OTA Distribution (by Aven Hospitality) vs. Connectivity Services by DerbySoft:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Aven Hospitality’s OTA Distribution and DerbySoft’s Connectivity Services hinges on your hotel’s specific needs. Both aim to streamline distribution, but they do so through different approaches and capabilities. Your decision should consider factors like your hotel size, regions of operation, budget, and feature priorities. Are you seeking a broad, established channel management system or a specialized connectivity platform? Let’s explore how these products compare across key dimensions.

Is Aven Hospitality’s OTA Distribution or DerbySoft’s Connectivity Services Better for Hotels?

Aven Hospitality’s OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality functions as a comprehensive channel management system that centralizes control over rates, availability, and inventory across over 600 channels globally, including OTAs, bed banks, and tour operators. In contrast, DerbySoft’s Connectivity Services by DerbySoft is more focused on providing seamless, reliable integration with PMS and CRS systems, emphasizing real-time ARI delivery and broad distribution network coverage.

While Aven Hospitality offers extensive partner integration, it lacks a feature like DerbySoft’s analytics dashboard, which provides insights into distribution performance. Conversely, DerbySoft excels in its simplicity for mid-sized hotels and independents, with a focus on connectivity rather than direct management of multi-channel distribution. Does your hotel prioritize managing multiple channels directly, or do you seek a more straightforward, connectivity-driven approach?

Aven Hospitality vs DerbySoft: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a robust, multi-channel distribution platform capable of managing over 600 channels with detailed control and customization, Aven Hospitality’s OTA Distribution is the clear choice. It’s ideal for larger hotels or chains that require extensive partner integration and a centralized hub for managing complex distribution strategies.

If, however, your hotel primarily seeks reliable, real-time connectivity with PMS and CRS systems, especially if you are a mid-sized property or independent operator, DerbySoft’s Connectivity Services is better suited. Its simplified interface, rapid updates, and strong network coverage make it a sound choice for hotels prioritizing connectivity and operational efficiency over extensive channel management.

Given the review count and recent feedback, Aven Hospitality’s larger user base and broader regional presence give it a slight edge in confidence, especially for hotels with complex distribution needs.

Is Aven Hospitality or DerbySoft Easier to Use?

Aven Hospitality scores 4.43/5 for ease of use, with a user-friendly interface praised in reviews, though some users note that customer support is inconsistent. The onboarding process is rated at 4.2/5, with some feedback highlighting the need for clearer documentation and smoother setup, but overall, users find it manageable.

DerbySoft, on the other hand, has a slightly higher ease of use rating at 4.5/5 and benefits from a more streamlined, simple interface that many users find intuitive for managing connectivity tasks. Its platform also includes a responsive support team, which boosts staff adoption and reduces learning curves.

Edge: DerbySoft.

Which Has Better Features: Aven Hospitality or DerbySoft?

Aven Hospitality offers 14 shared features that facilitate distribution management, but it lacks unique features beyond these. DerbySoft distinguishes itself with a single, exclusive feature: its analytics dashboard, providing detailed insights into distribution performance, ARI, and channel effectiveness.

If your hotel values data-driven decision-making and performance analysis, DerbySoft’s analytics dashboard provides an important advantage. However, for broader distribution control and multi-channel management, Aven Hospitality’s suite of features remains comprehensive.

Edge: DerbySoft.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Aven Hospitality or DerbySoft?

Aven Hospitality’s customer support scores 4.06/5, with reviews citing slow responses and difficulty reaching knowledgeable staff. Many users describe support as inconsistent, with some experiencing frustration over delayed issue resolution and limited proactive communication.

DerbySoft’s customer support outperforms, with a score of 4.83/5. Users consistently praise the responsiveness, helpfulness, and proactive communication of their support team, often noting quick resolutions and effective guidance, especially from dedicated managers like Mandy Yip.

Edge: DerbySoft.

Which Has More Integrations: Aven Hospitality or DerbySoft?

Aven Hospitality boasts 80 verified partner integrations, covering a wide range of PMS, CRS, and distribution platforms. It shares 8 partners with DerbySoft, including major players like Cendyn, Stayntouch, Oracle Hospitality, and Mews, among others.

DerbySoft has 16 verified partners, focusing heavily on connectivity systems, with a few exclusive integrations like apaleo GmbH and Oasis Hospitality Software Ltd. Its broader network coverage and larger number of verified partners favor Aven Hospitality for comprehensive, multi-system integration needs.

Edge: Aven Hospitality.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Aven Hospitality or DerbySoft?

Despite Aven Hospitality’s larger review count (49 reviews), it has a lower overall rating of 0/5; many reviews highlight poor support and frustrating experiences. DerbySoft, with only 6 reviews, has a perfect 0/5 rating, but these are mostly positive, emphasizing ease of use and responsiveness.

Given recent review recency and more comprehensive feedback, DerbySoft’s higher NPS score (9.17/10) and 92% likelihood to recommend indicate stronger satisfaction among its users. For overall ratings, DerbySoft is clearer in its positive reception.

Edge: DerbySoft.

How Much Do Aven Hospitality and DerbySoft Cost?

Aven Hospitality charges a fixed monthly fee of $300, with no additional implementation, setup, or trial fees. Its pricing model is straightforward, but some users believe it might be high for smaller hotels considering its limited features.

DerbySoft’s pricing starts at $1,000 per month, reflecting its focus on connectivity, data security, and extensive network coverage. Its higher cost may be justified for hotels with complex connectivity needs but could be prohibitive for smaller properties.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Aven Hospitality?

• Hotels that manage multiple channels and require centralized control over rates, availability, and inventory.
• Hotels that operate in diverse regions and need broad partner integrations.
• Large hotel chains or properties with complex distribution strategies.
• Hotels looking for a platform with extensive PMS and CRS connectivity.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel has limited distribution channels.
• You seek a simple, connectivity-only solution.
• Your property is small with minimal distribution needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use DerbySoft?

• Hotels of all sizes that prioritize reliable, real-time connectivity with PMS and CRS.
• Mid-sized properties or independents seeking a straightforward distribution platform.
• Hotels expanding into new markets needing rapid, seamless integration.
• Properties that value data insights through analytics dashboards.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel requires extensive multi-channel management.
• Your primary focus is on direct booking strategies rather than connectivity.
• You prefer a low-cost, less feature-heavy solution.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

In summary, Aven Hospitality’s OTA Distribution provides a broad, feature-rich channel management platform, ideal for large, multi-property hotels with complex distribution networks. Its extensive partner integrations and regional presence support hotels aiming for aggressive distribution control but suffer from support issues and slower innovation.

DerbySoft’s Connectivity Services centers on dependable, real-time system integration with a focus on ease of use and excellent support. Its analytics dashboard and streamlined platform suit mid-sized and independent hotels that need reliable connectivity without the complexity of managing hundreds of channels directly.

If your hotel needs broad multi-channel management and extensive integrations, Aven Hospitality remains the more comprehensive choice, especially given its larger review base and regional coverage. For reliable, user-friendly connectivity with strong support and insights, DerbySoft is the better pick, especially if recent reviews are a priority.