Counter vs. RMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) can significantly influence your hotel’s operations. With Counter and RMS both targeting different segments and offering distinct features, your decision hinges on your property's needs and your team’s priorities. Counter excels for hostels with its simplicity and affordability, while RMS offers a broad feature set suited for larger, more complex operations. Which aligns better with your hotel’s growth plans and daily workflows?

Is Counter or RMS Better for Hotels?

Counter is designed specifically for hostels and small properties, offering a simple, easy-to-use interface with a focus on core operations like reservations, check-ins, and payments. RMS, by contrast, provides a comprehensive suite of tools that caters to a wide range of property types, from resorts to RV parks, with features like revenue management, guest profiles, and detailed reporting.

While Counter’s review count is low (54 reviews, all within the last 6 months), RMS's larger base of 293 reviews and more recent feedback provide a more robust understanding of its capabilities and support quality. RMS's reviews highlight its depth, scalability, and extensive integrations, making it a preferred choice for properties looking to expand or handle complex operations. Counter’s reviews emphasize ease of use, quick onboarding, and support responsiveness, especially valued in the hostel niche.

Do you prioritize simplicity and quick setup over in-depth features, or are you looking for a system that can scale with your property’s growth and complexity?

RMS vs Counter: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a straightforward, budget-friendly PMS with minimal fuss, Counter is the way to go. It’s ideal for hostels and small properties that want a mobile-friendly, easy-to-train platform with basic integrated POS and automation features. For properties that primarily operate in the hostel segment, Counter’s user-friendly design and quick onboarding make it a solid choice, especially since it’s free with no implementation fees.

If your hotel requires a comprehensive property management system capable of handling multiple revenue streams, advanced reporting, and integrations with numerous OTAs and POS systems, RMS is the better fit. Its extensive feature set (55 unique features) supports large or growing hotels, resorts, and RV parks, offering tools like revenue management, guest CRM, and online check-in. RMS’s scalability and depth make it ideal for properties aiming to streamline complex operations and maximize revenue.

In summary, choose Counter for simplicity and affordability, and RMS for extensive functionality and growth potential.

Is Counter or RMS Easier to Use?

Counter scores higher on usability, with a 4.6/5 rating compared to RMS’s 4.28/5. Its interface is praised for being clean, intuitive, and mobile-friendly, allowing staff to learn quickly and manage operations on the go. Users highlight its straightforward calendar and reservation management, enabling fast onboarding and easy daily use.

RMS, while comprehensive, has a slightly steeper learning curve, partly due to its extensive feature set. Support is praised for responsiveness, but some users mention the need for more tutorials and clearer navigation. RMS’s interface is functional but can be overwhelming for smaller teams or properties new to PMS technology.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or RMS?

RMS offers 55 unique features, including integrated CRS, revenue management, guest profiles, online booking engine, POS, housekeeping modules, and advanced reporting. Its capabilities support complex operations like multi-currency management, digital registration, and guest communication tools.

Counter, with no exclusive features beyond its core PMS for hostels, has a limited feature set—7 verified partners and essential functions like reservations, POS, and automation—but lacks many advanced modules found in RMS. Its simplicity is a strength for small operations but falls short for larger properties needing specialized tools.

Edge: RMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or RMS?

Counter’s support receives consistent praise for its quick, friendly, and helpful responses, with an overall support rating of 4.96/5. Reviewers mention staff like Evelyn and Max as highly professional and responsive, especially during onboarding and troubleshooting. The support team’s flexibility and recent improvements are noted as key strengths.

RMS support is also well-regarded, with a 4.48/5 rating, praised for knowledgeable and proactive assistance. However, some users express a desire for more digital resources and tutorials to maximize system use. RMS’s larger scale sometimes results in longer wait times or less personalized attention for smaller clients.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or RMS?

RMS boasts 112 verified integrations, including major channels and systems like SiteMinder, Criton, STR, and native email marketing. Its extensive partner network supports large-scale, multi-channel distribution and advanced operational needs.

Counter’s 7 verified partners include essential integrations like Stripe, Goki, and WuBook, but it offers fewer options overall. Its integration focus is on simple, reliable connections suited for small properties, with less emphasis on large multi-channel connectivity.

Edge: RMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or RMS?

Counter has a small but highly satisfied user base within the hostel segment, with an average rating of 4.73/5 and recent reviews emphasizing ease of use, fast onboarding, and helpful support. Its user ratings for properties like hostels and inns are particularly high (4.75/5), reflecting strong satisfaction in its niche.

RMS’s broader user base (including resorts, motels, and branded hotels) rates it slightly lower at 4.56/5, citing its extensive capabilities and scalability. Larger hotels benefit from its depth, but smaller properties sometimes find it overwhelming or less intuitive.

Given the recent and higher review count, RMS’s rating is more representative of its overall performance.

Edge: RMS.

How Much Do Counter and RMS Cost?

Counter doesn’t publish explicit pricing, but it is described as a free product with no implementation fees, making it highly attractive for small properties or hostels with tight budgets.

RMS costs $800/month, with no free tier or trial mentioned. Its pricing reflects its enterprise-level features, suited for larger properties that see value in a comprehensive, scalable system.

If budget is your primary concern and your property is small, Counter offers a clear advantage. For larger operations, RMS’s investment may translate into better automation and revenue potential.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate primarily as hostels, backpacker accommodations, or small inns.
• Teams seeking a simple, mobile-friendly management platform.
• Properties with limited staff capacity or those new to PMS technology.
• Hotels that prioritize ease of onboarding and quick setup without extra costs.
• Small properties with basic operational needs like reservations, check-ins, and POS.

Not ideal if you need advanced features like revenue management, detailed reporting, or extensive integrations. Larger properties or those with complex operational requirements will find Counter’s simplicity limiting.

What Type of Hotel Should Use RMS?

• Hotels, resorts, or RV parks with complex operations and multi-channel distribution.
• Growing properties aiming for scalability and advanced automation.
• Hotels needing detailed reporting, revenue management, and guest CRM.
• Properties with multiple revenue streams like spa, restaurant, and activity bookings.
• Hotels seeking a high level of customization, integrations, and real-time insights.

Not ideal if your property is a small hostel or inn that only requires basic reservation management. If your focus is minimal automation and low costs, RMS’s extensive features might be more than you need.

RMS vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

RMS provides a broad, deeply integrated platform suitable for hotels aiming to grow and manage complex operations efficiently. Its extensive feature set, integrations, and scalability make it the preferred choice for medium to large properties.

Counter is a streamlined, easy-to-use PMS designed for hostels and small hotels with simple needs. Its affordability, quick onboarding, and high satisfaction ratings in its niche make it ideal for properties seeking basic, reliable management without extensive complexity.

Choose RMS if your hotel needs a comprehensive, scalable platform that supports growth and complex operations. Opt for Counter if you prioritize simplicity, quick implementation, and cost-effectiveness, especially in the hostel segment.

In conclusion, RMS dominates in features, integrations, and recent reviews, making it the best option for larger or expanding hotels. Counter shines in ease of use, support, and affordability, making it the top pick for hostels and small properties.