Counter vs. Medialog:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and Medialog by Medialog hinges on your property's specific needs. Both aim to streamline hotel operations, but Counter excels as a straightforward PMS for hostels, while Medialog offers a more extensive, integrated solution suited for hotels and restaurants. Your decision should depend on whether you prioritize ease of use and quick deployment or a broader feature set and industry experience.

Counter is a recent entrant with a strong reputation supported by 54 reviews and a high overall rating of 4.73/5, indicating current, positive user experiences. Medialog, with no recent reviews and a score of 0, lacks fresh feedback, making Counter the more reliable choice based on recent data.

Is Counter or Medialog Better for Hotels?

Counter and Medialog both serve hotels, but their target audiences differ. Counter is designed predominantly for hostels, with 83% of its users in that segment, highlighting its simplicity and focus on hostel-specific needs. Its reviews emphasize ease of use, fast onboarding, and affordability, making it ideal for small to medium hostels seeking straightforward management.

Medialog, on the other hand, claims a broader scope, serving hotels and restaurants, with its extensive feature list including EPoS, revenue management, and integrated CRS. However, the lack of recent feedback suggests Medialog's primary strength is its longstanding presence and experience rather than current performance.

If your property is a hostel or a small boutique hotel that values rapid deployment and intuitive operations, Counter is likely more fitting. If you operate a larger hotel or restaurant requiring complex integrations and advanced features, Medialog might seem appealing but lacks recent reviews to confirm its current efficacy.

Are you looking for a proven, highly-rated solution tailored for hostels, or a comprehensive system with a longer industry history but no recent user feedback?

Counter vs Medialog: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a simple, efficient PMS that minimizes training and gets operations running quickly, Counter is the clear winner. Its 54 reviews and 4.73/5 score demonstrate current satisfaction, especially among hostel operators, with features like easy check-in/out, POS integration, and automatic payments.

If your hotel requires advanced revenue management, integrated CRS, or on-premise solutions, Medialog’s extensive feature set could be advantageous. However, the absence of recent reviews makes it impossible to confirm that it still meets modern hospitality demands at the same level.

For small hostels prioritizing usability and cost-effectiveness, Counter is the better fit. For larger, complex properties seeking a customizable, long-established platform, Medialog may be suitable—if proven by current performance.

Is Counter or Medialog Easier to Use?

Counter's user interface consistently receives high marks, with a 4.6/5 ease of use rating based on recent reviews from 54 users. Users praise its simplicity, intuitive navigation, and quick onboarding, often remarking that staff can learn it with minimal training and manage operations remotely.

Medialog's interface and user experience are not rated in the recent reviews, and no user feedback is available to assess its ease of use. Its long history suggests a mature platform, yet without updated reviews, current usability remains unverified.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Medialog?

Counter offers a focused set of features optimized for hostel management, including bed availability display, automatic payments, POS system integration, and channel management. It also provides unique features like ancillary revenue tracking, aligning well with hostel operational needs.

Medialog boasts a broader suite with 10 features exclusive to its platform, such as EPoS, revenue management, GDPR and PCI compliance, and native email marketing. Its added features cater to larger or more complex properties that need integrated restaurant and hotel management tools.

If your priorities are core hostel operations and easy automation, Counter’s streamlined features are sufficient. For hotels or resorts seeking comprehensive, industry-tailored tools, Medialog's extensive feature list is compelling.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Medialog?

Counter’s customer support is highly rated, with a 4.96/5 rating and reviews highlighting fast, responsive, and helpful assistance. Testimonials mention staff like Evelyn and Max as go-to contacts, often responding within minutes to queries.

Medialog lacks recent reviews, so its support quality remains unverified. While it touts 24/7 service and long-standing industry presence, current user experiences are unknown, making Counter the safer choice for reliable support.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Medialog?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including popular platforms like Stripe, Goki, and Cloudbeds. It supports essential integrations for small to medium hostels, but its network is limited compared to Medialog.

Medialog offers 41 verified integrations, including major channel managers like SiteMinder, and specialized tools such as HQ revenue, Fairmas, and RoomChecking. Its extensive partner list suits hotels looking to connect with a broad range of industry solutions.

For quick, straightforward integrations, Counter suffices. For extensive connectivity and advanced channel management, Medialog’s larger partner network is advantageous.

Edge: Medialog.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Medialog?

Counter’s recent reviews showcase a 4.73/5 overall rating with 54 reviews, predominantly from hostel operators. Hotel segments such as independent and boutique hotels rate it around 4/5, emphasizing its ease of use and support.

Medialog, lacking recent reviews, receives no current ratings or feedback. Its long presence in the industry does not compensate for the absence of fresh user insights.

Based on current data, Counter clearly has the higher user rating, reflecting ongoing satisfaction.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and Medialog Cost?

Counter does not publicly disclose pricing, but it is known as a free PMS targeted at hostels, making it highly affordable and accessible for small budgets. Its value proposition is built around simplicity and cost-effectiveness without monthly fees.

Medialog charges a base price of $400 per month, with no mention of additional fees or optional modules. Its pricing suggests a solution aimed at larger establishments or those seeking an extensive feature set.

For budget-conscious properties, Counter’s free model is compelling. Larger hotels needing advanced features may find Medialog’s fee justified, but no recent quotes are available for detailed comparison.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate primarily as hostels, B&Bs, or inns, especially those with limited budgets.
• Teams that prioritize ease of use, quick onboarding, and minimal staff training.
• Properties needing mobile-friendly, remote management capabilities.
• Hotels that value automated processes like POS integration and contactless check-in.
• Not ideal if your property requires complex revenue management, extensive integrations, or detailed reporting.

Counter’s design suits small to medium hostels that want straightforward operations, quick setup, and responsive support. It’s best for properties that value simplicity over extensive customization.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Medialog?

• Hotels or restaurants requiring a comprehensive, all-in-one management platform.
• Properties with complex operations that benefit from integrated CRS, EPoS, and revenue management.
• Establishments aiming for long-term scalability with industry-specific features.
• Hotels that need reliable, 24/7 support and extensive third-party integrations.
• Not ideal if you seek a lightweight, easy-to-deploy system or lack the resources to manage a more complex platform.

Medialog suits larger, service-oriented properties that need a flexible, customizable solution supported by decades of industry experience.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter stands out as a highly-rated, user-friendly PMS tailored for hostels and small hotels, with recent reviews backing its effectiveness. Its core strengths lie in ease of use, support, and affordability, making it the sensible choice for budget-conscious or fast-growing properties.

Medialog offers a broad, feature-rich platform with extensive integrations and a long history in the hospitality industry. However, its lack of recent reviews raises questions about its current performance and user satisfaction.

If your hotel values simplicity, affordability, and proven current performance, go with Counter. If you require a highly customizable, integrated solution and can invest in a more complex platform, Medialog could be suitable—pending confirmation of current support quality and features.

In conclusion, for most modern hoteliers seeking a reliable, well-rated PMS with active support and recent positive reviews, Counter remains the recommended choice. Its focus on hostel management and recent user satisfaction make it the safer, more data-backed option.