Looking for the best hotel management software for your business in Australia?

There are a variety of different types of software available, each with its own set of features. And, this is why choosing the right hotel management software for your business can be a daunting task.

But, fret not. We have compiled a list of the top 5 hotel management software Australian businesses can invest in.  We have also talked about the factors you should look for when choosing a hotel property management system.

What Makes a Good Hotel Property Management System?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a hotel management software. The system should be able to handle all aspects of hotel operations, from reservations and check-ins to guest management and accounting.

A good hotel property management system will save you time and money by streamlining your hotel operations. It will also give you the tools you need to provide excellent customer service and run a successful hotel business.

Let’s look at the top features that a good hotel property management system has.

Cloud-based

When it comes to hotel management systems, there are two main types: on-premise and cloud-based. On-premise systems are installed on a hotel’s own servers, while cloud-based systems are hosted off-site by a third-party provider.

There are several reasons why cloud-based hotel management software is the better option for hotels. For one, cloud-based systems are more scalable than on-premise systems. They can be easily expanded or contracted to meet a hotel’s changing needs.

Additionally, cloud-based PMSs are more reliable than on-premise systems, as they are not subject to the same downtime risks.

Plus, cloud-based systems offer on-the-go access to operational tasks.

Channel Manager

A channel manager is a tool that allows for the centralised distribution of a hotel’s inventory across multiple online booking channels. These include online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDSs), and other third-party channels.

Not surprisingly, most businesses looking for the best hotel management software Australia has on offer, prefer to buy a solution with a built-in Channel Manager.

A Channel Manager helps you list your rooms on multiple booking sites, which can, in turn, lead to increased bookings and revenue. You can also use the Channel Manager to keep your rooms booked at a higher rate, as the tool can automatically adjust room prices based on real-time demand.

Booking Engine

Top hotel management software should always have a booking engine that allows guests to easily book rooms at the hotel through their website.

There are many benefits to having a booking engine, such as reducing the amount of time it takes to book a room and increasing the accuracy of bookings. Above all, with a booking engine, you can avoid the 15 percent OTA fees and collect the guest details directly from your website.

Look for a hotel management software that has a mobile-optimised booking engine that offers a simple and convenient way for guests to book a room on the go.

Analytics & Reporting

To make data-driven decisions, you will need a hotel management software solution that offers granular analytics and reporting. It can help you to track and understand your guests’ behaviour, identify areas of opportunity, and optimise your marketing efforts. Additionally, analytics and reporting can help you to better understand your hotel’s financial performance and to make more informed decisions about your hotel room pricing.

Housekeeping Management

Needless to say, in the hospitality business, it’s all about ensuring your guests have a great experience at your property. This involves keeping the rooms sparkling clean and catering to their special requests. The best hotel management software Australia has on offer will allow you to streamline housekeeping with useful features such as:

• Instant housekeeping status updates for staff
• Allow you to add notes about guest’s and their rooms
• Allow you to assign housekeeping duties and see when rooms have been cleaned

While these are some of the desirable features, you can find software that go beyond these to offer a set of smart features.

To help you pick the right one, we have listed the top 5 hotel management software.

Managing a hotel can be as complex as staging a large event, considering the myriad of tasks that go into ensuring a guest’s stay is as comfortable and seamless as possible. From handling reservations to coordinating housekeeping, and tracking inventory to analysing guest feedback, hoteliers have their work cut out for them. In such a fast-paced and detail-oriented environment, the right technology can make all the difference. For Australian hoteliers, selecting the best hotel management software is key to staying competitive and providing an exceptional experience for their guests.

In this blog post, we will explore the top five hotel management software solutions tailored to the needs of the Australian hospitality industry. We’ll dissect each option with discerning analysis, offer case studies to illustrate their real-world application, and provide valuable tips for choosing the right software for your establishment.

Understanding the Needs of Australian Hoteliers

Before we jump into the specific software solutions, it’s crucial to understand the unique challenges and requirements that Australian hoteliers face. The Australian hospitality industry is known for its diverse and growing market, with a strong emphasis on customer service and experience. However, the country’s expansive geography and unique cultural richness pose particular management demands on hotel proprietors.

Navigating a Varied Tourism Landscape

Australia’s tourism industry serves a broad spectrum of travellers. From backpackers to luxury seekers, and ecotourists to business professionals, the country’s reputation for natural beauty necessitates a wide skill set in hotel management. This entails the capability to offer tailored experiences, from robust adventure itineraries to serene beach getaways.

Compliance and Regulation

The Australian hospitality sector is defined by stringent regulations that span from labor laws to building codes and local zoning laws. Hotel management software must be equipped to handle these compliance factors seamlessly, to avoid penalties and maintain operational integrity.

The Top 5 Hotel Management Software For Australia

With the unique industry needs in mind, we present the top five hotel management software solutions that have been making waves in the Australian market. Each is designed to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance the guest experience, but with distinct features to address specific business setups and priorities.

Preno

Features: Preno offers a suite of tools for property management, booking engine, and channel manager. It is praised for its intuitive dashboard, which provides quick access to real-time data critical for decision-making. The software also includes a mobile app, allowing managers to stay on top of operations anywhere.

Pricing: Preno offers a tiered pricing structure based on the size and needs of the property.

Pros: Preno’s all-in-one approach simplifies complex hotel management tasks into a more digestible form, reducing the time spent on administrative activities.

Cons: Some users have reported that the software’s support for customisation is limited, which may not suit hotels with highly specific needs.

Little Hotelier

Features: Tailored for small and independent hotels, Little Hotelier comes with a comprehensive property management system that integrates front-of-house activities with back-end reporting.

Pricing: Little Hotelier’s pricing can vary depending on the individual hotel’s needs, but their rates are competitive and often cater to entry-level players in the market.

Pros: Little Hotelier is known for its user-friendly interface and strong customer support, making it a great option for first-time hoteliers and independent establishments.

Cons: While the software is suitable for small to medium-sized properties, those seeking scalability may find its features limiting.

Guesty

Features: Guesty is a cloud-based software aimed at both single and multi-property entities. Its standout feature is its ability to automate a wide range of services, from guest communication to pricing optimisation.

Pricing: Guesty’s complex pricing model is built around a commission-based system, which accommodates scalability but may raise the costs for rapidly expanding hotels.

Pros: The platform’s API integrations and flexibility are particularly advantageous for properties with plans for aggressive expansion or those with diverse service offerings.

Cons: Guesty’s pricing model may be a deterrent to smaller, more budget-conscious establishments.

Cloudbeds

Features: Cloudbeds is an end-to-end property management system that syncs with more than 100 distribution channels. Its standout feature is the MyAllocator tool, designed to provide inclusive yield management and dynamic pricing functionality.

Pricing: Cloudbeds also uses a tiered pricing model, but they offer a free version with limited functionality, allowing smaller businesses to start using their product at a lower risk.

Pros: The extensive back-end support for revenue management and the connectivity with an array of services make Cloudbeds a strong choice for hotels with an eye on growth and optimisation.

Cons: Users have pointed out that the system may have a steeper learning curve compared to others given the breadth of features.

Sirvoy

Features: Sirvoy’s cloud-based software scales well for hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and vacation rentals. It’s praised for its customisable booking features and real-time inventory and rate management capabilities.

Pricing: Sirvoy offers a straightforward, affordable monthly subscription model with no long-term contracts, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their costs efficiently.

Pros: Sirvoy’s versatility caters to a variety of property types, making it an ideal solution for businesses that are transitioning between different models or have unique booking requirements.

Cons: Some users may find the limited reporting and analytics capabilities to be a drawback, especially for hotels that prioritise data-driven decision-making.

Choosing the Right Software for Your Hotel

Selecting the ideal hotel management software is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires a meticulous understanding of your hotel’s unique setup, business goals, and operational requirements. Here are some tips for Australian hoteliers to keep in mind when making this crucial selection:

Assess Your Current Operations

A in-depth assessment of your hotel’s current operations can highlight areas that need improvement. Look for pain points in managing reservations, running reports, or maintaining guest satisfaction.

Consider Scalability

If your business has plans to grow, ensure that the chosen software can scale with minimal disruptions and costs. It should also offer features that support the additional needs that come with expansion.

Prioritise Integrations

A cohesive stack of software is essential for seamless operations. Choose a management solution that easily integrates with third-party tools for accounting, analytics, and other specialised services.

Evaluate Support and Training

Effective onboarding and ongoing support are critical for the successful implementation of a new system. Assess the level of training offered and the quality of customer support provided by each vendor.

Test for Flexibility

The software should be flexible enough to accommodate your unique business requirements without compromise. Look for the ability to customise features or add-ons as your hotel’s needs evolve.

Hotel management software is a powerful ally in the competitive landscape of the Australian hospitality industry. By exploring the top five solutions available, as well as considering the case studies and tips offered, Australian hoteliers can equip themselves with a tool that not only optimises operations but also contributes to sustained growth and success.

It is important to reiterate the necessity of a comprehensive review and consideration of different options before making a decision. Each management system has its strengths and may be better suited for particular types of Australian hotels. By carefully analysing your own business needs and objectives, you can confidently select a software solution that is a perfect match and reinforces the exceptional experiences your guests expect and deserve.

 

Dive into more Hotel Management Software articles below:

• What Is Hotel Management Software?
• The Top 5 Hotel Management Software for UK Hoteliers