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 1,572 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:
Cloudbeds shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (4.5/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile optimized/responsive and Revenue management module.
HotelFriend AG shines , with exclusive features like Gift Vouchers and Integrated ID & Passport Scanner.
Side-by-side ratings based on 1,572 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $500/mo | From $800/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 1,566 | 6 |
After analyzing 1,572 verified reviews, Cloudbeds users most value its calendar and reservation overview, reporting and analytics, channel manager and ota distribution, while HotelFriend AG users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Calendar and reservation overview
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Reporting and analytics
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Channel manager and OTA distribution
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Guest data and CRM
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Support responsiveness and contact options
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Mobile app limitations
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Payment processing and billing
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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) ▾ | #1 793 reviews | #43 2 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #1 249 reviews | #37 3 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #1 55 reviews | #22 1 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #5 5 reviews | — |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #1 635 reviews | #45 1 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #3 260 reviews | #36 2 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #2 153 reviews | #42 1 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #2 102 reviews | #25 2 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #2 570 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #4 173 reviews | #22 5 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #3 315 reviews | #29 1 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | #4 14 reviews | — |
Choosing between Cloudbeds HMS and HotelFriend HMS boils down to your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Cloudbeds offers a broad, deeply integrated platform with a significant global presence, while HotelFriend provides a customizable, modular solution rooted in German compliance standards. Both aim to streamline hotel operations but differ in scale, feature set, and user experience focus.
Cloudbeds is the more established product, with over 1,200 recent reviews and a 4.62/5 overall rating, making it the clear leader in user confidence. HotelFriend’s limited review count and absence of recent feedback place it at a disadvantage in the current market landscape.
Both products serve as all-in-one hotel management systems, yet they address different hotel profiles. Cloudbeds is designed for properties seeking a unified platform with extensive integrations and automation, ideal for properties of all sizes aiming for growth and efficiency. Conversely, HotelFriend’s modular approach caters to hotels that need tailored workflows, particularly those that prioritize German regulatory compliance and flexible customization.
Where Cloudbeds excels with its 50 unique features and 190 verified integrations, HotelFriend offers a leaner set of around 10 exclusive features and a focus on compliance and bespoke solutions. If your hotel values extensive automation, global reach, and a proven track record, Cloudbeds is the more compelling choice. Do you prefer a comprehensive platform built for scale, or a flexible, compliance-focused system?
If your hotel needs a scalable, feature-rich platform with superior global support, go with Cloudbeds. Its user-friendly interface, extensive integrations, and proven reliability make it suitable for a broad range of properties, from boutique hotels to large resorts. On the other hand, if your hotel operates primarily within Germany or needs highly customizable workflows with strict regulatory compliance, HotelFriend might serve you better, especially if you value tailored modules and local support.
Cloudbeds’s larger user base and recent reviews demonstrate its capability to support growth and diverse property types. HotelFriend’s niche focus and smaller footprint make it more appropriate for hotels with specific compliance needs or those seeking customized solutions.
Cloudbeds scores slightly higher in ease of use at 4.58/5 versus HotelFriend’s 4.44/5, reflecting its intuitive interface and straightforward onboarding process. Reviewers praise Cloudbeds for its accessibility, with many noting that new staff can learn it quickly, reducing training time. HotelFriend’s onboarding is also rated well, but its more complex modular setup can require more initial learning.
Both systems support staff adoption effectively, but Cloudbeds’s extensive user feedback highlights its superior ease of use. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds boasts approximately 50 features exclusive to its platform, including a revenue management module, advanced analytics, and a mobile-optimized booking engine. These features are designed to cover every aspect of hotel operations, from centralized reservations and inventory management to automated reporting. HotelFriend offers around 10 unique features, such as POS, gift vouchers, and guest app, which are valuable but less comprehensive.
If your hotel requires advanced revenue tools, detailed analytics, and multi-channel management, Cloudbeds’s feature set is unmatched. For more tailored, simpler workflows with specific modules, HotelFriend’s offerings may suffice. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds’s support rating is 4.38/5, with reviews describing it as responsive and reliable, particularly praising their quick resolution times. However, some users report slower response during peak periods. HotelFriend’s support scores slightly higher at 4.56/5, with reviewers highlighting their quick, competent service and on-site support options.
Despite HotelFriend’s high support rating, the volume of Cloudbeds’s global reviews and recent feedback provide a clearer picture of its support quality. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds leads significantly with 190 verified partners, including top OTAs, POS systems, and revenue tools. Its extensive partner network simplifies connecting your existing tech stack, reducing manual data entry and errors. HotelFriend has no publicly verified integrations, which limits its connectivity options.
If integrations are crucial for your operations, Cloudbeds’s ecosystem provides a flexible, scalable solution. HotelFriend’s limited integrations may restrict your ability to connect with third-party tools. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds’s overall rating of 4.62/5, based on over 1,200 recent reviews, indicates strong user satisfaction across various segments, especially boutique hotels, hostels, and resorts. Hotels in diverse markets praise it for its reliability and ease of management. HotelFriend’s ratings are unavailable or unreviewed recently, making it difficult to gauge user sentiment.
Given the volume and recency of reviews, Cloudbeds’s higher ratings reflect broader confidence in its platform. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds is priced at $500/month, with no free tier or trial, reflecting its enterprise-grade features. HotelFriend charges $800/month with a 30-day trial, offering a more customizable, modular approach.
Your choice depends on your budget and needs: Cloudbeds’s flat-rate pricing suits properties wanting a comprehensive, ready-to-go system, while HotelFriend’s higher cost aligns with tailored, flexible solutions.
Not ideal if you operate solely within strict German regulatory environments or need a deeply localized solution.
Not ideal if your hotel seeks a broad, globally supported platform or extensive third-party integrations.
Cloudbeds offers a comprehensive, well-supported platform trusted by thousands worldwide, excelling in automation, integrations, and ease of use. Its large user base, recent reviews, and feature depth make it the clear leader.
Choose Cloudbeds if you want a scalable, all-in-one system that supports growth, automates operations, and connects with hundreds of partners. Opt for HotelFriend if your hotel needs tailored workflows, strict compliance, and modular customization—particularly within the German market.
In conclusion, for most hoteliers, Cloudbeds’s broad adoption, recent positive reviews, and extensive features make it the preferable choice. HotelFriend’s niche focus and modular flexibility can fit well in specific contexts but lack the same market confidence and proven reliability.
Hotel Management 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 $500/mo | From $800/mo |
These are the features each vendor has configured, organized by feature group — the same data shown in the vendor dashboard. Expand a group to compare features side by side.
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Accounting & Finance
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| Multi-currency | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
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Marketing & Ecommerce
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| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Group Booking Engine | ||
| Website Development | ||
| Booking Engine | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
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Administration & Configuration
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| Multi-lingual | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Centralized user & role management | ||
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Customer Management
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| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest Feedback Management | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
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Front Office
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| Guest Feedback Management | ||
| Housekeeping module | ||
| Property Management System | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Mobile Device Notes & Tasks (Voice-to-Text) | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Calendar view | ||
| Task Management | ||
| Automated reminders | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Groups Management
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| Group functionality | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Guest Experience
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| Guest Feedback Management | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Digital Registration | ||
| Guest App | ||
| Online Check-in | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
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Housekeeping
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| Housekeeping module | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Housekeeping Mobile App | ||
| Real-Time Status Updates | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Real Time Reporting | ||
| Shift Planning | ||
| Employee Messaging | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
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Payments
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| Multi-currency | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Automated reminders | ||
| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
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Reservations Management
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| Rate Shopping Module | ||
| Property Management System | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Rate Management | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Revenue Management
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| Rate Shopping Module | ||
| Revenue Management Module | ||
| Pricing Intelligence | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Custom rates | ||
| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Base Pricing | ||
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Taxes & Compliance
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| PCI Compliant | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC2 Complaint | ||
| Tax Configuration | ||
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Support & Training
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Food & Beverage
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We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"I have not worked with a company that has such good customer service as Cloudbeds has. It's miles ahead."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"The biggest benefit of Cloudbeds' platform is its flexibility. I can access reporting online from anywhere. Everything is smoother with Cloudbeds."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"Cloudbeds is like if Apple made a property management system. The ease of use is super simple and straightforward for guests and our staff. It’s very intuitive and just makes sense..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
Users most often praise Cloudbeds for giving a clear, centralized calendar view of occupancy, room status, and incoming stays. It helps front-desk and... Users most often praise Cloudbeds for giving a clear, centralized calendar view of occupancy, room status, and incoming stays. It helps front-desk and reservation teams move bookings, check in guests, and plan the day faster with less manual checking.
Reviewers frequently use Cloudbeds for business reporting, especially revenue, occupancy, and performance analysis. They value having data in one plac... Reviewers frequently use Cloudbeds for business reporting, especially revenue, occupancy, and performance analysis. They value having data in one place, but many ask for more customizable, modern dashboard-style reporting, faster downloads, and stronger financial/accounting views.
Many reviewers highlight that Cloudbeds centralizes OTA management, keeping availability and rate updates synchronized across channels and reducing ma... Many reviewers highlight that Cloudbeds centralizes OTA management, keeping availability and rate updates synchronized across channels and reducing manual updates. Several mention fewer mistakes, less overbooking, and easier multi-channel control as a direct operational benefit.
Where hoteliers push back
Support is often described as helpful and knowledgeable once reached, but many reviews say response times can be slow for urgent operational issues. B... Support is often described as helpful and knowledgeable once reached, but many reviews say response times can be slow for urgent operational issues. Buyers frequently ask for phone or video support in addition to chat, especially when problems affect live check-ins or payments.
A recurring negative theme is that the mobile app is often viewed as a read-only companion rather than a full operations tool. Users repeatedly ask to... A recurring negative theme is that the mobile app is often viewed as a read-only companion rather than a full operations tool. Users repeatedly ask to create or edit reservations, close rooms, receive push alerts, and run more of the daily workflow from mobile without switching to the web version.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Cloudbeds HMS and HotelFriend HMS share many core Hotel Management Software features, but each has unique capabilities. Cloudbeds HMS offers 205 verified integration partners, while HotelFriend HMS offers 2. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Cloudbeds HMS leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5. 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.
Cloudbeds HMS: No. HotelFriend 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. Cloudbeds has an HT Score of 100 and HotelFriend AG has 0. 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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