Counter vs. Infor HMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and Infor HMS depends on your hotel's specific needs, operational complexity, and growth plans. Both systems aim to streamline property management, but they do so from different angles: Counter is tailored for hostels with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, while Infor HMS offers a broader, more customizable solution suited for larger, more diverse properties. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize intuitive design or extensive features.

Counter is designed to be a straightforward, free PMS for hostels, emphasizing mobile management and automation. In contrast, Infor HMS provides a cloud-based platform packed with modules for revenue, housekeeping, and customization, catering to hotels with more complex operational requirements. Do you want a system that gets the basics right or one that scales with your property?

Is Counter or Infor HMS Better for Hotels?

Counter and Infor HMS serve different hotel types and operational scales. Counter, with its focus on hostels and small properties, offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies day-to-day tasks like check-ins, reservations, and integrations with platforms like Stripe and Goki. Its lightweight design minimizes staff training, making it ideal for smaller teams.

Infor HMS, on the other hand, is built for hotels seeking extensive customization, automation, and integration across departments. It boasts modules for revenue management, housekeeping, and advanced reporting, making it suitable for larger or chain hotels. The core difference is scope: Counter is a niche solution for hostels, Infor is a robust enterprise system.

Would your hotel benefit from a simple, fast implementation or a comprehensive platform capable of handling complex operations?

Counter vs Infor HMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a hostel or small boutique with a primary need for easy check-in, reservations, and OTA integrations, Counter is the better fit. Its ease of onboarding (rated 4.7/5), high user ratings (4.73/5), and recent positive reviews (54 total reviews, no recent negatives) make it a reliable choice for properties prioritizing simplicity and automation.

Conversely, if your hotel is larger, with diverse revenue streams, multiple departments, and a need for detailed reporting or revenue management, Infor HMS is more appropriate. It has a broader feature set, including guest profiles, revenue modules, and a scalable cloud architecture, rated 4.04/5 with 46 reviews, but with some recent issues related to software updates.

In summary, choose Counter if your focus is on hostels or small properties that need quick, straightforward management. Opt for Infor if your hotel requires extensive customization, departmental integration, and scalable features.

Is Counter or Infor HMS Easier to Use?

Counter scores 4.6/5 for ease of use, with many reviews highlighting its intuitive, mobile-friendly interface. Hoteliers praise its simplicity, noting staff can learn it quickly, and it requires minimal training, which is crucial for small teams or properties with high turnover.

Infor HMS scores 3.88/5, with reviews mentioning it is generally easy to navigate but less polished visually. Some users find its interface less intuitive, especially during software updates, and onboarding can be slower due to its extensive functionality.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Infor HMS?

Counter offers 17 shared features and two exclusive ones: a channel manager and booking engine, tailored for hostels and small properties. Its standout features include seamless OTA integration, a user-friendly channel manager, and a simplified booking engine, all rated highly for ease of use.

Infor HMS provides more than 17 shared features plus three exclusive modules: guest profiles, revenue management, and on-premise operations. Its strengths lie in extensive customization, automation, and departmental modules, making it more versatile for complex operations.

Edge: Infor HMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Infor HMS?

Counter boasts a support rating of 4.96/5, with reviews consistently praising its responsiveness, especially from team members like Evelyn and Max. Users find the support team helpful, quick to respond, and flexible, though some mention support delays in different time zones.

Infor HMS has a support rating of 4.04/5. Reviews commend its professionalism and responsiveness but note that some users experience delays or difficulties during system updates. Support is generally reliable but less consistently praised than Counter.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Infor HMS?

Counter has 7 verified integrations, including popular partners like Stripe, Cloudbeds, and Goki, primarily suited for small properties. Its integrations streamline tasks like payments and access control but are limited compared to larger systems.

Infor HMS offers 113 verified partners, including Booking.com, Expedia, and HRS, covering a wide array of operational needs. Its extensive integrations support complex workflows, revenue management, and global distribution.

Edge: Infor HMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Infor HMS?

Counter's overall rating of 4.73/5 is supported by 54 recent reviews, with a 91% likelihood to recommend, particularly among hostels and small hotels. Users emphasize its usability, quick onboarding, and responsive support.

Infor HMS holds a 4.04/5 rating based on 46 reviews, with a 74% recommendation rate. Larger hotels and chains appreciate its customization and extensive features, though some mention system glitches and less intuitive interfaces.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and Infor HMS Cost?

Pricing details for Counter are not specified, but it is described as a free PMS for hostels, emphasizing affordability. Infor HMS also does not list explicit prices, which is typical for enterprise solutions, often customized per client.

Both products lack transparent pricing, likely requiring direct inquiries for quotes, especially from Infor, which is tailored for larger hotels with more complex needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that are hostels, youth hostels, or small boutique properties with simple operational needs.
• Teams that prioritize quick setup, mobile management, and automation.
• Properties with limited staff needing an intuitive system for check-ins, reservations, and integrations.
• Not ideal if your property requires revenue management, advanced reporting, or multi-department management.
• Not ideal if you operate at a scale where detailed customization or complex departmental workflows are necessary.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Infor HMS?

• Large hotels, resorts, or multi-property chains seeking a highly customizable PMS.
• Teams that need full integration with revenue management, housekeeping, and accounting modules.
• Hotels looking for a scalable, cloud-based platform with extensive partner integrations.
• Not ideal if your hotel prefers a lightweight, simple system with minimal training.
• Not ideal if your property operates in a niche with very specialized needs outside of standard hotel management or if aesthetic interface matters more than functionality.

Infor HMS vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference is scope: Counter is a straightforward, hostel-focused PMS built for ease of use and rapid deployment, while Infor HMS offers a broad set of modules for large or complex hotels needing deep customization.

If your hotel is a small boutique or hostel that values simplicity, quick onboarding, and mobile management, Counter is the clear choice. Its high user ratings, recent reviews, and positive support make it a dependable solution.

If you operate a larger property with multiple revenue streams and require extensive customization, automation, and integrations, Infor HMS will serve you better. Its broad feature set and partner network support complex workflows and growth but come with a steeper learning curve.

In conclusion, rely on Counter if your focus is on ease, speed, and simplicity. Choose Infor HMS if your needs are extensive, and operational complexity is a priority.