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

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) can dramatically impact your hotel's operations, guest experience, and revenue. Both Counter by Counter and roommaster PMS aim to streamline hotel management, but they serve different hotel segments and operational needs. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize ease of use for hostels or comprehensive features for independent hotels. What are the key differences that will influence your choice?

Is Counter or roommaster PMS Better for Hotels?

Counter and roommaster PMS are designed to address core hotel management challenges—reservation handling, guest communications, and operational efficiency. Counter is tailored for hostels and small properties, emphasizing simplicity and mobility, while roommaster caters to independent hotels with a broader suite of features and deeper integrations. Do you need a straightforward system for hostels or a full-scale management platform for larger properties?

Counter's focus on hostel management means it offers an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that simplifies check-ins, check-outs, and reservations. Roommaster, on the other hand, provides extensive operational tools like automated reporting, centralized data, and over 270 reports, making it suitable for hotels with more complex needs. Does your property require a lightweight interface or a detailed operational backbone?

Given the recent review count and higher overall ratings, Counter's more recent reviews strengthen its position. Are you willing to trade some advanced features for proven ease of use and rapid onboarding?

Counter vs roommaster PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates mainly as a hostel, with a focus on simplicity, affordability, and mobility, Counter is the better choice. Its user-friendly interface, mobile accessibility, and specific hostel features make it suitable for small and medium-sized hostels seeking efficiency.

Conversely, if your hotel is a boutique, independent, or resort property that needs detailed reporting, centralized control, and robust reservation management, roommaster PMS will serve you better. Its extensive feature set—such as integrated revenue management, guest communication, and over 270 reports—caters to more complex operational environments.

In summary, choose Counter for a straightforward, budget-friendly hostel management solution, and opt for roommaster if your property demands comprehensive, customizable management features. Your decision should align with your property size, complexity, and growth plans.

Is Counter or roommaster PMS Easier to Use?

Counter scores a 4.6/5 for ease of use based on recent reviews, with users praising its simple, intuitive interface that loads seamlessly on mobile browsers. Hoteliers highlight its quick onboarding and staff training, noting that even non-technical team members can operate it efficiently. Support from Counter's team is frequently praised for responsiveness, with Evelyn and Max often mentioned.

In contrast, roommaster's ease of use is rated lower at 4.22/5, with some users describing the interface as "clunky" and noting that it can be slow to navigate. Support experiences vary; some praise quick responses, while others report delays and inconsistent help.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or roommaster PMS?

roommaster offers a significantly larger feature set—44 features exclusive to its platform, including EPoS, revenue management, integrated payment terminals, guest feedback, guest messaging, and group booking engines. These features support detailed operational control, automation, and data analytics for hotels with complex needs.

Counter provides 3 unique features—multi-currency, multi-lingual, and ancillary revenue tracking—focused on basic hostel management. While it integrates with platforms like Stripe and Goki, it lacks the extensive automation, reporting, and guest engagement tools found in roommaster.

Edge: roommaster.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or roommaster PMS?

Counter's customer support scores a 4.96/5, with recent reviews emphasizing fast, helpful, and friendly service from dedicated support staff. Users frequently mention Evelyn and Max for their professionalism and quick problem resolution, which contributes to a smoother onboarding process.

roommaster's support rating drops to 4.25/5, with reviews indicating inconsistency. Some users report prompt help, while others experience delays and less knowledgeable agents. The support experience seems more variable, impacting daily operations for some users.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or roommaster PMS?

roommaster boasts 56 verified integrations, making it a versatile choice for properties that rely on multiple third-party systems. It supports integrations with key partners like Sage, Volo, GuestCentric, and others, facilitating a connected tech stack.

Counter has 7 verified integrations, including partners like Stripe, Goki, Cloudbeds, and Channex, enough for basic operational needs, especially in hostels. Its limited integrations may restrict scalability for properties with more complex tech ecosystems.

Edge: roommaster.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or roommaster PMS?

Counter’s overall rating is 4.73/5, with 54 reviews and a recent review count of zero in the last six months. Its high NPS score (9.02/5) and 91% likelihood to recommend demonstrate strong user satisfaction, especially among hostel operators.

roommaster’s rating is 4.33/5 based on 83 reviews, with 17 recent reviews in the last six months. Although it has a solid reputation, the recent reviews suggest some users experience issues, reflecting the variability in support and usability.

Given the higher review count and recent reviews, roommaster's data is less current and slightly less positive overall.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and roommaster Cost?

Counter is free, making it highly accessible for hostels and small properties with tight budgets. However, detailed pricing for more advanced features or enterprise plans isn’t specified, indicating potential costs for future upgrades or integrations.

roommaster’s base price starts at $500 per month, with no free trial or freemium options. Its pricing reflects the platform's extensive feature set and suitability for larger or more complex properties.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate primarily as hostels, youth hostels, or budget accommodations.
• Teams seeking an intuitive, mobile-friendly PMS that simplifies daily operations.
• Small properties with limited operational complexity needing quick onboarding.
• Hostels focusing on automation features like automatic payments and contactless check-in.
• Properties that prioritize affordability and ease over extensive customization.

Not ideal if your hotel needs detailed revenue management, advanced reporting, or extensive integrations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use roommaster?

• Independent hotels, resorts, and boutique properties seeking a full-featured PMS.
• Hotels with multiple properties needing centralized management.
• Properties requiring detailed reporting, automation, and guest engagement tools.
• Hotels that want flexible integrations with numerous third-party systems.
• Properties interested in data-driven decision-making with over 270 built-in reports.

Not ideal if your hotel is a small hostel or niche property that doesn’t require complex operational features.

roommaster PMS vs Counter: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution tailored for hostels and small hotels, emphasizing ease of use and rapid onboarding. Its recent reviews highlight high user satisfaction, especially in support and simplicity, but it lacks some advanced features found in larger platforms.

roommaster provides a comprehensive management system suitable for independent hotels and resorts that need detailed reporting, automation, and extensive integrations. Its larger feature set supports complex operations but comes with a higher price point and potentially steeper learning curve.

For hostel operators or small properties prioritizing ease, affordability, and recent positive feedback, Counter is the safer choice. Larger hotels or those requiring detailed control, automation, and scalability should opt for roommaster, despite its higher cost and complexity.

This comparison aims to help you make an informed decision aligned with your property’s size, complexity, and growth ambitions. Both products serve distinct hotel segments effectively, but your specific operational needs will dictate the best fit.