Counter vs. Host Hotel Systems:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and Host Hotel Systems hinges on your property's specific needs and operational priorities. Both systems aim to streamline hotel management, but Counter is tailored for hostels and small properties, focusing on ease of use and affordability. Host Hotel Systems, meanwhile, targets larger hotels and chains with a broader feature set and more extensive integrations. Does your team prioritize simplicity or comprehensive functionality?

Counter offers a free, user-friendly PMS designed specifically for hostels, making it ideal for small, independent properties that need quick setup and straightforward management. Host Hotel Systems caters to larger hotels needing advanced features and a more robust operational toolkit. Which aligns better with your current goals and scale?

Is Counter or Host Hotel Systems Better for Hotels?

Counter and Host Hotel Systems serve different hotel profiles with distinct operational needs. Counter is built for hostels, B&Bs, and small boutique hotels, emphasizing simplicity, mobility, and affordability. It’s especially suited for properties with limited staff or those prioritizing fast onboarding and minimal training. Conversely, Host Hotel Systems is designed for hotels needing extensive features like guest profiling, detailed analytics, and on-premise management, making it more suitable for medium to large properties or hotel groups.

If your property is a hostel or small inn seeking an intuitive, cost-effective solution, Counter should be your choice. If you operate a larger hotel chain that requires complex reporting, guest management, and a wide array of integrations, Host Hotel Systems will better meet your needs.

Is Counter or Host Hotel Systems Easier to Use?

Counter boasts a 4.6/5 ease of use rating based on 54 reviews, with many users praising its intuitive, mobile-friendly interface. Customers mention that staff can learn it quickly, citing a straightforward setup and minimal training requirements. Support responsiveness is also highly rated, with particular praise for staff like Evelyn and Max who promptly resolve issues.

Host Hotel Systems has a slightly lower rating of 4.5/5 but remains highly regarded for its user-friendly design tailored for hotel staff. Its interface is described as powerful yet approachable, with a focus on simplifying complex operations. Given the recent review count and higher overall rating, Counter’s ease of use edges out its competitor.

Edge: Counter

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Host Hotel Systems?

Counter offers three exclusive features: a dedicated channel manager, booking engine, and mobile app—crucial tools for hostels and small properties managing reservations on the go. Its core features include POS integration and automatic payments, which streamline daily operations.

Host Hotel Systems provides a significantly broader feature set—31 unique functionalities—covering transaction emails, on-premise management, gift vouchers, task management, automated reminders, guest messaging, digital registration, online check-in/out, real-time updates, automated room assignments, detailed reporting, rate management, PCI compliance, EPoS, and wellness modules.

With over 16 shared features, Host Hotel Systems clearly offers more comprehensive operational tools. If your hotel needs advanced guest profiling, automated marketing, or on-premise modules, Host Hotel Systems’s extensive features prevail.

Edge: Host Hotel Systems

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Host Hotel Systems?

Counter’s support ratings are outstanding, with a 4.96/5 score based on 54 reviews, and 91% of hoteliers would recommend it. Reviewers frequently praise the responsiveness, mentioning staff like Evelyn and Max for their quick, helpful responses. Users appreciate the ongoing improvements and flexibility, despite some bugs affecting bookings and bed availability.

Host Hotel Systems scores 4/5 on support, with positive comments emphasizing their proactive partnership and helpfulness. Reviewers note that responsiveness could be improved, especially for technical issues, but overall, the support is competent. Given the more recent, numerous reviews for Counter, its support quality is the stronger choice.

Edge: Counter

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Host Hotel Systems?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including key platforms like WuBook, FLYR, Cloudbeds, and Channex. Its integration set supports POS, channel management, and access control, improving operational flow for small properties.

Host Hotel Systems boasts 44 verified partners—far more extensive—covering revenue analytics, online marketing, payment gateways, and guest feedback tools. Shared integrations include SiteMinder and Stripe, but its wide network supports larger, multi-property operations.

If seamless integration with numerous third-party tools is critical, Host Hotel Systems’s broader partner list offers more options. For single properties or hostels, Counter’s integrations are often sufficient.

Edge: Host Hotel Systems

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Host Hotel Systems?

Counter has a 4.73/5 rating from 54 recent reviews, with 91% likely to recommend, especially among hostels and independent properties. Reviewers highlight its simplicity, quick onboarding, and responsiveness, with many calling it the best PMS for hostels.

Host Hotel Systems, with only 2 reviews, has no recent feedback, making its rating less reliable. The existing comments focus on its extensive features but lack detailed user satisfaction metrics. As a result, Counter’s higher, more recent review volume makes it the clear favorite.

Edge: Counter

How Much Do Counter and Host Hotel Systems Cost?

Counter offers a free, no-trial, no-implementation fee PMS, making it accessible for small properties and startups. Its cost-effective nature is a significant advantage, especially for budget-conscious hostels.

Host Hotel Systems does not specify pricing but indicates no trial or monthly fees. Larger hotels and chains might negotiate tailored contracts, likely reflecting its enterprise-level scope. For small properties, Counter’s free model offers unmatched value; larger hotels should seek direct quotes from Host Hotel Systems.

Edge: Counter

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate with small teams and prioritize ease of management.
• Properties focused on hostels, B&Bs, or boutique inns.
• Hotels with limited budget for software but need essential PMS features.
• Properties that want mobile-friendly, quick-to-learn systems.
• Hotels that prefer a simple, integrated POS and booking engine.

Not ideal if:

• You require advanced guest profiling or detailed analytics.
• Your property needs extensive on-premise management or wellness modules.
• You operate large hotel chains or require complex reporting.

Who Should Use Counter

• Hostels and backpacker accommodations.
• Small independent hotels.
• Budget-conscious properties.
• Properties with limited IT staff.

Not ideal if:

• You need enterprise-level features.
• Your operation demands extensive integrations.
• You run a large resort with multiple amenities.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Host Hotel Systems?

• Hotels or chains requiring extensive operational features and automation.
• Properties seeking detailed guest profiling and advanced analytics.
• Larger hotels with multiple locations needing comprehensive integration.
• Hotels that value on-premise management and real-time data.
• Properties interested in modules like spa management, digital registration, and automated room assignments.

Not ideal if:

• You are a small hostel or boutique inn.
• Your property prefers minimal, easy-to-use software.
• Budget constraints prevent investing in a comprehensive system.

Who Should Use Host Hotel Systems

• Large hotels and chains.
• Properties needing extensive automation.
• Hotels with complex operational requirements.
• Businesses seeking detailed analytics and guest insights.

Not ideal if:

• You operate a small property or hostel.
• You prioritize simplicity over complexity.
• Your budget is limited.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter excels as a lightweight, easy-to-use PMS for hostels and small hotels, with a strong support reputation and recent positive reviews. Its free pricing makes it especially attractive for properties with tight budgets and limited tech needs, delivering essential management tools with minimal fuss.

Host Hotel Systems offers a broad feature set, extensive integrations, and a focus on larger hotel operations. Its capabilities cater to properties needing deep analytics, automation, and a wide array of modules, making it suitable for bigger hotels and chains.

In summary, if your hotel is a small operation, especially a hostel or boutique, Counter is the more appropriate choice. For larger hotels seeking comprehensive management solutions, Host Hotel Systems provides the detailed tools and integrations you require.

Choose Counter if you value simplicity, affordability, and recent high reviewer satisfaction. Opt for Host Hotel Systems if your hotel requires advanced features, multiple integrations, and a scalable solution for complex operations.