Agilysys PMS vs. HotelRunner PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Agilysys PMS and HotelRunner PMS involves evaluating their core strengths and the specific needs of your hotel. Both systems aim to improve operational efficiency, but Agilysys offers a more feature-rich, enterprise-scale platform with a broader global footprint, while HotelRunner emphasizes affordability and ease of use, especially for smaller or boutique properties. Your decision hinges on whether your hotel prioritizes comprehensive functionality or streamlined simplicity. Are you prepared to invest in a more complex system, or do you need a straightforward, budget-friendly solution?

Quick Verdict

Agilysys PMS has a larger user base and more recent reviews, making it the more reliable choice for hotels seeking a robust, feature-rich property management system. HotelRunner, despite fewer reviews, boasts a perfect 5/5 overall rating and user praise for its simplicity and support, appealing to smaller or tech-savvy hotels. Given the recent review activity and higher overall rating, Agilysys is the more data-backed option for larger or full-service hotels, but HotelRunner is ideal if you want quick onboarding and lower initial costs.

Is Agilysys or HotelRunner Better for Hotels?

Agilysys PMS is designed for hotels that require extensive functionalities—think large resorts, casinos, or hotels with multiple modules such as housekeeping, guest messaging, and real-time reporting. It offers 27 shared features plus 27 unique functionalities, including online check-in, automated reminders, and shift planning, which are vital for managing complex operations efficiently.

HotelRunner, on the other hand, caters to boutique hotels, vacation rentals, B&Bs, and smaller properties that benefit from a simplified, cloud-based interface. It offers only 2 features exclusive to its platform—cloud hosting and on-premise deployment—focusing on ease of use and quick setup rather than extensive operational tools.

Where Agilysys diverges is in its focus on large-scale, multi-module management, while HotelRunner emphasizes user-friendly, fast deployment suitable for properties with straightforward needs. Both systems aim to reduce manual effort but do so through different approaches: Agilysys with detailed modules and integrations, HotelRunner with simplicity and support.

This comparison raises the question: should your hotel invest in a deep, feature-rich platform, or opt for a lightweight, easy-to-manage system? The answer depends on your property size, complexity, and growth plans.

Agilysys vs HotelRunner: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates at a large scale, such as resorts, casinos, or branded properties, Agilysys is the clear choice. Its comprehensive feature set—including functionalities like task management, automated messaging, and real-time reporting—addresses complex workflows and enhances operational oversight.

Conversely, if your hotel is a boutique, B&B, or vacation rental with a smaller team that values simplicity and quick onboarding, HotelRunner is ideal. Its user-friendly interface, high ratings (5/5 overall), and focus on core features like reservations and channel management make it a smart, budget-conscious investment.

Hotels that need advanced operational tools, extensive integrations, and detailed reporting should lean towards Agilysys. If your goal is to streamline daily tasks without the burden of managing a complex system, HotelRunner’s ease of use and support are more suitable.

In summary, choose Agilysys for scale, depth, and customization; opt for HotelRunner for simplicity, affordability, and rapid deployment.

Is Agilysys or HotelRunner Easier to Use?

Agilysys scores 4.36/5 for ease of use, reflecting its relatively intuitive interface but acknowledging a learning curve due to its complex feature set. Many users mention that it becomes easier after initial training, but some find the multitude of buttons and sub-menus overwhelming initially, especially for new staff.

HotelRunner excels here, with a 4.81/5 rating, praised for its user-friendly design and straightforward onboarding. Recent reviews highlight that users find it “very easy to operate” and appreciate ongoing training and support, which simplifies staff adoption.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: Agilysys or HotelRunner?

Agilysys offers an extensive suite of 27 shared features plus 27 exclusive capabilities, such as online check-in, automated reminders, guest messaging, task management, shift planning, and real-time reporting. This makes it highly adaptable to complex, multi-department hotel operations.

HotelRunner provides only 2 features beyond the basics—cloud hosting and on-premise deployment—focusing on core reservation, channel management, and automation functionalities. Its limited feature set simplifies workflows but lacks the depth of Agilysys.

In this comparison, Agilysys’s feature count and variety clearly outweigh HotelRunner’s. If your hotel needs advanced modules like guest app management and PCI compliance, Agilysys is the superior choice.

Edge: Agilysys.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Agilysys or HotelRunner?

HotelRunner receives a perfect 5/5 rating for support, with recent reviews emphasizing its “great relationship” and ongoing training. Users value the responsiveness and ongoing assistance, especially for smaller teams needing guidance.

Agilysys scores 3.92/5, with some reviewers mentioning support delays and product enhancement requests taking longer than desired. While it offers substantial support options, recent feedback suggests room for improvement in responsiveness.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has More Integrations: Agilysys or HotelRunner?

Agilysys integrates with 23 verified partners, including industry giants like SiteMinder, Revinate, and Springer-Miller Systems, providing a broad ecosystem that supports extensive third-party integrations. This enables larger hotels to connect seamlessly with various revenue management, CRM, and distribution tools.

HotelRunner offers 17 verified partners, including Airbnb, Expedia, and Oracle Hospitality. While its integration network is respectable, it is narrower, focusing on key distribution channels and property management tools.

Agilysys’s broader partnership network makes it more adaptable for complex, multi-system hotel environments.

Edge: Agilysys.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Agilysys or HotelRunner?

Agilysys has a review count of 42, with an overall rating of 3.22/5 and recent reviews in the last 6 months indicating ongoing feedback. The likelihood to recommend is 79%, with some users praising its system integration but citing support delays.

HotelRunner, with 16 reviews, holds a perfect 5/5 overall score and a recommendation rate of 99%, especially among boutique hotels and smaller properties. Recent feedback highlights its ease of use and support as significant advantages.

Considering recent reviews and higher ratings, HotelRunner is rated higher by hoteliers, especially smaller or boutique properties valuing simplicity.

Edge: HotelRunner.

How Much Do Agilysys and HotelRunner Cost?

Agilysys charges $1,000 upfront, with no mention of monthly fees, implying a substantial one-time investment. Its high cost aligns with its enterprise capabilities and extensive feature set.

HotelRunner’s pricing is significantly lower at $100, with no ongoing fees or implementation costs noted, making it more accessible for small properties or those with limited budgets.

For budget-conscious hotels seeking essential PMS features, HotelRunner offers better value; larger hotels requiring deep functionality will find Agilysys’s price justified.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Agilysys?

• Hotels that operate on a large scale, such as resorts, casinos, or branded properties, needing extensive modules like guest messaging, real-time reporting, and shift management.
• Hotels with complex operational workflows requiring robust integrations with other systems.
• Properties that value customization and are prepared for a higher initial investment.
• Hotels with the resources to manage a sophisticated, feature-rich system.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Is a small boutique or B&B with basic needs.
• Prioritizes quick onboarding and minimal training.
• Operates on a tight budget or prefers a straightforward system.

Agilysys functions best where the investment in comprehensive functionality can translate into significant operational efficiencies.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Boutique hotels, vacation rentals, or B&Bs needing a simple, easy-to-use platform with fast onboarding.
• Properties that prioritize affordability and support, especially smaller teams with limited technical resources.
• Hotels focusing on online distribution, channel management, and reservations without complex operational needs.
• Hotels that want cloud-based deployment and flexibility with minimal setup.

Not ideal if your hotel requires advanced modules like real-time reporting, task management, or extensive integrations—these are limited in HotelRunner.

Use HotelRunner if you want an affordable, straightforward PMS that simplifies daily operations and enhances guest experience without overwhelming complexity.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Agilysys PMS is a comprehensive, feature-packed platform suited for large, complex properties aiming for operational depth. Its broad integration network and extensive modules make it ideal for resorts, casinos, and multi-department hotels that need detailed control and customization.

HotelRunner offers a simple, budget-friendly solution with excellent support and ease of use, primarily targeting boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and properties with basic operational needs. Its high user ratings and affordability make it attractive to smaller properties seeking quick deployment and straightforward management.

Choose Agilysys if your hotel benefits from advanced features, extensive integrations, and a scalable enterprise solution. Opt for HotelRunner if you prioritize simplicity, support, and lower costs, especially if your hotel operates on a smaller scale or has limited staff.

In summary, for large-scale, complex operations, Agilysys provides a more complete solution. For smaller, more straightforward hotels, HotelRunner delivers a user-friendly experience that can boost efficiency without the complexity.