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

Is Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS Better for Hotels?

Counter by Counter and ThinkReservations PMS serve distinct hotel segments, with their core differences rooted in target property types and feature depth. Counter is tailored primarily for hostels, accounting for 83% of its users, and emphasizes ease of use and essential automation to streamline hostel operations. ThinkReservations, by contrast, targets independent inns, boutique hotels, and small to medium-sized properties, with 63% of users in the Bed & Breakfast segment and strong adoption among boutique and luxury properties.

Both systems address the fundamental need for managing reservations, availability, and guest interactions efficiently. They reduce manual workload and prevent overbookings through centralized calendars and booking management. However, their divergence in features and integrations reflect their focus: Counter simplifies and automates hostel workflows, while ThinkReservations offers a broader and deeper set of tools that support revenue management, guest communications, and channel management for diverse property types.

Counter by Counter vs ThinkReservations PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If you operate a hostel or a property with dormitory-style accommodations in Europe or emerging markets, Counter’s simple, mobile-friendly interface and focus on essential automation make it a fitting choice, especially given its 4.7/5 rating from 50 hostel reviews. The system’s automation of payment processing and POS integration reduces front-desk workload in settings where staff multitask extensively. However, Counter’s lack of recent reviews (none in the last six months) and reported bugs in bed availability and overbooking suggest caution for properties requiring robust, error-free booking management.

If your hotel is a Bed & Breakfast, boutique, or small independent property in North America, ThinkReservations is preferable based on its 4.9/5 rating across 375 B&B reviews and comprehensive feature set supporting direct bookings, guest communication, and revenue management. ThinkReservations’ integrations with major OTAs and guest messaging tools make it particularly apt for properties aiming to increase direct bookings and improve guest engagement. Its stable recent review volume (38 in last six months) and strong ratings across segments suggest a mature, reliable platform.

For hotels outside these primary segments or regions, data is limited, but ThinkReservations’ broader integration ecosystem and advanced features appeal to those seeking a scalable PMS, while Counter’s lightweight, hostel-centric design may be insufficient.

Is Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS Easier to Use?

Counter scores 4.6/5 on ease of use, with reviewers praising its intuitive and clean interface that requires minimal training, especially for hostel staff. Its mobile-optimized design allows management on the go, which suits fast-paced hostel environments. ThinkReservations rates slightly higher at 4.8/5 ease of use, with reviewers highlighting its straightforward navigation for managing reservations, calendars, and pricing adjustments without reliance on agents.

Both platforms share an onboarding rating of 4.7/5, reflecting similarly smooth implementations. Reviewers note ThinkReservations as simple enough for non-technical staff to handle booking changes and reporting. Counter’s ease is amplified by its focus on straightforward workflows, but some testers report minor frustrations with bugs affecting booking accuracy.

Overall, the user experience quality is comparable, with ThinkReservations favored slightly for polished workflows in small hotels, while Counter excels in hostel-specific ease.
Edge: Even.

Which Has Better Features: Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations offers 21 unique features absent in Counter, including integrated EPoS, gift vouchers, SMS guest messaging, transactional emails, task management, drag-and-drop tapechart, rate and tax configuration, GDPR and PCI compliance, digital and online check-in, real-time reporting, and native email marketing. These features empower hotel teams to automate guest communication, manage rates dynamically, and streamline operations from front desk to marketing.

Counter’s sole unique feature is its Guest CRM, which focuses on guest profiles and interactions but lacks the broader communication and operational tools found in ThinkReservations. Both share 18 common features such as booking management and channel integration.

ThinkReservations’ advanced guest messaging and automated reminders reduce manual guest contact workload, improving guest experience and operational efficiency. Its real-time status updates and shift planning support housekeeping and front-desk coordination, which Counter does not provide. Conversely, Counter’s simplicity benefits hostels with lean teams, where complex features might overwhelm staff.

Given the breadth and operational impact of ThinkReservations’ exclusive features, it holds a clear advantage.
Edge: ThinkReservations PMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS?

Counter rates 4.9/5 in customer support, with reviewers frequently praising responsiveness and personal attention from support staff, particularly naming individuals like Evelyn and Max who provide patient, timely help. Some concerns exist about slower support in certain time zones and the handling of bug reports, but overall support is viewed as a strong asset.

ThinkReservations rates 4.8/5, with reviewers highlighting knowledgeable, accessible support available via phone, chat, and email. Users value proactive account management and rapid problem resolution. Some note the availability of helpful training videos and live assistance.

Both products receive a 4.7/5 onboarding score, indicating effective initial training and setup. Given the close ratings and consistent positive feedback for both, neither has a significant edge in support quality.
Edge: Even.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS?

Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including property management systems WuBook, channel managers SiteMinder and Cloudbeds, OTA connectors Channex, payment processor Stripe, FLYR Hospitality, and access control system Goki. These support payment automation, distribution, and guest experience control, fitting hostels’ operational needs.

ThinkReservations connects with 17 verified partners, more than double Counter’s count. It includes Stripe for payments and partnerships with OTAs and reputation platforms such as Sojern, Whistle, TrustYou, Triptease, Canary Technologies, INTELITY, Tripadvisor, Airbnb, Expedia, and CartStack. This extensive network enables broad channel distribution, guest feedback management, and marketing automation.

Only one integration, Stripe, is shared. ThinkReservations’ broader OTA and guest engagement ecosystem is critical for independent hotels seeking to expand distribution and optimize guest communications, whereas Counter’s integrations focus more narrowly on core operations.

Due to its significantly larger and more diverse partner network, ThinkReservations leads in integrations.
Edge: ThinkReservations PMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations holds a 4.8/5 overall rating from 424 reviews, including 38 recent reviews averaging 4.9/5 in the last six months, indicating high current satisfaction. Its likelihood to recommend is 97%, underlining strong user advocacy, especially from Bed & Breakfasts (4.9/5, 375 reviews), boutique hotels (4.7/5), and luxury hotels (4.9/5).

Counter has a 4.6/5 rating from 57 reviewers with no recent reviews in the last six months, signaling rating data that may not reflect current performance. Its likelihood to recommend is 91%. Counter is highly rated in hostels (4.7/5 from 50 reviews) and limited service hotels (4.6/5), but ratings drop for boutique hotels (4.4/5) and resorts (4.2/5).

The lack of recent feedback for Counter limits confidence in its current reliability. ThinkReservations’ volume and recency of reviews provide a more representative assessment, particularly for independent inns and boutique properties.

Considering review volume, recency, and segment ratings, ThinkReservations is favored overall.
Edge: Even.

How Much Do Counter by Counter and ThinkReservations PMS Cost?

Counter does not publish pricing details and does not offer trials, freemium, monthly flat, or per-room fees. Pricing transparency is limited, though users suggest it is free or offered at no cost, aligning with its hostel-focused, entry-level positioning.

ThinkReservations charges a base price of $500 with no trial or freemium options and no per-room or flat monthly fees disclosed. Pricing appears geared toward small to medium independent hotels with a higher budget for comprehensive PMS capabilities.

Without detailed pricing structures, a direct cost comparison is not possible. Hotels with constrained budgets or preference for free solutions may lean toward Counter, while those seeking full-featured systems with established pricing can consider ThinkReservations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter by Counter?

• Hotels that operate hostels or dormitory-style accommodations, especially in Europe, given 83% of users are hostels with a 4.7/5 rating from 50 reviews.
• Teams needing a lightweight, mobile-friendly PMS that requires minimal training and can be managed remotely.
• Properties prioritizing essential automation like POS integration and automated payment processing to reduce front-desk workload.
• Hotels wanting a free or low-cost solution without complex pricing structures.
• Operations prepared to handle potential bugs affecting bed availability and overbooking, with access to responsive support staff.

Not ideal if:

• You require advanced guest communication tools, multi-channel OTA integrations, or revenue management features.
• Your property requires frequent updates from the vendor as recent reviews are absent.
• You manage boutique hotels, resorts, or luxury properties that need richer features and reporting.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations PMS?

• Independent Bed & Breakfasts, boutique hotels, and small to medium-sized properties in North America, supported by 375 B&B reviews averaging 4.9/5 and strong boutique hotel ratings.
• Hotels seeking advanced guest communication features including SMS messaging, automated reminders, and integrated marketing tools.
• Properties requiring strong OTA integrations with Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, and Tripadvisor to broaden distribution.
• Hotels aiming for enhanced revenue management through rate management, task planning, and real-time reporting.
• Teams valuing mature, responsive customer support and a stable, actively reviewed platform.

Not ideal if:

• Your property is a hostel or operates with dormitory beds, where Counter’s specialized design better fits operational needs.
• You require a free PMS or have budget constraints incompatible with ThinkReservations’ pricing.
• You need a PMS with a global footprint beyond North America, as ThinkReservations focuses on 9 countries primarily in that region.

Counter by Counter vs ThinkReservations PMS: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter by Counter and ThinkReservations PMS differentiate primarily by target market and feature depth. Counter’s simplicity, mobile-first design, and free or low-cost model suit hostels needing core booking and payment automation. ThinkReservations delivers a fuller feature set, stronger channel and guest communication integrations, and broader OTA connectivity for small to medium independent hotels, B&Bs, and boutique properties.

Choose Counter if you operate a hostel or budget property in Europe or emerging markets where ease of use, mobile access, and essential automation are priorities, and you can accommodate occasional bugs in exchange for cost savings. Its POS integration and responsive support help streamline day-to-day hostel operations.

Choose ThinkReservations if you run a Bed & Breakfast, boutique, or small independent hotel in North America seeking a mature, reliable PMS with comprehensive guest messaging, advanced revenue management, and a wide range of integrations. ThinkReservations supports direct booking growth and operational efficiency backed by a large, recent review base and proven case studies demonstrating revenue gains.

The choice hinges on your property type, operational complexity, and regional presence: Counter serves hostels with straightforward needs, ThinkReservations equips small independent hotels for growth and guest engagement.