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 153 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 Customer Support and Value for Money — especially for airport and conference properties (5.0/5), with exclusive features like Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader and Payment Requests.
SkyTouch Technology shines in user-friendly interface — especially for extended-stay properties (4.9/5), with exclusive features like Guest profiles and Revenue management module.
Side-by-side ratings based on 153 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $600/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 30 | 123 |
After analyzing 153 verified reviews, apaleo GmbH users most value its frequent updates and community engagement, customization and flexibility, open api and integration, while SkyTouch Technology users highlight user-friendly interface, customer support responsiveness, remote access. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Frequent Updates and Community Engagement
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User-friendly interface
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Customization and Flexibility
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Customer support responsiveness
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Open API and Integration
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Remote access
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App Store and Third-Party Integrations
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Tape chart
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Reporting Capabilities
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Customizability limitations
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Group and Booking Management
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Bugs and glitches
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Reporting capabilities
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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) ▾ | #44 7 reviews | #20 41 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #26 19 reviews | #11 72 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #43 1 reviews | #26 5 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #13 3 reviews | #23 2 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #31 16 reviews | #21 47 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #44 4 reviews | #22 28 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #42 4 reviews | #11 46 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #20 9 reviews | #25 7 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #37 2 reviews | #7 120 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #18 26 reviews | #64 0 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #41 1 reviews |
Apaleo GmbH and SkyTouch Technology both address core property management needs but serve different operational priorities and hotel types. Apaleo is best for hotels and serviced apartment groups that prioritize flexibility, customization, and open integrations. Its API-first architecture and extensive app marketplace empower tech-savvy teams to tailor workflows and scale rapidly across multiple properties and countries. SkyTouch Technology suits hotels seeking an intuitive, cloud-based PMS with solid rate management and essential features built-in, focusing on ease of use for front-line staff in small to mid-sized properties.
Both systems solve the core challenge of managing reservations, billing, guest communications, and operational tasks in a cloud environment. They aim to reduce manual work and improve guest service but differ in how much control and customization they offer versus how much they provide out of the box.
If you run a hotel group or serviced apartments primarily in Europe or North America and need a future-proof, highly customizable platform that integrates deeply with your existing tech stack, choose apaleo GmbH. This recommendation is based on apaleo’s 4.8/5 overall rating across 30 reviews, its open API praised for flexibility, and case studies showing rapid large-scale migrations (e.g., citizenM’s 7,500 rooms in 8 weeks). Its extensive integrations (122 verified partners) and app store enable tailored solutions that fit complex operations.
If your property is a small to medium independent hotel or motel in North America that values ease of use, quick onboarding, and an all-in-one PMS with strong rate management, SkyTouch Technology is a fit. It has 123 reviews averaging 4.4/5 and is appreciated for its straightforward interface and cloud accessibility. However, SkyTouch’s customization falls short compared to apaleo, and reviewers cite limitations with group bookings and reporting. Its fewer integrations (33 partners) and smaller regional focus also limit scalability.
Data on boutique hotels shows apaleo rated higher (4.9/5 on 16 reviews) than SkyTouch (4.6/5 on 48 reviews). Extended stay properties rate apaleo 4.8/5 (9 reviews) and SkyTouch 4.9/5 (7 reviews), suggesting SkyTouch performs well in this niche but with lower review volume. Limited service hotels rate SkyTouch lower at 4.3/5 (47 reviews) versus apaleo’s 5/5 (2 reviews), but apaleo’s sample is small there. These patterns indicate apaleo suits tech-forward, group or multi-property contexts while SkyTouch fits independent, smaller footprints better.
Apaleo scores 4.9/5 in ease of use and 4.8/5 for onboarding, while SkyTouch follows at 4.7/5 ease of use and 4.4/5 onboarding, based on 30 and 123 reviews respectively. Reviewers praise apaleo’s intuitive, modern interface that allows most users to get productive within minutes, reducing training time. Its open platform encourages self-setup and fast integrations, which benefits IT-savvy teams but can challenge less technical users.
SkyTouch users often highlight the system’s straightforward design and how quickly new front desk staff learn it. This benefits properties with frequent staff turnover. However, several reviews mention frustration with password policies and the need for mobile app development to improve accessibility. Update timing sometimes disrupts operations, indicating some usability friction.
In summary, apaleo offers a slightly more modern and flexible user experience but may require more technical skill initially. SkyTouch’s familiar interface supports rapid frontline adoption but lacks some workflow adaptability.
Edge: apaleo GmbH.
Apaleo offers 16 unique hotel-focused features that SkyTouch lacks, including automated space optimization, real-time status updates, multi-currency support, integrated payment terminals, payment requests, rate management with base pricing, GDPR and SOC2 compliance, online check-in/out, digital registration, task management, and a mobile app for housekeeping. These features reduce manual workload at the front desk and housekeeping by automating assignments and providing real-time updates, improving staff coordination and guest convenience.
SkyTouch provides 6 exclusive features: guest profiles, a booking engine, revenue management module, guest CRM, EPoS (electronic point of sale), and tablet/kiosk check-in. These built-in modules support direct booking and revenue management without relying on third parties, simplifying operations for hotels that prefer an all-in-one system.
While SkyTouch’s booking engine and revenue management aid hotels aiming for integrated guest marketing and pricing, apaleo’s broader automation and compliance features better support complex operations and multi-property setups.
Edge: apaleo GmbH.
Apaleo holds a 4.8/5 rating in customer support and 4.8/5 onboarding, compared to SkyTouch’s 4.5/5 support and 4.4/5 onboarding from their respective review volumes. Apaleo’s support is described as responsive and helpful, with an engaged user community and frequent updates driven by customer feedback. Some users desire extended support hours or phone support but generally commend the communication quality.
SkyTouch’s support team is professional and helpful, with users appreciating quick resolutions for many issues. However, some reviewers report long waiting periods and unresolved long-standing bugs. The timing of software updates during peak hours also disrupts service and frustrates users.
Edge: apaleo GmbH.
Apaleo leads with 122 verified partner integrations versus SkyTouch’s 33, a nearly fourfold difference. Both share nine key partners, including SHR Group, SiteMinder, Revinate, Cendyn, and Duetto, which cover essential channel management, guest experience, and revenue optimization needs.
Apaleo uniquely integrates with specialized tools such as Right Revenue, HQ Revenue, Profitroom, Bookboost, 4SUITES, RevControl, Juyo, Fairmas, and hotelkit. These integrations expand capabilities for revenue management, distribution, analytics, and housekeeping, critical for multi-property groups and hotels seeking best-of-breed tech stacks.
SkyTouch’s unique partners include Chargerback Lost & Found, Visual Matrix PMS, PhoneSuite, GuestCentric, Impulsify, and Aavgo, which cater to niche operational functions and regional needs, suitable for properties needing straightforward add-ons.
Hotels aiming for flexibility and advanced integrations benefit from apaleo’s ecosystem. Properties valuing simplicity with a curated set of integrations may prefer SkyTouch.
Edge: apaleo GmbH.
Apaleo’s overall rating is 4.8/5 from 30 reviews, with no new reviews in the last six months, while SkyTouch holds 4.4/5 from 123 reviews, also without recent reviews. Apaleo’s likelihood to recommend is 97%, exceeding SkyTouch’s 89%. The higher rating reflects a consistent pattern of satisfaction with apaleo’s flexibility, modern design, and support.
Segment-specific ratings favor apaleo significantly in boutique hotels (4.9/5 on 16 reviews vs. 4.6/5 on 48), city center hotels (4.9/5 vs. 4.3/5), and branded hotels (4.6/5 vs. 4.5/5). Extended stay properties rate SkyTouch slightly higher (4.9/5 on 7 reviews vs. 4.8/5 on 9 for apaleo), but this segment’s review volume is limited.
SkyTouch has many more reviews, indicating broader market penetration, but its lower rating and consistent reviewer feedback about bugs and limited customizability temper enthusiasm. Apaleo’s ratings, while from fewer reviews, are very strong and come from diverse hotel types, suggesting reliability and quality.
Edge: apaleo GmbH.
Apaleo’s base price is $900.00 with no freemium, no monthly flat or per-room fees, and no implementation fee disclosed. SkyTouch’s base price is lower at $600.00, similarly without freemium or per-room pricing, and no implementation fee.
Neither product offers free trials. Apaleo’s higher base price reflects its positioning as a flexible, scalable platform for larger or group operations. SkyTouch’s lower entry price may appeal to smaller properties or those with tighter budgets. Without published detailed pricing structures or volume discounts, a direct ROI comparison is limited.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
The core difference between apaleo GmbH and SkyTouch Technology lies in customization and ecosystem breadth versus out-of-the-box simplicity. Apaleo’s open API-first platform offers unparalleled flexibility, automation, and an expansive app marketplace that empowers hotels and serviced apartments to build tailored solutions. SkyTouch provides a more traditional, integrated PMS with built-in modules designed for straightforward daily operations and rate management.
Choose apaleo GmbH if you want: (1) a scalable system with 122 verified integrations and API openness that accommodates complex multi-property operations, and (2) advanced features like automated space optimization, mobile housekeeping apps, and strong compliance frameworks. These advantages support future growth and operational agility.
Choose SkyTouch Technology if you want: (1) a lower entry price with an all-in-one PMS including a booking engine and revenue management module, and (2) an easy-to-use interface praised for rapid staff onboarding and cloud access. These benefits fit smaller independent hotels prioritizing simplicity and essential features without extensive customization.
The data decisively favors apaleo GmbH for hotels with the technical capability and growth ambitions to leverage its open platform. SkyTouch Technology remains a practical choice for properties valuing ease of use and integrated features at a lower base cost.
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 $600/mo |
These are the features each vendor has configured, organized by feature group — the same data shown in the vendor dashboard. Expand a group to compare features side by side.
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Accounting & Finance
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| Direct billing | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
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Marketing & Ecommerce
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| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Booking Engine | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Administration & Configuration
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| Centralized user & role management | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| Cloud based | ||
| On premise | ||
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Customer Management
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| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Front Office
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| Mobile Device Notes & Tasks (Voice-to-Text) | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Calendar view | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| Task Management | ||
| Automated reminders | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Groups Management
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| Group functionality | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Guest Experience
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| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Digital Registration | ||
| Guest App | ||
| Online Check-in | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| ID Scanning & Registration Pre-fill | ||
| Lobby Kiosk | ||
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Housekeeping
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| Housekeeping module | ||
| Housekeeping Mobile App | ||
| Real-Time Status Updates | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Real Time Reporting | ||
| Shift Planning | ||
| Employee Messaging | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
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Payments
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| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Payment processing | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
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Reservations Management
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| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Rate Management | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Revenue Management
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| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Custom rates | ||
| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Revenue management module | ||
| Base Pricing | ||
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Taxes & Compliance
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| PCI Compliant | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC2 Complaint | ||
| Tax Configuration | ||
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Support & Training
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| Online 24/7 support | ||
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Food & Beverage
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Spa
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| Spa & Wellness Module |
We analyzed 6 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
No published case study for this goal yet.
"We are finding great value and payback versus anything else out there on the market, and I have seen them all."
"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
Users consistently praise SkyTouch for its intuitive, easy-to-navigate system. Many highlight how quickly new staff members can be trained, thanks to... Users consistently praise SkyTouch for its intuitive, easy-to-navigate system. Many highlight how quickly new staff members can be trained, thanks to the interface's simplicity. This aspect makes SkyTouch particularly well-suited for properties that frequently onboard new employees.
SkyTouch's customer support receives mixed feedback. Many users commend the support team for their professionalism and helpfulness. However, others cr... SkyTouch's customer support receives mixed feedback. Many users commend the support team for their professionalism and helpfulness. However, others criticize the extended waiting times and the fact that long-standing issues remain unresolved despite multiple reports.
SkyTouch's cloud-based system is appreciated for its remote access capability. This allows hotel managers to monitor operations, make rate changes, an... SkyTouch's cloud-based system is appreciated for its remote access capability. This allows hotel managers to monitor operations, make rate changes, and check reports from any location with internet access, which is a significant advantage for multi-property managers.
Where hoteliers push back
While SkyTouch offers a range of features, users report that the system's customizability is limited. Specific areas of concern include the inability... While SkyTouch offers a range of features, users report that the system's customizability is limited. Specific areas of concern include the inability to tailor reports, user interface layouts, and reservation processes to meet unique property needs.
Many users express frustration with SkyTouch due to recurring software bugs and glitches. These issues range from intermittent system crashes and logi... Many users express frustration with SkyTouch due to recurring software bugs and glitches. These issues range from intermittent system crashes and login problems to malfunctioning features like the tape chart and housekeeping modules. Users cite the need for more robust bug fixes and quicker resolutions from the support team.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Apaleo Open PMS and SkyTouch Technology share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Apaleo Open PMS offers 122 verified integration partners, while SkyTouch Technology offers 33. 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 4.7/5. 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. SkyTouch Technology: 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 79 and SkyTouch Technology has 27. 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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