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 1,294 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 when it comes to user-friendly interface — especially for independent properties (4.6/5) , with exclusive features like Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader and Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc).
RoomKey PMS shines in customer support and ROI , with exclusive features like Guest CRM and Guest profiles.
Side-by-side ratings based on 1,294 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $600/mo | Contact sales |
| Verified Reviews | 1,242 | 52 |
After analyzing 1,294 verified reviews, Cloudbeds users most value its user-friendly interface, implementation and support, all-in-one ecosystem, while RoomKey PMS users highlight customer support, ease of use, training & documentation. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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User-Friendly Interface
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Customer Support
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Implementation and Support
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Ease of Use
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All-in-One Ecosystem
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Training & Documentation
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Channel Management
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Integrations
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Reservation Management
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Room for Improvement
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Report Customization
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Complexity of Certain Tasks
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System Speed
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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
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #1 592 reviews | #34 15 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #4 212 reviews | #21 27 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #5 42 reviews | #23 4 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #13 4 reviews | #33 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #2 473 reviews | #24 28 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #4 228 reviews | #32 8 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #6 116 reviews | #27 11 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #2 93 reviews | #24 7 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #2 435 reviews | #13 51 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #7 163 reviews | — |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #3 226 reviews | #30 0 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | #7 11 reviews | — |
Choosing between Cloudbeds PMS and RoomKey PMS hinges on your hotel’s unique needs. While both systems aim to streamline operations and increase revenue, they approach this goal differently. Cloudbeds offers an extensive, integrated platform favored for its scalability and breadth of features, supported by a large user base and recent reviews. RoomKey PMS, with its focus on simplicity and personalized support, caters well to independent hotels seeking ease of use and reliable customer service.
Given the significant difference in review volume and recent activity, Cloudbeds’ more recent and abundant user feedback makes it the more compelling option today. Are you ready to explore which system aligns best with your hotel’s priorities?
Cloudbeds and RoomKey PMS both address core hotel management challenges—reservation, housekeeping, and revenue optimization. Cloudbeds’ platform combines multiple operational tools into one system, reducing manual data entry and improving distribution across channels. RoomKey PMS emphasizes straightforward daily management and guest engagement, with a focus on ease of use and personalized support.
Cloudbeds’ extensive feature set (40 exclusive features) and broad integrations (190 verified partners) make it suitable for properties aiming to scale quickly or manage multiple locations. Conversely, RoomKey’s simplicity (only 2 features unique to it) and high customer support ratings (4.91/5) appeal to independent hotels prioritizing ease and dependable service. Do your hotel’s growth goals require deep integration or straightforward daily management?
If your hotel needs a unified, scalable platform that combines PMS, channel management, booking engine, and automation, Cloudbeds is the clear choice. Its broad feature set and market presence make it ideal for properties looking to expand or improve operational efficiency. For hotels that prioritize a strong online distribution, real-time rate management, and automation tools, Cloudbeds’ capabilities are unmatched.
If your hotel is smaller, independent, or values personalized, local customer support over extensive features, RoomKey PMS is more appropriate. It’s designed for straightforward daily operations, with a proven track record and exceptional support (92% satisfaction). When simplicity and support matter most, RoomKey is a strong contender.
Cloudbeds scores a 4.61/5 for ease of use, with reviews praising its intuitive interface and straightforward workflows, especially for reservations and housekeeping. Its mobile app and cloud accessibility help staff manage operations remotely, although some users report occasional speed issues during peak hours.
RoomKey PMS, rated at 4.44/5, also receives high marks for its simplicity and quick onboarding, with many users highlighting how easy it is to learn and navigate. Its interface is clean but less modern, with some noting that certain tasks still involve multiple steps. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds offers 40 features exclusive to it, including online check-in, guest messaging, automated reminders, task management, and integrated payment processing—all of which support full operational automation. Its features are designed to handle complex, multi-property management and revenue optimization.
RoomKey PMS provides key features like guest CRM and guest profiles, which are useful but more limited. Its core strengths lie in seamless reservations, mobile check-in, and simple reporting, with only 2 features unique to it. For comprehensive automation and scalability, Cloudbeds has a clear advantage. Edge: Cloudbeds.
RoomKey PMS earns a 4.91/5 for customer support, with reviews praising their local, responsive, and knowledgeable support team, especially appreciated by independent hotels. Users often mention the personalized assistance from former hoteliers, which helps resolve issues quickly.
Cloudbeds, rated at 4.41/5, also offers strong support, with many reviews highlighting prompt responses and helpful technical support. While support is good, some users feel it could be more consistent during peak times. Edge: RoomKey.
Cloudbeds boasts 190 verified partners, including major OTAs, channel managers, and property tech solutions, with 30 shared integrations with RoomKey. Its extensive marketplace and API allow properties to customize and scale integrations easily.
RoomKey PMS, with 56 verified partners, covers essential integrations but offers fewer options for expansion. Its focus on core hotel functions means it’s less flexible for properties needing diverse third-party connections. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds, with over 1,070 reviews (most recent in the last 6 months), holds a 4.63/5 rating and a 91% likelihood to recommend. It’s favored across segments, especially boutique hotels and hostels, with many praising its comprehensive features and ease of use.
RoomKey PMS, with only 50 reviews and no recent feedback, has a similar overall rating (4.62/5) and a 94% likelihood to recommend. Its high support satisfaction is notable but lacks the breadth of recent data to match Cloudbeds’ ongoing user confidence. Given its larger review base and recent activity, Cloudbeds is the stronger-rated choice. Edge: Cloudbeds.
Cloudbeds’ pricing starts at $600/month, with no free tier or trial, reflecting its enterprise-grade capabilities. RoomKey PMS does not publicly list prices, but its approach is typically more affordable and aimed at smaller properties, often with flexible pricing based on property size and needs.
For hotels seeking a predictable, scalable investment with extensive features, Cloudbeds’ pricing is justified. Smaller hotels valuing straightforward, lower-cost options might find RoomKey more budget-friendly, but with less extensive functionality.
Cloudbeds and RoomKey PMS both serve hotel management needs but cater to different priorities. Cloudbeds excels in scalability, feature depth, and broad integrations, making it suitable for growing properties or those with complex operational demands.
RoomKey PMS offers a straightforward, supportive experience, ideal for independent hotels that need reliable daily management without the complexity. If your hotel’s growth is a priority, Cloudbeds’ extensive features and recent reviews make it the more compelling choice. For smaller, support-focused hotels, RoomKey remains a dependable, user-friendly option.
In conclusion, choose Cloudbeds if you want a comprehensive, scalable system backed by recent large-scale user confidence. Opt for RoomKey if your focus is on ease of use, personalized support, and cost efficiency.
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.
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| Starting Price | From $600/mo | — |
According to HTR's product database, Cloudbeds PMS and RoomKey PMS share 24 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| 2-way real time integrations | ||
| Analytics dashboard | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Inventory Management | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| PMS connectivity | ||
| Unlimited Channels (no additional cost) |
Showing top differences. 30 more features differ between these products.
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
Cloudbeds is praised for its intuitive and well-organized interface, making it accessible for all staff and reducing the need for extensive training.... Cloudbeds is praised for its intuitive and well-organized interface, making it accessible for all staff and reducing the need for extensive training. This ease of use is particularly beneficial for daily operations such as managing reservations and performing check-in/check-out processes.
Cloudbeds' implementation process and subsequent support receive mixed reviews. While its customer service is typically rated highly for responsivenes... Cloudbeds' implementation process and subsequent support receive mixed reviews. While its customer service is typically rated highly for responsiveness and assistance, complete feature parity on mobile and integration capabilities require more comprehensive support for a smoother transition.
Cloudbeds offers a comprehensive solution by integrating PMS, channel management, and booking engine in one platform. This reduces the need for multip... Cloudbeds offers a comprehensive solution by integrating PMS, channel management, and booking engine in one platform. This reduces the need for multiple systems, minimizing manual work and synchronizing operations in real time.
Where hoteliers push back
Reservation workflows within Cloudbeds are simple and efficient, notably for check-in and check-out processes. This feature greatly reduces administra... Reservation workflows within Cloudbeds are simple and efficient, notably for check-in and check-out processes. This feature greatly reduces administrative load, errors, and improves overall operational productivity. The system's drag-and-drop functionality is highlighted as particularly useful.
While Cloudbeds offers robust reporting features, users note a need for more flexibility in customization, as tailored management insights would be va... While Cloudbeds offers robust reporting features, users note a need for more flexibility in customization, as tailored management insights would be valuable for strategic decisions. This is a recurring theme among those seeking deeper analytics and visualization.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
RoomKey PMS receives high praise for its customer support, with frequent commendations for Adam's exceptional service. Users appreciate the quick resp... RoomKey PMS receives high praise for its customer support, with frequent commendations for Adam's exceptional service. Users appreciate the quick response times, the detailed assistance provided, and the patience and professionalism of the support team. This excellent support helps hotels resolve issues swiftly, ensuring smooth operational flow.
Users find RoomKey PMS easy to learn and navigate. The system's user-friendly design helps reduce training time and enables staff to perform tasks eff... Users find RoomKey PMS easy to learn and navigate. The system's user-friendly design helps reduce training time and enables staff to perform tasks efficiently. This ease of use is considered a significant advantage over other property management systems.
RoomKey PMS provides comprehensive training and useful online guides, which are highly appreciated by users. This training ensures that hotel staff ca... RoomKey PMS provides comprehensive training and useful online guides, which are highly appreciated by users. This training ensures that hotel staff can effectively use the system, helping hotels to maximize the utility of the PMS and improve operational efficiency.
Where hoteliers push back
Users see potential for various improvements, such as better user role management, enhanced credit card authorization processes, fewer steps for speci... Users see potential for various improvements, such as better user role management, enhanced credit card authorization processes, fewer steps for specific tasks, and more robust mobile applications. Addressing these areas would make the system even more efficient and user-friendly.
Some users mention the complexity involved in completing specific tasks within the system. They note issues with too many steps required for certain f... Some users mention the complexity involved in completing specific tasks within the system. They note issues with too many steps required for certain functions, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Cloudbeds PMS and RoomKey PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Cloudbeds PMS offers 189 verified integration partners, while RoomKey PMS offers 56. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
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.
Cloudbeds PMS: No. RoomKey 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.
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 RoomKey PMS has 18. 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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