The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
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 Mobile App.
VIPS shines , with exclusive features like Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) and Native Email Marketing.
Side-by-side ratings based on 57 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $800/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 57 | 0 |
After analyzing 57 verified reviews, Counter users most value its user interface and usability, customer support, automated features, while VIPS users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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User interface and usability
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Customer support
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Automated features
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Platform integration
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Bug issues
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Reporting and revenue management
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Pricing
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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
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #26 28 reviews | — |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) | #46 4 reviews | — |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #32 2 reviews | — |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #31 1 reviews | — |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #31 16 reviews | — |
| Luxury | #44 4 reviews | — |
| Branded / Chain | #43 4 reviews | — |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #32 5 reviews | — |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #25 8 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #20 25 reviews | — |
| Asia Pacific | #16 4 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #11 2 reviews | — |
Choosing between Counter by Counter and VIPS PMS by VIPS hinges on your hotel's specific needs and operational scale. Counter excels as a user-friendly, hostelry-focused PMS with a high rating backed by recent, detailed reviews, while VIPS offers a broader feature set and global presence but lacks user feedback data. Both systems aim to streamline operations, but their core strengths diverge significantly.
Counter addresses the critical needs of hostels and small properties with its simple interface and dedicated support. VIPS, on the other hand, caters to versatile hotel environments looking for extensive automation and integration options. Are you prioritizing ease of use and rapid support or feature depth and international reach?
Counter is highly regarded for its intuitive design, ease of onboarding, and specialization in hostel management, making it ideal for small to medium hostels seeking a straightforward solution. VIPS, with its extensive feature list and larger regional footprint, suits hotels needing a comprehensive, scalable platform capable of handling complex operations and multiple revenue streams.
Counter's standout appeal is its straightforward interface and mobile friendliness, rated 4.6/5 by users and supported by a network of 54 recent reviews with a solid 91% likelihood of recommendation. VIPS's global presence in Europe and its variety of advanced features remain unverified by recent user reviews, making it less proven in real-world hotel settings.
If your property is a hostel or small hotel that values simplicity, Counter is the better fit. For larger, multi-property operations seeking a wide array of features, VIPS might seem attractive but lacks recent user validation.
If your hotel primarily operates within the hostel segment or small boutique properties, Counter is the clear choice. Its ease of use, dedicated support, and proven track record with 54 recent reviews make it a reliable, cost-effective option. Conversely, if your hotel requires extensive automation, multi-channel management, and advanced revenue tools, VIPS's feature-rich platform—despite no recent reviews—would theoretically serve larger operations better.
Counter's low-cost, straightforward approach appeals to properties that prioritize guest management and operational simplicity. VIPS’s broader feature set, including integrations like online check-in, gift vouchers, and real-time reporting, targets hotels with complex needs and larger teams.
In summary, choose Counter for ease of operation and proven user satisfaction. Opt for VIPS if you need advanced features and a more comprehensive management suite, understanding it lacks recent user feedback validation.
Counter maintains a user rating of 4.6/5, with reviews highlighting an intuitive, clean interface that requires minimal training. Its onboarding process is rated 4.7/5, with users praising its mobile-friendly design for remote management. Support responsiveness is also highly rated at 4.96/5, with specific praise for team members like Evelyn and Max.
VIPS's user experience data is unavailable, but its extensive feature set suggests a steeper learning curve. Its platform is designed for versatility, which often translates to increased complexity for new users.
Edge: Counter.
Counter offers 17 common features plus two unique ones: a mobile app and multi-currency support, making it particularly suited for hostels and small properties. It integrates with platforms like Stripe and Goki, supporting automation and cashless payments.
VIPS boasts 28 exclusive features, including transaction emails, native email marketing, gift vouchers, centralized messaging, automated reminders, and digital registration. Its suite encompasses revenue management, real-time reporting, EPoS, and task management, catering to larger, multi-property hotels with complex operational needs.
Given the feature counts, VIPS provides a broader, more comprehensive feature set. However, Counter's focus on core hostel needs with essential integrations offers simplicity and specific functionality.
Edge: VIPS.
Counter’s support team is frequently praised for responsiveness and helpfulness, with a support score of 4.96/5. Users mention fast replies from team members like Evelyn and Max, especially during onboarding and troubleshooting. Some review comments note slower responses in certain time zones but overall rate support highly.
VIPS has no recent reviews or ratings available regarding customer support, making it impossible to gauge its service quality. Its larger enterprise profile suggests a structured support system, but this remains unverified by current user feedback.
Edge: Counter.
Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including Stripe, Goki, Cloudbeds, and Channex, facilitating essential functions like payments and channel management. It lacks some regional channel options but covers key integrations for small properties.
VIPS offers 11 verified integrations, including RoomPriceGenie, Omniboost, and RevControl. Its broader partner network suggests more flexibility in connecting various tools, especially for larger hotels needing extensive automation.
Given the current verified data, VIPS has a slight edge in integrations, but Counter’s partnerships focus on core operational needs.
Edge: VIPS.
Counter’s ratings are current and robust, with an overall score of 4.73/5 based on 54 recent reviews. Hoteliers particularly praise its ease of use, customer support, and value, especially in the hostel segment.
VIPS has no recent user ratings or reviews, making it impossible to determine current user sentiment or satisfaction levels. Its market presence is primarily in Europe, but without recent feedback, its user rating strength remains unverified.
Thus, Counter is clearly the higher-rated solution according to recent reviews.
Edge: Counter.
Counter does not provide publicly available pricing details, suggesting a flexible model or custom quotes. It appears to operate without implementation fees or monthly flat rates, emphasizing affordability for small properties.
VIPS charges a base price of $800 monthly, with no mention of tiered pricing or discounts. Its cost structure indicates a significant investment, suitable for properties with larger operational budgets.
If budget is a concern, Counter’s lack of transparent pricing may be advantageous, while VIPS’s fixed fee reflects its enterprise-grade features.
Not ideal if your property needs complex revenue management, extensive automation, or multi-property management features.
Not ideal if your hotel values simplicity and quick onboarding over extensive feature sets.
Counter provides a streamlined, easy-to-use PMS tailored for hostels and small properties, with a proven track record and high recent user ratings. Its core focus on guest management, automation, and support makes it an excellent choice for properties prioritizing simplicity and reliability.
VIPS offers a broader array of features suitable for larger, more complex hotels, but the lack of recent user reviews limits confidence in its current performance. Its extensive automation and integration capabilities can serve bigger operations well but may be overly complex for smaller properties.
For properties valuing ease of use and proven satisfaction, Counter is the clear choice. If your hotel requires a feature-rich, scalable system and you’re prepared to invest in implementation, VIPS might be appealing—though caution is advised due to the absence of recent feedback.
Note: This comparison is based on the latest available reviews and feature data. Given Counter’s recent review volume and high ratings, it stands as the more reliable, tested solution for small to medium properties. VIPS’s broader feature set remains unverified by recent user experience, which should factor into your decision.
According to HTR's product database, Counter and VIPS PMS share 17 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Automated reminders | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) |
Showing top differences. 18 more features differ between these products.
What hoteliers love
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Unique capabilities
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Counter and VIPS PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Counter offers 7 verified integration partners, while VIPS PMS offers 11. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
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.
Counter: No. VIPS PMS: 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.
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 VIPS has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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