The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 52 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:
ChargeAutomation shines in ROI and onboarding , with exclusive features like GlobalPayments (Credit Card Processing) and Lobby Kiosk.
Plusgrade shines when it comes to increased revenue .
Side-by-side ratings based on 52 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 22 | 30 |
After analyzing 52 verified reviews, ChargeAutomation users most value its , while Plusgrade users highlight increased revenue, customer experience, automated upselling. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Increased Revenue
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Customer Experience
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Automated Upselling
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Additional Upselling Options
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Manual Upgrades and Errors
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User Interface
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Integration with PMS and Other Systems
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How each product ranks among Upselling Software vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) | #9 4 reviews | #16 2 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #13 11 reviews | #12 16 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #17 0 reviews | #10 9 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #18 1 reviews | #10 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #14 5 reviews | #12 14 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #18 4 reviews | #14 15 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #19 2 reviews | #14 7 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #6 6 reviews | #17 1 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #8 13 reviews | #12 4 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #16 5 reviews | #15 12 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | #9 2 reviews | — |
| Middle East ▾ | — | #4 10 reviews |
Choosing between ChargeAutomation and Plusgrade hinges on your hotel’s specific upselling needs and operational priorities. Both products aim to boost revenue through guest upgrades and ancillary services, but their approaches, features, and market presence differ significantly. Knowing which platform aligns best with your goals is crucial to making a smart investment.
ChargeAutomation offers a comprehensive, customizable upselling platform with over 20 exclusive features, focusing heavily on automation and flexibility. Plusgrade, meanwhile, is a well-established leader with a broad global footprint and a focus on simplifying upselling through a user-friendly interface. Which one will best serve your property?
ChargeAutomation and Plusgrade both target hotel revenue growth through upselling, yet their exact strengths lie in different areas. ChargeAutomation emphasizes automation, customization, and a vast feature set, including PCI compliance and extensive integrations with payment systems. Plusgrade, with more reviews and recent feedback, is praised for its ease of use and proven results, especially in increasing RevPAR via automated upgrades.
ChargeAutomation’s platform is built for properties that want detailed control and extensive features, such as pre-arrival upselling, digital acceptance, and ancillary product merchandising. Plusgrade is designed for hotels that prioritize a straightforward, quick-to-implement solution that generates results with minimal manual effort.
If you’re debating which to choose, consider whether you value a feature-rich, flexible platform (ChargeAutomation) or a tried-and-true, easy-to-operate solution (Plusgrade). Does your hotel need a highly customizable system or a reliable, proven partner?
If your hotel requires a highly flexible, feature-packed platform with deep integrations and customization options, ChargeAutomation is your best choice. Its 25 unique features—such as PCI compliance, self-service check-in, and automated fulfillment—make it suitable for properties seeking tailored upselling strategies and automation.
On the other hand, if your goal is rapid deployment, straightforward upsell management, and proven revenue uplift, Plusgrade is the better fit. Its extensive global presence, high customer satisfaction, and simple interface make it ideal for hotels that want a reliable, scalable upselling solution without the complexity.
For hotels that need detailed customization and advanced features, ChargeAutomation is the preferred option. If ease of use, quick results, and strong customer support are your priorities, Plusgrade stands out.
ChargeAutomation boasts a near-perfect ease of use score of 4.95/5, with reviews praising its user-friendly interface and straightforward implementation. Clients highlight that even staff with minimal technical experience find the platform intuitive, and onboarding is rated at 4.8/5, emphasizing smooth integration.
Plusgrade isn’t far behind, with a 4.75/5 ease of use rating. Customers appreciate its simple platform, which requires less training and delivers quick results, especially in automating upgrades and ancillary sales. However, some mention that setup flexibility could be improved.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation offers a total of 25 exclusive features, including PCI compliance, multi-processor gateways, PMS integration, self-service check-in/out, device-agnostic design, and detailed analytics. These add-ons enable a high degree of customization, automation, and operational control.
Plusgrade’s feature set is more streamlined, with no exclusive features listed beyond its core upsell offerings. Its strengths lie in automation and ease rather than extensive customization. The platform’s focus on delivering value through simplicity makes it suitable for hotels seeking straightforward revenue solutions.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation scores a perfect 5/5 for customer support, with reviews emphasizing prompt, helpful, and responsive service. Hoteliers appreciate the support team’s proactive approach and effective problem resolution, which enhances overall satisfaction.
Plusgrade’s support scores 4.79/5, with users commending their responsiveness but noting occasional delays. Larger hotels and brands often favor ChargeAutomation’s more personalized support, while smaller hotels find Plusgrade’s support satisfactory.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation integrates with 18 verified partners, including major systems like SiteMinder, Oracle Hospitality, and Mews, as well as several niche solutions. Its broad compatibility supports complex, multi-system environments, making it suitable for larger or more technologically advanced properties.
Plusgrade offers 16 verified integrations, including common platforms like Webhotelier and RMS, as well as regional partners. While slightly fewer, it still covers key systems for most hotels.
Shared integrations include SiteMinder, Oracle Hospitality, and Mews. Overall, ChargeAutomation’s more extensive partner network gives it an edge for properties requiring deep system integration.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation has limited reviews—21 total, with no recent feedback—making it hard to gauge current sentiment. Its review mentions satisfaction with automation but lacks detailed ratings from recent users.
Plusgrade, with 29 reviews in the last six months and a 93% likelihood to recommend, enjoys higher recent ratings. Users praise its ease of use, automation, and revenue results, especially across luxury and resort segments.
Considering the volume and recency of reviews, Plusgrade’s higher ratings make it the preferred choice for hoteliers seeking current, positive feedback.
Edge: Plusgrade.
ChargeAutomation’s pricing is not publicly listed, implying a customized quote based on property size and needs. This often indicates a premium, enterprise-level service tailored to larger operations.
Plusgrade charges a flat $400 per month, with no mention of setup fees or additional costs. Its transparent pricing simplifies budgeting and is accessible to a wide range of hotel sizes.
If predictable, upfront costs matter to you, Plusgrade offers a clear, straightforward pricing model. ChargeAutomation’s custom quotes may provide more flexibility but require negotiation.
Not ideal if your hotel prefers a quick setup without extensive customization or if your budget favors fixed monthly fees.
Not ideal if your property requires complex customization, deep integrations, or a flexible, feature-rich environment.
ChargeAutomation is a robust, highly customizable upselling platform suited for larger, tech-savvy hotels that value detailed control and a broad feature set. Its extensive integrations, automation, and support make it ideal for properties with complex operational needs.
Plusgrade offers a straightforward, highly rated platform that delivers proven revenue increases through automation and simplicity. Its ease of use, recent positive reviews, and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for hotels wanting quick results without the fuss.
If your hotel needs deep customization, extensive integrations, and advanced features, ChargeAutomation is the way to go. If you prioritize ease of implementation, proven performance, and a strong support network, Plusgrade is the better fit.
Upselling Software 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 $400/mo |
According to HTR's product database, ChargeAutomation - Upsell and Plusgrade share 10 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Chase (Credit Card Processing) | ||
| First Data (Credit Card Processing) | ||
| Heartland (Credit Card Processing) | ||
| Multi-Processor Gateway | ||
| PCI Compliance | ||
| Vantiv (Credit Card Processing) |
Showing top differences. 13 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 2 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.
"Guests can tweak and adjust their trip to exactly what they’re looking for. We’re helping them discover options they might not have known about."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"I’ve worked with plenty of other systems, and none of them do what Plusgrade does. I would definitely recommend it to other boutique hotels. It opens up new ways to connect with gu..."
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Hoteliers report significant revenue gains through UpStay, with conversions from room upgrades and additional services like spa treatments. This helps... Hoteliers report significant revenue gains through UpStay, with conversions from room upgrades and additional services like spa treatments. This helps in boosting RevPAR and making better use of unsold inventory during both high and low demand periods.
The platform enhances guest experience by providing attractive pre-arrival upgrade offers. Guests appreciate the bidding system and personalized email... The platform enhances guest experience by providing attractive pre-arrival upgrade offers. Guests appreciate the bidding system and personalized emails, which make the upgrade process user-friendly and engaging, often resulting in higher satisfaction rates.
UpStay's fully automated system allows hotels to generate ancillary revenue with minimal manual intervention. This automation provides consistent perf... UpStay's fully automated system allows hotels to generate ancillary revenue with minimal manual intervention. This automation provides consistent performance in increasing upgrade conversions, even during periods of lower occupancy.
Where hoteliers push back
Users reported issues with manual upgrades, citing system errors and delays in receiving feedback. This has occasionally led to dissatisfaction with t... Users reported issues with manual upgrades, citing system errors and delays in receiving feedback. This has occasionally led to dissatisfaction with the service provided.
Some users find the interface limiting and have suggested improvements, such as better tracking of guest emails for future campaigns and more intuitiv... Some users find the interface limiting and have suggested improvements, such as better tracking of guest emails for future campaigns and more intuitive changes to the setup.
Ranks higher for
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. ChargeAutomation - Upsell and Plusgrade share many core Upselling Software features, but each has unique capabilities. ChargeAutomation - Upsell offers 18 verified integration partners, while Plusgrade offers 16. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. ChargeAutomation - Upsell leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 4.8/5. 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.
ChargeAutomation - Upsell: No. Plusgrade: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Upselling Software vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
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. ChargeAutomation has an HT Score of 0 and Plusgrade has 72. 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. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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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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