ASA Hotel Software vs. Counter:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

As you evaluate property management systems for your hotel, ASA Hotelsoftware and Counter stand out as strong contenders. Both aim to streamline operations, improve guest experience, and boost occupancy, but they approach these goals differently. ASA Hotelsoftware offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform tailored for full-service hotels, while Counter provides a lightweight, user-friendly solution designed specifically for hostels and small properties.

Your decision hinges on your property type, operational complexity, and specific feature needs. Which platform aligns best with your hotel’s unique requirements?

Is ASA Hotelsoftware or Counter Better for Hotels?

Both ASA Hotelsoftware and Counter are designed to manage reservations, check-ins, and guest data, but their scope and depth vary significantly. ASA’s platform includes modules for revenue management, guest communication, and digital registration, making it suitable for larger, more complex hotels. In contrast, Counter emphasizes ease of use, automation, and mobile management, ideal for hostels and small to mid-sized properties.

While ASA has a broader feature set and more extensive integrations, it’s primarily focused on hotels in Europe with a need for advanced management tools. Counter’s strengths lie in its straightforward interface and automation, which help staff manage daily tasks more efficiently.

The key question: Does your hotel need a full-featured PMS with advanced modules, or a simple yet effective system that gets the basics done well?

ASA Hotelsoftware vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel requires a solution that handles multiple departments, offers detailed reporting, and supports complex pricing strategies, ASA Hotelsoftware is the better pick. It’s ideal for resorts, larger boutique hotels, and properties in Europe that need modules like revenue management, guest communication, and integrated ID scanner.

On the other hand, if you operate a hostel or a small hotel that values ease of use, automation, and affordable features, Counter is the clear choice. Its mobile-friendly interface, POS integration, and simple booking management suit properties with limited staff and a focus on quick, smooth operations.

In summary, choose ASA if you need depth and scalability; opt for Counter if you prioritize simplicity and rapid deployment.

Is ASA Hotelsoftware or Counter Easier to Use?

Based on recent reviews, ASA Hotelsoftware scores a 4.73/5 for ease of use, with users praising its logical layout and helpful onboarding process. Users also note that staff find it straightforward to learn, especially with initial training. However, some mention that the system’s breadth can make navigation initially overwhelming.

Counter slightly edges out at 4.6/5, with users describing it as "very friendly," "easy to understand," and requiring minimal training. Its mobile interface and simple calendar management make daily tasks quick and intuitive, especially for hostel staff managing multiple platforms.

Edge: ASA Hotelsoftware, for its slightly higher usability rating and more extensive onboarding resources.

Which Has Better Features: ASA Hotelsoftware or Counter?

ASA Hotelsoftware offers 29 features exclusive to its platform, including modules for spa & wellness, revenue management, integrated ID & passport scanning, online check-in, and a guest app. It also supports automation like real-time status updates, task management, and GDPR compliance, making it suitable for hotels with complex operations.

Counter provides only two features exclusive to its platform: a channel manager and a booking engine. While it lacks the depth of ASA, it covers essential automation, POS integration, and contactless check-in, focusing on core hostel needs.

Edge: ASA Hotelsoftware, with its extensive suite of advanced, hotel-specific features.

Which Has Better Customer Support: ASA Hotelsoftware or Counter?

Customer support ratings favor Counter, with a 4.96/5 compared to ASA’s 4.73/5. Reviewers highlight Counter’s responsiveness, with mentions of “fast, helpful support” and “support team always reachable,” especially praising team members Evelyn and Max.

ASA’s support is also highly rated, but some users note that certain matters could be addressed faster, though they appreciate having dedicated contact persons. Both vendors support onboarding well, but Counter’s recent reviews suggest more consistent rapid responses.

Edge: Counter, for its slightly higher support rating and more recent positive feedback.

Which Has More Integrations: ASA Hotelsoftware or Counter?

ASA Hotelsoftware boasts 49 verified partners, including major players like Fairmas, RateBoard, and Vingcard, offering extensive integration options across various hotel operations. This broad network allows seamless synchronization with revenue systems, channel managers, and other hotel tech.

Counter has 7 verified partners, including Stripe, Goki, and Cloudbeds, mainly focused on payment processing, channel management, and access control. While these integrations are valuable, they are fewer in number and less diverse compared to ASA.

Edge: ASA Hotelsoftware, with a significantly wider array of verified integrations.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: ASA Hotelsoftware or Counter?

Reviews in the last six months show that Counter’s average rating is 4.75/5 based on 52 recent reviews, compared to ASA’s perfect 5/5 from 11 reviews. However, ASA’s reviews are mostly from larger hotels and resorts, with high praise for its feature set and reliability.

Counter is favored by hostel operators and small properties for its simplicity, automation, and support. Hotels in Europe tend to rate ASA slightly higher, while hostels, especially in North America and beyond, prefer Counter’s ease of use.

Edge: Counter, because of its larger review base and recent ratings.

How Much Do ASA Hotelsoftware and Counter Cost?

ASA Hotelsoftware charges a flat base fee of $1,000, with no mention of additional implementation fees or monthly charges. Its pricing suggests it’s aimed at properties seeking a comprehensive, high-capacity solution.

Counter’s pricing is not publicly listed, but reviews imply it is free or very affordable, especially since it’s marketed as a free PMS for hostels. Additional features like the booking engine or channel manager may have extra costs, but overall it’s positioned as a budget-friendly option.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ASA Hotelsoftware?

• Hotels that operate multiple departments (spa, restaurant, front desk) and need integrated management.
• Resorts and large boutique hotels with complex pricing and guest profiles.
• Properties aiming for automation in guest communication and check-in.
• Hotels in Europe, particularly Germany, Italy, Austria, or Switzerland, seeking a proven, scalable system.

Not ideal if your property is small, needs only basic management, or operates in regions with limited ASA support.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels, budget hotels, and small independent properties.
• Teams that value mobile management and quick onboarding.
• Properties looking for automation like contactless check-in, automatic payments, and simplified booking.
• Hostels or small hotels in North America, Europe, or regions where speed and ease of use matter most.

Not ideal if your property requires extensive modules like revenue management, detailed reporting, or multi-department management.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

ASA Hotelsoftware is a robust solution suited for larger, complex hotels needing advanced features, integrations, and scalability. Its broad module set and European presence make it ideal for resorts and boutique hotels looking for a comprehensive management platform.

Counter excels for small properties, hostels, and properties prioritizing ease of use, automation, and rapid deployment. Its focus on simplicity and mobile functionality makes it a favorite among budget-conscious hoteliers and hostel operators.

If your hotel belongs to a larger or more complex segment, ASA’s extensive features and integrations provide stronger value. For smaller, more agile properties or hostels, Counter offers an efficient, cost-effective alternative.

In conclusion, choose ASA if you need a full-scale, multi-department management system with extensive regional support. Opt for Counter if your priority is simplicity, automation, and quick onboarding—especially if you operate a hostel or small hotel in a region where Counter’s support network is strong.