Athena vs. ThinkReservations PMS: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 15, 2026  ·  395 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 395 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:

Athena shines .

ThinkReservations shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (0.0/5) , with exclusive features like Payment processing and Housekeeping module.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Athena Compare to ThinkReservations PMS?

Side-by-side ratings based on 395 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
0
89
Likelihood to Recommend
0%
97%
Ease of Use
0.0/5
4.8/5
Customer Support
0.0/5
4.8/5
Value for Money
0.0/5
4.7/5
Starting Price Contact sales From $500/mo
Verified Reviews 0 395

What Are the Pros and Cons of Athena vs ThinkReservations PMS?

After analyzing 395 verified reviews, Athena users most value its , while ThinkReservations users highlight customer support, operational efficiency, data and reporting. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Athena ThinkReservations ThinkReservations
Pros
+ Customer Support
+ Operational Efficiency
+ Data and Reporting
+ Integration with OTAs
Cons
Pricing and Fees
Security Features

Athena vs ThinkReservations: Rankings by Hotel Segment

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

Segment Athena ThinkReservations ThinkReservations
Small (10-24 rooms) #4 145 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #9 25 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #6 3 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #5 1 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Athena ThinkReservations ThinkReservations
Boutique #7 100 reviews
Luxury #7 70 reviews
Branded / Chain #7 24 reviews
Extended Stay #11 8 reviews

By Region

Segment Athena ThinkReservations ThinkReservations
North America #1 386 reviews
Europe #57 0 reviews
Asia Pacific #32 0 reviews
Middle East #32 0 reviews

The Decision

Choosing a property management system (PMS) is critical for your hotel's operational efficiency, revenue growth, and guest satisfaction. Athena by Athena and ThinkReservations PMS are two options that aim to streamline your tasks and improve your bottom line, but they differ significantly in features, support, and market presence. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize extensive features and recent reviews or a more streamlined, well-supported platform with proven integration and user satisfaction.

Athena aims to be an AI-powered revenue management tool integrated into a broader operational workflow, but it has no reviews or ratings to validate its claims. ThinkReservations, on the other hand, enjoys a high rating of 4.88/5 from 356 recent reviews, making it the more tested and trusted choice for hoteliers seeking a reliable PMS.

Are you ready for a detailed comparison to find out which platform best fits your hotel?

Is Athena or ThinkReservations Better for Hotels?

Athena and ThinkReservations both serve as property management systems designed to improve operational control and profitability. Athena emphasizes its AI-driven approach, focusing on dynamic pricing and market trend analysis to optimize revenue, but it lacks user reviews to support its effectiveness. ThinkReservations, meanwhile, offers a comprehensive suite of over 39 features tailored for small to medium-sized hotels, with a strong track record demonstrated through hundreds of recent reviews.

ThinkReservations' reviews reveal consistent praise for its ease of use, support, and integration, with many hotel owners citing significant revenue increases and operational improvements. Conversely, Athena's lack of reviews makes it difficult to assess whether its AI capabilities translate into real-world benefits. Do you want a platform with proven user satisfaction or an untested AI solution?

ThinkReservations vs Athena: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a proven, feature-rich PMS with excellent customer support, go with ThinkReservations. Its extensive integration, strong user reviews, and robust reporting tools make it ideal for B&Bs, boutique hotels, and small resorts looking to grow revenue and streamline operations.

If your hotel is interested in an AI-enabled system focused on revenue management and automation—despite the lack of user validation—Athena may appeal. However, given the absence of reviews and market presence, ThinkReservations clearly offers a more reliable path for most hoteliers seeking tangible results.

Is Athena or ThinkReservations Easier to Use?

ThinkReservations boasts a 4.82/5 ease-of-use rating based on 356 reviews, with many users describing the platform as intuitive and straightforward, even for non-technical staff. Customers praise its simple onboarding process and clear interface, which makes daily management tasks less burdensome.

Athena has no publicly available reviews, making it impossible to assess its user experience or onboarding process. Given the extensive positive feedback on ThinkReservations’ usability, the edge clearly goes to ThinkReservations for ease of adoption and daily operation.

Which Has Better Features: Athena or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations offers 39 features, including a channel manager, booking engine, automated night audit, guest messaging, real-time reporting, and integrated payment processing—none of which Athena provides. These features directly support revenue growth, operational efficiency, and guest engagement.

Athena, on the other hand, appears to focus solely on AI-driven revenue management but lacks additional features or integrations. With no verified partners or feature set, Athena’s offering is limited compared to ThinkReservations' comprehensive suite. Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Athena or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations consistently earns a 4.82/5 rating for customer support, with many reviews highlighting its responsiveness, knowledgeable staff, and 24/7 availability. Users frequently mention that support helped them implement features smoothly and resolve issues promptly.

There are no reviews or support ratings for Athena, making it impossible to evaluate its customer service quality. Based on available data, ThinkReservations' well-established support system gives it a clear advantage. Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has More Integrations: Athena or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations integrates with 16 verified partners, including major OTAs such as Expedia, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor, plus channel management, payment, and guest messaging systems. These integrations streamline your operations and maximize revenue opportunities.

Athena does not list any verified integrations, which limits its appeal for hotels seeking a connected, multi-channel operation. Without proven integrations, Athena falls short in supporting seamless, multi-platform management. Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Athena or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations' 4.88/5 rating from 356 recent reviews indicates high satisfaction across various hotel segments, especially B&Bs and boutique hotels. Review comments emphasize its ease of use, support, and revenue-boosting features.

Athena has no reviews or ratings, making it impossible to gauge hotel satisfaction or real-world performance. Given the strong, recent user feedback for ThinkReservations, it is the preferred choice for hoteliers wanting validated, high-rated software. Edge: ThinkReservations.

How Much Do Athena and ThinkReservations Cost?

Athena’s pricing details are unavailable, which suggests it might not follow a transparent, straightforward pricing model. ThinkReservations charges a $500 monthly base fee, with no mention of additional or hidden charges.

For hotels seeking predictable costs and clear value, ThinkReservations’ transparent pricing gives you a better basis for budgeting. Athena’s unclear pricing makes it a riskier investment without confirmed ROI. Edge: ThinkReservations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Athena?

  • Hotels that want to experiment with AI-driven revenue management and are comfortable exploring unverified platforms.
  • Businesses seeking to integrate revenue optimization directly into their existing workflows.
  • Hotels with in-house tech teams capable of assessing and supporting new, less proven systems.
  • Hotels that prioritize automation over features like channel management or guest communication.

Not ideal if:

  • You need a proven, full-featured PMS with extensive integrations.
  • Your hotel relies heavily on channel management or OTA connectivity.
  • You prefer software with a large user base and proven support.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

  • Small to medium-sized hotels, B&Bs, inns, and boutique properties seeking a reliable, feature-rich PMS.
  • Hotels that value integrations with OTAs like Expedia, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor.
  • Teams that want a platform with strong support, positive reviews, and a broad feature set to boost revenue.
  • Hotels looking for an easy-to-use system that can streamline operations and guest communication.

Not ideal if:

  • You operate a large hotel chain or resort requiring enterprise-level solutions.
  • You need extensive customization or a highly specialized platform.
  • Your hotel is in a region outside North America, where ThinkReservations’ presence is limited.

ThinkReservations vs Athena: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference is that ThinkReservations offers a proven, feature-rich platform with high user satisfaction, while Athena remains an unreviewed, AI-focused tool with no evidence of real-world application. ThinkReservations provides over 39 features, strong support, and proven integrations, making it a safer, more effective choice for most hotels.

Choose ThinkReservations if you want a reliable, well-supported PMS that can grow with you, improve guest experiences, and boost revenues through automation and integrations. Athena might appeal if you are eager to explore AI-driven revenue management and are willing to accept the risks of limited validation.

If your priority is certainty, existing positive feedback, and comprehensive features, go with ThinkReservations. If you are experimenting with new technology and comfortable with uncertainty, Athena could be worth exploring, but it’s a less secure bet.

How Much Do Athena and ThinkReservations PMS 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.

Athena ThinkReservations ThinkReservations
Starting Price From $500/mo

Which Features Does Athena Have That ThinkReservations PMS Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Athena and ThinkReservations PMS share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Athena ThinkReservations ThinkReservations
Booking Engine
Calendar view
Channel Manager
Custom rates
EPoS
Payment processing

Showing top differences. 27 more features differ between these products.

Real-World Results: Athena vs ThinkReservations by Business Goal

We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.

Increase Revenue & Reduce Costs
Athena

No published case study for this goal yet.

ThinkReservations Blue Tang Inn Mid-Size
+ Blue Tang Inn was able to significantly increase its bottom line after implementing ThinkReservations, with 52% year on year increase during Q1.
+ The property capitalized on upsell opportunities, offering a wide variety of activities (snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, fishing) as well as F&B packages. Upsell revenue increased 80% in Q1 2023 vs the previous year
+ Blue Tang Inn management was pleased to see the property booked more nights in Q1 2023, at a significant higher rate while the market maintained the previous year's numbers.

"I became aware of ThinkReservations at a trade show in the US, and I could see right away that it would help Blue Tang Inn streamline our operations, increase our booking and upsel..."

Kristin Fisher
Kristin Fisher
Sales and Marketing Director
Increase Operational Efficiency
Athena

No published case study for this goal yet.

ThinkReservations Yara Palm Springs Small
+ 17.3% of revenue in 2024 came from items and packages, growing their revenue without additional capital investments.
+ Yara Palm Springs consistently has 62% of their bookings through their direct channels, saving thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to OTA commisions.
+ Yara Palm Springs has automated their guest journey and made it easy for guests to enjoy a personalized stay through technology, making it easier for the owners to operate their propertyremotely. "Living in another city from my hotel, working remotely on my hotel, being a mother, trying to have a social life...ThinkReservations makes it so I can still do all those things and be a hotel operator from wherever I am" said Kate.

"ThinkReservations Digital Registration has streamlined our check in process, making my job so much easier. Being able to ask guests for their ID and credit card ahead of time, agre..."

Improve Guest Experience
Athena

No published case study for this goal yet.

ThinkReservations Inn on Main Small
+ Increased Repeat Guests - The inn has seen a notable rise in repeat bookings, including guests who have stayed over 20 times since implementing ThinkReservations.
+ Boosted Upsell Revenue - Upselling opportunities through the booking engine have resulted in a 15% increase in additional revenue from services like late check-ins and special packages.
+ Improved Efficiency - Administrative tasks have been reduced by 30%, allowing staff to dedicate more time to creating memorable guest experiences.

"We try to take care of all the needs of our guests so that they have an experience rather than just a stay"

Chris Kennedy
Chris Kennedy
Co-Owner

Athena vs ThinkReservations: The Bottom Line

Athena
0.0/5 from 0 reviews
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 0 integrations
Visit Profile
ThinkReservations
ThinkReservations
4.9/5 from 395 reviews

What hoteliers love

Customer Support 89% positive

Though already noted as excellent by many, a few reviews express the desire for additional support on weekends to better handle urgent inquiries.

Operational Efficiency 86% positive

ThinkReservations aids in streamlining operations through digital registration, night audits, and easy management of booking and check-in processes, a... ThinkReservations aids in streamlining operations through digital registration, night audits, and easy management of booking and check-in processes, allowing staff to focus more on guest interactions.

Data and Reporting 75% positive

The system offers comprehensive data and reporting features, enabling hoteliers to make informed decisions on pricing, guest satisfaction, and strateg... The system offers comprehensive data and reporting features, enabling hoteliers to make informed decisions on pricing, guest satisfaction, and strategy planning.

Where hoteliers push back

Pricing and Fees 100% negative

Some reviews highlight issues with the pricing structure, including dissatisfaction with channel manager fees and the high price of features like Thin... Some reviews highlight issues with the pricing structure, including dissatisfaction with channel manager fees and the high price of features like ThinkMessenger.

Security Features 67% negative

Mandatory two-step authentication is a point of frustration for some users, who find it burdensome and wish for lower security settings.

Unique capabilities

Channel Manager EPoS Payment processing Booking Engine Calendar view
4.8/5 ease of use 4.8/5 support 16 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating ThinkReservations 4.9 vs 0.0 (+4.9)
Ease of Use ThinkReservations 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Customer Support ThinkReservations 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Value for Money ThinkReservations 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)
Onboarding ThinkReservations 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)

Frequently Asked Questions About Athena vs ThinkReservations PMS

Can Athena replace ThinkReservations PMS?

It depends on your requirements. Athena and ThinkReservations PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Athena offers 0 verified integration partners, while ThinkReservations PMS offers 16. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. ThinkReservations PMS leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 0.0/5. 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.

Do Athena or ThinkReservations PMS offer a free plan?

Athena: No. ThinkReservations 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.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Athena and ThinkReservations PMS?

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. Athena has an HT Score of 0 and ThinkReservations has 89. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

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

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

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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