Counter vs. Softstar:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Counter by Counter and Softstar by Softstar hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational scope. Counter is a dedicated property management system tailored for hostels, boasting an extensive feature set and high user ratings, especially in support and ease of use. Softstar, on the other hand, offers a more generalized property management approach with AI-driven insights but lacks the recent review data to gauge current satisfaction. Are you looking for a specialized hostel management solution or a broader property management platform?

Counter excels in features, user feedback, and global presence, making it the more established choice for most hoteliers. Softstar’s lack of recent reviews and limited regional presence put it at a disadvantage for hotels seeking proven, localized support. Which qualities are more critical for your hotel’s success: proven performance with active community feedback or a newer, potentially more adaptable platform?

Quick Verdict: Counter or Softstar, which is the stronger choice?

Counter’s 54 recent reviews and a 4.73/5 overall rating, with a near-perfect 4.96/5 customer support score, make it the clear leader. Its dedicated focus on hostels and extensive feature set—such as channel management, automated night audits, and guest CRM—offer tangible operational benefits. Softstar, with zero recent reviews and no verified integrations, cannot match Counter’s proven track record and regional reach.

Given the volume and recency of reviews, Counter is the safer, more reliable choice for hoteliers seeking a trusted PMS. Softstar’s absence of recent feedback indicates a lack of current user satisfaction data, which raises risk. Are you prepared to invest in a platform with extensive proven support or wait for more feedback on Softstar’s performance?

Is Counter or Softstar Easier to Use?

Counter scores a 4.6/5 for ease of use, with many reviews praising its clear, intuitive interface and quick staff onboarding. Users highlight its mobile-friendly design and simple calendar views, making daily management straightforward. Conversely, Softstar provides no recent user ratings or reviews, leaving its usability unverified in today’s market.

Counter’s high ease-of-use rating stems from its simple layout and responsive support team, especially helpful for staff unfamiliar with PMS software. Softstar’s usability remains an open question without recent user feedback. Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Softstar?

Counter boasts 19 unique features, including a channel manager, online booking engine, automated night audit, guest CRM, multi-currency support, and ancillary revenue tracking—all designed explicitly for hostel operations. Softstar offers robust AI-driven property management tools, focusing on automation and insights, but lacks detailed feature counts or integrations.

Counter’s feature breadth directly addresses operational needs for hostels, offering tools that streamline check-ins, reservations, and revenue management. Softstar’s AI capabilities are promising but unverified in current user reviews. Edge: Counter.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Softstar?

Counter’s reviews consistently praise its customer support, rating it 4.96/5, with comments highlighting quick, helpful responses from staff like Evelyn and Max. Users describe their support as "super efficient" and "responsive," even during system bugs. Softstar provides no recent reviews or support ratings, leaving its service quality uncertain.

Counter’s support team appears attentive and capable, crucial during system issues or onboarding. The lack of recent feedback for Softstar makes it impossible to assess its support quality today. Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Softstar?

Counter integrates with seven verified partners, including well-known platforms like Stripe, SiteMinder, Cloudbeds, and Goki. These integrations enable seamless payments, channel management, and access control, centralizing hotel operations. Softstar has no verified integrations listed, limiting its connectivity options.

Counter’s broad partner network allows your hotel to connect with industry-standard tools, improving operational flow. Without verified integrations, Softstar’s ecosystem remains undefined. Edge: Counter.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Softstar?

Counter enjoys a 4.73/5 overall rating based on 54 recent reviews, with an impressive 91% likelihood to recommend, especially among hostel properties. Hotels in various segments, including independent and boutique hotels, rate it highly for usability and support. Softstar offers no recent reviews or ratings, so its user satisfaction remains unverified.

Counter’s high score and recent positive feedback make it a trusted platform for hostels and similar properties. Softstar’s unreviewed status makes its reputation speculative. Edge: Counter.

How Much Do Counter and Softstar Cost?

Counter does not disclose specific pricing but is positioned as a free PMS for hostels, with no implementation fees or trial info. Its value proposition appears rooted in its free, feature-rich approach.

Softstar also does not publish pricing details, leaving potential buyers uncertain about costs. The lack of transparency suggests the need for direct inquiry before deciding. Both platforms require contacting sales for exact prices.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate as hostels, backpacker hostels, or budget accommodations.
• Teams that prioritize ease of use, quick onboarding, and responsive support.
• Properties seeking an all-in-one solution for reservations, payments, and guest management.
• Hotels looking for a cloud-based PMS with multi-currency and multi-lingual support.
• Hotels that need integrated POS, automated night audits, and guest CRM.

Not ideal if your property requires advanced revenue management, extensive AI-driven insights, or complex group booking features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Softstar?

• Hotels or property managers seeking AI-driven automation and advanced analytics.
• Teams that want detailed insights into property performance and tenant satisfaction.
• Properties aiming to optimize rental pricing and maintenance prioritization.
• Hotels managing numerous rental units or long-term rentals.
• Hotels that prefer integration into existing property workflows with a focus on decision support.

Not ideal if you need a proven, widely supported PMS with extensive recent reviews or regional presence.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter is a specialized, feature-rich PMS designed for hostels and small hotels, with a proven track record, active community, and broad integrations. Its recent reviews and high ratings make it a reliable choice for properties seeking simplicity combined with operational depth.

Softstar offers AI-enhanced management tools promising automation and insights but currently lacks recent user feedback and verified integrations. Its niche focus and unverified support make it a less certain choice for most hotels today.

If your hotel prioritizes proven performance, active community feedback, and robust operational features, Counter is the clear winner. Softstar’s potential remains untested in the current market; consider waiting for more user data if you’re contemplating adoption.