CiHMS vs. Counter:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing a property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel’s efficiency and guest experience. CiHMS by CiHMS and Counter by Counter both aim to streamline operations but serve distinctly different hotel segments and operational needs. With CiHMS offering a comprehensive, feature-rich platform and Counter providing an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly solution for hostels, your decision depends on your hotel’s size, scope, and specific management challenges. Which one aligns best with your priorities?

Is CiHMS or Counter Better for Hotels?

Both CiHMS and Counter aim to simplify property management, but they target different types of hotels. CiHMS excels with large properties and chains needing detailed operations, multi-channel reservations, and revenue management tools. Counter, on the other hand, is designed for hostels and small properties, emphasizing simplicity, mobility, and quick onboarding. Do you need a broad feature set or an intuitive, straightforward experience?

While CiHMS can handle complex, multi-property environments with advanced modules like spa and wellness, revenue management, and integrated CRS, Counter focuses on core PMS functions such as check-in/out, POS, and guest management—without charging for those features. Does your property require extensive customization and automation, or is ease of use your primary concern?

Recent reviews favor CiHMS due to its higher overall ratings and more recent feedback. Its 101 reviews in the last six months showcase ongoing user engagement and satisfaction. Counter, with half as many reviews, has relatively recent positive feedback but lacks the volume and recency to challenge CiHMS’s dominance.

In summary, if your hotel needs a robust, scalable, and feature-rich system, CiHMS is the clear choice. If simplicity, quick deployment, and mobile management are your priorities, Counter might suffice. But for up-to-date feedback and extensive features, CiHMS’s recent reviews make it the stronger option.

CiHMS vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates at a large scale, chain, or resort, and requires advanced revenue management, multi-channel distribution, and extensive reporting, go with CiHMS. Its array of modules, such as integrated CRS, digital registration, and house-keeping apps, supports complex management workflows.

Conversely, if your property is a hostel, B&B, or small hotel seeking an easy-to-learn system that staff can adopt quickly, Counter is the better fit. Its intuitive interface, mobile accessibility, and integration with essential tools like POS and channel management make it ideal for budget or independent hostels.

For hotels that prioritize automation, detailed reporting, and customization, CiHMS’s 16 dedicated features and robust integrations make it the more capable choice. If your focus is on simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and fast onboarding, Counter’s straightforward approach will serve you better.

In short, choose CiHMS if you need a comprehensive, scalable solution. Choose Counter if you prefer ease of use, quick setup, and minimal complexity.

Is CiHMS or Counter Easier to Use?

CiHMS boasts an impressive average ease-of-use rating of 4.9/5, supported by a 4.84/5 onboarding score, indicating a user-friendly experience once the system is learned. Its lean UI and stable performance are praised, but some users mention that initial training can be complex due to the system’s breadth. Support responsiveness is high, yet some report occasional system hangups and synchronization issues.

Counter scores a strong 4.6/5 for ease of use, with a simple, mobile-friendly interface that newcomers find intuitive. Its onboarding score of 4.7/5 reflects ease of initial setup, especially for small properties and hostels. Users appreciate how quickly staff can learn to manage bookings and check-ins, though some bug issues and slow support in certain zones are noted.

Edge: CiHMS.

Which Has Better Features: CiHMS or Counter?

CiHMS offers 16 features exclusive to its platform, including a spa & wellness module, revenue management, integrated CRS, digital registration, automated space optimization, and PCI compliance. These cater to large, multi-faceted properties needing extensive automation and customization. Additionally, it includes tools for rate management, task management, and real-time reporting.

Counter provides 17 shared features, plus two unique: payment processing and guest CRM. Its core strengths are contactless check-in, automated payments, and mobile management, specifically suited for hostels and small properties. Its limited advanced features make it less suitable for complex operations but highly accessible.

In terms of feature count, CiHMS’s additional modules, especially revenue management and integrated CRS, make it the more capable platform for large-scale hotels. Counter’s key differentiation lies in its simplicity and ease of use, with essential automation.

Edge: CiHMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: CiHMS or Counter?

CiHMS’s support scores a remarkable 4.92/5, with reviews praising its professionalism and promptness—support staff are described as "always reachable" and "helpful." Users mention that onboarding is smooth despite the system's complexity, and issues are resolved quickly.

Counter boasts an even higher 4.96/5 rating, with reviewers highlighting its responsive and personable team, especially support personnel like Evelyn and Max. Some users note slower response times during off-hours but generally confirm their satisfaction with ongoing support.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: CiHMS or Counter?

CiHMS is verified with three integration partners, including SiteMinder, DerbySoft, and Easyway. Its integrations focus on channel management and distribution, but its total is fewer compared to Counter.

Counter has seven verified integrations, including Stripe, GOKI, and Cloudbeds. Its broader ecosystem supports seamless online payments, access control, and channel management, making it more adaptable to diverse operational needs.

Counter’s higher number of integrations (7 vs 3) gives it a slight edge for properties seeking flexible connectivity with third-party platforms.

Edge: Counter.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: CiHMS or Counter?

CiHMS’s review score averages around 0/5 due to a likely typographical error, but its recent reviews and 98% likelihood of recommendation suggest high satisfaction. Its users, mainly large resorts and city hotels, appreciate detailed features, though some report system slowdowns during peak times.

Counter, with a 4.73/5 rating based on 54 reviews, is favored by hostel operators and small hotels. Users praise its simplicity and responsiveness, with reviews noting that it "loads seamlessly" and is "easy to understand," making it ideal for budget properties.

Given the volume and recency, Counter’s higher user-rated score and recent positive feedback indicate a more satisfied user base.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do CiHMS and Counter Cost?

CiHMS’s pricing is $900 monthly, with no free tier or trial available. Its cost reflects its extensive features and targeted enterprise-level management.

Counter’s pricing structure is not explicitly detailed but is described as free, with no mention of hidden fees or tiered plans, emphasizing its affordability for small properties and hostels.

If budget is a concern, Counter’s free model provides significant value, whereas CiHMS’s higher price suits larger properties needing comprehensive tools.

What Type of Hotel Should Use CiHMS?

• Hotels that operate at a large scale or across multiple locations.
• Resorts, city center hotels, and branded properties needing advanced revenue management.
• Properties that require extensive integrations with CRS, POS, or wellness modules.
• Teams that value real-time reporting, automation, and detailed operational control.

Not ideal if your property is small, budget-constrained, or primarily hostel-focused, due to the higher cost and complexity.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels, B&Bs, boutique hotels, and small independent properties.
• Teams seeking an easy-to-learn system that’s quick to implement.
• Properties prioritizing mobility—manage operations easily via mobile browsers.
• Businesses aiming to automate check-ins, payments, and reservations without extensive customization.

Not ideal if your property needs advanced revenue management, multi-property support, or detailed reporting features.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

CiHMS is a comprehensive PMS solution designed for large hotels, resorts, and chains needing detailed automation, integrations, and revenue insights. Its extensive feature set justifies its higher price point and complexity, making it suitable for properties with complex operational needs.

Counter offers a simple, accessible platform ideal for hostels and small hotels that value ease of use, quick onboarding, and essential automation. Its mobile-friendly design, responsive support, and zero-cost entry make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious properties.

Choose CiHMS if you need a scalable, feature-rich platform capable of managing complex operations. Opt for Counter if your property is small, requires minimal training, and benefits from a straightforward, easy-to-manage system.

In conclusion, for hotels seeking recent reviews, high user satisfaction, and an extensive feature set, CiHMS stands out as the stronger choice. For hostels and small properties valuing simplicity and affordability, Counter remains an excellent, reliable option.