps, and housekeeping software.
Together, these systems form your booking stack and customer experience tech stack. The key is how well these tools work together to help you deliver a seamless guest experience and make smarter business decisions.
How to Build and Scale the Best Hotel Tech Stack
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Set Clear Goals
Start by evaluating your current tools and identifying gaps. Outline business objectives like increasing direct bookings or reducing manual admin.
Step 2: Choose Scalable, Integrated Solutions
Select platforms that offer APIs and pre-built integrations. Prioritise cloud-based, mobile-friendly tools that play well together.
Step 3: Plan for Smooth Implementation and Training
Assign internal champions and provide structured onboarding. Choose tools with excellent support and learning resources.
Step 4: Monitor, Optimise, and Scale Over Time
Track performance metrics and regularly review your stack. Scale features as your business grows and guest expectations evolve.
If you’re starting from scratch or modernising, the goal is to build a tech stack map tailored to your specific property. Here’s how:
- Start with your PMS: This is the heart of your hotel system. Choose one that is cloud-based, mobile-friendly, and offers essential integrations.
- Identify your must-have integrations: A good PMS should connect with your channel manager, direct booking engine, dynamic pricing tools, POS, and accounting software.
- Consider the guest journey: Choose tools that enhance the customer experience, such as mobile check-in, messaging apps, and automated pre-arrival emails.
- Think scalability: As you grow, your stack should grow with you. Choose tech that supports multiple properties or new features without needing a full overhaul.
Key Features of a Scalable Hotel Tech Stack
1. Multi-property Management
If you’re managing more than one location or plan to scale, your stack should support multi-property visibility and control across sites.
2. Data Infrastructure and Security Compliance
Your system should include secure, GDPR-compliant data handling, reliable backups, and support for guest data privacy.
3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Beyond subscription costs, consider the time and resources required for training, support, and implementation. Choose software with transparent pricing and low maintenance overhead.
A smart hospitality technology setup isn’t about having the most software – it’s about having the right combination. Here’s what to look for:
- Integration-friendly: All your tools should talk to each other. No double data entry, no disconnected systems. Look for open API support and pre-built integrations.
- User-friendly: Your staff should be able to learn new systems quickly. A clean, intuitive interface is key.
- Mobile-optimised: Modern hotel tech needs to be accessible on the go. From housekeeping to guest messaging, mobile functionality is non-negotiable.
- Revenue-focused: Your stack should help you increase direct bookings, optimise pricing, and streamline operations. Tools like dynamic pricing and automated reporting are essential.
How Is a Hotel Tech Stack Interconnected?
Here are the top integrations that modern hospitality companies are using in 2025:
- Channel Manager + PMS: This pairing prevents overbookings and ensures real-time inventory updates.
- PMS + Booking Engine: Encourages direct bookings and saves on OTA commissions.
- PMS + Dynamic Pricing Software: Automatically adjusts rates based on demand and competitor data.
- PMS + Accounting Software (like Xero): Automates financial reporting.
- PMS + POS System: Lets you charge meals or extras directly to guest folios.
- CRM + Email Automation: Sends personalised offers and post-stay feedback requests.
Choosing hotel tech companies that offer best-in-class solutions with strong integration support will help you avoid clunky workarounds and reduce admin time.
Common Mistakes When Building Your Hotel Tech Stack
Still not sure if your current tech setup is helping or hurting? Look out for these red flags:
- Your team is manually entering the same data in multiple systems.
- You’re relying on spreadsheets to fill the gaps.
- Guests experience delays, errors, or confusion due to tech breakdowns.
- It takes too long to train new staff on your software.
- You’re not getting clear, real-time reporting on revenue or occupancy.
If you nodded along to any of these, it’s time for a tech stack analysis.
Why Is It Important to Build a Modern Hotel Tech Stack?
In today’s competitive market, the right hotel technology can be the difference between simply staying afloat and thriving. A streamlined, cloud-based hospitality tech stack empowers your team to focus on what matters most: your guests.
The benefits?
- More time saved on manual tasks
- Fewer booking errors
- Higher guest satisfaction
- Improved revenue performance
Tools like Preno offer a complete hotel management software suite, including PMS, channel manager, direct booking engine, and Xero integration. It’s a smart move for independent hotels that want to simplify operations without sacrificing performance.
Future-Proof Your Hotel Using a Scalable, Flexible Tech Stack Without Hidden Fees
The goal of a hospitality technology solution is to make your life easier, not harder. Whether you’re managing a boutique hotel, B&B, or multi-property group, your software hotel setup should work with you, not against you.
A little time invested in building a better tech stack now could save you hundreds of hours (and headaches) in the long run.
Ready to reimagine your hotel tech?
Unlock the Full Revenue Potential of Your Hotel
Explore our tech stack or sign up for a free 14-day trial today. No commitments, just better hotel tech that does the work for you. No commitments, just better hotel tech that does the work for you. No commitments, just better hotel tech that does the work for you.