Counter vs. HS/3 (acq Mews):
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

When choosing a property management system (PMS), your hotel needs a solution that simplifies operations, enhances guest experiences, and integrates with your current platforms. Counter by Counter and HS/3 (acq Mews) both aim to streamline hotel management but diverge sharply in terms of maturity, features, and market presence. Counter’s recent reviews and high ratings make it the more reliable choice for hoteliers seeking proven performance.

Counter by Counter is a newer but rapidly growing PMS with a strong user base, especially among hostels and small hotels. HS/3, acquired by Mews, has a less prominent presence, with no recent reviews or ratings. So, which one is truly better suited for your property?

Is Counter or HS/3 Better for Hotels?

Counter by Counter is a property management system designed specifically for hostels and small-scale accommodations, offering a straightforward, easy-to-use platform. HS/3 aims to serve larger hotels with a more extensive suite of features but lacks recent reviews to validate its efficacy.

Counter’s core strength lies in its simplicity, intuitive interface, and recent positive user feedback, making it a dependable option. Conversely, HS/3’s limited market presence and absence of up-to-date reviews make it difficult to assess its current performance.

Given that Counter has 54 reviews with a 4.73/5 overall rating and recent feedback from users highlighting its ease of use and responsive support, it’s clear that Counter is the more tested and trusted solution. HS/3’s lack of recent reviews means less confidence in its current capabilities. Are you comfortable trusting a system with no recent user feedback?

Counter vs HS/3: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a hostel or small property that needs a user-friendly, affordable, and feature-rich PMS, go with Counter. Its focus on hostels, combined with a 4.75/5 rating from 52 reviews, ensures it meets your operational needs without overwhelming your staff.

If you manage a larger property and require extensive customization, advanced revenue management, or integration with complex third-party tools, HS/3 might seem appealing. However, given the lack of recent reviews or evidence of ongoing support, Counter remains the more dependable choice for most hotels.

For small hotels and hostels looking for a low-cost, easy-to-implement solution, Counter will serve you well. Larger hotels needing highly customizable functionality should consider HS/3, but beware of the limited recent validation of its current performance.

Is Counter or HS/3 Easier to Use?

Counter boasts a 4.6/5 ease of use rating from users, who praise its intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that simplifies daily operations. Customers report that staff can learn the system quickly, and onboarding is rated at 4.7/5, making staff adoption straightforward.

HS/3 has no available recent user ratings or reviews, leaving its usability unverified. Without recent feedback, it’s impossible to confirm whether HS/3 offers a comparable user experience.

Edge: Counter. Its well-rated, user-friendly interface and positive onboarding reviews make it the clear choice for hotels prioritizing ease of use.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or HS/3?

Counter offers 19 distinct features, including a channel manager, booking engine, payment processing, automated night audit, guest CRM, and multi-currency support. These capabilities cover essential hotel operations, particularly for small to mid-sized properties.

HS/3’s feature set remains unverified due to a lack of recent reviews or detailed information, making it difficult to compare directly. It’s unclear whether HS/3 provides the same breadth of functionality or the depth of features found in Counter.

Based on available data, Counter’s comprehensive suite—especially its channel management, online support, and payment integrations—gives it a distinct advantage. Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or HS/3?

Counter earns a 4.96/5 support rating, with reviewers highlighting its responsiveness and helpfulness. Specific praise goes to support staff like Evelyn and Max, who are praised for quick, professional responses.

HS/3 has no recent reviews or ratings, so its customer support quality cannot be confidently assessed. The absence of recent feedback indicates a lack of ongoing validation.

Edge: Counter. Its high support rating and recent positive reviews make it the more reliable partner for your hotel.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or HS/3?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including popular channel managers like SiteMinder and Cloudbeds, payment processors like Stripe, and other industry-specific tools. This breadth of integrations allows seamless connectivity with your existing systems.

HS/3 has no listed or verified integrations, which could limit your ability to connect with essential third-party services. This reduces operational flexibility significantly.

Edge: Counter. Its verified integrations provide a smoother operational flow and future-proofing.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or HS/3?

Counter has accumulated 54 recent reviews, with a stellar 4.73/5 overall rating. Hoteliers, especially those managing hostels, consistently praise its ease of use, support, and features.

HS/3 has no recent reviews or ratings, making it impossible to assess user satisfaction. The lack of recent feedback suggests limited current customer engagement or support.

Edge: Counter. Its high review count and recent positive feedback establish its reputation among hoteliers.

How Much Do Counter and HS/3 Cost?

Counter does not list specific pricing but is known for its free or low-cost setup tailored for hostels. Its transparent, straightforward approach makes it accessible to small properties.

HS/3 provides no current pricing or licensing details, which complicates budgeting decisions. Without clear pricing, assessing value becomes difficult.

In general, Counter’s free, flexible model favors small to mid-sized properties, whereas HS/3’s unclear pricing leaves a gap in value evaluation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate hostels, dormitories, or small inns seeking an affordable, easy-to-use PMS.
• Teams that prioritize rapid onboarding and mobile management tools.
• Hotels needing integrated booking channels, POS, and automated night audits.
• Properties focusing on guest data management and multi-currency support.
• Not ideal if you require highly customizable workflows or extensive enterprise features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HS/3?

• Larger hotels or chains seeking extensive customization and advanced management features.
• Teams that need deep integrations with enterprise systems and complex revenue management.
• Hotels that value a highly scalable platform, despite the lack of recent validation.
• Not ideal if you prioritize usability, quick onboarding, or proven support.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Counter vs HS/3

Counter by Counter is a specialized PMS built for small hotels and hostels, with a proven track record, high user satisfaction, and robust features. Its recent reviews and high ratings confirm its reliability.

HS/3, acquired by Mews, appears to target larger properties but suffers from an absence of recent user feedback, making its current performance uncertain. For most hoteliers, especially those in the hostel or small hotel segment, Counter is the safer, more validated choice.

If your team values ease of use, proven support, and extensive integrations, go with Counter. HS/3 might appeal if you need highly tailored enterprise features, but the lack of recent validation makes it a risky option. Ultimately, Counter’s recent performance data makes it the clear winner for your hotel’s operational needs.