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

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel's operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue growth. Benson PMS by Benson Software and ThinkReservations PMS by ThinkReservations are both solutions designed to streamline hotel management, but they differ significantly in scope and user feedback. How do they compare in features, support, and overall value? Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.

Is Benson PMS or ThinkReservations PMS Better for Hotels?

Benson PMS is a cloud-based system tailored primarily for boutique hotels, with a focus on simplicity, ease of use, and essential reporting. ThinkReservations, on the other hand, offers a broader suite of features, including channel management, guest communication, and integrated payment processing, making it more comprehensive, especially for properties with complex operations.

While Benson boasts a high ease-of-use rating (5/5) and simplicity, ThinkReservations has a higher overall rating (4.88/5) and more recent reviews, indicating a more actively supported and refined product. Both solve core PMS functions, but ThinkReservations’ extensive features may be more suitable for properties seeking advanced automation and integrations. Does your hotel prioritize simplicity over feature depth?

Benson PMS vs ThinkReservations PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a boutique property or a small guest house needing straightforward reservation and front desk management, Benson PMS’s minimalist approach and high usability score (5/5) make it a strong fit. Its focus on easy navigation and essential reports benefits teams that want a no-fuss tool without unnecessary complexity.

Conversely, if your hotel operates at a larger scale or requires advanced capabilities such as channel management, guest messaging, or integrated payment solutions, ThinkReservations is the clear winner. Its extensive feature set, including 28 unique functions, caters to properties aiming for operational automation and revenue optimization, making it ideal for small to medium-sized hotels with growth ambitions.

Is Benson PMS or ThinkReservations PMS Easier to Use?

Benson PMS’s user interface scores a perfect 5/5, with reviews emphasizing its simplicity and quick navigation. Its onboarding process receives a 3.5/5 rating, but users appreciate that the system is intuitive and requires minimal training. Staff adoption is generally smooth thanks to its straightforward design.

ThinkReservations, however, also scores highly for ease of use (4.82/5) with a notably better onboarding experience (4.73/5). Its interface is designed to handle more complex tasks while remaining accessible, though some users mention a slight learning curve due to its broader feature set.

Edge: Benson PMS.

Which Has Better Features: Benson PMS or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations surpasses Benson Software significantly in features, offering 28 unique functionalities including channel management, guest messaging, real-time reporting, digital check-in, and integrated payment terminals. Benson PMS provides only 2 exclusive features: multi-currency and guest profiles, which are standard but limited compared to ThinkReservations’ offerings.

Benson’s limited features may suit very small hotels or boutique properties with minimal automation needs. If your hotel needs advanced tools like automated reminders, task management, or a Kiosk check-in, ThinkReservations is the clear choice.

Edge: ThinkReservations PMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Benson PMS or ThinkReservations PMS?

Benson’s support scores 4.5/5, with reviews noting it is responsive and includes regular updates that reflect client feedback, but its limited review count (just 1 in the last 6 months) offers less recent insight into support quality.

ThinkReservations, with a support rating of 4.82/5 and 356 reviews, benefits from a larger user base and more recent feedback. Users consistently praise its quick, knowledgeable support and seamless onboarding, often describing the team as accessible and proactive.

Edge: ThinkReservations PMS.

Which Has More Integrations: Benson PMS or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations outstrips Benson in integrations, with 16 verified partners including major OTAs like Airbnb, Expedia, and Tripadvisor. Benson Software has only 3 verified partners, such as SiteMinder and GuestRevu, limiting connectivity options.

For properties reliant on extensive third-party integrations, especially with OTAs and digital marketing tools, ThinkReservations provides more flexibility. Benson’s integrations are more niche, suited for properties with simpler workflows.

Edge: ThinkReservations PMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Benson PMS or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations has a significantly higher review count (356 vs. 1) and a superior overall rating (4.88/5 vs. 4.5/5). Recent reviews focus on its feature richness, ease of automation, and support, especially from small to mid-sized properties, including inns and B&Bs.

Benson’s tiny review pool makes it harder to gauge current sentiment, but the consistent 4.5/5 suggests steady satisfaction among its limited users. For modern hoteliers, especially those valuing up-to-date feedback, ThinkReservations’ larger, recent review base indicates a more reliable performance.

Edge: ThinkReservations PMS.

How Much Do Benson PMS and ThinkReservations PMS Cost?

Benson PMS does not publicly disclose pricing or offer a free trial, which suggests a custom quote is required. ThinkReservations charges a flat monthly fee of $500, with no implementation or setup fees, making its costs transparent and predictable.

For hotels on a tight budget, Benson’s lack of clear pricing might be a concern, while ThinkReservations’ straightforward fee structure simplifies budgeting. The value depends heavily on your required features and scale.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Benson PMS?

• Hotels that operate small, boutique spaces needing simple reservation and front desk management.
• Teams that prioritize ease of use and quick onboarding with limited automation needs.
• Properties that want essential reporting without complex integrations or channel management.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel requires advanced automation, extensive integrations, or sophisticated revenue management tools.
• You operate across multiple regions or need multi-currency support.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

• Small to medium-sized hotels seeking a comprehensive PMS with integrated channel management and guest communication.
• Properties aiming to automate tasks, upsell, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Hotels that require reliable OTA integrations and real-time reporting to support revenue growth.

Not ideal if:

• Your property is very small or has minimal automation needs.
• You prefer a system with limited features or are on a very tight budget without needing extensive integrations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Benson PMS delivers a simple, easy-to-navigate system tailored for boutique hotels and small properties, emphasizing usability over feature depth. Its limited review count and lack of recent feedback make it a less dynamic choice for hotels seeking up-to-date support and broad functionality.

ThinkReservations, with over 350 recent reviews and a high rating, offers a full-featured platform suitable for hotels looking to automate operations, expand their distribution channels, and improve guest experiences. Its extensive integrations and support network make it better suited for properties with growth ambitions and complex needs.

Choose Benson if your hotel values simplicity and quick onboarding with minimal automation. Opt for ThinkReservations if you need a more versatile, feature-rich PMS that can scale with your property and offers extensive support and integrations.

In conclusion, ThinkReservations is the more proven, well-rated option in today’s market, especially for properties aiming to modernize and grow efficiently. Benson’s niche focus and high usability may appeal to very small hotels, but its limited features and recent review activity suggest it’s less likely to meet evolving hotel needs.