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 135 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:
Clock shines when it comes to ease of use and accessibility — especially for independent properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Tablet/Kiosk Check-in and Guest App.
Exely shines when it comes to user interface , with exclusive features like Native Email Marketing and Guest Communication (SMS Messaging).
Side-by-side ratings based on 135 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $600/mo | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 79 | 56 |
After analyzing 135 verified reviews, Clock users most value its ease of use and accessibility, reservation and booking management, customer service and support, while Exely users highlight user interface, customer support, hotel operation efficiency. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Ease of Use and Accessibility
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User Interface
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Reservation and Booking Management
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Customer Support
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Customer Service and Support
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Hotel Operation Efficiency
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Integration and Connectivity
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Channel Management
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Reporting and Analytics
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Customization and Reporting Features
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Customization and Flexibility
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System Performance and Speed
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Mobile and User Interface
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Mobile Application
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How each product ranks among Hotel Management 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) ▾ | #21 19 reviews | #23 16 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #14 28 reviews | #17 15 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #17 2 reviews | #16 3 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #5 5 reviews | #11 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #18 30 reviews | #22 13 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #18 14 reviews | #20 11 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #15 15 reviews | #25 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #16 8 reviews | #21 3 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #17 11 reviews | #22 2 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #9 38 reviews | #24 2 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #12 4 reviews | #6 28 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | #18 2 reviews | #7 5 reviews |
Choosing between Clock HMS by Clock and Exely HMS by Exely hinges on your hotel's specific needs and operational priorities. Both platforms aim to streamline hotel management, but they approach this goal differently and serve different segments of the market. Understanding their core strengths and limitations will guide you to the best fit for your property.
Clock offers an all-in-one management system with extensive integrations, while Exely emphasizes boosting revenue through powerful booking and reputation tools. Which aligns better with your current challenges?
Both Clock and Exely are designed to streamline hotel operations, but they diverge significantly in scope and focus. Clock provides a broad, feature-rich platform covering reservations, housekeeping, POS, and analytics, all with more comprehensive integration options. Exely, by contrast, concentrates on increasing direct bookings, managing online reputation, and automating revenue strategies.
Review data shows Clock has a higher overall rating (4.88/5 vs. Exely's 0/5), along with more reviews (63 vs. 48), especially recent ones. This suggests Clock's platform is more tested and trusted in the industry today. Are you prioritizing a broad management system or targeted revenue growth tools?
If your hotel needs an integrated PMS that covers reservations, housekeeping, point of sale, and guest messaging, Clock is the clear choice. It suits properties seeking a comprehensive management solution, especially those in boutique, city center, or independent segments.
If your goal is to maximize online revenue, improve direct bookings, and manage reputation effectively, Exely offers specialized tools like a booking engine, reputation management, and revenue optimization modules. Larger hotels with a focus on online sales and brand loyalty may find Exely more aligned with their growth strategies.
Clock scores a 4.73/5 for ease of use, with users praising its straightforward navigation and support during onboarding. However, some mention that initial setup can be complex, and system lags occasionally impact workflow.
Exely slightly edges out here with a 4.88/5 rating, with reviews emphasizing its intuitive interface, quick onboarding, and helpful support via WhatsApp. Its focus on simplicity makes it suitable for hotels needing a fast, user-friendly system.
Edge: Exely HMS.
Clock boasts 18 features exclusive to its platform, including digital registration, integrated ID & passport scanners, real-time reporting, automated space optimization, and PCI compliance. These functionalities are tailored for operational efficiency and automation.
Exely offers 7 unique features, such as a native booking engine, revenue management, and online reputation tools, which are essential for revenue-focused properties.
Given the broader feature set, Clock's comprehensive management capabilities give it the edge for properties needing all-in-one functionality.
Edge: Clock HMS.
Clock's support ratings (4.78/5) are slightly below Exely's (4.9/5), but both receive high marks for responsiveness. Clock users appreciate the quick resolution of queries, though some mention that support can struggle with complex issues.
Exely's support is described as sociable, responsive, and attentive, with reviews noting continuous improvements and prompt assistance. Its newer platform benefits from dedicated customer service focusing on growth.
Edge: Exely HMS.
Clock has a significant advantage with 111 verified partners, including key integrations like Curacity, Hotel Investor Apps, and Profitroom. Shared integrations with Clock include IDeaS, Hotellab, and Exely itself.
Exely's integration ecosystem is limited to 8 verified partners, with notable connections to Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and Booking.com. This narrower selection can restrict operational flexibility.
Given the extensive integration network, Clock offers greater flexibility and connectivity for diverse hotel ecosystems.
Edge: Clock HMS.
Clock's reviews are more numerous and recent, with a 4.88/5 overall rating based on 63 reviews, and a 95% likelihood to recommend. Boutique and independent hotels particularly praise its usability and support.
Exely, despite fewer reviews, boasts a perfect 0/5 rating in some segments, but recent feedback (18 reviews in the last six months) shows a high satisfaction score of 98% likelihood to recommend. Its newer presence makes its ratings more current.
Considering review recency and volume, Clock's reputation is more established and trusted.
Edge: Clock HMS.
Clock charges a flat fee of $600, with no freemium tier or additional charges for features or integrations. Its pricing reflects its extensive feature set and integration capabilities.
Exely's base price is $400, with no mention of additional costs. While cheaper, it may lack some advanced functionalities found in Clock.
Your decision may depend on whether you value comprehensive features over lower initial costs.
Not ideal if… your hotel only needs a simple booking engine or minimal operational management, as Clock's extensive features may be overwhelming.
Not ideal if… your hotel needs a broad management system with extensive operational features beyond revenue and reputation management.
Clock's core strength lies in its broad, integrated management system, making it suitable for hotels seeking comprehensive control over operations. Its extensive features, strong integrations, and proven reviews support a well-rounded management approach.
Exely excels in revenue growth, online reputation, and direct booking management, making it ideal for properties where maximizing online sales and guest engagement are top priorities.
Choose Clock if operational efficiency and integration flexibility are your main goals. Opt for Exely if boosting revenue, online presence, and reputation are your primary objectives.
This comparison aims to clarify which platform aligns best with your hotel’s current needs, enabling you to make an informed, confident decision.
According to HTR's product database, Clock HMS and Exely HMS share 31 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
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| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Digital Registration | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Guest App | ||
| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
| Website Development |
Showing top differences. 13 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 4 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.
"We took a proactive approach and collaborated with Exely, implementing various strategies, such as a loyalty program. The outcome has been outstanding — not only have we been able..."
"Faster processes, faster training, more time for staff to focus on the guests, and tasks that used to be done manually are now automated."
"Once we switched to Exely, we immediately noticed a significant increase in reservations from online travel agencies. We discovered that our previous system had blocked some availa..."
What hoteliers love
Clock PMS+ is widely praised for its intuitive interface and accessibility across various devices, making it easy for hotel staff to use and manage ta... Clock PMS+ is widely praised for its intuitive interface and accessibility across various devices, making it easy for hotel staff to use and manage tasks efficiently. Several reviews highlighted the ability to access the system from anywhere as a key benefit. The platform's user-friendly design is especially beneficial for new staff training.
Users appreciate the effectiveness of the reservation and booking management system, noting it as quick and seamless. The interface allows for easy re... Users appreciate the effectiveness of the reservation and booking management system, noting it as quick and seamless. The interface allows for easy reservation management and integrates with channel managers, enabling automatic booking imports, which helps in maintaining real-time availability and reducing manual entry errors.
Clock PMS+ offers reliable customer support, noted for fast and responsive assistance. Although generally praised, there is feedback regarding occasio... Clock PMS+ offers reliable customer support, noted for fast and responsive assistance. Although generally praised, there is feedback regarding occasional incorrect guidance and the need for expert advice. Users suggest improvements in experiential guidance and support for complex functionalities.
Where hoteliers push back
Though Clock PMS+ covers core analytics needs, many users indicate a desire for improved, customizable reporting. This includes integrating with Excel... Though Clock PMS+ covers core analytics needs, many users indicate a desire for improved, customizable reporting. This includes integrating with Excel and providing more detailed financial analyses and operational metrics. Some users find the existing reports inadequate and cumbersome to compile comprehensive insights from.
Users have expressed interest in more customization options and flexible settings to meet specific hotel needs. While generally satisfied, some users... Users have expressed interest in more customization options and flexible settings to meet specific hotel needs. While generally satisfied, some users note the desire to modify reports and interface settings to better support dynamic operations and marketing strategies.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
The intuitive and straightforward interface of Exely significantly enhances user experience, making it easier for staff to navigate during busy period... The intuitive and straightforward interface of Exely significantly enhances user experience, making it easier for staff to navigate during busy periods and integrating seamlessly into daily operations.
The customer support team receives praise for their quick responses and helpfulness, ensuring any issues are swiftly addressed, though this is a more... The customer support team receives praise for their quick responses and helpfulness, ensuring any issues are swiftly addressed, though this is a more general feature and not unique to Exely.
Exely is praised for streamlining hotel operations, reducing errors and enhancing overall workflow efficiency by automating various processes and task... Exely is praised for streamlining hotel operations, reducing errors and enhancing overall workflow efficiency by automating various processes and tasks.
Where hoteliers push back
Users express a need for more advanced reporting options and customization capabilities to enable deeper performance analysis and personalized user ex... Users express a need for more advanced reporting options and customization capabilities to enable deeper performance analysis and personalized user experience, which are lacking in the current system.
There is critique regarding the system's performance during peak workload periods, with reports of long loading times, occasional errors, and unexpect... There is critique regarding the system's performance during peak workload periods, with reports of long loading times, occasional errors, and unexpected logouts hindering operational flow.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Clock HMS and Exely HMS share many core Hotel Management Software features, but each has unique capabilities. Clock HMS offers 111 verified integration partners, while Exely HMS offers 8. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Exely HMS leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 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.
Clock HMS: No. Exely HMS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Management 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. Clock has an HT Score of 79 and Exely has 82. 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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