OTA Distribution (by Aven Hospitality) vs. Exely Channel Manager:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right channel management system is critical for your hotel’s distribution efficiency and revenue growth. Both OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality and Exely Channel Manager aim to streamline your online presence, but they diverge significantly in user experience, features, and market presence. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and specific operational needs. Are you prioritizing a system with more recent, comprehensive reviews or one that offers a broader integration network?

Is OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality or Exely Channel Manager Better for Hotels?

Both products solve the fundamental problem of managing rates, availability, and inventory across multiple channels. OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality is designed to provide a centralized hub for distribution, automating updates across over 600 channels, including OTAs, bed banks, and tour operators. Exely Channel Manager also offers synchronization, but its focus is more on ease of use and reducing manual work for hotels of all sizes.

However, OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality has a lower overall rating (0/5) based on 49 older reviews and a very low recent review count, which limits confidence in its current performance. In contrast, Exely boasts a 0/5 rating from 102 reviews, with 34 new reviews in the last six months, making its recent performance more reliable. Its higher overall score (85.1) and recent reviews suggest your team can expect better reliability and support from Exely today.

So, when considering stability, recent user feedback, and overall confidence, Exely Channel Manager clearly leads. Does your hotel value a proven, well-reviewed platform with active user engagement?

Exely Channel Manager vs OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a straightforward, efficient way to manage online distribution without extensive customization, Exely is the better fit. It suits independent hotels, boutique properties, and resorts seeking ease of use, strong support, and rapid synchronization with multiple channels. Its reviews focus on reliability, fast support, and positive revenue impact, especially for hotels that prioritize operational simplicity.

On the other hand, OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality may appeal to larger hotels or chains that require advanced features like yield rules and PMS connectivity. If you have complex distribution strategies or multi-property management needs, its unique features could be beneficial—but only if its stability and support improve, given the limited recent reviews.

In sum, for most hotels seeking a reliable, user-friendly solution, Exely offers a safer, more current choice. If your hotel needs advanced distribution features and has the resources to navigate a less-reviewed platform, Aven may be worth considering.

Is OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality or Exely Channel Manager Easier to Use?

Exely Channel Manager excels with a 4.95/5 ease of use rating based on over 100 reviews, with many reviewers highlighting its intuitive interface and quick setup. User feedback emphasizes that staff adoption is straightforward, and onboarding is seamless, often praised for its speed and clarity.

OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality has a solid 4.43/5 rating but fewer recent reviews—zero in the last six months—limiting confidence in its current usability. Some reviews mention difficulties in communication and support responsiveness, which could hinder staff adoption.

Edge: Exely Channel Manager.

Which Has Better Features: OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality or Exely Channel Manager?

OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality offers 14 shared features from the review data, including core distribution tools, but only two features are exclusive—Yield Rules and PMS connectivity. These are valuable for larger or complex operations but are not widely appreciated in recent reviews due to support issues.

Exely provides 12 shared features and an exclusive analytics dashboard, which recent users praise for offering performance insights. Its standout feature is the real-time synchronization that significantly reduces manual updates, and users frequently mention its straightforward management tools.

Given the number of features and recent positive feedback, Exely’s feature set and usability give it a clear edge.

Edge: Exely Channel Manager.

Which Has Better Customer Support: OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality or Exely Channel Manager?

Customer support ratings favor Exely, with a near-perfect 4.95/5 based on recent reviews, and reviewers describe support as responsive, helpful, and quick to resolve issues. Many mention that support enhances their confidence and operational stability.

OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality scores lower at 4.06/5, with reviews criticizing delays and poor communication, especially in the last six months. Some users report frustration with support responsiveness and difficulty troubleshooting.

Edge: Exely Channel Manager.

Which Has More Integrations: OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality or Exely Channel Manager?

Aven Hospitality boasts 80 verified integration partners, including major PMS and booking engine providers, and offers connections to popular platforms like Oracle, Mews, and WebRezPro. This extensive network supports large chains needing diverse integrations.

Exely has only 8 verified partners, including major players like Booking.com and Hotellab, with 4 shared integrations. Its network is narrower but covers essential channels for many independent and boutique hotels.

In terms of sheer numbers, Aven Hospitality’s broader network offers more flexibility for complex setups. For most hotels, however, Exely’s core integrations are sufficient for smooth operations.

Edge: Aven Hospitality.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality or Exely Channel Manager?

Despite the low overall ratings, recent reviews for Exely highlight high satisfaction, with many reviewers calling it “more efficient” and “reliable,” especially in the last six months. Its recent NPS score (9.8/10) indicates strong user loyalty.

OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality has an 8.84/10 NPS score but a 0/5 overall rating, reflecting older, more negative feedback. Hoteliers seem to rate Exely higher, especially given the recent surge in positive reviews.

Edge: Exely Channel Manager.

How Much Do OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality and Exely Channel Manager Cost?

Aven Hospitality charges a $300 monthly fee with no trial or implementation fees, positioning itself as a premium solution. Its higher price suggests added features or support, although recent reviews do not confirm this advantage.

Exely’s base price is $100 per month with no trial or setup fees, making it more accessible for small to medium hotels. Value is reinforced by its recent positive reviews and high functionality.

For cost-sensitive hotels seeking good value, Exely’s lower price and recent performance make it attractive.

Edge: Exely Channel Manager.

What Type of Hotel Should Use OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality?

• Hotels that require advanced distribution features like yield management and PMS connectivity.
• Larger hotel chains managing multiple properties with complex rate strategies.
• Properties that value extensive integration options.
• Hotels operating in regions where Aven Hospitality’s wide market presence is a plus.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Is small or independent, prioritizing ease of use over advanced features.
• Needs quick, reliable support—reviews suggest support issues.
• Seeks recent, active updates and active user feedback.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely Channel Manager?

• Independent hotels and boutique properties seeking an easy-to-use system.
• Resorts or hotels needing reliable, fast synchronization.
• Hotels that want to reduce manual updates and overbooking risks.
• Hotels with a focus on operational efficiency and revenue growth without complex distribution requirements.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Requires extensive PMS integrations or yield management features.
• Operates in regions where Aven Hospitality’s broad network is necessary.
• Needs in-depth analytics and reporting beyond basic insights.

OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality vs Exely Channel Manager: The Bottom Line for Hotels

At its core, OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality aims for extensive distribution and advanced features, but its aging reviews and support issues cast doubt on current reliability. Its strength lies in large-scale multi-property management and integrations, making it suitable for big hotel groups.

Exely Channel Manager, with its recent surge in positive reviews and higher user ratings, offers a more dependable, user-friendly experience. It’s ideal for independent hotels and smaller chains that need straightforward, effective distribution management.

If your hotel values recent support, high user satisfaction, and affordability, Exely is the clear choice. Larger, complex operations with multi-property needs should consider Aven Hospitality, pending improvements in support and recent updates.

In conclusion, Exely’s current review landscape and recent performance data favor it as the more reliable and user-approved platform today. Its ease of use, strong support, and lower cost position it as the best option for most hotels seeking efficient online distribution. However, if your hotel operates across multiple regions with complex distribution needs, and requires extensive integrations, OTA Distribution by Aven Hospitality may still hold appeal — but only if support and stability improve.