Cloudbeds HMS vs. Optima HMS: Which Is Right for You?

Updated September 26, 2026  ·  1,515 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 1,515 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 ROI — especially for brand properties (4.5/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile optimized/responsive and Revenue management module.

Priority Software shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Tablet/Kiosk Check-in and Guest App.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Cloudbeds HMS Compare to Optima HMS?

Side-by-side ratings based on 1,515 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
100
0
Likelihood to Recommend
91%
90%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
5.0/5
Customer Support
4.4/5
5.0/5
Value for Money
4.3/5
5.0/5
Starting Price From $500/mo Contact sales
Verified Reviews 1,513 2

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cloudbeds HMS vs Optima HMS?

After analyzing 1,515 verified reviews, Cloudbeds users most value its support and onboarding, calendar and reservation management, reporting and analytics, while Priority Software users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Cloudbeds Cloudbeds Priority Software Priority Software
Pros
+ Support and onboarding ▾
+ Calendar and reservation management ▾
+ Reporting and analytics ▾
+ Integrations and all-in-one workflow ▾
Cons
− Billing, invoices, and payments ▾
− Mobile app and remote access ▾
− Housekeeping and operational planning ▾

Cloudbeds vs Priority Software: Rankings by Hotel Segment

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

Segment Cloudbeds Cloudbeds Priority Software Priority Software
Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ #2 675 reviews —
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ #1 235 reviews #35 1 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ #1 51 reviews —
X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ #4 5 reviews —

By Property Type

Segment Cloudbeds Cloudbeds Priority Software Priority Software
Boutique ▾ #1 546 reviews #48 0 reviews
Luxury ▾ #3 245 reviews —
Branded / Chain ▾ #2 145 reviews #37 1 reviews
Extended Stay ▾ #2 96 reviews —

By Region

Segment Cloudbeds Cloudbeds Priority Software Priority Software
North America ▾ #2 532 reviews —
Europe ▾ #4 166 reviews #35 1 reviews
Asia Pacific ▾ #3 201 reviews —
Middle East ▾ #3 13 reviews #14 0 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Cloudbeds HMS and Optima HMS hinges on your hotel's specific needs and priorities. Both aim to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and boost revenue, but they diverge significantly in their approach, user feedback, and scale.

Cloudbeds offers a highly rated, recent, and large user base with over 1,200 reviews, making it a more tested and trusted option. Optima, while a longstanding provider, has only two reviews and lacks recent feedback, making Cloudbeds the more reliable choice for hoteliers today.

Is Cloudbeds or Optima Better for Hotels?

Both Cloudbeds and Optima aim to simplify hotel management, centralize operations, and improve profitability. Cloudbeds integrates reservation, channel management, PMS, and guest engagement into one platform, boasting a high overall rating and recent positive reviews, especially for ease of use and support.

Optima focuses on global connectivity, automation, and a rich marketplace, offering extensive distribution channels and AI-driven features. However, with only two reviews, it lacks the breadth of current user feedback to validate its performance in real-world hotel settings.

Are you seeking a platform backed by recent, large-scale user validation? The answer leans toward Cloudbeds, which is more proven and widely adopted.

Cloudbeds vs Optima: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs an all-in-one platform that simplifies daily operations, improves guest communication, and offers extensive integrations, Cloudbeds is the clear choice. It suits small to medium properties seeking a user-friendly, reliable system with ongoing support.

If your hotel operates on a larger scale, prioritizes global booking site connectivity, and values AI-driven revenue management, Optima could be appealing. However, given the limited recent reviews and market presence, Cloudbeds’s proven track record makes it the safer, more scalable option right now.

For most hoteliers, especially those new to digital management or wanting a tested solution, Cloudbeds offers the certainty of a mature ecosystem.

Is Cloudbeds or Optima Easier to Use?

Cloudbeds scores 4.58 out of 5 for ease of use, with many reviews praising its intuitive interface and quick onboarding. Users mention that staff find it straightforward, with minimal training required, and appreciate its mobile responsiveness.

Optima, rated at a perfect 5 out of 5 by its two reviewers, is described as comprehensive and flexible, but lacks enough user feedback to gauge its actual usability across different hotel types and staff skill levels.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Features: Cloudbeds or Optima?

Cloudbeds offers 47 unique features, including PMS connectivity, analytics dashboards, inventory management, multi-channel distribution, automated reports, and guest messaging—many of which are absent in Optima.

Optima provides key functionalities like guest engagement, reservations, revenue management, and global distribution, but with only 10 unique features. Its open architecture and marketplace are strengths, yet the limited feature set favors Cloudbeds for broader operational needs.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Cloudbeds or Optima?

Cloudbeds’s support scores 4.38 out of 5, with recent reviews highlighting responsive, friendly, and effective assistance. Users commend their quick tech support and onboarding, noting that support helps resolve issues efficiently.

Optima’s support is praised for its availability and professionalism, with reviewers emphasizing its helpfulness and problem-solving attitude. Yet, with only two reviews, it's hard to determine if support quality is consistent at scale.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has More Integrations: Cloudbeds or Optima?

Cloudbeds boasts 190 verified partners, integrating with major OTAs, payment gateways, POS systems, and analytics tools. Shared partners like SiteMinder and TrustYou underline its extensive connectivity.

Optima has approximately 40 partners, including major global booking sites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia, and a marketplace for add-ons. Still, the smaller partner ecosystem limits flexibility compared to Cloudbeds.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Cloudbeds or Optima?

Cloudbeds’s overall rating of 4.62/5, based on over 1,200 reviews, reflects broad satisfaction across various hotel segments, especially boutique hotels, hostels, and resorts. Recent reviews frequently mention ease of use, automation, and support.

Optima, with only two reviews, has a perfect 5/5 rating but lacks recent or diverse feedback to validate its performance. Given the large volume and recency of Cloudbeds reviews, it clearly commands higher confidence.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

How Much Do Cloudbeds and Optima Cost?

Cloudbeds starts at $500 monthly, with no free trial or implementation fees, offering transparent upfront pricing. Pricing for Optima is not publicly available, which may complicate budget planning and comparison.

Given the transparent pricing and proven ROI in reviews, Cloudbeds provides clearer value for investment, whereas Optima’s costs may vary or be negotiable.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Cloudbeds?

  • Hotels that require a unified platform for reservations, PMS, channel management, and guest communication.
  • Teams seeking a user-friendly solution with quick onboarding and extensive integrations.
  • Properties aiming to automate repetitive tasks and improve operational efficiency.
  • Hotels of all sizes, from boutique to large resorts, looking for scalable tools.
  • Not ideal if your hotel relies heavily on complex custom workflows not supported by the platform.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Optima?

  • Hotels that prioritize global distribution and multi-channel listing with flexible pricing.
  • Resorts or chains that want to incorporate AI-driven revenue management.
  • Hotels interested in extensive automation and marketplace integrations.
  • Properties with a tech-savvy team comfortable with a less proven, less reviewed platform.
  • Not ideal if you prefer a platform with proven, extensive recent user feedback and a large support ecosystem.

Cloudbeds vs Optima: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Cloudbeds’s core difference lies in its extensive, recent, and positive user feedback, making it a more reliable choice. Its comprehensive feature set, ease of use, and global integrations outperform Optima’s limited and less-current review base.

If your hotel values proven performance, user-friendly design, and broad connectivity, go with Cloudbeds. Optima may appeal to larger, tech-forward properties with complex global distribution needs, but the limited recent feedback makes Cloudbeds the safer option to drive your hotel’s growth.


This comparison underscores the value of recent validation, extensive features, and user trust. For most hoteliers seeking a dependable, scalable management system, Cloudbeds is the clear recommendation today.

How Much Do Cloudbeds HMS and Optima HMS Cost?

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.

Cloudbeds Cloudbeds Priority Software Priority Software
Starting Price From $500/mo —

Feature Comparison: Cloudbeds HMS vs Optima HMS

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.

Feature Cloudbeds Cloudbeds Priority Software Priority Software
▾ Accounting & Finance
86%
100%
Multi-currency
Gift Vouchers
Direct billing
RevPaR & ADR Reports
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
Automated night audit
Payment Requests
▾ Marketing & Ecommerce
64%
100%
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
▾ Administration & Configuration
100%
100%
Multi-lingual
Multi-currency
Centralized user & role management
▾ Customer Management
67%
84%
Native Email Marketing
Guest Feedback Management
Gift Vouchers
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
Guest profiles
Centralized Messaging
▾ Front Office
86%
86%
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
▾ Groups Management
100%
100%
Group functionality
Automated Space Optimization
▾ Guest Experience
60%
90%
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
▾ Housekeeping
89%
89%
Housekeeping module
Automated Space Optimization
Housekeeping Mobile App
Real-Time Status Updates
Automated Assignments
Real Time Reporting
Shift Planning
Employee Messaging
Online Checkout
▾ Payments
84%
100%
Multi-currency
Gift Vouchers
Payment Requests
Direct billing
Automated reminders
Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader
▾ Reservations Management
84%
100%
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)
▾ Revenue Management
88%
75%
Rate Shopping Module
Revenue Management Module
Pricing Intelligence
Channel Manager
RevPaR & ADR Reports
Custom rates
Ancillary revenue tracking
Base Pricing
▾ Taxes & Compliance
100%
100%
PCI Compliant
GDPR Compliant
SOC2 Complaint
Tax Configuration
▾ Support & Training
100%
100%
Online 24/7 support
▾ Food & Beverage
0%
100%
Point of Sale

Real-World Results: Cloudbeds vs Priority Software by Business Goal

We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.

Increase Revenue & Reduce Costs
Cloudbeds Himmapana Villas Mid-Size
+ Growth in direct bookings: the combination of a strong social media presence and an effective online booking and payment system has led to a significant increase in direct bookings.
+ Operational efficiency: the adoption of a simple yet effective hotel management system has streamlined day-to-day operations, efficiently handling over 2,000 bookings annually, including special guest requests.
+ Remote management flexibility: the use of a cloud-based platform allows for the convenient remote management of the property, enabling operations to be handled effectively both on-site and during travel.

"I have not worked with a company that has such good customer service as Cloudbeds has. It's miles ahead."

Thomas K. Petersen
Thomas K. Petersen
Managing Partner
Priority Software Priority Software

No published case study for this goal yet.

Increase Operational Efficiency
Cloudbeds Flor Parks Small
+ 17% increase in online reviews
+ 11% of monthly bookings from Google Free Listings
+ Fully integrated booking engine & channel manager

"The biggest benefit of Cloudbeds' platform is its flexibility. I can access reporting online from anywhere. Everything is smoother with Cloudbeds."

V
Victor Menor
Operations Manager
Priority Software Priority Software

No published case study for this goal yet.

Improve Guest Experience
Cloudbeds The Pad Silverthorne Small
+ 60% direct bookings in year one
+ 95% guest rating with 1000+ reviews
+ High OTA click-through rates, with lower cancellation rates

"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..."

Kevin Bowen
Kevin Bowen
Director of Operations
Priority Software Priority Software

No published case study for this goal yet.

Cloudbeds vs Priority Software: The Bottom Line

Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds
4.6/5 from 1,513 reviews

What hoteliers love

Support and onboarding 68% positive

Support is generally viewed positively, with many reviewers praising fast chat responses, helpful staff, and training resources that make onboarding e... Support is generally viewed positively, with many reviewers praising fast chat responses, helpful staff, and training resources that make onboarding easier. Still, several users want phone support or faster human access for urgent issues, and a few note onboarding or follow-up can be slow for new properties and complex setups.

Calendar and reservation management 76% positive

Reviewers most often highlight Cloudbeds' calendar as the core operating screen for seeing availability, room types, booking status, split bookings, a... Reviewers most often highlight Cloudbeds' calendar as the core operating screen for seeing availability, room types, booking status, split bookings, and guest movements at a glance. They say it simplifies daily reservation handling, reduces errors, and helps front-desk teams work faster with less confusion.

Reporting and analytics 63% positive

Many reviewers say Cloudbeds helps them monitor occupancy, revenue, and operations with a broad range of reports, especially for daily management and... Many reviewers say Cloudbeds helps them monitor occupancy, revenue, and operations with a broad range of reports, especially for daily management and performance review. The main criticism is that report downloads can be slow and the format feels dated, with users asking for more customizable, interactive dashboards and deeper financial analysis.

Where hoteliers push back

Billing, invoices, and payments 47% negative

Cloudbeds is valued for making check-in payments, invoices, receipts, and folio handling easier, which helps staff move faster and keep billing organi... Cloudbeds is valued for making check-in payments, invoices, receipts, and folio handling easier, which helps staff move faster and keep billing organized. The biggest friction is payment setup and configuration, where multiple reviewers needed support, and some want more payment methods and smoother integration with local processors.

Mobile app and remote access 72% negative

Users like being able to access Cloudbeds away from the desk and see key information on the go, especially in properties where managers are remote or... Users like being able to access Cloudbeds away from the desk and see key information on the go, especially in properties where managers are remote or on call. But the mobile app is a common pain point: reviewers want booking creation, push notifications, better stability, and faster performance.

Ranks higher for

Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #1 vs #35
Bed & Breakfast & Inns #3 vs #37
Boutique #1 vs #48
Branded / Chain #2 vs #37

Unique capabilities

PMS connectivity Analytics dashboard Inventory Management 2-way real time integrations Centralized user & role management
4.6/5 ease of use 4.4/5 support 200 integrations
Visit Website
Priority Software
Priority Software
4.5/5 from 2 reviews

Unique capabilities

Point of Sale Gift Vouchers Tablet/Kiosk Check-in Guest App Native Email Marketing
5.0/5 ease of use 5.0/5 support 40 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Priority Software 5.0 vs 4.6 (+0.4)
Ease of Use Priority Software 5.0 vs 4.6 (+0.4)
Customer Support Priority Software 5.0 vs 4.4 (+0.6)
Value for Money Cloudbeds 4.3 vs 2.5 (+1.8)
Onboarding Priority Software 5.0 vs 4.4 (+0.6)

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloudbeds HMS vs Optima HMS

Can Cloudbeds HMS replace Optima HMS?

It depends on your requirements. Cloudbeds HMS and Optima HMS share many core Hotel Management Software features, but each has unique capabilities. Cloudbeds HMS offers 200 verified integration partners, while Optima HMS offers 40. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Optima HMS leads in ease of use at 5.0/5 vs 4.6/5. 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.

Do Cloudbeds HMS or Optima HMS offer a free plan?

Cloudbeds HMS: No. Optima 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.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Cloudbeds HMS and Optima HMS?

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 Priority Software has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

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

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

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 →

Get Your Free AI Analyst Report

Custom recommendations tailored to your property

Ghostel icon
Trusted by
footer image 1 footer image 2 footer image 3 footer image 4 footer image 5 footer image 6 footer image 7

Let´s lookup your hotel information