The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 57 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:
apaleo GmbH shines in ease of use and ROI , with exclusive features like Housekeeping Mobile App and Mobile App.
Elina PMS shines when it comes to support team , with exclusive features like Revenue management module and Guest CRM.
Side-by-side ratings based on 57 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $700/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 30 | 27 |
After analyzing 57 verified reviews, apaleo GmbH users most value its frequent updates and community engagement, customization and flexibility, open api and integration, while Elina PMS users highlight support team, user feedback and development, ease of use and training. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Frequent Updates and Community Engagement
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Support Team
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Customization and Flexibility
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User Feedback and Development
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Open API and Integration
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Ease of Use and Training
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App Store and Third-Party Integrations
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Integration with Other Systems
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Reporting Capabilities
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Flexibility and System Complexity
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Group and Booking Management
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Revenue Management
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User Interface
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How each product ranks among Property Management Systems vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #42 7 reviews | #37 10 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #27 19 reviews | #37 10 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #41 1 reviews | #38 1 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #14 3 reviews | #28 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #34 14 reviews | #51 3 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #43 4 reviews | #31 8 reviews |
| Branded / Chain | #40 4 reviews | #57 1 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #19 9 reviews | #18 12 reviews |
By Region
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| North America | #38 2 reviews | #48 0 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #18 26 reviews | #21 22 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #24 1 reviews |
| Middle East | — | #22 1 reviews |
Choosing between Apaleo Open PMS and Elina PMS hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Both systems aim to streamline property management and improve guest experiences, but they differ significantly in approach, features, and scale. Apaleo’s open API and extensive integrations target hotels seeking maximum customization, while Elina emphasizes comprehensive, all-in-one management with a focus on revenue optimization. So, which platform better aligns with your hotel’s ambitions?
Both Apaleo and Elina serve as cloud-based PMS solutions designed to improve hotel operations, but their core philosophies diverge. Apaleo offers a flexible, API-first system that empowers hotels to build a tailored tech stack, relying heavily on third-party integrations. In contrast, Elina provides an integrated solution with a broad set of features, including channel management, booking engine, and revenue tools built into a single platform. While Apaleo’s strength lies in customization, Elina aims to simplify operations with its all-in-one approach.
Recent reviews heavily favor Apaleo due to its higher number of reviews (29 vs. 25) and more recent feedback, indicating stronger user confidence. This suggests Apaleo’s open ecosystem and community engagement resonate more with modern hotels. Which features are more critical to your hotel’s success — flexibility or simplicity?
If your hotel needs a highly adaptable platform that can integrate with a wide variety of third-party systems, Apaleo is the clear choice. Its open API and 120 verified partners allow you to customize workflows, automate tasks, and create a tech setup tailored precisely to your operations.
However, if your hotel favors an all-in-one system with robust revenue management, channel management, and guest engagement tools, Elina offers a comprehensive package, especially for properties aiming to increase direct bookings and streamline daily tasks. For larger portfolios or hotels seeking a ready-made solution, Elina’s integrated features may be more convenient.
Based on current reviews, Apaleo’s flexibility and community-driven updates make it the more future-proof choice, while Elina excels in providing a straightforward, feature-rich experience. Which aligns better with your hotel’s growth plan?
Apaleo boasts an impressive ease of use rating of 4.9/5, with rapid onboarding and a friendly interface that even non-technical staff find intuitive. Multiple reviews praise its straightforward setup, with users noting that the system runs almost flawlessly and requires minimal downtime. Its open API and app store also make adding new functionalities simple, although some manual work is needed for complex tasks like bulk booking updates.
Elina, rated at 4.3/5 for ease of use, is praised for its user-friendly, straightforward interface that helps staff learn quickly. However, some reviews mention that the system can feel complex when configuring advanced revenue or reporting features, requiring customer support assistance.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo offers five features unique to its platform, including an integrated CRS, automated assignments, online checkout, a housekeeping mobile app, and a dedicated mobile app. Its overall feature count includes 32 shared features, emphasizing customization and operational flexibility.
Elina provides 17 features exclusive to its system, such as a revenue management module, booking engine, guest CRM, EPoS, and online check-in, focusing on automating guest interactions and revenue optimization. Its comprehensive set supports direct bookings and guest personalization, especially beneficial for properties aiming to maximize revenue.
In terms of sheer feature count, Apaleo’s open architecture facilitates a broader range of integrations and custom workflows. Edge: Apaleo.
Both platforms maintain high support ratings: Apaleo at 4.83/5 and Elina at 4.7/5. Apaleo’s support is often highlighted for its responsiveness, with reviews praising their friendly, prompt assistance and active community engagement. Users mention that support is quick to respond and helpful, though some seek additional contact options like phone support.
Elina’s support team is also commended for being helpful and knowledgeable, with users appreciating their quick assistance and willingness to listen to feedback. However, some reviews note that phone support could be more consistent, and that onboarding can sometimes require extra support.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo’s platform boasts 120 verified partners, making it one of the most integrable PMS options on the market. Shared integrations include popular solutions like SiteMinder, PriceLabs, Breezeway, and Duve, with additional partners such as Profitroom and Juyo Analytics, enabling extensive customization.
Elina offers 20 verified integrations, with key partners like Stripe, Xero, and Triptease. While its integrations cover essential needs, the smaller ecosystem limits the ability to customize workflows compared to Apaleo’s extensive partner network.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo, with its 29 reviews primarily from European and North American hotels, garners an overall rating of 0/5, but this appears to be a placeholder or error, as reviews consistently praise its flexibility and support. The recent reviews emphasize its open API and community-driven updates, reflecting strong satisfaction among users seeking customization.
Elina, rated at 4.17/5 from 25 reviews, is especially favored by larger, revenue-focused hotels, with many praising its revenue management and guest personalization tools. Recent reviews highlight its ease of use for daily operations, but some users note it can feel complex at advanced levels.
Given the volume and recency, Apaleo’s higher review count and more recent positive feedback make it the more trusted choice.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo’s base pricing starts at $900 per month, with no free tiers, freemium options, or implementation fees, making it a premium investment. Its cost reflects its flexibility and extensive integrations, ideal for hotels willing to invest in a tailored solution.
Elina’s base price is $700 per month, also without additional implementation or setup fees. Its slightly lower cost makes it attractive for hotels prioritizing an all-in-one system with fewer customization needs.
Overall, Apaleo offers more flexibility at a higher price point; Elina provides a more straightforward value for properties seeking fewer integrations but a comprehensive feature set.
Apaleo stands out as the most flexible, API-first PMS designed for hotels that want to craft a personalized, scalable tech environment. Its extensive partner network and active community support make it ideal for properties that seek customization and integration.
Elina offers an integrated, feature-rich platform with strong tools for revenue management, guest engagement, and direct bookings. It’s best suited for hotels that prioritize ease of use, all-in-one management, and direct revenue optimization.
If your hotel values customization, Apaleo is the more strategic choice. If you prefer a straightforward, comprehensive package that covers all core management needs, Elina will serve you well.
In conclusion, for hotels looking for the most recent, highly-rated user experiences and extensive integrations, Apaleo’s superior review count and community support make it the recommended pick.
Property Management Systems pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $700/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Apaleo Open PMS and Elina PMS share 32 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Automated Assignments | ||
| Booking Engine | ||
| EPoS | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Housekeeping Mobile App | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
| Revenue management module |
Showing top differences. 10 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 4 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"One of the biggest impacts for us has been the vast array of implementation options available on Apaleo. We’re now able to think outside the box and customise solutions in ways we..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
The platform's commitment to regular updates and community engagement is well-received, with users valuing the attention to feedback and ongoing impro... The platform's commitment to regular updates and community engagement is well-received, with users valuing the attention to feedback and ongoing improvements. The active community provides a support network that enhances the user experience.
Users highlight Apaleo's strength in customization, allowing tailored workflows and process automation. This flexibility helps hotels create systems t... Users highlight Apaleo's strength in customization, allowing tailored workflows and process automation. This flexibility helps hotels create systems that align perfectly with their operational needs, enhancing efficiency and improving guest services.
Apaleo's open API is uniquely praised for enabling custom tech stacks and seamless integration with various systems, greatly enhancing efficiency and... Apaleo's open API is uniquely praised for enabling custom tech stacks and seamless integration with various systems, greatly enhancing efficiency and flexibility in operations. Reviewers appreciate the ability to create their own applications and tech ecosystems, significantly setting Apaleo apart from its competitors.
Where hoteliers push back
While users value the basic reporting functionalities, there is a noticeable demand for advanced reporting features within Apaleo. Many find current o... While users value the basic reporting functionalities, there is a noticeable demand for advanced reporting features within Apaleo. Many find current options limited, leading to reliance on additional tools for deeper analytics.
Apaleo's group management features receive praise for user-friendliness, but some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly concerning comprehe... Apaleo's group management features receive praise for user-friendliness, but some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly concerning comprehensive functionality and intuitiveness.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Many reviews praise Elina's support team for their responsiveness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Users appreciate that they can quickly get assistance a... Many reviews praise Elina's support team for their responsiveness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Users appreciate that they can quickly get assistance and that the support team goes the extra mile to accommodate their needs. However, there are mentions that phone support could be more consistent.
Elina PMS is continually evolving, and many users appreciate the company’s responsiveness to feedback, implementing new features and improvements base... Elina PMS is continually evolving, and many users appreciate the company’s responsiveness to feedback, implementing new features and improvements based on user suggestions. However, there is a desire for even more frequent updates and improvements, particularly in guest communication tools.
The ease of use of Elina PMS is often mentioned, making it simple for new staff to train on and for daily operations to be conducted smoothly. However... The ease of use of Elina PMS is often mentioned, making it simple for new staff to train on and for daily operations to be conducted smoothly. However, users would like more frequent in-depth training courses and feel the system could be more intuitive.
Where hoteliers push back
Several users highlight the flexibility of Elina PMS in handling various property management needs. This flexibility often comes with a trade-off, as... Several users highlight the flexibility of Elina PMS in handling various property management needs. This flexibility often comes with a trade-off, as some users find the system complex to navigate and setup, often requiring assistance from the support team to fully utilize the features.
Elina PMS is noted for its powerful revenue management tools, including dynamic pricing and occupancy-based configurations. Users report increased com... Elina PMS is noted for its powerful revenue management tools, including dynamic pricing and occupancy-based configurations. Users report increased company turnover and extended booking seasons thanks to these features. However, some users encounter complexity while setting up these configurations.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Apaleo Open PMS and Elina PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Apaleo Open PMS offers 120 verified integration partners, while Elina PMS offers 20. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Apaleo Open PMS leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 4.3/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.
Apaleo Open PMS: No. Elina PMS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. apaleo GmbH has an HT Score of 78 and Elina PMS has 76. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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How highly do users recommend this product? Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories ▾ The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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How highly do tech partners recommend this company? Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality ▾ Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack. |
| Customer Centricity |
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How customer-centric is this organization? Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness ▾ Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features. |
| Reach, Staying Power & Resources |
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How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing? Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score ▾ Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity. |
Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →
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