Counter vs. SkyTouch Technology:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and SkyTouch Technology hinges on your hotel's specific needs, operational scale, and growth plans. Both aim to streamline property management, but they approach the challenge differently. Counter is designed for hostels and small-scale operations with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, while SkyTouch caters to a broader range of hotel types with more advanced features. Which system aligns better with your current operations and future ambitions?

Counter offers a free, lightweight PMS tailored for hostels, emphasizing straightforward management and quick onboarding. Conversely, SkyTouch, with a more extensive feature set and larger user base, targets hotels seeking deeper reporting, rate management, and integrations. Are you prioritizing ease of use or comprehensive control?

Is Counter or SkyTouch Better for Hotels?

Counter excels in offering a simple, mobile-friendly interface with rapid deployment and minimal setup time, making it ideal for small hostels and properties with limited tech resources. SkyTouch, on the other hand, provides detailed reporting, extensive integrations, and a cloud-based platform that suits mid-sized to large hotels needing complex operations management.

Counter's ratings reflect higher user satisfaction, with a 4.73/5 overall and 54 reviews, mostly recent. SkyTouch's score is 3.5/5 from 119 reviews, with many users citing recurring bugs and software glitches as drawbacks.

Both systems claim to support multi-platform integrations, but SkyTouch's larger partner network (33 verified integrations) offers broader connectivity. Counter's focus on simplicity and mobile use makes it more approachable for small teams.

Would your property benefit more from a quick-to-implement solution or a feature-rich platform capable of managing multiple aspects of a complex operation?

Counter vs SkyTouch: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel primarily operates as a hostel or small property needing straightforward check-in/out, reservations, and basic reporting, Counter is the clear choice. Its intuitive interface, dedicated hostel focus, and free access make it an ideal fit.

If your hotel is a boutique or branded property requiring detailed revenue management, extensive reporting, and integration with numerous third-party systems, SkyTouch is preferable. Its user-friendly cloud platform and broad feature set support growth and operational complexity.

Counter's recent reviews highlight its ease of use, especially for hostel staff, and its fast onboarding process. SkyTouch's strengths lie in its comprehensive reporting and rate management, suitable for properties with more sophisticated needs.

When in doubt, consider your scale and complexity—Counter if simplicity is key, SkyTouch if feature depth matters.

Is Counter or SkyTouch Easier to Use?

Counter garners a remarkable ease-of-use rating of 4.6/5, with users describing its interface as "simple," "clear," and "easy to understand" for staff training. Its mobile compatibility and quick setup contribute to rapid adoption, especially in small, fast-paced environments like hostels.

SkyTouch also scores highly at 4.64/5, with reviews emphasizing its intuitive design and ease of training new staff. Its cloud-based system allows remote management, which benefits multi-property operators.

However, some SkyTouch users mention glitches and occasional update disruptions, which slightly hinder usability. Counter's niche focus on hostels enhances its straightforwardness.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or SkyTouch?

Counter offers three unique features: a mobile app, guest CRM, and multi-currency support, all tailored for hostel operations. Its overall feature count includes 16 shared features with SkyTouch, but it stands out with simplicity and targeted functionality.

SkyTouch provides 11 features exclusive to its platform, including a revenue management module, integrated CRS, EPoS, tablet/kiosk check-in, real-time reporting, drag-and-drop tape chart, transactional emails, PCI compliance, and tax configuration. These tools enable more granular control over operations and revenue strategies.

While SkyTouch's broader feature set supports larger or more complex properties, Counter's dedicated features optimize hostel management. If your hotel needs advanced revenue tools or integrated POS, SkyTouch has the edge.

Edge: SkyTouch Technology.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or SkyTouch?

Counter is praised for its support, with a 4.96/5 rating and reviews highlighting fast, helpful responses from team members like Evelyn and Max. Users mention that ongoing improvements and flexibility from the Counter team enhance the user experience.

SkyTouch scores slightly lower at 4.5/5, with some users appreciating professionalism but others citing delays in resolving long-standing issues. Support responsiveness appears inconsistent, especially during peak times.

For hotels valuing proactive, rapid assistance, Counter's support is the stronger choice. SkyTouch's larger support team may have more resources but sometimes falls short on issue resolution speed.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or SkyTouch?

SkyTouch boasts 33 verified partners, including major systems like SiteMinder, Chargerback, Visual Matrix, GuestCentric, and Impulsify, providing extensive connectivity for larger operations. Counter has 7 verified integrations, including popular partners like Stripe, Goki, and Cloudbeds.

Both systems integrate with the industry-standard SiteMinder, but SkyTouch's larger partner network offers more options for distribution, revenue, and operational tools. Counter's integrations are more limited but sufficient for small properties primarily focused on direct bookings and basic channel management.

If your property relies heavily on multiple third-party integrations, SkyTouch's extensive network offers a clear advantage. Otherwise, Counter’s more targeted integrations may be enough.

Edge: SkyTouch Technology.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or SkyTouch?

Counter, with 54 reviews and a 4.73/5 overall rating, is favored by hostel operators and small hoteliers, especially for its simplicity and quick onboarding. Recent reviews emphasize its ease of use and helpful support, making it highly recommendable for small-scale operations.

SkyTouch has a 3.5/5 rating based on 119 reviews, with many users citing frequent glitches, bugs, and limited customization as drawbacks. Larger hotels or chains may find value in its comprehensive features despite the mixed reviews.

For small properties prioritizing user-friendliness, Counter is rated higher. Larger or more complex hotels may rate SkyTouch more favorably if bugs are addressed.

Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and SkyTouch Cost?

Counter is free, offering an all-in-one property management platform tailored for hostels. The absence of a fee makes it particularly attractive for small or budget-conscious properties.

SkyTouch charges a base price of $600 per month, with no mention of additional implementation fees or tiered plans. Its pricing model targets mid-sized to larger hotels seeking extensive features.

Cost considerations should factor into your decision—Counter is budget-friendly, SkyTouch provides more advanced tools at a higher price. Does your hotel need a free, straightforward PMS or a paid solution with broader functionality?

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

Hotels that should consider Counter are:

• Hostels and budget accommodations seeking an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly PMS.
• Small operations with limited staff and minimal technical support.
• Properties prioritizing quick onboarding and simple reservation management.
• Hotels that prefer a free system with essential features like guest CRM and multi-currency.

Not ideal if:

• Your property requires advanced revenue management or detailed reporting.
• You operate a large hotel with multiple departments and complex needs.
• Your team needs extensive integrations or customizations.
• You plan to expand rapidly and need scalable, feature-rich PMS.

Counter is perfect for small, operationally simple properties that value ease over complexity.

What Type of Hotel Should Use SkyTouch?

Hotels that are suitable for SkyTouch include:

• Mid-sized and large hotels needing extensive reporting and revenue management.
• Properties with multiple locations or complex operational workflows.
• Hotel chains seeking consistent systems across properties with centralized control.
• Hotels looking for detailed rate management, integrated CRS, and POS functionalities.

Not ideal if:

• Your property is small, with minimal staff and straightforward needs.
• You prefer a free or low-cost solution.
• Your team has limited capacity to address bugs or support issues.
• You prioritize quick setup over customization or extensive features.

SkyTouch is suited for properties aiming for scalable growth and comprehensive control.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter and SkyTouch serve different hotel segments with distinct priorities. Counter's free, hostel-focused platform emphasizes simplicity, ease of use, and rapid onboarding, making it ideal for small, budget-conscious properties. SkyTouch offers a broader feature set, extensive integrations, and detailed reporting, targeting larger hotels or chains seeking operational depth.

Choose Counter if your hotel values straightforward management and fast setup without extra costs. Opt for SkyTouch if your property requires advanced tools, scalability, and integration capabilities to support growth.

Counter is best for properties that need quick, reliable, and easy management. SkyTouch is better for hotels that want a more comprehensive, integrated system capable of handling complex operations and expanding over time.

In conclusion, your decision should hinge on your hotel’s size, complexity, and growth plans. Both systems are capable, but the right choice aligns with your operational priorities and future ambitions.