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

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) can dramatically influence your hotel's operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue. Counter by Counter and ThinkReservations PMS both aim to simplify management tasks, but they differ significantly in features, support, and market focus. Your decision hinges on your property's size, complexity, and specific operational needs—so which will serve your hotel best?

Counter is tailored for hostels and small accommodations in diverse regions, emphasizing ease of use and mobile management. ThinkReservations, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive suite ideal for hotels seeking advanced features like upselling and detailed reporting.

Are you leaning toward a simple, hostel-focused tool or a feature-rich PMS suited for a broader hotel portfolio?

Is Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS Better for Hotels?

Counter is a free, straightforward PMS built explicitly for hostels, with an intuitive interface designed for quick onboarding and mobile use. ThinkReservations is a paid platform that targets hotels and resorts, offering extensive features like integrated payments, channel management, and guest communication.

While Counter scores highly for ease of use, with a 4.6/5 rating and 54 reviews, it has fewer recent reviews, making its current support and features somewhat less validated. ThinkReservations boasts a higher rating of 4.88/5 from 356 reviews, with recent reviews highlighting its reliability and feature set. Both platforms aim to streamline operations, but Counter’s limited feature set and regional presence contrast with ThinkReservations’ depth and broader market reach.

Given the review count and recent feedback, ThinkReservations presents the stronger, more proven choice for hotels seeking advanced management tools.

Counter vs ThinkReservations PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your property is a hostel or small inn primarily in Europe, North America, or Asia, Counter is a compelling pick due to its simplicity, no-cost model, and mobile-first approach. It’s ideal for teams that prioritize quick setup, easy check-ins, and basic reservation management.

Conversely, if your hotel needs features like online check-in, guest messaging, integrated payment systems, and channel management to handle multiple booking sources, ThinkReservations is the better option. Its targeted support for small to mid-sized hotels, with a focus on revenue growth, makes it suitable for properties aiming to upscale operations or expand OTA reach.

In short, choose Counter if your focus is hostel management and regional flexibility, and opt for ThinkReservations if you require a comprehensive PMS with extensive integrations and revenue tools.

Is Counter by Counter or ThinkReservations PMS Easier to Use?

Counter’s interface is praised for its simplicity, with a 4.6/5 rating based on user reviews. It loads on mobile browsers, allowing staff to manage check-ins, check-outs, and reservations quickly and efficiently, particularly in hostel settings. Onboarding is straightforward, with many users noting that staff pick it up with minimal training.

ThinkReservations scores slightly higher at 4.82/5, with a reputation for an intuitive, polished user experience that minimizes training time. Its onboarding process is seamless, and users appreciate its clarity even when handling complex data like rates and upselling options. Support staff are also highly responsive, which eases staff adoption.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or ThinkReservations?

Counter offers 18 shared features with ThinkReservations but surpasses in guest CRM, enabling targeted communication and loyalty efforts. ThinkReservations includes 21 unique features, such as EPoS, gift vouchers, SMS messaging, task management, automated reminders, drag-and-drop tapecharts, rate management, online check-in, digital registration, real-time reporting, shift planning, integrated payment terminals, GDPR compliance, and native email marketing.

While Counter provides essential hostel-focused functions, ThinkReservations covers a broader set of operational tools, particularly those supporting revenue growth and guest engagement. For property managers needing advanced features like upselling, automated guest communication, and detailed revenue analysis, ThinkReservations has a clear edge.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or ThinkReservations?

Counter’s support is frequently lauded, with a 4.96/5 rating from 54 reviews. Users often mention fast, responsive help, especially praising team members like Evelyn and Max for their professionalism. However, some reviews note support delays in certain time zones and ongoing bugs affecting core functionalities like bed availability.

ThinkReservations earns a solid 4.82/5 from 356 reviews, with many users emphasizing its exceptional support and seamless onboarding. Recent reviews highlight their proactive communication and quick problem resolution, especially on weekends, which is crucial for small hotels relying on consistent support.

Edge: Counter.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations leads with a 4.88/5 rating based on 343 recent reviews, primarily from small hotels and vacation rentals. Hoteliers in various segments praise its extensive features, ease of use, and reliable OTA integrations.

Counter, with a 4.73/5 rating from 54 reviews, predominantly appeals to hostels and small accommodations. Users appreciate its simplicity but note that some bugs and limited features hinder its overall rating.

Given the volume and recency of reviews, ThinkReservations has the higher hotelier approval across segments, especially for properties seeking comprehensive management.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

How Much Do Counter and ThinkReservations Cost?

Counter is free to use, making it especially attractive for hostels and small properties with tight budgets. ThinkReservations charges a flat $500 monthly fee, regardless of property size, which includes most functionalities.

While Counter’s free model offers significant value, ThinkReservations’ fee provides access to a broader feature set and dedicated support, justifying the cost for hotels needing advanced tools. For small hostels seeking basic management, Counter’s price is ideal; larger properties or those seeking growth may find value in ThinkReservations' investment.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate primarily as hostels or budget accommodations.
• Teams that need an intuitive, mobile-friendly PMS for daily check-ins and reservations.
• Properties in regions where regional channel options are less critical.
• Small properties with limited budgets or seeking a no-cost management solution.

Not ideal if:

• Your property requires advanced revenue management, upselling, or detailed reporting.
• You operate multiple properties across regions with diverse OTA channels.
• You need comprehensive guest communication tools or online check-in.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

• Small to mid-sized hotels, inns, and boutique properties seeking an all-in-one management platform.
• Teams that prioritize revenue growth through upselling, automation, and detailed analytics.
• Hotels with multiple OTA integrations and a need for seamless channel management.
• Properties aiming to enhance guest communication with SMS, email marketing, and digital check-in.

Not ideal if:

• Your property is a hostel or budget accommodation primarily in Europe or Asia.
• You’re on a tight budget and prefer a free solution.
• Your operations are simple, and you don’t need advanced features or integrations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Counter or ThinkReservations?

Counter is well-suited for hostels, small budget accommodations, or properties in regions where simplicity and mobility are priorities. Its free model and ease of use make it an attractive choice for properties with straightforward needs, despite some bugs and limited features.

ThinkReservations shines for small hotels and boutique properties looking for a robust, feature-rich PMS that supports revenue growth, OTA connectivity, and guest engagement. Its recent reviews and high ratings confirm its effectiveness in streamlining operations and boosting profitability.

If your hotel needs a simple, budget-friendly PMS, Counter is the way to go. For properties aiming for comprehensive management and revenue enhancement, ThinkReservations is the more reliable, feature-heavy choice.