ASI PMS vs. Counter:
Which Is Right for You?

Is Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) or Counter Better for Hotels?

Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) and Counter serve distinctly different hotel segments despite both being property management systems (PMS). ASI’s PMS fits a wide range of hotels including branded, limited service, motels, resorts, and boutique hotels, with users rating it 4.8/5 overall across 30 reviews. Counter focuses primarily on hostels, which make up 83% of its user base, with an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 57 reviews. ASI excels in delivering comprehensive operational control with advanced features like integrated ID scanning and granular reporting, supporting complex hotel workflows. Counter simplifies hostel management through automation and mobile-friendly design, streamlining check-ins and payment processing for smaller, high-turnover properties.

Both products address the core need of managing reservations, front desk operations, and reporting but differ in scope and depth. ASI offers an all-in-one platform for multi-property and multi-segment operations, while Counter targets the hostel market with an easy-to-use, cloud-based system focused on daily operational efficiency.

Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your property is a small to medium-sized boutique, resort, branded hotel, or motel in the Middle East, Africa, or Asia-Pacific, choose ASI because reviewers cite its deep features like automated space optimization and integrated payment terminals which improve operational accuracy and guest check-in experience. ASI’s 4.9 ease of use rating and 4.8 value for money are based on hotels managing complex workflows with detailed reporting and audit trails.

If you run a hostel or a limited service property primarily in Europe or the Americas, Counter is likely a better fit given its focus on hostels (83% of users), mobile-friendly interface, and automation of routine tasks like contactless check-in and payment processing. Despite a slightly lower 4.6 overall rating, Counter’s 57 reviews provide a robust data set affirming its suitability for hostel operations. Counter’s integration with POS systems and channel managers supports high-volume, multi-platform booking environments typical of hostels. For other hotel segments, the data is thinner, and users report less satisfaction with revenue management and reporting features, so caution is advised.

Is Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) or Counter Easier to Use?

ASI leads ease of use with a 4.9 rating versus Counter’s 4.6, supported by a 4.6 onboarding score slightly behind Counter’s 4.7. ASI reviewers highlight a user-friendly, intuitive interface that reduces training time and simplifies complex tasks like filtering reservations and generating detailed reports. One user praised how front desk staff can quickly toggle filters in the reservation search screen without navigating complex menus. Counter also receives praise for its clean, simple interface and mobile accessibility, making it fast to train staff and enabling property management on the go.

However, Counter users report some persistent bugs affecting bed availability display and overbooking errors, which impact ease of use. ASI’s review set is smaller and less recent, but consistently emphasizes workflow efficiencies. Both products make front desk operations smoother, but ASI’s interface is better rated for handling detailed hotel workflows.

Edge: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI).

Which Has Better Features: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) or Counter?

ASI offers 28 unique hotel-specific features not found in Counter, which has zero unique features beyond the shared 19. ASI supports on-premise deployment, integrated ID and passport scanning, digital registration, tablet/kiosk check-in, and an integrated payment terminal with card reader. These features change daily workflows by eliminating manual data entry, accelerating guest check-in, and securing payment processing at the property. ASI’s drag-and-drop tape chart and automated space optimization improve room assignment efficiency, critical for properties managing complex inventory.

Counter focuses on automation such as POS system integration and automatic payment processing, which reduces manual tasks, but lacks deeper operational features like revenue management or detailed reporting modules. Counter’s mobile-friendly design supports remote management but does not extend to features like integrated ID scanning or rule-based room assignments.

Edge: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI).

Which Has Better Customer Support: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) or Counter?

ASI and Counter both score similarly on support, with ASI at 4.7 and Counter slightly higher at 4.9. ASI reviewers praise the professionalism, knowledge, and courteousness of support staff, though some mention delays in callbacks and time zone issues when contacting support early morning. Counter’s support team receives frequent mentions of responsiveness and helpfulness, with specific appreciation for individuals like Evelyn and Max who provide timely, patient assistance. However, Counter users note slower support response in certain time zones and occasional unresolved bugs.

Overall, both vendors maintain strong reputations for customer service, with Counter slightly edging ASI in responsiveness but ASI noted for consistent technical support quality.

Edge: Even.

Which Has More Integrations: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) or Counter?

ASI supports 22 verified integrations compared to Counter’s 7, a 214% difference, making this a clear edge for ASI. Both integrate with SiteMinder, but ASI offers additional partners such as SHR Group, Actabl, Cendyn, Sojern, Duetto, and Vertical Booking, valuable for hotels needing advanced revenue management, guest marketing, and distribution tools. Counter’s integrations with WuBook, FLYR Hospitality, Cloudbeds, Channex, and Stripe cater well to hostels needing payment processing and channel management but lack deeper hotel-specific tools.

Hotels with complex distribution needs or multi-property setups benefit from ASI’s broader integration ecosystem. Hostels focusing on core booking and payment automation may find Counter’s integrations sufficient.

Edge: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI).

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) or Counter?

ASI’s overall rating stands at 4.8/5 across 30 reviews while Counter has 4.6/5 from 57 reviews. ASI’s rating is consistent across segments with 5/5 scores from airport/conference hotels, branded hotels, and boutique hotels, and 4.8 to 4.9 from resorts and limited-service hotels. Counter scores highest in hostels at 4.7/5 from 50 reviews but declines to 4.2 in resorts and bed & breakfasts, indicating weaker fit outside hostels.

ASI’s recent review volume is low (3 in last six months) but no recent reviews dip is noted. Counter has no reviews in the last six months, so its rating may not reflect the latest product changes. ASI’s 97% likelihood to recommend surpasses Counter’s 91%, emphasizing stronger user satisfaction.

Edge: Even.

How Much Do Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) and Counter Cost?

ASI publishes a base price of $300 with no trial, no freemium model, and no monthly or per-room fees disclosed. Counter does not publish pricing or offer trials either. Both vendors appear to require direct contact for pricing, but ASI’s transparent base price provides clearer upfront cost expectations. Counter users mention pricing concerns in reviews, suggesting regional pricing or bed-based models could improve affordability, indicating some users find current pricing structure challenging.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Anand Systems Inc. (ASI)?

• Hotels that need multi-property control and comprehensive operational features such as integrated payment terminals, ID scanning, and digital registration.
• Teams requiring detailed reporting and granular data management, including revenue by no-shows vs cancellations.
• Properties operating in Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions with complex front desk workflows and multi-segment demands.
• Hotels valuing a proven, stable PMS that supports budget to luxury segments with 4.8+ ratings across various categories.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel requires mobile-first management optimized for hostels rather than full-service hotel features.
• You depend heavily on rapid integration with niche regional channel managers not supported by ASI.
• You need a freemium or trial-based pricing model to test the product extensively before purchase.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels, which represent 83% of users, looking for a mobile-friendly PMS that simplifies check-ins and automates payments.
• Properties in Europe and North America that prioritize ease of use and rapid staff onboarding over complex hotel workflows.
• Teams that require POS system integration and a channel manager to consolidate bookings from multiple OTA platforms.
• Small limited-service hotels or bed & breakfasts with straightforward operational needs and preference for cloud-based management.

Not ideal if:

• Your property needs advanced revenue management, detailed reporting, or granular room assignment rules.
• You operate multi-property hotels requiring extensive integrations beyond POS and payment systems.
• You require highly reliable bug-free software; multiple reviewers mention persistent issues with overbooking and system errors.

Anand Systems Inc. (ASI) vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

ASI and Counter serve distinct hotel markets with different operational scopes and feature sets. ASI is a comprehensive PMS designed for full-service hotels and multi-property groups with strong reporting, automation, and integrated hardware support. Counter focuses on hostels and limited-service properties, providing a simplified, mobile-friendly experience with automation to reduce staff workload.

Choose ASI if you need robust operational control, integrated payment and ID scanning, and extensive third-party integrations that support revenue management and multi-property oversight. ASI’s 4.8 overall rating and 22 verified integrations reflect its capability to handle complex hotel workflows efficiently.

Choose Counter if you operate a hostel or small limited-service property seeking an intuitive, mobile-first PMS with strong POS integration and easier onboarding. Counter’s 4.6 rating primarily from hostels and automation features streamline daily tasks but expect limitations in features and some persistent software bugs noted by users.