Bay Lakes Information Systems vs. RMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is vital for your hotel’s efficiency and guest satisfaction. Both Bay Lakes Information Systems and RMS aim to streamline operations, but they serve different hotel segments and operational needs. Bay Lakes offers a simple, longstanding solution with limited modern features, while RMS provides a comprehensive, feature-rich platform with extensive integrations. Which one aligns better with your hotel’s specific requirements?

Is Bay Lakes Information Systems or RMS Better for Hotels?

Bay Lakes Information Systems (Bay Lakes) is a PMS built specifically for small and independent hotels, with roots dating back to 1984. Its focus is on straightforward reservation management, guest check-ins, and basic operations, making it suitable for properties that prefer simplicity and a low-cost solution. RMS is a cloud-based platform trusted by over 7,000 properties worldwide, offering extensive features like revenue management, booking engine, and channel management, suited to hotels seeking scalability and deep operational tools.

While RMS boasts a high overall rating of 4.56/5 supported by 293 reviews, Bay Lakes has a zero-star rating from no reviews, indicating a lack of recent or detailed user feedback. RMS’s recent reviews are more current, with many praising its ease of use, robust support, and advanced features. RMS’s reviews also mention frequent updates and a focus on automation, which are absent from Bay Lakes’ profile. Are you looking for a modern, feature-packed system or a simple, cost-effective solution?

RMS vs Bay Lakes: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a robust, scalable platform with extensive integrations and advanced features, RMS is the clear choice. Its over 112 verified integrations, including channel managers, payment processing, and guest portals, support complex operations and multi-property management, especially for larger hotels, resorts, or properties with high guest interaction.

Conversely, if your hotel operates on a tight budget, has a small staff, or needs a straightforward system for reservation and guest management, Bay Lakes might seem appealing due to its simplicity. However, with no recent reviews or measurable support, it’s unlikely to meet the demands of a growing or tech-forward property. RMS offers a more reliable choice for properties aiming to grow and improve operational efficiency.

Is Bay Lakes or RMS Easier to Use?

RMS scores a 4.28/5 for ease of use, backed by over 20 recent reviews in the last six months. Users describe RMS as "very user-friendly" and highlight its intuitive booking chart, quick support, and mobile compatibility. RMS’s onboarding process receives positive remarks, with many stating it was easy to set up and adopt across staff.

Bay Lakes scores a 0/5 for ease of use, reflecting no recent reviews or ratings, suggesting it is either outdated or not actively supported. Its lack of recent feedback makes it impossible to assess whether it remains a user-friendly option. Given RMS’s recent positive reviews, edge: RMS.

Which Has Better Features: Bay Lakes or RMS?

RMS offers over 74 features, including an integrated CRS, booking engine, revenue management, group functionality, guest CRM, online support, POS, and real-time reporting. Its extensive feature set supports multi-channel distribution, automation, and guest engagement, vital for hotels seeking to optimize revenue and guest experience.

Bay Lakes provides only a basic set of functionalities centered on reservation management and point-of-sale. It lacks the modern automation, online booking, or revenue tools that RMS offers. With no verified feature count from Bay Lakes, the clear edge goes to RMS for its comprehensive capabilities.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Bay Lakes or RMS?

RMS’s support scores a 4.48/5, with recent reviews praising its prompt, helpful response and knowledgeable team. Guests describe RMS support as "proactive," with rapid resolution times and a helpful onboarding process that makes adopting the system easier.

Bay Lakes has no recent reviews or ratings, making it impossible to evaluate its support quality. The absence of recent feedback indicates it may lack the responsiveness or resources necessary to support modern hotel operations. RMS’s proven support edge is decisive here.

Which Has More Integrations: Bay Lakes or RMS?

RMS boasts 112 verified integrations, including major OTA channels, payment providers, and CRM systems, supporting hotels with complex distribution and operational needs. Shared integrations are none, but RMS’s broad partner network significantly enhances its flexibility.

Bay Lakes has no verified partners, indicating it may lack the ability to connect with other essential systems or platforms. For a hotel that depends on multi-channel distribution and integrated payments, RMS’s extensive integrations clearly outshine Bay Lakes.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Bay Lakes or RMS?

RMS’s 4.56/5 rating from 293 recent reviews demonstrates consistent satisfaction, especially among boutique, resort, and city-center hotels. Its recent feedback highlights ease of use, support responsiveness, and feature depth as key strengths.

Bay Lakes has no recent reviews or ratings, which diminishes confidence in its current performance or user satisfaction. Given the data, RMS’s higher ratings and recent reviews make it the preferred choice.

How Much Do Bay Lakes and RMS Cost?

Bay Lakes does not publicly disclose pricing, but it’s implied to be budget-friendly and possibly a flat fee or simple licensing model. RMS charges a base price of $800, with no ongoing subscription fees, making it a predictable investment.

While RMS’s upfront cost may seem higher, its extensive features and support justify the price for medium to large properties. Bay Lakes’s lower or undisclosed pricing could be appealing for very small hotels but offers limited growth potential.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Bay Lakes?

• Hotels that operate on a small scale, such as boutique inns or independent motels.
• Teams that prefer a simple reservation system without complex automation.
• Properties with minimal online distribution needs.
• Hotels with limited budgets seeking basic management tools.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel plans to expand or scale operations.
• You need integrated revenue management or channel management.
• You aim to provide a sophisticated online booking experience.
• Your team needs reliable, modern customer support.

What Type of Hotel Should Use RMS?

• Hotels that want a full-featured PMS supporting growth and scalability.
• Resorts, city hotels, or properties with complex distribution channels.
• Teams seeking automation, guest engagement, and revenue optimization tools.
• Hotels planning multi-property management or sophisticated reporting.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel has extremely limited online booking or automation needs.
• You operate on a very tight budget with minimal tech requirements.
• You prioritize simplicity over extensive features.
• You prefer a system with no recent reviews or proven support.

RMS vs Bay Lakes: The Bottom Line for Hotels

RMS provides an all-encompassing platform designed for scalability and operational depth. Its extensive integrations, recent positive reviews, and feature-rich environment make it ideal for hotels aiming to grow and automate.

Bay Lakes offers a basic, low-cost solution suitable for small, independent hotels that prioritize simplicity. However, its lack of recent feedback and limited features make it less viable for properties looking to expand or compete in a digital landscape.

Choose RMS if your hotel seeks a modern, reliable, and scalable PMS with comprehensive support and integrations. If your property operates at a small scale with minimal tech needs, Bay Lakes might suffice—but beware of its limited support and features.