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

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) can significantly impact your hotel’s operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and growth potential. Both Apaleo Open PMS by apaleo GmbH and Shiji Daylight PMS by Shiji Group aim to streamline hotel operations, but they approach this goal differently. Your decision should hinge on your hotel’s size, technological needs, and preferred level of customization, as both products address core PMS functions but diverge in features, integrations, and user experience.

Apaleo’s open API architecture makes it highly adaptable for hotels seeking tailor-made solutions, while Shiji’s more comprehensive feature set targets larger properties or hotel groups wanting an all-in-one platform. But which one better matches your hotel’s specific requirements?

Is Apaleo or Shiji Better for Hotels?

Both Apaleo and Shiji deliver cloud-based PMS solutions that centralize guest data and automate routine tasks, yet they differ in scope and flexibility. Apaleo’s platform is designed for hotels and serviced apartments that want to build their tech ecosystem through third-party integrations, giving it an edge in customization. Shiji offers a wider array of built-in features aimed at larger hotel groups, with many modules designed to provide end-to-end management from reservations to housekeeping.

While Apaleo’s recent reviews highlight its ease of use, open API, and community support, Shiji’s strengths lie in its extensive feature library, particularly for larger hotels seeking a unified system. The question is whether your hotel prefers a modular, flexible system or a feature-rich, integrated platform.

Apaleo vs Shiji: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a flexible, API-first system that adapts easily to your existing tech stack, go with Apaleo. Its open architecture supports rapid customization, and its user-friendly interface suits hotels looking to automate workflows without sacrificing control over their technology environment. Conversely, if your hotel or group prioritizes a comprehensive, all-in-one PMS with extensive modules—such as advanced reporting, guest profiles, and automation—Shiji’s broader feature set makes it the better choice.

For boutique hotels or serviced apartments aiming for agility, Apaleo’s ability to connect with third-party apps is invaluable. Larger hotels or chains requiring a unified platform with multiple integrated modules should lean toward Shiji.

Is Apaleo or Shiji Easier to Use?

Apaleo’s ease of use is reflected in its high UI/UX rating of 4.9/5, with many reviews praising its intuitive, friendly interface. Its onboarding process is rated at 4.85/5, enabling hotel staff to adopt the system quickly, even with minimal prior experience. Users highlight the simplicity of navigating complex functionalities thanks to its clean design and open API, which minimizes training time.

Shiji’s user-friendliness is also well-rated at 4.63/5, with an emphasis on straightforward operation and accessible training materials. However, its broader feature set can introduce additional complexity, requiring more initial training.

Edge: Apaleo.

Which Has Better Features: Apaleo or Shiji?

Shiji offers a significantly larger feature set with 63 modules compared to Apaleo’s 2 exclusive features, such as its channel manager and mobile app. Shiji’s extensive modules include guest profiles, multi-lingual support, task management, online check-in/out, integrated CRM, and a housekeeping module—features that enhance operational automation and guest personalization.

Apaleo’s core strength is its open API, enabling integrations rather than providing a broad suite of built-in features. If your hotel values a customizable system with minimal preloaded modules, Apaleo’s flexibility is key. But for a comprehensive, ready-to-use platform, Shiji’s rich feature library is unmatched.

Edge: Shiji Group.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Apaleo or Shiji?

Based on recent reviews, Apaleo’s support team scores a high 4.83/5, with many users praising its responsiveness and community engagement. Reviewers often mention that Apaleo’s support is quick, friendly, and helpful, making onboarding and troubleshooting smoother.

Shiji’s support, rated at 4.53/5, is also highly regarded, with users appreciating the helpfulness and professionalism of their support staff. However, some reviews mention slower responses during peak times and room for improvement in support responsiveness.

Edge: Apaleo.

Which Has More Integrations: Apaleo or Shiji?

Apaleo leads with 120 verified partners, providing extensive options for connecting with revenue management, payment solutions, and other systems. Shared integrations include popular providers like SiteMinder, Revinate, and FLYR Hospitality. Its open API enables hotels to add custom integrations easily.

Shiji, with 64 verified partners, includes major industry players like Amadeus, Onity, and Goki. While it offers many integrations, the smaller partner count limits flexibility for custom or niche integrations.

Edge: Apaleo.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Apaleo or Shiji?

Apaleo’s recent reviews are more numerous and current, with 29 reviews in the last six months, compared to Shiji’s 32 overall but none recent. Apaleo’s high NPS score of 9.69/5 and 97% likelihood to recommend reflect strong user satisfaction, especially among boutique and serviced apartment hotels.

Shiji’s reviews tend to focus on larger hotel groups, with a rating of 8.94/5 for likelihood to recommend, but no recent reviews to gauge current performance. Given the recency and volume of feedback, Apaleo’s ratings are more representative of current user sentiment.

Edge: Apaleo.

How Much Do Apaleo and Shiji Cost?

Apaleo charges a base price of $900, with no additional implementation or monthly per-room fees, making it predictable and affordable for small to mid-sized hotels. Shiji’s base price is $1,200, which may include more modules but comes at a slightly higher upfront cost.

Pricing details for both products do not specify ongoing fees, but Apaleo’s lower base price combined with its flexible architecture suggests better value, especially for hotels seeking a modular setup.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Apaleo?

• Hotels that want to customize their tech stack with third-party integrations.
• Hotels seeking a flexible, API-first platform to scale operations.
• Boutique hotels or serviced apartments aiming for agility and control.
• Teams that prioritize quick onboarding and simple user interfaces.
• Hotels looking to reduce costs while maintaining operational flexibility.

Not ideal if you require a large, built-in feature suite from the start or need extensive out-of-the-box modules.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Shiji?

• Hotels or groups that prefer an all-in-one, feature-rich PMS.
• Larger hotels or chains seeking centralized management with multiple modules.
• Properties that benefit from integrated guest profiles, automation, and detailed reporting.
• Hotels prioritizing a proven platform used by major brands.
• Hotels looking for extensive reporting and automation tools out of the box.

Not ideal if you prefer a modular, API-driven approach or have limited technical resources to manage complex integrations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference between Apaleo and Shiji is their approach: Apaleo offers a flexible, API-first system designed for customization, while Shiji provides a comprehensive, feature-packed platform for large-scale hotel operations. Both products support cloud-based management, but your choice depends on your hotel’s size, tech needs, and growth plans.

If your hotel values agility, customization, and lower initial costs, Apaleo is the clear choice. Its recent reviews confirm it’s well-liked for ease of use, support, and ongoing community engagement, making it the more current and highly-rated solution.

On the other hand, if you need a broad range of modules integrated into a single platform with extensive automation and reporting, Shiji’s larger feature set is advantageous. Its appeal is strongest among larger hotel groups that want a ready-made, unified management solution.

In summary, for most hotels seeking a flexible, modern PMS with recent positive feedback and active support, Apaleo stands out. It’s better suited for hotels aiming for lightweight customization and operational efficiency, whereas Shiji remains ideal for those needing a deep, all-encompassing system with extensive features.