Counter vs. Preno:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel’s efficiency and guest satisfaction. Counter by Counter and Preno by Preno both aim to simplify operations, but they cater to different hotel types and operational needs. While Counter focuses on hostel management with features like multi-currency and multi-lingual support, Preno offers a broader suite with integrated revenue management and advanced automation. How do these differences impact your decision?

Counter is designed primarily for hostels and budget accommodations, emphasizing ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Preno, on the other hand, targets a wider range of hotel segments, including boutique properties and motels, with more extensive features and integrations. Do you need a simple, hostel-focused system or a more comprehensive solution for multiple property types?

Is Counter by Counter or Preno better for hotels?

Counter excels in the hostel and budget accommodation market, with a highly intuitive interface that makes daily management straightforward. Its free, mobile-friendly platform simplifies check-ins and check-outs, making it ideal for small, staff-light operations. Preno, however, offers a more feature-rich environment with integrated channel management, revenue tools, and automation, beneficial for hotels seeking to scale or improve operational efficiency.

Counter’s user reviews highlight its simplicity and responsive support, yet some users report persistent bugs affecting availability and bookings. Preno’s recent reviews, with higher ratings and more frequent updates, suggest it’s more reliable and better suited for properties with complex needs or multiple locations. Given the recent review activity, which product aligns better with your hotel’s growth plans?

Counter vs Preno: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a hostel or small property prioritizing ease of use without hefty costs, Counter is the better choice. Its straightforward interface and free access allow you to manage bookings and payments quickly, especially if you’re operating with limited staff. Preno is preferable if you manage multiple properties, need advanced revenue management, or want built-in integrations with tools like Xero and SiteMinder.

For boutique hotels or motels looking for an intuitive system with automation and real-time reporting, Preno provides more robust features. Counter suits budget-conscious, small-scale operations that value simplicity, whereas Preno caters to hotels aiming for operational automation and data-driven decision-making.

Is Counter or Preno easier to use?

Counter’s interface is praised for its simplicity, rated 4.6/5, with many reviews emphasizing how quickly new staff can learn the system. Its onboarding process is rated 4.7/5, and users find it accessible on mobile browsers, ideal for on-the-go management.

Preno surpasses Counter slightly in ease of use, rating 4.78/5, with users citing its clean layout and straightforward navigation. Its onboarding is similarly rated 4.68/5, and users appreciate its support during implementation, especially for multi-property setups.

Edge: Preno.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Preno?

Counter offers 17 shared features with Preno but has only 2 unique features—multi-currency and multi-lingual support—tailored for hostel management needs. Preno, however, boasts 13 exclusive features, including integrated CRS, revenue management, native email marketing, EPoS, real-time status updates, and drag-and-drop tapechart.

Preno’s added features facilitate dynamic pricing, seamless guest communication, and automated space optimization—capabilities that Counter lacks. If comprehensive automation and revenue tools are priorities, Preno clearly leads.

Edge: Preno.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Preno?

Counter’s support is highly rated at 4.96/5, with reviews highlighting its quick, helpful responses, especially from team members Evelyn and Max. Users mention that support is attentive and often resolves issues swiftly, though some report slower responses during off-hours or in different time zones.

Preno’s customer support is also praised, rated at 4.8/5, with reviews emphasizing its responsiveness and the team’s willingness to assist during onboarding and beyond. Users value the support’s proactive approach and the platform’s continuous updates.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Preno?

Preno offers 17 verified integrations, more than Counter’s 7, including notable partners like Xero, Bookboost, RevControl, and TrustYou. Both systems share partners like SiteMinder and Goki, but Preno’s broader ecosystem supports more operational and marketing tools.

Counter’s integrations focus more on POS, channel managers, and payment gateways, suitable for hostel environments. Preno’s extensive links with accounting, guest feedback, and revenue platforms make it a better fit for hotels that need comprehensive connectivity.

Edge: Preno.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Preno?

Preno’s reviews are more recent, with 144 reviews in the last 6 months and an NPS of 9.53, compared to Counter’s 54 reviews and an NPS of 9.02. Hotels across segments—especially boutique and motels—rate Preno slightly higher for its reliability and feature set.

Counter is favored mainly by hostel operators, with an average rating of 4.75/5 from 52 reviews, whereas Preno receives similarly high marks across boutique and motel segments, reflecting its broader appeal.

Edge: Preno.

How Much Do Counter and Preno Cost?

Counter’s pricing details are not publicly listed, but it is described as a free system, making it accessible for small or budget-conscious operations. Preno charges a flat monthly fee of $800, which includes most features and integrations, suitable for properties seeking a comprehensive PMS.

For hotels with tight budgets, Counter’s free model offers a low-risk entry. Larger properties or those wanting advanced features will find Preno’s investment worthwhile for the automation and integrations it provides.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hostels and budget accommodation providers prioritizing affordability and simplicity.
• Small properties with limited staff who need an easy-to-learn system.
• Operations that rely heavily on mobile management and quick check-ins.
• Hotels with a focus on multilingual or multi-currency needs.
• Teams seeking a free PMS with POS and payment automation.

Not ideal if you require advanced revenue management, extensive reporting, or multi-property management.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Preno?

• Boutique hotels, motels, and properties managing multiple locations.
• Hotels seeking automation features like real-time reporting and space optimization.
• Businesses integrating with accounting tools like Xero.
• Properties aiming to improve guest communications with automated emails.
• Hotels looking for a scalable platform with extensive partner integrations.

Not ideal if you need a free, hostel-specific PMS or operate a very small property with minimal automation needs.

Preno vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter is a straightforward, hostel-focused PMS that emphasizes usability and affordability, ideal for small, budget accommodations. Its strengths lie in quick setup, mobile management, and excellent support, but it lacks the advanced automation and integrations found in Preno.

Preno, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich experience with integrated revenue management, automation, and extensive connectivity, making it suitable for hotels aiming to scale or improve operational efficiency. Its recent reviews and higher ratings suggest it’s the more reliable, comprehensive option for most hotels.

If your property is a hostel or small operation prioritizing simplicity and cost, Counter is your best fit. For properties seeking automation, multi-property oversight, and deeper integrations, Preno is the clear choice.

In conclusion, your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and growth ambitions. Both platforms deliver high-quality user experiences, but Preno’s recent review activity favors it as the stronger, more versatile option today.