Cloudbeds PMS vs. Counter:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Cloudbeds PMS and Counter hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and growth ambitions. Cloudbeds offers a full-scale, integrated platform suitable for a diverse range of properties, while Counter is tailored for hostels seeking simplicity and mobility. Both systems aim to streamline operations, but their approaches and feature sets differ significantly.

Cloudbeds provides a comprehensive, feature-rich environment with extensive integrations, while Counter emphasizes ease of use, affordability, and mobility for hostel operators. Which system aligns better with your property’s needs and future plans?

Is Cloudbeds or Counter Better for Hotels?

Both Cloudbeds and Counter address the core challenge of managing reservations, check-ins, and guest data efficiently. Cloudbeds, with its 19 shared features and 45 unique offerings, aims to unify operations across multiple departments, making it ideal for properties with complex needs. Counter, on the other hand, focuses on streamlining daily hostel operations with an intuitive interface and automatic processes.

Where Cloudbeds caters to mid-sized and larger properties with its extensive feature set and integrations, Counter is designed for hostels and small properties emphasizing quick onboarding and mobile management. Do your operational needs lean toward an all-in-one management ecosystem or a straightforward, mobile-first system?

Cloudbeds vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel requires advanced revenue management, extensive channel distribution, and deep customization, Cloudbeds is the clear choice. Its 190 verified partners and features like analytics dashboards, online check-in, and integrated CRS support growth and complex operations.

If your property is a hostel or small inn looking for simple, fast-to-deploy management with mobile accessibility, Counter is ideal. Its clean interface, free pricing, and focus on automation help reduce manual work with minimal setup. Are you prioritizing growth and scalable features or simplicity and cost-efficiency?

Is Cloudbeds or Counter Easier to Use?

Cloudbeds scores a 4.61/5 for ease of use, praised for its intuitive interface and streamlined onboarding process, although some users note occasional setup challenges. The platform’s mobile app receives positive feedback, but a few mention sluggishness during peak hours.

Counter is rated 4.6/5, with users emphasizing its straightforward, mobile-friendly interface that requires minimal training. Its minimal learning curve, especially for hostel staff, makes daily operations more manageable.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Cloudbeds or Counter?

Cloudbeds boasts 19 shared features plus 45 exclusive tools, including PMS connectivity, revenue management, online check-in, digital registration, and guest messaging. Its extensive suite supports multi-property management, automated reminders, task management, and more—features crucial for larger or multi-location hotels.

Counter offers essential features tailored for hostels, such as contactless check-in, automatic payments, POS integration, and bed availability management. While it lacks many advanced tools found in Cloudbeds, its simplicity accelerates onboarding and daily use.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Cloudbeds or Counter?

Cloudbeds’s support rating is 4.41/5, with reviews praising its responsiveness, especially during onboarding, but some mention delays during peak times. Customers appreciate prompt assistance but note that support can sometimes be inconsistent.

Counter’s customer support scores an impressive 4.96/5, with reviews highlighting its quick, helpful responses and dedicated team members like Evelyn and Max. Despite some slower responses in certain regions, users consistently praise the team's professionalism.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Cloudbeds or Counter?

Cloudbeds integrates with 190 verified partners, including major OTA and payment platforms like Stripe, SiteMinder, and Goki. Its open marketplace enables extensive customization and integration with third-party systems.

Counter connects with seven verified partners, including Stripe, Goki, and POS systems. While its integrations cover key operational needs, the smaller ecosystem limits connectivity options compared to Cloudbeds.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Cloudbeds or Counter?

Cloudbeds has a review count of 1,071, with recent reviews (81 in the last 6 months) emphasizing its role in increasing revenue, simplifying operations, and enabling growth. Hotels of all segments, from boutique to resorts, rate it an average of 4.63/5.

Counter, with 54 reviews and no recent feedback, maintains a very high overall rating of 4.73/5. Hostels especially appreciate its simplicity, responsiveness, and ease of management. Given the recency and volume of Cloudbeds reviews, it’s the more strongly supported choice.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

How Much Do Cloudbeds and Counter Cost?

Cloudbeds’s pricing starts at $600 per month, with no free plan or trial available, making it a significant investment suitable for properties seeking a robust platform. Its pricing reflects its extensive feature set and integrations.

Counter is free to use, with no setup or monthly fees, making it ideal for budget-conscious hostels and small properties. Additional costs may arise from integrations or add-ons, but the base system remains accessible.

Edge: Counter.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Cloudbeds?

• Hotels that need a full-featured management system, including revenue and channel management.
• Properties planning to grow, expand, or manage multiple locations.
• Teams that benefit from extensive integrations, automation, and advanced reporting.
• Hotels seeking a platform that supports contactless check-in, digital registration, and guest messaging.

Not ideal if your property is small, budget-sensitive, or prioritizes minimal tech with straightforward daily operations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels, budget hotels, and small inns needing simple, fast-to-deploy systems.
• Properties emphasizing mobile management and contactless check-in.
• Teams that want to reduce manual work through automation and POS integration.
• Small operators looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-learn PMS with responsive support.

Not ideal if your property requires complex revenue management, extensive integrations, or multi-property oversight.

Cloudbeds vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Cloudbeds is a comprehensive, feature-rich PMS designed for hotels and multi-property operators seeking scalability, deep integrations, and data-driven decision tools. Its extensive ecosystem and proven track record make it suitable for properties with growth ambitions and complex needs.

Counter excels as a streamlined, easy-to-use platform tailored for hostels and small properties prioritizing simplicity, affordability, and mobile management. Its free model and automation features offer quick setup and operational efficiency, especially for budget-conscious operators.

In sum, if your hotel aims to grow and diversify operations, Cloudbeds is the stronger choice. Conversely, if you prioritize straightforward management and minimal costs, Counter is the better fit. Your decision should balance your current needs with your future growth plans.