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Bay Lakes Information Systems vs. protel PMS (by Planet):
Which Is Right for You?
TLDR
We analyzed 108 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:
Bay Lakes Information Systems shines .
Planet shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like On premise and Revenue management module.
How Does Bay Lakes Information Systems Compare to protel PMS (by Planet)?
Side-by-side ratings based on 108 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 0 | 108 |
What Are the Pros and Cons of Bay Lakes Information Systems vs protel PMS (by Planet)?
After analyzing 108 verified reviews, Bay Lakes Information Systems users most value its , while Planet users highlight functionality and features, ease of use, multi-property management. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Ease of Use
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Multi-property Management
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Support Issues
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Bay Lakes Information Systems vs Planet: 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 |
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | — | #27 32 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | — | #15 50 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | — | #15 10 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | — | #17 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | — | #21 42 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | — | #21 34 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | — | #17 33 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | — | #20 9 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | — | #29 6 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | — | #10 79 reviews |
| Middle East | — | #15 2 reviews |
The Decision
Choosing the right Property Management System (PMS) is crucial for your hotel’s operational efficiency and guest experience. You’re weighing two options: Bay Lakes Information Systems and protel PMS by Planet. Both aim to streamline your property’s management, but they differ significantly in features, support, and market presence. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and specific needs—so which one aligns better with your priorities?
Is Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS Better for Hotels?
Bay Lakes Information Systems (BLIS) offers a traditional, built-in PMS designed by industry practitioners with a long history dating back to 1984. Its core appeal lies in its simplicity and focus on property management, point of sale, and tax filing, mainly serving small to mid-sized hotels with straightforward needs. However, it has a glaring drawback: it currently holds a 0/5 overall rating from HotelTechReport, with no recent reviews or active support data.
On the other hand, protel PMS by Planet boasts a strong 4.11/5 overall rating based on 105 reviews, with recent feedback from hotels in diverse markets. It offers an extensive suite of features, over 195 verified integrations, and a flexible cloud-native platform. The recent, high volume of reviews indicates ongoing adoption and active support, making it a more reliable choice for hotels seeking robust, scalable management solutions. Are you comfortable choosing a system with no current reviews or active support, like BLIS?
protel PMS vs Bay Lakes Information Systems: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?
If your hotel requires a scalable, feature-rich PMS with extensive integration options and multi-currency support, protel PMS is the clear choice. Its flexibility suits hotels of all sizes, from independent boutique hotels to larger resorts, particularly if you value automation and comprehensive guest journey management.
Conversely, if your property is small, operates with straightforward routines, and you want a simple, no-frills system focused on basic property management, Bay Lakes might seem attractive. But given it has no recent reviews or demonstrated ongoing support, it’s a risky option. For most hotels wanting modern capabilities, protel’s proven track record and extensive features outweigh BLIS’s limited scope.
Is Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS Easier to Use?
User reviews favor protel PMS’s UI, rating it 4.12/5, with many praising its intuitive design and straightforward onboarding process. Hotels report that staff adoption is smoother, and initial training takes less time—crucial for minimizing disruptions.
Bay Lakes Information Systems lacks recent usability ratings; however, its outdated interface and limited online presence suggest it may not be as user-friendly or current as protel. Given the modern expectations for ease of use, edge: protel PMS.
Which Has Better Features: Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS?
Protel PMS offers 46 distinct features, including revenue management, booking engine, guest CRM, mobile notes, digital registration, and integrated payments—features that BLIS does not list at all. It supports multi-lingual, multi-currency operations, and boasts a vast ecosystem of over 1,200 integrations, making it highly adaptable.
Bay Lakes provides only basic property management and point-of-sale functions, with no mention of advanced modules or integrations. Its limited feature set makes it less suitable for hotels seeking modern, automated operations. Edge: protel PMS.
Which Has Better Customer Support: Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS?
Protel’s support is rated 3.95/5, with recent reviews citing 24/7 multilingual support and dedicated account management, crucial for minimizing operational downtime. Many users emphasize its responsiveness and proactive assistance, especially during onboarding.
Bay Lakes Information Systems has no recent review data or active customer support ratings, raising concerns about ongoing assistance. Without current support feedback, protel’s established reputation makes it the safer choice. Edge: protel PMS.
Which Has More Integrations: Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS?
Protel boasts over 195 verified integrations, including channel managers, CRM, revenue management, and payment systems—covering a wide spectrum of hotel technology needs. Its ecosystem supports rapid scaling and process automation.
Bay Lakes has no verified integrations listed, suggesting limited connectivity and potential challenges in connecting with other hotel systems. For hotels prioritizing a connected tech stack, protel’s extensive ecosystem is a clear advantage. Edge: protel PMS.
Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS?
Given the lack of recent reviews for Bay Lakes, we rely on the data showing a 4.11/5 rating for protel, with positive comments about its reliability and feature set. Hotels across segments like boutique, city-centre, and resorts consistently praise protel’s versatility and support.
Bay Lakes, without recent reviews or ratings, cannot be confidently recommended—its reputation appears outdated or dormant. For current user insights and proven satisfaction, protel PMS is the superior choice. Edge: protel PMS.
How Much Do Bay Lakes Information Systems and protel PMS Cost?
Bay Lakes does not publicly disclose its pricing, but given its limited scope, it likely involves custom quotes based on specific property needs. Its lack of transparency and no-trial model suggest it’s tailored for long-standing clients or larger enterprises.
Protel PMS charges a base fee of $500, with no ongoing monthly fees or implementation costs listed publicly. Its transparent pricing model and extensive feature set justify the investment for hotels seeking comprehensive management solutions.
What Type of Hotel Should Use Bay Lakes Information Systems?
Hotels that prefer a simple, no-fuss property management system built from experience and industry insight may consider BLIS, especially if their operations are straightforward. It might suit small inns, bed & breakfasts, or properties with minimal tech needs.
Teams that can manage without extensive integrations or advanced automation may find BLIS sufficient. Not ideal if your hotel requires modern, scalable features or plans to grow with technology.
- Hotels with basic management needs
- Small properties with minimal complexity
- Hotels seeking a long-standing, familiar system
Not ideal if:
- You want extensive automation
- You require multi-property management
- Your hotel needs advanced integrations
What Type of Hotel Should Use protel PMS?
Hotels looking for a flexible, scalable PMS that integrates with a broad ecosystem of third-party systems should opt for protel. Its feature-rich platform supports luxury hotels, boutique properties, resorts, and chains seeking automation and revenue optimization.
Teams that prioritize detailed reporting, guest relationship management, and multi-currency operations will benefit most from protel’s capabilities.
Not ideal if:
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Your hotel operates with very simple routines
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You prefer on-premise solutions only
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Your budget is constrained without scope for annual licensing costs
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Hotels needing a future-ready, scalable system
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Multi-property operators seeking centralized control
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Hotels that value automation, integrations, and guest engagement
protel vs Bay Lakes: The Bottom Line for Hotels
The core difference: protel offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform with extensive integrations, while Bay Lakes provides a basic, traditional PMS with no active support or recent reviews. If your hotel seeks modern technology, scalability, and proven satisfaction, protel is the clear winner.
Choose protel if you value automation, integrations, and support—its recent reviews confirm ongoing development and high hotel satisfaction. Its versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of hotel types, from boutique to large resorts.
Opt for Bay Lakes only if your needs are extremely basic, your property is small, and you prefer a system with a longstanding industry history. But be aware that its lack of recent support and reviews pose significant risks.
In summary, for most hotels aiming to stay competitive and agile, protel PMS by Planet offers the better overall value and functionality. Bay Lakes, while historically significant, appears inactive and limited in today's digital hospitality environment.
How Much Do Bay Lakes Information Systems and protel PMS (by Planet) 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.
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| Starting Price | — | From $500/mo |
Which Features Does Bay Lakes Information Systems Have That protel PMS (by Planet) Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?
According to HTR's product database, Bay Lakes Information Systems and protel PMS (by Planet) share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Booking Engine | ||
| Cloud based | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| On premise | ||
| Revenue management module |
Showing top differences. 34 more features differ between these products.
Real-World Results: Bay Lakes Information Systems vs Planet by Business Goal
We analyzed 4 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
No published case study for this goal yet.
"It feels like a partnership, not a product. Our feedback is always heard and acted on. We’re working together for the shared goal of great guest service."
Bay Lakes Information Systems vs Planet: The Bottom Line
What hoteliers love
Users appreciate Protel's extensive features for managing single properties, with comprehensive tools for reporting, room plans, and rate management.... Users appreciate Protel's extensive features for managing single properties, with comprehensive tools for reporting, room plans, and rate management. However, many reviews expressed disappointment that a lot of these functionalities are incomplete, buggy, or missing entirely when dealing with more complex setups or multi-property environments. Custom reports and seamless integration with other tools are also highlighted as beneficial.
The user interface is generally praised for being intuitive and easy to navigate. Many users found Protel Air particularly user-friendly and noted the... The user interface is generally praised for being intuitive and easy to navigate. Many users found Protel Air particularly user-friendly and noted the efficiency in managing daily operations. However, certain updates have made certain functions more complex and less intuitive than before.
Protel's performance in catering to multi-property environments received mixed feedback. While some users praised its organizational tools and interfa... Protel's performance in catering to multi-property environments received mixed feedback. While some users praised its organizational tools and interfaces, many found the system frustratingly limited for multi-location setups, highlighting significant bugs and reduced functionalities.
Where hoteliers push back
Customer support is a consistent area of concern. Reviews mentioned long waiting times for support requests, lack of phone availability, and poor resp... Customer support is a consistent area of concern. Reviews mentioned long waiting times for support requests, lack of phone availability, and poor response times after the acquisition by Planet. Users recommend improving the speed and reliability of customer service.
Users are generally happy with the level of customization available in Protel, allowing them to adapt the system to better fit their specific needs. H... Users are generally happy with the level of customization available in Protel, allowing them to adapt the system to better fit their specific needs. However, this flexibility often comes at a high cost, and some required features are only available through paid custom development.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Lakes Information Systems vs protel PMS (by Planet)
Can Bay Lakes Information Systems replace protel PMS (by Planet)?
It depends on your requirements. Bay Lakes Information Systems and protel PMS (by Planet) share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Bay Lakes Information Systems offers 0 verified integration partners, while protel PMS (by Planet) offers 194. 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. protel PMS (by Planet) leads in ease of use at 4.1/5 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 Bay Lakes Information Systems or protel PMS (by Planet) offer a free plan?
Bay Lakes Information Systems: No. protel PMS (by Planet): 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 Bay Lakes Information Systems and protel PMS (by Planet)?
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. Bay Lakes Information Systems has an HT Score of 0 and Planet has 33. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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