Counter vs. Skyware Systems: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 16, 2026  ·  57 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 57 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:

Counter shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Payment processing.

Skyware Systems shines , with exclusive features like On premise and Revenue management module.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Counter Compare to Skyware Systems?

Side-by-side ratings based on 57 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
17
0
Likelihood to Recommend
91%
0%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
0.0/5
Customer Support
4.9/5
0.0/5
Value for Money
4.8/5
0.0/5
Starting Price Contact sales Contact sales
Verified Reviews 57 0

What Are the Pros and Cons of Counter vs Skyware Systems?

After analyzing 57 verified reviews, Counter users most value its user interface and usability, customer support, automated features, while Skyware Systems users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Counter Counter Skyware Systems Skyware Systems
Pros
+ User interface and usability
+ Customer support
+ Automated features
+ Platform integration
Cons
Bug issues
Reporting and revenue management
Pricing

Counter vs Skyware Systems: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Property Management Systems vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment Counter Counter Skyware Systems Skyware Systems
Small (10-24 rooms) #26 28 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #46 4 reviews #71 0 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #32 2 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #31 1 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Counter Counter Skyware Systems Skyware Systems
Boutique #31 16 reviews
Luxury #44 4 reviews #66 0 reviews
Branded / Chain #43 4 reviews
Extended Stay #32 5 reviews

By Region

Segment Counter Counter Skyware Systems Skyware Systems
North America #25 8 reviews #50 0 reviews
Europe #20 25 reviews
Asia Pacific #16 4 reviews
Middle East #11 2 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and Skyware Systems hinges on your hotel’s specific needs. Both aim to streamline operations, but Counter is tailored for hostels with a focus on ease and automation, whereas Skyware offers a broader suite of features suited to larger hotels and multi-property operations.

Counter’s more recent reviews and higher ratings make it the more reliable choice for hoteliers prioritizing user experience and support. Are you ready to see which platform aligns best with your property’s goals?

Is Counter or Skyware Systems Better for Hotels?

Counter and Skyware Systems serve different hotel types with distinct capabilities. Counter, designed for hostels, emphasizes simplicity, mobile management, and automation, helping small to medium properties operate efficiently. Skyware, with over 30 years of hospitality experience, provides a comprehensive suite suitable for larger, multi-property hotels that need extensive operational tools.

Counter’s focus on user-friendly features and recent positive reviews, including a 4.73/5 overall rating from 54 recent reviews, contrast with Skyware’s lack of recent review data and zero ratings. Do you prioritize ease of use or advanced, multi-faceted features?

Counter vs Skyware Systems: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a hostel or small property seeking straightforward management and automation, Counter is the better fit. It offers an intuitive interface, high customer support ratings, and features like payment processing, POS integration, and channel management — all crucial for busy hostels.

Conversely, if your hotel is larger, manages multiple properties, or needs features like conference booking, spa management, or extensive integration options, Skyware’s broader suite could be more suitable. However, with no recent reviews or ratings, Skyware's real-world performance remains uncertain.

Is Counter or Skyware Systems Easier to Use?

Counter boasts a high ease of use rating of 4.6/5 based on 54 reviews, with users praising its intuitive interface and quick onboarding process. Many reviewers mention how staff adapt quickly, and the platform’s mobile-friendly design allows management from anywhere.

Skyware Systems shows no recent review data or user ratings, making it impossible to assess its ease of use. Given Counter’s strong recent feedback, edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Skyware Systems?

Counter offers 18 shared features plus one unique feature — payment processing — that Skyware lacks. It also integrates with platforms like Stripe and Goki, enabling automated payments and access management.

Skyware’s features include modules for spa, conference, and restaurant management, with 5 features unique to it, like revenue management and gift vouchers. With more features and recent reviews, edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Skyware Systems?

Counter’s support is rated at 4.96/5 from 54 reviews, with many users describing the team as fast, helpful, and professional, especially mentioning staff like Evelyn and Max. Customers appreciate quick responses and ongoing improvements despite ongoing bugs.

Skyware lacks recent reviews or ratings, so its support performance remains unverified. Based on available data, edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Skyware Systems?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including major platforms like Cloudbeds, SiteMinder, and Stripe, providing essential connectivity. Skyware offers 15 verified integrations, including notable systems like GuestCentric, Revinate, and OpenKey, covering broader operational needs.

While Skyware has more integrations, Counter’s partnerships are more relevant for small to medium properties. Given the recent reviews emphasizing platform stability, edge: Counter.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Skyware Systems?

Counter’s recent reviews and a 4.73/5 overall rating, along with a 91% likelihood to recommend, demonstrate strong user satisfaction, especially among hostels. Users highlight its simplicity, support, and automation as key advantages.

Skyware’s data is outdated, with no recent reviews or ratings, making it impossible to gauge current user sentiment. Therefore, the clear winner is: edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and Skyware Systems Cost?

Both platforms do not publicly list pricing details, indicating a custom quote process. Counter’s absence of pricing information suggests it may be more affordable for smaller properties, while Skyware’s extensive features might come with higher costs suited for larger hotels.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

  • Hotels that operate primarily as hostels, youth hostels, or budget accommodations.
  • Teams seeking an easy-to-learn, mobile-friendly PMS with automation features.
  • Properties focusing on quick onboarding with minimal training.
  • Small properties with limited staffing resources.
  • Hotels that prioritize automation like payment processing and POS integration.

Not ideal if you need advanced revenue management, extensive spa or conference features, or multi-property capabilities.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Skyware Systems?

  • Larger hotels or hotel groups managing multiple properties.
  • Operations requiring extensive modules including conference, spa, or retail POS.
  • Hotels needing detailed revenue management and complex reporting.
  • Properties with on-premise infrastructure seeking a fully web-based system.
  • Hotels that value long-standing industry experience and broad system integrations.

Not ideal if your property is small, hostelry-focused, or prioritizes ease of use over extensive feature sets.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Counter vs Skyware Systems

Counter’s core advantage is its simplicity, modern interface, and targeted features for hostels and small hotels. Its recent reviews and high ratings make it a reliable choice for properties prioritizing ease, automation, and support.

Skyware offers a broad suite of tools that can support large hotels and multi-property operations, but the lack of recent reviews and ratings makes its current performance uncertain. If your focus is on user experience and recent positive feedback, Counter is the clear winner.

For small to medium properties, especially hostels, Counter’s focus on automation and ease of use makes it the superior choice. Larger hotels or multi-property groups should consider Skyware’s extensive modules, but should request current references before committing.

In conclusion, if recent user feedback and support are your priority, Counter stands out. For advanced features and industry breadth, Skyware might be appealing — but only if you can verify its current performance.

How Much Do Counter and Skyware Systems Cost?

Property Management Systems pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.

Counter Counter Skyware Systems Skyware Systems

Which Features Does Counter Have That Skyware Systems Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Counter and Skyware Systems share 18 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Counter Counter Skyware Systems Skyware Systems
Gift Vouchers
Integrated CRS
On premise
Payment processing
Revenue management module
Spa & Wellness Module

Counter vs Skyware Systems: The Bottom Line

Counter
Counter
4.6/5 from 57 reviews

What hoteliers love

User interface and usability 83% positive

Hoteliers find Counter's interface clean, intuitive, and user-friendly, making it easy to train new staff quickly. The mobile and desktop interfaces w... Hoteliers find Counter's interface clean, intuitive, and user-friendly, making it easy to train new staff quickly. The mobile and desktop interfaces work well, allowing managers to handle tasks remotely. It is particularly noted for its simplicity in calendar and calendar management.

Customer support 98% positive

The support team at Counter is frequently praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness. Staff like Evelyn and Max receive specific mentions for thei... The support team at Counter is frequently praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness. Staff like Evelyn and Max receive specific mentions for their professionalism. However, there are concerns about slower support in certain time zones.

Automated features 83% positive

Users appreciate Counter's automated features that include tasks like contactless check-in, automating credit card charges, and managing bookings acro... Users appreciate Counter's automated features that include tasks like contactless check-in, automating credit card charges, and managing bookings across platforms. This automation reduces staff workload and improves operational efficiency.

Where hoteliers push back

Bug issues 86% negative

Several hoteliers mention persistent bugs in the system, particularly issues with overbookings, bed availability display, and system errors during boo... Several hoteliers mention persistent bugs in the system, particularly issues with overbookings, bed availability display, and system errors during booking cancellations. These bugs have a negative impact on daily operations and guest experience.

Reporting and revenue management 50% negative

Hoteliers appreciate Counter's reporting capabilities but note that the reports can be improved for better insights. Revenue management features are s... Hoteliers appreciate Counter's reporting capabilities but note that the reports can be improved for better insights. Revenue management features are seen as lacking, particularly for businesses operating on multiple rate plans or using dynamic pricing.

Ranks higher for

Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #46 vs #71
Luxury #44 vs #66
Resorts #33 vs #71
US #39 vs #64

Unique capabilities

Payment processing
4.6/5 ease of use 5.0/5 support 7 integrations
Visit Profile
Skyware Systems
Skyware Systems
0.0/5 from 0 reviews

Unique capabilities

Spa & Wellness Module Integrated CRS On premise Gift Vouchers Revenue management module
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 15 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Counter 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)
Ease of Use Counter 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)
Customer Support Counter 5.0 vs 0.0 (+5)
Value for Money Counter 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Onboarding Counter 4.7 vs 0.0 (+4.7)

Frequently Asked Questions About Counter vs Skyware Systems

Can Counter replace Skyware Systems?

It depends on your requirements. Counter and Skyware Systems share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Counter offers 7 verified integration partners, while Skyware Systems offers 15. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Counter leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 0.0/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.

Do Counter or Skyware Systems offer a free plan?

Counter: No. Skyware Systems: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Counter and Skyware Systems?

The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Counter has an HT Score of 17 and Skyware Systems has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

How highly do users recommend this product?

Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories

The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias.

Partner Ecosystem

How highly do tech partners recommend this company?

Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality

Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack.

Customer Centricity

How customer-centric is this organization?

Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness

Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features.

Reach, Staying Power & Resources

How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing?

Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score

Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity.

Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →

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