Apaleo Open PMS vs. Counter:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Apaleo Open PMS and Counter hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Apaleo offers a comprehensive, scalable platform with extensive integrations and features tailored for larger, multi-property, or more complex hospitality groups. Counter, on the other hand, is a streamlined, user-friendly PMS designed specifically for hostels and small hostelry operations, prioritizing ease of use and automation.

Both systems aim to simplify hotel management but diverge significantly in scope and complexity. Are you seeking a broad, customizable platform with advanced features, or a straightforward, easy-to-operate solution for hosting guests? Let’s compare them across key areas.

Is Apaleo Open PMS or Counter Better for Hotels?

Apaleo and Counter address core hotel management challenges but target different segments and operational scales. Apaleo is built for hotels that need a flexible, API-first platform to integrate various third-party tools, supporting complex workflows and large portfolios. Counter caters primarily to hostels, offering ease of setup and daily operational automation in a simplified interface.

Apaleo’s recent reviews highlight its stability and extensive feature set, with a score of 77.5, over twice Counter’s 16.5. Counter’s reviews, however, emphasize its simplicity and responsiveness, especially appreciated by hostel operators. Does your hotel need sophisticated, customizable workflows, or is a straightforward interface enough? Consider your team’s technical comfort and scale of operations.

Apaleo vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates a large chain or multiple properties with complex needs, go with Apaleo. Its open API, extensive integration options, and over 120 verified partners make it ideal for advanced automation, customized workflows, and multi-system orchestration. It’s suited for hotels seeking to create a tailored tech ecosystem that scales.

If your hotel is a hostel or small property prioritizing ease of use, fast onboarding, and minimal technical setup, Counter is the better choice. Its intuitive web interface, automation features like contactless check-in, and dedicated focus on hostels make it suitable for teams that want to manage operations on the go without deep technical resources.

Is Apaleo or Counter Easier to Use?

Apaleo scores a 4.9/5 for ease of use, with users praising its friendly interface, quick onboarding, and minimal downtime. Reviews mention that non-technical staff find it straightforward after initial setup, though some note that its broad feature set can initially seem complex.

Counter has a 4.6/5 rating, with hoteliers highlighting its simplicity, fast learning curve, and seamless mobile access. Its clean, intuitive interface minimizes staff training time, making it perfect for small teams or hostels without dedicated tech staff.

Edge: Apaleo.

Which Has Better Features: Apaleo or Counter?

Apaleo’s feature set is extensive, totaling 20 unique functionalities, including integrated CRS, automated space optimization, real-time status updates, online check-in/out, digital registration, and housekeeper mobile apps. It also offers advanced rate and tax management, PCI, GDPR, and SOC2 compliance, making it a comprehensive management platform.

Counter’s features focus on core hostel operations, with 2 unique features: a booking engine and guest CRM. While excellent for basic reservation management, it lacks advanced automation, group management, or integrated payment features found in Apaleo.

Edge: Apaleo.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Apaleo or Counter?

Apaleo’s support team earns a 4.83/5 rating, with reviews emphasizing quick, friendly responses and active community engagement. Users appreciate their support quality, though some suggest additional support channels could improve.

Counter’s support scores even higher at 4.96/5, with reviewers praising its responsiveness and the professionalism of team members like Evelyn and Max. Users value their quick problem resolution, especially during system bugs, despite some noting slower support in certain time zones.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Apaleo or Counter?

Apaleo boasts over 120 verified partners, including major players like SiteMinder, Revenue Management, and booking engines, offering a versatile ecosystem. Common integrations with Counter include Stripe, Goki, and Channel Managers like WuBook, but it supports far fewer partners overall—only 7 verified.

Shared integrations include FLYR Hospitality and SiteMinder. If extensive, third-party integration options are crucial, Apaleo’s diverse partner network clearly outperforms Counter’s limited offerings.

Edge: Apaleo.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Apaleo or Counter?

Apaleo has an overall review score of 0/5 from 29 reviews, which appears to be an error or placeholder, but its high NPS score of 9.69/10 and recent reviews indicate strong satisfaction among its users. Its community is active, and clients like citizenM and easyHotel testify to its scalability.

Counter has a 4.73/5 rating from 54 reviews, with consistent praise from hostel operators for its ease of use, automation, and support. Its focused design resonates well with small hostels, reflected in high satisfaction ratings.

Given the volume and recency of reviews, Counter’s higher user ratings make it the more trusted choice for small-scale hostelry.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Apaleo and Counter Cost?

Apaleo’s pricing starts at $900 monthly, with no free tier, freemium options, or trial. Its cost may be justified by its feature depth and integrations, suited for larger properties or groups.

Counter is a free platform with no listed fees, making it highly attractive for hostels and small properties with tight budgets. Additional integrations or features may incur charges or require customization.

In summary, if budget is tight and your operation is small, Counter’s free model offers significant value. Larger hotels should evaluate if Apaleo’s investment aligns with their operational complexity.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Apaleo?

• Hotels that operate multiple properties or chains, requiring centralized management and automation.
• Hotels seeking to create a customized, scalable tech ecosystem with extensive third-party integrations.
• Teams that prioritize advanced features such as CRS, automated space management, and real-time reporting.
• Hotels with dedicated IT staff or those willing to invest in training for comprehensive control.

Not ideal if your hotel is a small hostel or has minimal tech needs, as the platform’s complexity may be unnecessary or overwhelming.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels and small boutique hotels that prioritize simplicity and quick setup.
• Teams that value mobile management and automated check-ins/check-outs.
• Operations looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-learn PMS with essential features.
• Small properties without dedicated IT or technical staff.

Not ideal if your hotel requires advanced automation, extensive integrations, or complex group management features.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Apaleo is a highly flexible, feature-rich platform ideal for large, multi-property operations that need customized workflows and integrations. It provides a robust environment for automation, data reporting, and third-party connectivity, but at a higher cost and complexity.

Counter offers a straightforward, hostelry-focused PMS that emphasizes ease of use, rapid onboarding, and automation for small properties and hostels. It’s especially suited for teams without technical resources who want to streamline daily operations.

Choose Apaleo if your hotel demands extensive customization, integrations, and scalability. Opt for Counter if simplicity, quick deployment, and cost efficiency are your top priorities.

In conclusion, for larger hotels or chains, Apaleo’s broader feature set and open ecosystem make it the better choice. Conversely, for small hostels or boutique properties, Counter’s ease and affordability will serve you better, especially given its high user satisfaction and active support.