SmartChannel (DINGUS) vs. Exely Channel Manager:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing a channel manager is critical for streamlining your hotel’s distribution, reducing manual errors, and boosting revenue. Both Dingus’s SmartChannel and Exely Channel Manager address these needs, but their strengths vary significantly. Dingus offers extensive integrations, advanced features, and a strong global presence, while Exely emphasizes ease of use and affordability. Your choice hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and strategic priorities—so which product aligns best with your needs?

Is SmartChannel by Dingus or Exely Channel Manager Better for Hotels?

Both products aim to optimize your online distribution but diverge in scope and depth of features. Dingus’s SmartChannel provides a broad set of tools, including RMS connectivity, geotargeted pricing, and multi-property management, designed for hotels seeking comprehensive control. Exely, on the other hand, simplifies synchronization and rate management, focusing on usability and quick updates. Given Dingus’s higher overall ratings and recent review activity, it currently offers more confidence for complex operations—so which aligns better with your hotel’s scale?

Dingus vs Exely: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates across multiple markets, needs detailed control over rates, and values integration with RMS or PMS systems, Dingus is the superior choice. It boasts 10 unique features and over 35 verified partners, making it suitable for large or multi-property hotels. Conversely, if your hotel prefers an intuitive interface, quick setup, and cost-effective solutions for fewer channels, Exely’s 13 features and eight verified partners provide a straightforward, efficient alternative. For hotels prioritizing extensive integration and customization, Dingus leads; for simplicity and ease of use, Exely is attractive.

Is SmartChannel by Dingus or Exely Channel Manager Easier to Use?

Dingus scores a solid 4.46/5 in ease of use, with positive feedback on its intuitive management and onboarding, which averages around 4.5/5. However, Exely outperforms slightly with a 4.95/5 rating, praised for its user-friendly extranet, quick updates, and straightforward interface. Recent reviews highlight Exely’s minimal learning curve, making it ideal for hotels seeking rapid onboarding. Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Features: SmartChannel by Dingus or Exely Channel Manager?

Dingus offers 10 exclusive features, including call center functions, RMS connectivity, geotargeted pricing, and detailed reporting dashboards. Exely provides 13 features, notably channel self-mapping, inventory management, multi-lingual support, and real-time integrations, which may be more relevant for smaller teams. While Dingus emphasizes advanced distribution and revenue management tools, Exely’s focus on automation and flexible rate support makes it more adaptable for varied hotel types. Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Customer Support: SmartChannel by Dingus or Exely Channel Manager?

Dingus’s support ratings stand at 4.35/5, with reviews indicating responsiveness but also noting longer resolution times—around 5 days for issues. Exely’s customer support scores a near-perfect 4.95/5, with reviews emphasizing quick, professional responses and a partnership approach. Recent feedback suggests Exely’s support is more consistent and timely, making it the safer choice for hotels that rely heavily on support. Edge: Exely.

Which Has More Integrations: SmartChannel by Dingus or Exely Channel Manager?

Dingus boasts 35 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, Winhotel, and Cendyn, covering a broad spectrum of PMS, CRS, and other systems. Exely has only 8 verified partners, with integrations primarily focused on channel connectivity and booking engines, including Mews and Booking.com. The larger partner ecosystem makes Dingus more adaptable to complex hotel tech stacks. Edge: Dingus.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: SmartChannel by Dingus or Exely Channel Manager?

Dingus’s overall rating of 5/5 and a 92% likelihood to recommend reflect high satisfaction, especially from larger hotels and brands. Its recent reviews, although few, praise its comprehensive control and integration depth. Exely’s higher overall rating of 85.1/100 and 98% recommend score come from its ease of use and positive impact on revenue, particularly among smaller hotels and independents. For recent, detailed feedback, Exely’s user ratings give it a slight edge.

How Much Do SmartChannel by Dingus and Exely Channel Manager Cost?

Dingus does not publicly disclose its pricing, but it is typically offered via custom quotes, reflecting its enterprise-level scope. Exely charges $100 per month, with no trial or additional implementation fees, making it more transparent and accessible for smaller hotels or those testing channel management solutions. The cost difference underscores Dingus’s focus on larger hotels with complex needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use SmartChannel by Dingus?

• Hotels that operate multiple properties or brands, requiring centralized control over distribution.
• Hotels seeking advanced revenue management tools, such as dynamic pricing and geotargeting.
• Large hotels with complex rate structures and numerous integrations.
• Teams that need detailed reporting and multi-property management.
• Hotels in markets demanding extensive multi-channel distribution and customization.

Not ideal if your hotel is small with limited channels, or if budget constraints prevent investing in a high-end platform.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely Channel Manager?

• Independent hotels or boutique properties seeking quick, simple distribution.
• Hotels prioritizing ease of use and fast setup over extensive customization.
• Hotels with a limited number of channels and straightforward rate plans.
• Hotel chains that want affordable, scalable solutions for online distribution.
• Hotels that prefer automated updates and real-time synchronization without deep technical integration.

Not ideal if your hotel needs advanced revenue management, geotargeted pricing, or extensive multi-property control.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Dingus’s SmartChannel is the more comprehensive channel management system, ideal for large or multi-property hotels that need extensive control, integrations, and advanced features. It excels in distribution, revenue management, and multi-channel synchronization, with a solid global presence and a broad partner ecosystem.

Exely Channel Manager shines in simplicity, ease of onboarding, and cost-efficiency. Its user-friendly interface and real-time updates make it perfect for smaller hotels, independents, or hotel chains focused on quick, reliable distribution without the complexity.

Choose Dingus if you operate a large, complex property portfolio and require in-depth control, integrations, and customization. Opt for Exely if your hotel values straightforward management, rapid setup, and a lower price point with consistent support.

In conclusion, Dingus’s higher review count and recent positive feedback give it an edge for hotels with demanding needs. For hotels seeking ease and immediate efficiency, Exely remains a compelling choice.