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

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and HotelRunner PMS hinges on your property’s specific needs and operational scope. Both platforms aim to streamline management tasks, but Counter primarily caters to hostels and small-scale accommodations with a focus on ease of use, while HotelRunner PMS offers a broader suite of features suitable for larger or more complex properties.

Counter is a free, lightweight solution praised for its simplicity and quick onboarding, making it ideal for hostels. HotelRunner PMS, with its comprehensive tools and integrations, supports hotels seeking to maximize revenue and automate routine tasks. Which system aligns best with your hotel’s growth plans?

Is Counter or HotelRunner PMS Better for Hotels?

Counter’s core strength lies in its straightforward, user-friendly interface tailored for small properties, especially hostels. Its focus on essential PMS features—guest check-in/out, reservations, POS, and automation—allows staff to operate efficiently without steep learning curves.

HotelRunner PMS offers a more extensive set of features, including revenue management, integrated CRS, gift vouchers, and advanced guest communication, catering to hotels with larger teams or multiple revenue streams. It provides a centralized platform for complex operations, making it suitable for properties aiming to scale.

While Counter boasts a high NPS score of 9.02/10 based on 54 reviews, recent feedback in the last six months is scarce, indicating limited ongoing user engagement. Conversely, HotelRunner, with 16 reviews and a near-perfect NPS of 9.88/10, demonstrates strong recent customer satisfaction. Will your choice depend on stability in user feedback or recent engagement?

Counter vs HotelRunner PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a hostel or a small property prioritizing ease of use, minimal setup, and cost-effectiveness, Counter is the best fit. Its free model and mobile-friendly design allow your team to manage operations smoothly, especially with staff new to PMS systems or operating on a tight budget.

For larger hotels, boutique properties, or those with multiple revenue channels seeking advanced tools like revenue management, integrated CRS, and detailed reporting, HotelRunner PMS is the better option. Its paid pricing model ($100/month) reflects a more comprehensive feature set, advantageous for properties with complex needs.

In summary, choose Counter if your focus is simplicity, affordability, and quick onboarding. Opt for HotelRunner if you need a scalable, feature-rich platform that supports growth and complex operations.

Is Counter or HotelRunner PMS Easier to Use?

Counter scores a 4.6/5 for ease of use, with users highlighting its intuitive, simple interface and quick staff onboarding. Reviewers appreciate its mobile-friendly design, allowing management from anywhere, and note that training staff is straightforward due to its clear layout.

HotelRunner slightly edges out with a 4.81/5 rating, praised for its user-friendly system that simplifies daily operations. Users commend ongoing training and support, which help staff adapt quickly to its richer feature set.

Both platforms are accessible for staff at all levels, but Counter's minimal interface makes it ideal for teams new to PMS systems.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or HotelRunner PMS?

Counter offers a core suite with 19 shared features, including reservations, invoicing, POS, and automatic payments—covering essential hostel management needs. However, it lacks some advanced features like revenue management, guest communication, or integrated ID scanners.

HotelRunner provides 10 unique features not in Counter, such as revenue management, integrated CRS, gift vouchers, native email marketing, digital registration, ID & passport scanner, SMS guest communication, and integrated payment terminals. These additions support more sophisticated, revenue-focused hotel operations.

Given its broader feature set, HotelRunner is better suited for properties needing advanced tools for sales, marketing, and guest management.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or HotelRunner?

Counter’s customer support is highly rated at 4.96/5, with reviews emphasizing fast, responsive assistance. Staff like Evelyn and Max are frequently praised for their professionalism and helpfulness, though some users note support can be slower in certain time zones.

HotelRunner scores a perfect 5/5, with reviews highlighting ongoing training and dedicated support teams. Users report that support is prompt and effective, especially for onboarding and troubleshooting.

Both platforms excel, but HotelRunner’s consistently perfect ratings and emphasis on ongoing support give it a slight edge for hotels prioritizing dedicated, continuous assistance.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or HotelRunner?

Counter’s reviews, totaling 54, show a high overall rating of 4.73/5, with many users praising its simplicity and support. Its main customer base—hostels—appreciates the straightforward management and quick setup, though some mention persistent bugs affecting bookings and bed availability.

HotelRunner, with 16 reviews, has a perfect 5/5 rating, especially among boutique and luxury hotels. Reviewers love its comprehensive features and support, noting it as a key tool for managing complex operations.

Given the recency and number of reviews, HotelRunner’s ratings are more current and slightly higher, making it the more trusted choice at present.

Edge: HotelRunner.

How Much Do Counter and HotelRunner PMS Cost?

Counter does not list any pricing details, indicating it might be free or that costs are determined on a case-by-case basis. Its primary appeal is affordability, especially for small hostels with limited budgets.

HotelRunner charges a flat monthly fee of $100, with no additional implementation or setup fees. The paid model reflects its broader feature set, targeting properties that require advanced tools and integrations.

Your choice may depend on budget versus feature needs. Counter’s free model suits basic management, while HotelRunner’s paid plan offers more extensive capabilities.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate as hostels, youth hostels, or budget accommodations prioritizing affordability.
• Teams that want a simple, easy-to-learn platform for daily guest management.
• Properties with small staff sizes or limited technical expertise.
• Hotels focused mainly on reservations, check-in/out, and basic POS.
• Operations that benefit from mobile management to handle on-the-go tasks.

Not ideal if your hotel needs advanced revenue management, detailed reporting, or complex guest communication tools.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Hotels seeking to expand their operations with a scalable PMS.
• Properties that want integrated revenue management, guest communication, and marketing tools.
• Hotels with multiple revenue streams, including rentals, conference facilities, or packages.
• Teams that value real-time data insights and automation for daily workflows.
• Properties looking to implement digital registration, ID scanning, and integrated payment solutions.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, with minimal operational complexity, or if budget constraints limit software investments.

HotelTechReport’s Verdict: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter and HotelRunner serve different segments of the hospitality industry, with Counter excelling in simplicity and affordability for hostels and small properties. Its free, easy-to-use platform makes it a practical choice for budget-conscious operators seeking quick setup and straightforward management.

HotelRunner, with a more extensive feature set and a highly rated support system, is better suited for hotels aiming for growth, automation, and revenue optimization. Its rich integrations and tools make it a compelling choice for properties that want to scale efficiently.

If your hotel is a small hostel or budget operation with no need for complex features, Counter offers a solid, cost-effective solution. However, if you operate a boutique or larger hotel that demands detailed reporting, revenue management, and guest communication, HotelRunner is the superior platform.

In conclusion, for most hotels with aspirations of growth and automation, HotelRunner’s recent reviews, feature breadth, and support make it the preferable option. Counter remains an excellent lightweight choice for hostels and small-scale accommodations prioritizing simplicity.