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 167 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:
Core Optimisation shines .
Sojern shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Data Analysis & Reporting and Email Marketing.
Side-by-side ratings based on 167 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $1,100/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 0 | 167 |
After analyzing 167 verified reviews, Core Optimisation users most value its , while Sojern users highlight customer service, targeted advertising, channel expansion. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
Core Optimisation
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Customer Service
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Targeted Advertising
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Channel Expansion
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Performance-Based Model
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Reporting and Analytics
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Ad Customization and Design
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Reconciliation Process
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How each product ranks among Digital Marketing Agencies vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
| Segment |
Core Optimisation
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | — | #3 32 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | — | #4 84 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | — | #1 30 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | — | #2 12 reviews |
By Property Type
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Core Optimisation
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| Boutique ▾ | — | #4 62 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | — | #4 74 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | — | #2 63 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | — | #2 15 reviews |
By Region
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Core Optimisation
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| North America ▾ | — | #1 62 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | — | #5 44 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | — | #1 24 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | — | #1 12 reviews |
Choosing between Core Optimisation and Sojern Traveler Advertising hinges on your hotel’s specific marketing needs. Both aim to grow your online presence and drive bookings, but they approach this goal differently. Core Optimisation offers a broad digital marketing suite with a focus on SEO, paid search, and conversion tactics, while Sojern specializes in traveler-focused, data-driven advertising with a performance-based model. Which aligns better with your hotel's growth strategy?
Core Optimisation is rooted in traditional digital marketing services tailored for hotels, retailers, and attractions, whereas Sojern is dedicated exclusively to travel marketing, leveraging AI and traveler intent data. Given Sojern’s focus and recent reviews, it’s clear the platform’s recent performance metrics make it the stronger choice for most hoteliers considering current market dynamics. Are you ready to compare how these solutions stack up?
Core Optimisation provides a suite of services including paid search, SEO, display advertising, and video marketing, aiming to increase online revenue through broader digital channels. In contrast, Sojern concentrates on targeted traveler advertising with multichannel campaigns that focus on direct demand and conversions. While Core Optimisation claims to bridge business and digital strategies, it lacks recent reviews and a measurable NPS score, unlike Sojern’s 150 reviews and a near-perfect 9.56 NPS score.
The core difference lies in their specialization: Core Optimisation offers a flexible, agency-style approach across multiple digital marketing tactics, suited for hotels seeking comprehensive online visibility. Sojern’s AI-driven, traveler-centric platform is tailored for hotels that want measurable, performance-based results in booking conversions. Given the recent surge in reviews praising Sojern’s effectiveness, which solution better suits your hotel’s goals?
If your hotel needs a broad digital marketing partner that can handle integrated campaigns including SEO, paid search, and video, Core Optimisation may be the right fit. This is ideal for teams that prefer a full-service agency approach with personalized strategy alignment. Conversely, if your hotel focuses heavily on acquiring direct bookings through targeted traveler advertising and values a transparent, performance-based pricing model, Sojern is the clear choice.
Hotels with limited internal marketing resources or a desire to outsource their digital efforts should lean toward Core Optimisation for their broad expertise. Larger hotels or brands aiming to optimize traveler engagement and direct conversions will find Sojern’s data-driven, multichannel campaigns more aligned with their needs. Considering the recent review count and high ratings, Sojern’s platform is the more trusted option today.
Core Optimisation’s website and platform lack detailed usability ratings, but reviews indicate no recent feedback on ease of use or onboarding. Its small team size and broad service scope suggest a more traditional agency relationship, which may require more coordination and time. In contrast, Sojern scores a 4.83/5 for ease of use with a 4.71/5 onboarding rating, reflecting a user-friendly, intuitive platform backed by strong support.
Recent reviews praise Sojern’s straightforward, effective interface and responsive support team. They mention that setup is smooth, and the platform’s reporting dashboard is clear, even if some users desire more advanced analytics. Edge: Sojern.
Core Optimisation offers only basic digital marketing services—PPC, SEO, conversion optimization, and video advertising—totaling 0 unique features in their package. In contrast, Sojern provides eight dedicated features, including meta search marketing, social media advertising, data analysis, and reporting, plus integrations with 33 verified partners like Profitroom and Mirai.
These additional features enable comprehensive traveler targeting and multichannel outreach, making Sojern more versatile. If your hotel values expanded marketing options and advanced targeting tools, Sojern’s feature set clearly outperforms Core Optimisation. Edge: Sojern.
Core Optimisation does not have recent reviews or ratings on customer support, making it difficult to assess. On the other hand, Sojern boasts a 4.8/5 support rating, with reviews praising its responsiveness, knowledgeable staff, and proactive management.
Recent feedback highlights that Sojern’s team treats clients as partners, providing strategic advice and quick problem resolution. Hotels benefit from their dedicated support, ensuring campaigns stay on track. Edge: Sojern.
Core Optimisation has no verified integrations listed, indicating limited or no platform connectivity. In contrast, Sojern integrates with 33 partners, including key hotel booking systems like Profitroom, Mirai, HotelTime, and vertical booking platforms like The Hotels Network.
This extensive integration capability allows for more streamlined campaign management and data synchronization. If your hotel relies on specific booking or property management systems, Sojern’s broader integration network offers a significant advantage. Edge: Sojern.
With 150 recent reviews, mostly positive, Sojern maintains a 5/5 overall rating and a 9.56/5 NPS score, indicating exceptional customer satisfaction. Hotels across segments, especially independent and branded hotels, consistently praise Sojern’s ability to increase direct bookings and ease of use.
Core Optimisation, lacking recent reviews and a measurable rating, provides no recent data on user satisfaction. The current high ratings and recent reviews clearly favor Sojern as the preferred platform. Edge: Sojern.
Core Optimisation does not provide clear pricing details, suggesting a custom quote based on client needs. Sojern charges a base price of $1,100 per month, with no additional implementation or setup fees.
Given the transparent, performance-based model of Sojern, your hotel can better forecast costs relative to campaigns’ success. The absence of public pricing for Core Optimisation makes direct comparison difficult, but Sojern’s predictable costs and proven ROI are notable benefits.
Not ideal if your hotel prefers strict performance-based advertising without broader digital tactics. It may also not suit properties with limited marketing budgets or those seeking quick, measurable results without agency involvement.
Not ideal if your hotel prefers traditional advertising methods or lacks the budget for a monthly fee. Also, if you need a platform with broader, non-travel-specific marketing services, Sojern’s focus might be limiting.
Core Optimisation provides a traditional digital marketing service with broad tactics, but its lack of recent reviews and clear performance data makes it less appealing today. Its strength lies in comprehensive digital strategy for hotels that want to manage multiple channels internally or through an agency.
Sojern, with its recent surge in reviews and high ratings, offers a specialized, AI-powered platform designed specifically for travel marketers. It excels in driving direct demand, offering a transparent, performance-based pricing model and extensive integrations.
If your hotel needs a proven, traveler-focused marketing solution, go with Sojern. Its high review count and recent positive feedback make it the more reliable choice today.
Choose Core Optimisation if you want a broader digital agency partnership focusing on SEO, paid search, and conversion tactics—though, keep in mind, the lack of recent reviews is a concern.
For maximizing direct bookings, reducing risk, and benefiting from a platform with a strong current reputation, Sojern is the clear winner.
Digital Marketing Agencies 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.
Core Optimisation
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| Starting Price | — | From $1,100/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Core Optimisation and Sojern Traveler Advertising share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Data Analysis & Reporting | ||
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| Meta search marketing | ||
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| Metasearch connectivity | ||
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What hoteliers love
Sojern's customer service receives consistent praise for its responsiveness and problem-solving abilities. Clients trust the knowledgeable support sta... Sojern's customer service receives consistent praise for its responsiveness and problem-solving abilities. Clients trust the knowledgeable support staff and appreciate the proactive, personalized assistance offered throughout their campaigns.
Users frequently highlight Sojern's targeted advertising capabilities, which leverage data to reach guests at the right moment and optimize conversion... Users frequently highlight Sojern's targeted advertising capabilities, which leverage data to reach guests at the right moment and optimize conversions. This targeted approach is praised for creating relevant, cost-effective campaigns that attract direct bookings and improve engagement.
Many users suggest expanding Sojern's advertising reach to emerging platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts for broader visibility. Leveraging newer... Many users suggest expanding Sojern's advertising reach to emerging platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts for broader visibility. Leveraging newer channels could enhance upper-funnel marketing efforts and boost engagements with a younger audience.
Where hoteliers push back
Users acknowledge Sojern's reporting capabilities but express a need for more detailed and integrated solutions, suggesting better integration with BI... Users acknowledge Sojern's reporting capabilities but express a need for more detailed and integrated solutions, suggesting better integration with BI tools and more granular insights. Improvements can enhance users’ ability to track campaign effectiveness and adapt strategies in real time.
Users desire more flexible and creative ad possibilities, including varied templates and formats to avoid ad fatigue and maintain engagement. Enhanced... Users desire more flexible and creative ad possibilities, including varied templates and formats to avoid ad fatigue and maintain engagement. Enhanced creative control, especially for mobile optimization, could enrich brand messaging and consumer connection.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Core Optimisation and Sojern Traveler Advertising share many core Digital Marketing Agencies features, but each has unique capabilities. Core Optimisation offers 0 verified integration partners, while Sojern Traveler Advertising offers 33. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Sojern Traveler Advertising leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 0.0/5. 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.
Core Optimisation: No. Sojern Traveler Advertising: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Digital Marketing Agencies 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. Core Optimisation has an HT Score of 0 and Sojern has 100. 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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