Cloudbeds PMS vs HotelKey PMS: Property Management Systems Comparison (2026)

How Does Cloudbeds PMS Compare to HotelKey PMS?

Side-by-side ratings based on 1,340 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

	Cloudbeds	HotelKey
HTScore	100	19
Likelihood to Recommend	91%	92%
Ease of Use	4.6/5	4.5/5
Customer Support	4.4/5	4.3/5
Value for Money	4.3/5	4.4/5

Starting Price	From $600/mo	From $800/mo
Verified Reviews	1,309	31

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cloudbeds PMS vs HotelKey PMS?

After analyzing 1,340 verified reviews, Cloudbeds users most value its training, ease of use, and onboarding, support responsiveness and human assistance, calendar and reservation visibility, while HotelKey users highlight user-friendliness, mobile integration, pms simplification. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Cloudbeds	HotelKey
Pros
+ Training, ease of use, and onboarding ▾ Cloudbeds is frequently described as intuitive and quick to learn, which reduces training time for new staff and helps properties adopt the system quickly. Reviewers also value tutorials, university resources, and onboarding help, though some ask for retraining or deeper guidance on advanced features.	+ User-Friendliness ▾ Users frequently mention the ease of use of HotelKey, highlighting its intuitive design that allows quick training of staff and seamless navigation. This is especially valued in fast-paced environments where efficiency is critical.
+ Support responsiveness and human assistance ▾ Support is a major theme, with many users praising fast help and knowledgeable agents when they can reach a person. The most common complaint is reliance on chatbot/email workflows and slow escalation, which is problematic for urgent front-desk issues that can affect guest experience and revenue.	+ Mobile Integration ▾ The mobile app integration is well-received, allowing managers and staff to access essential functions and statistics in real-time from their smartphones or tablets, facilitating better operational management and customer service.
+ Calendar and reservation visibility ▾ Users repeatedly say Cloudbeds' calendar is the clearest part of the product, giving front-desk teams a fast view of occupancy, room types, booking status, and daily reservations. It helps hotels manage check-ins, check-outs, split stays, and room changes more efficiently, reducing errors during busy operations.	+ PMS Simplification ▾ HotelKey's PMS is cited as simplifying hotel operations by integrating multiple functions, such as reservations, housekeeping, billing, and more within a single platform. This consolidation helps streamline processes and reduce operational complexity.
+ Reporting and analytics ▾ Cloudbeds is often valued for giving management useful operational and financial reports that support decision-making and performance tracking. However, many users want more modern dashboards, better filtering, faster downloads, and more customization, especially for finance, commissions, and property-level analysis.	+ Training and Onboarding ▾ The system's design significantly reduces the time needed for training and onboarding new employees. Many users appreciate how quickly new staff can become proficient in using the system, thus reducing downtime and maintaining operational continuity.
Cons
− Billing, invoicing, and folio handling ▾ Reviewers often mention invoice templates, receipts, statement review, and centralized guest billing as helpful for daily operations and guest checkout. At the same time, the Folio flow for adding extras can be click-heavy, and some users want stronger tax, currency, and accounting handling inside Cloudbeds instead of using separate systems.	− Configuration and Customizability ▾ HotelKey is praised for its high configurability, enabling properties to tailor the system to their unique business needs. However, some users feel there is room for improvement regarding customizable reporting and additional features.
− Mobile app limitations ▾ A frequent criticism is that the mobile app lacks enough operational depth for staff on the move. Reviewers want booking creation, availability management, notifications, calendar access, and more stable performance directly in the app instead of having to switch to email or desktop.	− Customer Support Challenges ▾ While generally praised, some users report inconsistent customer support experiences, including delayed responses and unhelpful interactions. For a PMS, timely and effective support is crucial in maintaining smooth hotel operations.
	− Reporting Limitations ▾ Reporting features receive mixed reviews, with users indicating that while some reports are robust, others lack the necessary flexibility and detail. Enhancements in this area would benefit property management immensely.

Cloudbeds vs HotelKey: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Property Management Systems vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment	Cloudbeds	HotelKey
Small (10-24 rooms) ▾	#1 592 reviews	#47 6 reviews
Cloudbeds Small hotels say that Cloudbeds' Property Management System ranks highly in verified HotelTechReport reviews due to its user-friendly design, seamless integration with OTAs, and robust customer support. These strengths streamline daily operations and enhance guest satisfaction, which are crucial for Small hotels. HotelKey Small hotels say that HotelKey's Property Management System is valued for ease of use, responsive customer support, and seamless OTA integration, according to verified HotelTechReport reviews. These strengths make it an appealing choice for Small hotel operations.
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾	#4 212 reviews	#33 16 reviews
Cloudbeds Mid-sized hotels say that Cloudbeds' Property Management System is highly rated according to verified HotelTechReport reviews. Key advantages highlighted are its comprehensive channel management capabilities, ease of use, and robust support, making operations efficient for Mid-sized hotels. HotelKey Mid-sized hotels say that HotelKey's Property Management System ranks highly based on verified HotelTechReport reviews for its user-friendly interface, efficient onboarding process, and effective mobile app accessibility. These strengths are particularly valued by Mid-sized hotels for streamlining daily operations and staff training.
Large (75-199 rooms) ▾	#5 42 reviews	#30 3 reviews
Cloudbeds Large hotels say that Cloudbeds's Property Management Systems is highly rated in verified HotelTechReport reviews for its intuitive interface, seamless integration with OTA channels, and robust customer support. These strengths are important for efficiently managing complex operations in Large hotel settings. HotelKey No segment summary available.
X-Large (200+ rooms)	#13 4 reviews	#35 1 reviews

By Property Type

Segment	Cloudbeds	HotelKey
Boutique ▾	#2 473 reviews	#46 8 reviews
Cloudbeds Boutique hotels say that Cloudbeds' Property Management System ranks highly in Boutique according to verified HotelTechReport reviews, highlighting its seamless channel management, intuitive design, and robust customer support. These features are essential for enhancing the operational efficiency and guest experience in boutique settings. HotelKey Boutique hotels say that HotelKey's Property Management System ranks highly due to easy cloud-based operations, effective OTA integrations, and helpful customer service, as mentioned in verified HotelTechReport reviews. These features enhance management and guest experiences central to Boutique operations.
Luxury ▾	#4 228 reviews	#46 4 reviews
Cloudbeds Luxury hotels say that Cloudbeds' Property Management System is highly valued for its streamlined operations, seamless integration with OTAs, and intuitive interface, according to verified HotelTechReport reviews. These features enhance guest experiences and simplify processes for luxury accommodations. HotelKey No segment summary available.
Branded / Chain ▾	#6 116 reviews	#30 8 reviews
Cloudbeds Branded hotels say that Cloudbeds’s Property Management System excels in usability, efficient onboarding, and reliable support, according to verified HotelTechReport reviews. These aspects are vital for Branded hotels seeking seamless operations and swift staff integration. HotelKey Branded hotels say that HotelKey's Property Management Systems rank highly in verified HotelTechReport reviews due to its user-friendly interface, efficient check-in process, and robust integration capabilities with OTAs and management systems, making it adaptable to Branded hotels' needs.
Extended Stay ▾	#2 93 reviews	#40 2 reviews
Cloudbeds Extended-Stay-Serviced-Apartments hotels say that Cloudbeds's Property Management System excels due to its user-friendly design, seamless channel management, and proficient customer support, according to verified HotelTechReport reviews. These strengths are critical for efficient operations and guest satisfaction in extended-stay environments. HotelKey No segment summary available.

By Region

Segment	Cloudbeds	HotelKey
North America ▾	#2 435 reviews	#18 28 reviews
Cloudbeds Na hotels say that Cloudbeds's Property Management Systems excel according to verified HotelTechReport reviews due to its user-friendly interface and seamless integration across various platforms. The system's cloud-based accessibility and strong customer support provide Na hotels with effective management solutions, facilitating real-time updates and efficient operations. HotelKey Na hotels say that HotelKey's Property Management Systems rank highly due to their user-friendly interface, efficient onboarding process, and responsive customer service, as highlighted in verified HotelTechReport reviews. These features cater specifically to the operational needs of Na hotels.
Europe ▾	#7 163 reviews	#54 0 reviews
Cloudbeds Europe hotels say that Cloudbeds' Property Management System, based on verified HotelTechReport reviews, ranks highly due to its ease of use, efficient integration capabilities, and comprehensive customer support. These strengths are crucial for managing complex operations and scaling across diverse properties within Europe. HotelKey No segment summary available.
Asia Pacific ▾	#3 226 reviews	—
Cloudbeds Ap hotels say that Cloudbeds’ Property Management System, as shown by verified HotelTechReport reviews, improves operations through its user-friendly interface and reliable integration with major OTA channels. The system’s real-time data accessibility and effective support enhance guest management and operational efficiency. HotelKey No segment summary available.
Middle East ▾	#7 11 reviews	—
Cloudbeds Me hotels say that Cloudbeds's Property Management System is favored for its ease of integration with over 300 OTAs, 24/7 support availability, and user-friendly interface, according to verified HotelTechReport reviews. These features address connectivity, support, and usability needs specific to Me hotels. HotelKey No segment summary available.

The Decision
Choosing between Cloudbeds PMS and HotelKey PMS hinges on what your hotel needs most. Both systems aim to streamline operations, but Cloudbeds offers a broader feature set and a more extensive user base, backed by recent reviews and high ratings. HotelKey, while solid and user-friendly, has a smaller footprint and fewer recent reviews, making Cloudbeds the more data-backed choice today.
Your team should weigh their current priorities: Do you want a platform with more integrations and more recent feedback? Or are you looking for a simple, stable system with a trusted reputation among large chains? The next sections clarify these differences.

Is Cloudbeds or HotelKey Better for Hotels?

Cloudbeds and HotelKey address hotel operations, reservations, and distribution, but Cloudbeds’s extensive feature list and global presence set it apart. While HotelKey emphasizes ease of use and stability, it offers fewer integrations and features, especially in revenue management and analytics. Given Cloudbeds’s 100 HTR Score and 1071 reviews — with 81 recent ones — it has stronger backing for current hotel needs. Does this mean Cloudbeds is the clear pick?

Cloudbeds’s higher review count and recent feedback suggest it’s better suited for hotels seeking growth, automation, and advanced features. HotelKey’s smaller review base and more limited recent feedback mean less confidence in its ability to scale or adapt quickly.

Cloudbeds vs HotelKey: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a comprehensive, scalable platform that integrates reservations, channel management, revenue optimization, and guest communication, go with Cloudbeds. It’s ideal for boutique, independent, and larger hotels wanting an all-in-one system with extensive third-party integrations.

If your hotel values simplicity, ease of onboarding, and reliable day-to-day management without complex features, HotelKey might be suitable. It’s best for smaller properties or chains that prioritize straightforward operations over extensive customization or advanced analytics.

Is Cloudbeds or HotelKey Easier to Use?

Both platforms score exceptionally high on usability, with Cloudbeds at 4.61/5 and HotelKey at 4.62/5, reflecting their intuitive interfaces and straightforward onboarding. Cloudbeds’s recent reviews praise its user-friendly dashboard, mobile access, and simple reservation workflows, making staff adoption smooth.

HotelKey’s interface is similarly praised for simplicity, especially in group and small hotel settings, with many users noting rapid training times. However, some reports of bugs and occasional system instability hinder the experience slightly.

Edge: Cloudbeds

Which Has Better Features: Cloudbeds or HotelKey?

Cloudbeds offers a wider variety of features — 48 in total — including PMS connectivity, analytics, inventory management, native email marketing, SMS guest communication, task management, and spa modules. It also provides unlimited channels at no extra cost and native channel self-mapping.

HotelKey’s core strengths lie in its stability and ease, with only one unique feature: on-premise deployment, which appeals to properties needing offline capabilities. Its smaller feature set might limit growth or customization.

Edge: Cloudbeds

Which Has Better Customer Support: Cloudbeds or HotelKey?

Cloudbeds’s support ratings are slightly higher (4.41/5 vs. 4.38/5), but both are highly rated. Recent reviews for Cloudbeds highlight its prompt, empathetic support team, with users describing them as “responsive” and “awesome,” especially during onboarding and troubleshooting.

HotelKey’s support, while appreciated for its quick responses, sometimes faces criticism for inconsistency, with users mentioning delays and bugs that disrupt operations. Given the higher recent review count and support ratings, Cloudbeds’s support is more reliable.

Edge: Cloudbeds

Which Has More Integrations: Cloudbeds or HotelKey?

Cloudbeds boasts 190 verified partners, including major OTAs, payment gateways, and third-party tools. Its integrations encompass popular platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, PayPal, QuickBooks, and over 170 other partners, supporting extensive automation and customization.

HotelKey has 31 verified partners, including industry staples like Onity, Sertifi, and Lodgistics, but it lags behind Cloudbeds in sheer volume and diversity. Its integrations are more limited, which could impact automation and scalability.

Edge: Cloudbeds

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Cloudbeds or HotelKey?

Cloudbeds’s overall rating of 4.63/5 from 1071 reviews — with recent feedback indicating continued high satisfaction — demonstrates its popularity across various hotel segments, especially boutique, hostel, and independent properties. Its newer reviews reinforce confidence in its ongoing support and feature set.

HotelKey’s 4.96/5 from fewer reviews (30 total) suggests high satisfaction among its current users, mainly motels and small hotels, but the limited review count and absence of recent feedback reduce confidence in its current performance.

Edge: Cloudbeds

How Much Do Cloudbeds and HotelKey Cost?

Cloudbeds’s pricing starts at $600 per month, with no free tier or trial, and charges a flat monthly fee per property. HotelKey’s base price is $800 per month, also without a free trial, making Cloudbeds slightly more affordable for most hotels.

Additional costs may arise based on integrations or customizations, but both systems lack transparent tiered pricing or usage-based models, so negotiating terms is advisable.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Cloudbeds?

Hotels that want a unified platform for reservations, distribution, and guest engagement.
Properties seeking automation and real-time analytics to boost revenue.
Independent, boutique, or hostel operators aiming for scalability.
Hotels wanting extensive third-party integrations and a customizable interface.

Not ideal if your hotel is very small with minimal operations, or if you prefer a basic, offline system with limited features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelKey?

Small to medium properties that prioritize ease of use over extensive features.
Hotels looking for a highly reliable, stable PMS with quick onboarding.
Properties that want on-premise deployment for offline access.
Chains that value a straightforward, configurable system with simplicity.

Not ideal if you need advanced revenue management, extensive analytics, or a broad ecosystem of integrations.

Cloudbeds vs HotelKey: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Cloudbeds’s core advantage is its comprehensive, scalable platform backed by a large, recent review base and high user satisfaction. Its extensive features, integrations, and global presence make it suitable for hotels aiming to grow and innovate.

HotelKey offers a reliable, easy-to-use solution with a focus on stability and simplicity, ideal for smaller properties or those with limited operational complexity. However, it’s less equipped for rapid growth or advanced revenue strategies.

For most hotels looking for a future-proof, feature-rich system, Cloudbeds presents the stronger case. If you need a straightforward, dependable system with minimal fuss, HotelKey remains a solid choice but with less agility for expansion.

How Much Do Cloudbeds PMS and HotelKey PMS Cost?

Property Management Systems 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	HotelKey
Starting Price	From $600/mo	From $800/mo

Feature Comparison: Cloudbeds PMS vs HotelKey PMS

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	HotelKey
▾ Accounting & Finance	100%	100%
Direct billing
RevPaR & ADR Reports
Multi-currency
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
Automated night audit
▾ Marketing & Ecommerce	100%	63%
Guest Communication (SMS Messaging)
Native Email Marketing
Guest profiles
Guest CRM
Gift Vouchers
Channel Manager
Booking Engine
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
▾ Administration & Configuration	75%	100%
Centralized user & role management
Multi-lingual
Cloud based
On premise
▾ Customer Management	100%	50%
Guest Communication (SMS Messaging)
Guest profiles
Centralized Messaging
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
▾ Front Office	92%	75%
Mobile Device Notes & Tasks (Voice-to-Text)
Mobile App
Automated night audit
Calendar view
Multi-lingual
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	100%	100%
Integrated ID & Passport Scanner
Digital Registration
Guest App
Online Check-in
Online Checkout
Guest Messaging
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
ID Scanning & Registration Pre-fill
Lobby Kiosk
▾ Housekeeping	100%	100%
Housekeeping module
Housekeeping Mobile App
Real-Time Status Updates
Automated Assignments
Real Time Reporting
Shift Planning
Employee Messaging
Online Checkout
▾ Payments	100%	100%
Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader
Direct billing
Multi-currency
Payment processing
Payment Requests
▾ Reservations Management	100%	67%
RevPaR & ADR Reports
Gift Vouchers
Channel Manager
Integrated CRS
Drag-n-Drop Tapechart
Rate Management
Automated Space Optimization
Rules Based Room Assignments
Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc)
▾ Revenue Management	100%	100%
RevPaR & ADR Reports
Custom rates
Ancillary revenue tracking
Revenue management module
Base Pricing
▾ Taxes & Compliance	100%	100%
PCI Compliant
GDPR Compliant
SOC2 Complaint
Tax Configuration
▾ Support & Training	100%	100%
Online 24/7 support
▾ Food & Beverage	100%	100%
EPoS
▾ Spa	100%	0%
Spa & Wellness Module

Real-World Results: Cloudbeds vs HotelKey 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

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

Managing Partner

HotelKey

No published case study for this goal yet.

Increase Operational Efficiency

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

HotelKey

No published case study for this goal yet.

Improve Guest Experience

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

Director of Operations

HotelKey

No published case study for this goal yet.

Cloudbeds vs HotelKey: The Bottom Line

Cloudbeds

4.6/5 from 1,309 reviews

What hoteliers love

Training, ease of use, and onboarding 83% positive

Cloudbeds is frequently described as intuitive and quick to learn, which reduces training time for new staff and helps properties adopt the system qui... Cloudbeds is frequently described as intuitive and quick to learn, which reduces training time for new staff and helps properties adopt the system quickly. Reviewers also value tutorials, university resources, and onboarding help, though some ask for retraining or deeper guidance on advanced features.

Support responsiveness and human assistance 62% positive

Support is a major theme, with many users praising fast help and knowledgeable agents when they can reach a person. The most common complaint is relia... Support is a major theme, with many users praising fast help and knowledgeable agents when they can reach a person. The most common complaint is reliance on chatbot/email workflows and slow escalation, which is problematic for urgent front-desk issues that can affect guest experience and revenue.

Calendar and reservation visibility 74% positive

Users repeatedly say Cloudbeds' calendar is the clearest part of the product, giving front-desk teams a fast view of occupancy, room types, booking st... Users repeatedly say Cloudbeds' calendar is the clearest part of the product, giving front-desk teams a fast view of occupancy, room types, booking status, and daily reservations. It helps hotels manage check-ins, check-outs, split stays, and room changes more efficiently, reducing errors during busy operations.

Where hoteliers push back

Billing, invoicing, and folio handling 53% negative

Reviewers often mention invoice templates, receipts, statement review, and centralized guest billing as helpful for daily operations and guest checkou... Reviewers often mention invoice templates, receipts, statement review, and centralized guest billing as helpful for daily operations and guest checkout. At the same time, the Folio flow for adding extras can be click-heavy, and some users want stronger tax, currency, and accounting handling inside Cloudbeds instead of using separate systems.

Mobile app limitations 90% negative

A frequent criticism is that the mobile app lacks enough operational depth for staff on the move. Reviewers want booking creation, availability manage... A frequent criticism is that the mobile app lacks enough operational depth for staff on the move. Reviewers want booking creation, availability management, notifications, calendar access, and more stable performance directly in the app instead of having to switch to email or desktop.

Ranks higher for

Large (75-199 rooms) #5 vs #30

Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #4 vs #33

Small (10-24 rooms) #1 vs #47

X-Large (200+ rooms) #13 vs #35

Unique capabilities

PMS connectivity Analytics dashboard Inventory Management 2-way real time integrations Multi-lingual

4.6/5 ease of use 4.4/5 support 199 integrations

Visit Website

HotelKey

4.6/5 from 31 reviews

What hoteliers love

User-Friendliness 97% positive

Users frequently mention the ease of use of HotelKey, highlighting its intuitive design that allows quick training of staff and seamless navigation. T... Users frequently mention the ease of use of HotelKey, highlighting its intuitive design that allows quick training of staff and seamless navigation. This is especially valued in fast-paced environments where efficiency is critical.

Mobile Integration 91% positive

The mobile app integration is well-received, allowing managers and staff to access essential functions and statistics in real-time from their smartpho... The mobile app integration is well-received, allowing managers and staff to access essential functions and statistics in real-time from their smartphones or tablets, facilitating better operational management and customer service.

PMS Simplification 82% positive

HotelKey's PMS is cited as simplifying hotel operations by integrating multiple functions, such as reservations, housekeeping, billing, and more withi... HotelKey's PMS is cited as simplifying hotel operations by integrating multiple functions, such as reservations, housekeeping, billing, and more within a single platform. This consolidation helps streamline processes and reduce operational complexity.

Where hoteliers push back

Configuration and Customizability 56% negative

HotelKey is praised for its high configurability, enabling properties to tailor the system to their unique business needs. However, some users feel th... HotelKey is praised for its high configurability, enabling properties to tailor the system to their unique business needs. However, some users feel there is room for improvement regarding customizable reporting and additional features.

Customer Support Challenges 43% negative

While generally praised, some users report inconsistent customer support experiences, including delayed responses and unhelpful interactions. For a PM... While generally praised, some users report inconsistent customer support experiences, including delayed responses and unhelpful interactions. For a PMS, timely and effective support is crucial in maintaining smooth hotel operations.

Unique capabilities

On premise

4.6/5 ease of use 4.4/5 support 30 integrations

Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating HotelKey 5.0 vs 4.6 (+0.3)

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloudbeds PMS vs HotelKey PMS

Can Cloudbeds PMS replace HotelKey PMS?

It depends on your requirements. Cloudbeds PMS and HotelKey PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Cloudbeds PMS offers 199 verified integration partners, while HotelKey PMS offers 30. 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. Cloudbeds PMS leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5. 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 PMS or HotelKey PMS offer a free plan?

Cloudbeds PMS: No. HotelKey PMS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Cloudbeds PMS and HotelKey PMS?

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 HotelKey has 19. 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 →