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 Payment processing and Housekeeping module.
Zimmersoftware shines , with exclusive features like On premise and Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc).
Side-by-side ratings based on 57 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $200/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 57 | 0 |
After analyzing 57 verified reviews, Counter users most value its user interface and usability, customer support, automated features, while Zimmersoftware 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 Zimmersoftware by Zimmersoftware hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Both aim to streamline property management, but Counter’s focus on hostels and its extensive review-backed features set it apart. Zimmersoftware, being a newer and less-reviewed platform, offers a simpler, all-in-one solution but lacks the depth of community feedback. Does your team need a proven, feature-rich PMS for hostel management or a straightforward system for broader hospitality use?
Counter’s 54 recent reviews and high ratings—4.73/5 overall, 4.6/5 ease of use, and 4.96/5 customer support—make it the stronger choice for most hoteliers. Zimmersoftware’s absence of reviews and lack of recent data make it difficult to evaluate its reliability or suitability. Are you comfortable adopting a newer platform with untested support and limited feedback?
Counter emerges as the clear leader in this comparison, thanks to its robust review count, recent user feedback, and high scores. Its extensive feature set, including payment processing, a housekeeping module, and group functionalities, has been well received by hostels and similar properties. Zimmersoftware’s limited reviews and no recent user feedback make it a risky choice, especially when proven solutions are available. If you’re seeking a trusted, well-rated PMS, Counter is the obvious pick.
Counter is designed specifically for hostels and small properties, with a focus on ease of use, automation, and integrations—features that are highly praised in its reviews. Zimmersoftware positions itself as an all-in-one solution suitable for hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals, emphasizing simplicity and mobile accessibility. While Counter’s user reviews highlight its reliability and continuous improvements, Zimmersoftware’s lack of recent feedback makes it hard to gauge its current effectiveness.
Counter’s recent reviews underscore its strengths in automation, channel management, and responsive support, making it ideal for properties that value operational efficiency. Conversely, Zimmersoftware’s broad appeal and cloud-based design might attract properties seeking a straightforward, less feature-heavy platform, but without user feedback, its actual performance remains unverified. Are you prioritizing proven features and community validation or exploring a less-tested, all-in-one approach?
If your hotel operates primarily as a hostel or similar property, and you need a PMS with proven reliability, automation, and extensive integrations, go with Counter. Its review count and recent feedback demonstrate its capacity to handle complex operations, including automated night audits, POS integration, and group bookings. For hotels or guesthouses needing a simple, mobile-friendly system without a large feature set, Zimmersoftware’s approach might appeal—though its unreviewed status raises questions.
Counter is better suited for properties that require detailed revenue management, flexible rates, and comprehensive support. Zimmersoftware could fit smaller, less complex operations looking for a straightforward reservation and billing system but carries the risk of limited community validation. Do your operational needs align with Counter’s proven robustness or Zimmersoftware’s simplicity?
Counter boasts a high ease-of-use rating of 4.6/5 and an onboarding score of 4.7/5, reflecting its intuitive interface and positive user experiences. Users praise its clean, simple layout, with quick staff training and a mobile aspect that allows remote management. Zimmersoftware, lacking recent reviews and detailed feedback, does not have measurable ratings but claims to be intuitive and mobile-friendly. Without recent user testimonials, it’s impossible to assess its usability confidently.
Counter’s support team is highly rated at 4.96/5, with specific praise for fast, helpful responses, although some users report slower response times in certain time zones. Zimmersoftware’s support and onboarding experiences are unverified due to the absence of recent reviews. Edge: Counter.
Counter offers 10 shared features and 9 exclusive ones, including payment processing, calendar view, custom rates, housekeeping, group functionality, automated night audits, a mobile app, and ancillary revenue tracking. Zimmersoftware provides only 3 unique features, such as on-premise operation, transactional emails, and gift vouchers, and shares 10 features with Counter.
Counter’s rich feature set supports complex operations like automated night audits and detailed revenue tracking—features that can significantly streamline your daily tasks. Zimmersoftware’s limited features may appeal for straightforward reservation and billing needs but lack depth. Edge: Counter.
Counter’s customer support is rated near perfect at 4.96/5, with reviews praising quick and professional responses. Support staff like Evelyn and Max are frequently mentioned for their helpfulness. Zimmersoftware has no recent reviews, making it impossible to evaluate support quality or responsiveness.
Counter’s support team has proven to be a major asset for hoteliers, particularly when resolving bugs, system issues, or onboarding challenges. Zimmersoftware’s support experience is unverified, which poses a risk for properties relying heavily on responsive assistance. Edge: Counter.
Counter integrates with 7 verified partners, including major channel managers and payment processors like Stripe, and has integrations with WuBook, FLYR Hospitality, SiteMinder, and others. Zimmersoftware connects with 4 verified partners, such as RoomPriceGenie and happyhotel, but lacks the breadth of Counter.
Counter’s extensive integrations facilitate multi-channel distribution, online payments, and access control, supporting smooth operations across platforms. Zimmersoftware’s fewer integrations limit connectivity options, which may restrict growth or operational flexibility. Edge: Counter.
Counter’s recent reviews reflect a strong user base, especially among hostels, with a 4.75/5 average rating from 52 reviews. Its overall rating of 4.73/5 and a likelihood to recommend of 91% underscore satisfaction in recent feedback. Zimmersoftware has no reviews or recent feedback, preventing a meaningful comparison.
The high and recent ratings for Counter demonstrate consistent positive user experiences. Without data, Zimmersoftware’s reputation remains uncertain, making Counter the safe, trusted choice. Edge: Counter.
Counter does not disclose specific pricing, but it is free to use, making it highly attractive for small properties or startups. Zimmersoftware charges a $200 monthly fee with a 30-day trial, positioning itself as a paid, subscription-based platform.
Counter’s free model eliminates financial barriers and allows your team to evaluate the system risk-free. Zimmersoftware’s clear pricing may appeal if you seek a straightforward, predictable fee but could be a deterrent for smaller properties or those uncertain about long-term value. Is a free solution more aligned with your budget constraints?
Counter’s focus on hostels and budget accommodations, combined with its automation and integrations, makes it ideal for properties aiming to streamline operations without heavy overhead. Larger hotels with complex revenue needs might find it limited.
Zimmersoftware’s lightweight design suits small, independent properties focused on core reservation and billing tasks. Larger or multi-region hotels might find it lacks the depth they need.
Counter is a proven, feature-rich PMS with a strong recent review base, making it the safer, more reliable choice for most properties, especially hostels. Its broad set of integrations, automation, and support infrastructure make daily management more straightforward and efficient.
Choose Counter if your hotel values proven reliability, extensive features, and community validation. Its high user ratings and recent reviews confirm its capacity to meet demanding operational needs.
Zimmersoftware appears to target smaller, less complex properties with its simplified, all-in-one approach. However, the lack of recent reviews and community feedback makes it a risky investment if you require a dependable, well-supported system.
Opt for Zimmersoftware only if you prioritize a straightforward, budget-friendly solution and are willing to accept the uncertainty of unverified support and performance. For most hoteliers seeking peace of mind, Counter remains the preferred choice.
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.
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| Starting Price | — | From $200/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Counter and Zimmersoftware share 10 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Calendar view | ||
| Custom rates | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Group functionality | ||
| Housekeeping module | ||
| On premise | ||
| Online 24/7 support | ||
| Payment processing | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) |
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 Zimmersoftware share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Counter offers 7 verified integration partners, while Zimmersoftware offers 4. 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. Zimmersoftware: 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 Zimmersoftware 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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