BOOKONLINE NOW vs. RateGain Hotel Booking Engine:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between BOOKONLINE NOW and RateGain’s Hotel Booking Engine hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and priorities. Both aim to streamline booking processes, boost direct bookings, and improve guest experiences, but they diverge significantly in features, market presence, and user feedback. Your decision should consider ease of use, feature set, support levels, and cost.

RateGain’s platform enjoys a larger user base, more recent reviews, and a broader feature set, making it the more comprehensive solution for most hotels. But does it align with your hotel’s size, segment, and operational complexity?

Is BOOKONLINE NOW or RateGain Better for Hotels?

Both products serve the core purpose of online booking. BOOKONLINE NOW is a simpler, less feature-rich platform focused primarily on direct bookings and cost reduction. RateGain, in contrast, offers a full suite of features including multi-lingual support, promotional tools, and analytics, designed to support hotels looking for detailed insights and customization.

The reviews show that RateGain has more recent feedback, with 21 reviews in the last six months versus only 4 for BOOKONLINE NOW, which have not been updated recently. RateGain's higher ratings for support, ease of use, and value reflect its broader capabilities.

Does your hotel need just a straightforward booking engine or a robust, scalable platform that can grow with your property? RateGain’s larger footprint and active user base make it the stronger choice for data-backed decision-making and comprehensive features.

RateGain vs BOOKONLINE NOW: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a mid-sized or larger property, or if you operate in the luxury, city center, or branded segments, RateGain’s extensive feature set and global presence align well with your needs. Its integration with numerous third-party services and advanced marketing tools support a more sophisticated online strategy.

Conversely, if your hotel is small, such as a B&B or boutique inn, and your primary goal is to reduce OTA commissions without complex integrations, BOOKONLINE NOW could suffice. Its limited feature set might be enough to generate direct bookings at a lower cost, especially if ease of setup is a priority.

In summary, choose RateGain if you value detailed analytics, multi-lingual support, and extensive integrations. Opt for BOOKONLINE NOW if your focus is on quick deployment and cost-effective direct booking boosts.

Is BOOKONLINE NOW or RateGain Easier to Use?

RateGain scores a notable 4.71/5 for ease of use, thanks to its intuitive interface, swift updates, and simple navigation. Its onboarding process is rated at 4.65/5, reflecting smooth implementation and user training, supported by positive reviews emphasizing quick responses and user-friendly dashboards.

BOOKONLINE NOW, however, is rated 3.5/5 for ease of use, with reviews indicating frustration over its limited backend utility and interface issues. Users comment that the front end looks nice but the backend is "terrible" and "very limited," which could hinder staff adoption.

Edge: RateGain.

Which Has Better Features: BOOKONLINE NOW or RateGain?

RateGain offers 28 unique features, including multi-lingual support, promotional discounts, A/B testing, Google Hotel Ads, multi-currency, guest emails, and more—none of which are present in BOOKONLINE NOW. Its features support advanced marketing, localization, and revenue management strategies, making it a versatile choice.

BOOKONLINE NOW has zero unique features beyond basic booking functionalities, limiting its utility to straightforward reservations and cost savings. For hotels seeking a feature-rich platform to optimize revenue and guest engagement, RateGain’s extensive capabilities give it a clear edge.

Edge: RateGain.

Which Has Better Customer Support: BOOKONLINE NOW or RateGain?

RateGain’s customer support scores slightly higher at 4.76/5, with reviews highlighting timely problem-solving, friendly service, and comprehensive support. Customers frequently mention that RateGain helps them stay competitive and resolve issues quickly.

BOOKONLINE NOW’s support rating is 4.5/5, with some reviews indicating support is helpful but less detailed or responsive than RateGain. Given the more recent reviews and higher ratings, RateGain’s support appears more reliable and responsive.

Edge: RateGain.

Which Has More Integrations: BOOKONLINE NOW or RateGain?

RateGain boasts 95 verified integrations, including popular solutions like HSDS, RoomRaccoon, Profitroom, and Google Hotel Ads. Its wide network supports extensive customization, marketing, and operational tools, making it ideal for hotels needing a connected ecosystem.

BOOKONLINE NOW has no verified integrations, limiting its ability to connect with other hotel systems or third-party services. If integrations are critical to your operations, RateGain’s extensive partner network gives it the advantage.

Edge: RateGain.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: BOOKONLINE NOW or RateGain?

RateGain has significantly more recent reviews, with 20 reviews in the last six months, and maintains a high overall satisfaction score. Hotels in the luxury, city center, and branded segments tend to rate it highly, praising its features, ease of use, and support.

BOOKONLINE NOW has only 4 reviews, all outdated, with consistent complaints about its backend and limited usefulness. Its low review count and older feedback diminish confidence, making RateGain the preferred choice for most hoteliers.

Edge: RateGain.

How Much Do BOOKONLINE NOW and RateGain Cost?

BOOKONLINE NOW does not publicly disclose pricing, suggesting a possible custom quote or limited deployment model. RateGain charges a base price of $400/month, with no mention of additional fees, indicating a straightforward subscription model.

Given the broader feature set and active support, RateGain’s cost reflects its comprehensive offerings. Budget-conscious hotels seeking minimal investment may find BOOKONLINE NOW appealing if it meets their basic needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use BOOKONLINE NOW?

• Hotels that prioritize straightforward, cost-effective online bookings with minimal complexity.
• Small properties like B&Bs, inns, or boutique hotels seeking to boost direct reservations.
• Hotels with limited technical staff, due to simpler setup.
• Properties that do not require extensive integrations or advanced marketing features.

Not ideal if your hotel needs detailed analytics, multi-language support, or customized marketing tools, as these are absent.

What Type of Hotel Should Use RateGain?

• Mid-sized to large hotels, especially in luxury, city center, or branded segments.
• Hotels that need detailed analytics, revenue management, and marketing tools.
• Properties operating across multiple regions or countries, requiring multi-lingual and multi-currency support.
• Hotels seeking extensive integrations with other software, OTAs, and marketing platforms.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, with basic needs only, or if you have a limited budget and require a low-cost solution.

RateGain vs BOOKONLINE NOW: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference lies in their capabilities: BOOKONLINE NOW provides a basic booking engine with limited features, suitable for small properties with simple needs. RateGain offers a full suite of tools, integrations, and support to support growth and sophisticated marketing strategies.

If your hotel values detailed data, advanced features, and global reach, RateGain is the clear choice. For smaller properties or those on a tight budget, BOOKONLINE NOW may suffice but will limit your ability to scale or optimize beyond basic bookings.

When to choose BOOKONLINE NOW: If simplicity, low cost, and quick deployment are your top priorities, and your hotel is small or boutique, it can be a helpful starting point.

When to choose RateGain: If your hotel aims for growth, needs comprehensive features, and operates in multiple regions, the investment in RateGain’s platform will better support your strategic goals.

Our Verdict

RateGain stands out as the more robust, feature-rich, and well-supported booking engine, especially given its recent reviews, higher ratings, and extensive integration options. It suits hotels looking for detailed analytics, marketing tools, and a scalable system that can grow with their needs.

BOOKONLINE NOW, while offering a simple, less expensive solution, falls short on support, features, and recent feedback, making it less suitable for hotels with ambitions beyond basic reservations. For most hotels aiming for growth and operational efficiency, RateGain remains the stronger choice.