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

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel’s operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Both Counter and Mews aim to streamline your daily tasks, but they serve different hotel profiles and expectations. Counter, designed specifically for hostels, offers simplicity and affordability, while Mews caters to a broader range of properties with more advanced features and integrations. Which system aligns best with your hotel’s size and growth plans?

Counter is the newer, more affordable option with a focus on ease of use, especially for hostels and small properties. Mews, with its larger ecosystem and extensive integrations, is better suited for hotels seeking scalability, automation, and a robust tech ecosystem. Are you prioritizing simplicity or advanced automation?

Is Counter or Mews Better for Hotels?

Counter is a free, user-friendly PMS built exclusively for hostels, with a straightforward interface ideal for small teams managing limited properties. Mews, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform with a comprehensive feature set designed to support independent hotels, boutique properties, and chains with multiple locations.

Counter’s review count of 54 over the past few years indicates a smaller, but dedicated user base, mostly in Europe and North America, with recent reviews in the last six months. Mews, with 758 reviews and 98 recent ones, demonstrates a large and active community, especially among boutique and branded hotels.

Hoteliers value Counter for its simplicity, quick onboarding, and dedicated hostel focus. Mews is praised for its extensive automation, versatility, and global presence. If your hotel needs a straightforward PMS for a small operation, Counter might suffice. If you require a scalable, feature-rich platform with integrations and advanced tools, Mews is the more reliable choice.

Edge: Mews.

Counter vs Mews: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates predominantly as a hostel, budget accommodation, or small boutique, Counter's easy setup, and zero-cost model make it a compelling choice. Its intuitive interface and mobile accessibility help staff onboard quickly and manage reservations efficiently. Conversely, if your property is mid-sized or larger, with multiple locations or complex operations, Mews’ extensive features—over 40 exclusive functionalities—will serve you better.

Counter excels for hostel owners needing rapid deployment and minimal technical fuss. Mews suits hotels looking to automate processes, customize workflows, and integrate with over 1,000 external solutions via its open API. For scalability and advanced revenue management, Mews’s tools are unmatched.

Choose Counter if you prioritize simplicity and affordability. Opt for Mews if your focus is growth, automation, and a comprehensive tech ecosystem.

Edge: Mews.

Is Counter or Mews Easier to Use?

Counter’s UI has a review rating of 4.6/5, praised for its clean, simple, and mobile-friendly design—ideal for staff with limited tech experience. Its onboarding experience is rated 4.7/5, with users citing quick training and straightforward daily management, especially in hostel environments.

Mews’s interface, rated 4.7/5, is modern and intuitive, with a focus on automating routine tasks. Its onboarding score of 4.39/5 reflects a slightly steeper learning curve but one that is offset by its extensive support resources and user-friendly design.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Mews?

Counter offers core hostel management tools, such as reservations, check-ins, POS, and automatic payments—totaling around 19 shared features with Mews. However, it lacks advanced modules like guest CRM, multilingual support, revenue management, or integrated ID scanners.

Mews’s feature count surpasses 40, including multi-lingual, multi-currency, guest profiles, online check-in, digital registration, automated reminders, guest messaging, and more. Its marketplace allows the addition of functionalities like rate management, housekeeping apps, and real-time reporting—absent in Counter.

For basic operations, Counter’s features suffice. For a full-fledged hotel operation with automation and guest engagement, Mews’s richer feature set is the clear winner.

Edge: Mews.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Mews?

Counter’s support is highly rated, with a score of 4.96/5, and reviews highlight fast, responsive assistance from dedicated team members like Evelyn and Max. Hoteliers appreciate their helpfulness, even amid system bugs affecting overbookings and bed display.

Mews’s support score of 4.27/5 is good but has some recent reviews mentioning bugs and occasional delays. However, many users commend Mews for its prompt bug resolution and ongoing platform updates.

Considering recent reviews and support ratings, Counter’s support is more consistently praised. But Mews’s active support ecosystem often resolves issues swiftly.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Mews?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including Stripe, GOKI, Cloudbeds, and WuBook, primarily serving its niche in hostel management. Its limited integrations restrict connectivity to essential channels and payment solutions.

Mews boasts 336 verified integrations, including the likes of SiteMinder, Stripe, Criton, and Right Revenue. Its open API and extensive marketplace enable seamless connection to revenue management, guest engagement, POS, and channel partners.

For extensive connectivity and future-proofing, Mews’s integration ecosystem is far superior. Counter’s limited options suit small-scale operations with minimal external requirements.

Edge: Mews.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Mews?

Counter’s reviews, though fewer, are highly positive, with a 4.75/5 rating from 52 hostel-specific reviews. Users praise its ease of use, fast support, and suitability for small hostel management. Recent reviews are scarce, but the existing ones stress its simplicity.

Mews’s overall rating of 4.62/5 is based on 758 reviews, with a recent 98 reviews in the last 6 months. Hotels of various sizes, from boutique to chains, rate it highly for automation, flexibility, and support, despite some bugs.

Given the larger review base and recent feedback, Mews maintains a more current and positive reputation across diverse hotel types.

Edge: Mews.

How Much Do Counter and Mews Cost?

Counter is a free, cloud-based PMS with no implementation or ongoing fees, making it ideal for small hostels or startups with limited budgets. It’s a cost-effective solution that emphasizes ease over extensive features.

Mews charges a monthly fee of $900, with no implementation or setup costs. Its pricing reflects its broad feature set and extensive integrations, suited for properties ready to invest in automation and growth.

If budget is a primary concern, Counter offers a no-cost option. For hotels seeking extensive features and support, Mews’s investment provides long-term value and scalability.

Edge: Counter, for affordability; Mews, for features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate as hostels, budget accommodations, or small properties with minimal staff.
• Teams seeking a simple, intuitive system that can be set up quickly.
• Properties looking to manage reservations and payments on mobile devices.
• Small operations in need of a free or low-cost PMS with essential functions.
• Not ideal if your hotel plans to expand, require advanced revenue tools, or need extensive integrations.

Counter is perfect for small, straightforward operations that prioritize ease and affordability over extensive automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Mews?

• Boutique, independent, or branded hotels aiming for scalability and automation.
• Properties managing multiple locations with centralized control.
• Hotels seeking extensive integrations with revenue management, CRM, and POS systems.
• Teams that want to automate check-in, billing, and guest communications.
• Not ideal if your operation is small, with limited budget, or requires only basic management tools.

Mews suits hotels focused on growth, automation, and delivering a tech-driven guest experience.

Mews vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Mews and Counter serve different hotel needs: Counter offers a simple, cost-effective solution tailored for hostels and small properties, while Mews provides a scalable, feature-rich platform for larger or growing hotels.

Choose Counter if your priorities are ease, affordability, and a quick setup. Mews is the better choice when automation, integrations, and scalability are critical to your hotel’s future.

For small hostels or startups, Counter delivers excellent value at no cost. For hotels eyeing expansion and operational sophistication, Mews’s extensive ecosystem and automation tools justify the investment.

In summary, if your hotel needs a straightforward PMS now, Counter fits well. But if you’re planning for growth and advanced guest experience, Mews is the more reliable, future-proof option.