Counter vs. NewBook (PMS):
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) can transform your hotel's operations, guest experience, and revenue. Counter by Counter and NewBook are both designed to streamline management, but they serve distinctly different hotel segments and needs. While Counter is tailored specifically for hostels and small accommodations, NewBook offers a broader suite of features suitable for hotels, resorts, and diverse property types. Which system aligns better with your specific operational goals?

Counter’s free, mobile-friendly platform shines for hostel operators seeking simplicity and rapid deployment. In contrast, NewBook, with its extensive features and higher price point, targets larger properties and multi-asset businesses that need comprehensive tools. Are you ready to dive into which product is truly the better fit for your hotel’s future?

Is Counter or NewBook Better for Hotels?

Counter is primarily designed for hostels, inns, and small accommodations, offering an easy-to-use interface that simplifies daily tasks. Meanwhile, NewBook caters to a wider range of property types, including resorts, motels, and short-term rentals, with a focus on automation and revenue management.

Counter has a lower barrier to entry, with a free, mobile-optimized platform, making it ideal for small operators or startups. Conversely, NewBook’s higher cost reflects its richer feature set, including guest CRM, integrated revenue management, and on-premise solutions. Do you prefer a straightforward, budget-friendly system or a feature-rich platform that handles complex operations?

Counter vs NewBook: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a hostel, bed & breakfast, or a small inn that needs reliable, easy management without a hefty investment, Counter is the clear choice. It’s rated 4.73/5 overall with 54 reviews, the majority of which praise its simplicity and support, making onboarding quick and staff training straightforward.

If your property operates at a larger scale, with multiple revenue streams, guest communication needs, and diverse property types, NewBook’s 4.75/5 rating from 16 recent reviews makes it the better fit. It offers advanced features like revenue management, guest CRM, integrated payment solutions, and on-site modules, supporting more complex operations.

In essence, choose Counter for straightforward hostel management, and opt for NewBook if you require a comprehensive system that can grow with your hotel’s expansion.

Is Counter or NewBook Easier to Use?

Counter’s UI scores a 4.6/5, and users consistently praise its intuitive design, especially for staff training and daily operations. Reviewers mention that the platform loads seamlessly on mobile browsers, allowing management from anywhere, which is a significant advantage for hostel environments.

NewBook, rated 4.69/5, also receives high marks for usability. Users note that its interface is user-friendly, with straightforward dashboards that simplify managing bookings, accounting, and guest communication. Both systems are easy to learn, but Counter’s simplicity is especially appreciated in fast-paced hostel settings.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or NewBook?

Counter offers essential PMS features like guest reservations, check-ins, check-outs, POS integration, and automatic payments, totaling 19 shared features with NewBook. However, Counter lacks specialized modules and advanced revenue tools found in NewBook.

NewBook provides 11 exclusive features not available in Counter, including revenue management, guest CRM, digital registration, gift vouchers, and integrated payment terminals. Its on-premise option and spa/wellness modules further extend its scope, catering to properties with diverse amenities.

Given the broader feature set, NewBook clearly provides more tools for larger or more complex properties. Edge: NewBook.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or NewBook?

Counter’s reviews highlight a support team that is highly responsive, with mentions of Evelyn and Max for their professionalism. Overall, users rate support at 4.96/5, praising quick responses despite some concerns over slower support in certain time zones.

NewBook boasts perfect 5/5 support ratings, with reviewers emphasizing their staff’s promptness and expertise. Customers describe the support as “amazing,” “dedicated,” and “solution-driven,” providing confidence in onboarding and ongoing assistance.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or NewBook?

Counter offers integrations with seven verified partners, including Stripe, Goki, and Cloudbeds, with only one shared integration (SiteMinder). Its integrations cover essential services like payment processing and channel management but are limited compared to more extensive systems.

NewBook supports 16 verified integrations, including major platforms such as Tripadvisor, PriceLabs, Revinate, and D-Edge. Its broader network supports diverse marketing, revenue, and operational tools, making it more adaptable for properties with complex distribution needs.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or NewBook?

Counter’s reviews, though fewer in number (54), consistently praise its ease of use (4.6/5) and support, especially from hostel operators. However, the reviews are less recent, limiting confidence in current performance.

NewBook’s 16 reviews in the past six months with an overall rating of 4.75/5 reflect recent, positive experiences, especially among resorts and larger properties. Its high NPS score of 9.63 underscores strong customer satisfaction among hotelier segments with more complex needs.

Edge: NewBook.

How Much Do Counter and NewBook Cost?

Counter is a free PMS, making it highly accessible for hostels and small accommodations with limited budgets. There are no implementation fees or monthly charges, which lowers barriers for small operators.

NewBook charges a starting price of $1,000 per month, with no free tier or trial available. Its cost reflects its extensive features and targeted enterprise-level solutions, making it suitable for properties seeking a comprehensive management platform.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate as hostels, inns, or budget accommodations, prioritizing simplicity and affordability.
• Teams that need an intuitive, mobile-friendly system for daily check-ins, reservations, and payments.
• Properties looking for a free solution with essential management features.
• Small operations that want to avoid lengthy onboarding or complex setups.
• Hotels that prefer quick deployment and straightforward support.

Not ideal if your property requires advanced revenue management, guest CRM, or integration with extensive third-party systems.

What Type of Hotel Should Use NewBook?

• Hotels, resorts, or motels seeking a scalable PMS with sophisticated revenue management and marketing tools.
• Teams managing multiple properties or diverse asset classes, including short-term rentals and villas.
• Accommodations that want integrated payment, CRM, and on-premise modules.
• Properties looking to increase bookings via digital channels and improve guest communication.
• Businesses aiming for detailed reporting and automation capabilities.

Not ideal if you operate a small hostel that needs only basic management tools or if budget constraints prevent investing in a premium PMS.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Counter vs NewBook

Counter is a straightforward, free PMS built specifically for hostels and small accommodations. It excels at simplifying daily operations with an easy-to-use mobile interface and automated features, but it lacks advanced revenue management and extensive integrations.

NewBook offers a more comprehensive, feature-rich platform suitable for larger hotels, resorts, and properties with complex needs. Its integrations, guest management tools, and revenue modules support growth and operational efficiency in more demanding environments.

If your hotel prioritizes simplicity, affordability, and quick setup, Counter is the better choice. If you need a full-featured system capable of handling multiple revenue streams and property types, NewBook is the clear winner.