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

The Decision

Choosing between Dingus (SmartChannel) and freetobook’s Channel Manager hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and specific needs. Both tools aim to streamline distribution and manage bookings, but they diverge significantly in features, support, and market focus. Dingus caters more to larger properties and multi-property management, while freetobook emphasizes simplicity and affordability for small accommodations. Which one aligns better with your hotel’s operational scope?

Are you looking for a platform with extensive distribution options and advanced integrations, or one that prioritizes ease of use and cost-effectiveness? Let’s explore the differences.

Is Dingus or freetobook Better for Hotels?

Dingus offers a robust channel management platform with a focus on complex distribution networks, including OTA, GDS, Bed Banks, and call center functionalities. Its real-time updates and multi-property management make it ideal for hotels with diverse portfolios or those operating across multiple regions. However, recent reviews indicate support delays—customers report a slowdown from a 48-hour response to an average of 5 days, which may impact your operations.

freetobook, by contrast, boasts a higher overall rating (83.69 vs. Dingus’s 67.52) based on over five times the number of recent reviews (145 vs. 26). Its recent ratings highlight quicker, more responsive support and a more intuitive interface, making it especially suitable for small hotels and B&Bs seeking straightforward channel management. Given the more recent reviews, freetobook’s data is more reliable for current performance.

Do you need a platform that can handle complex distribution channels or a simple, reliable solution for a small property? The choice depends on your operational complexity.

freetobook vs Dingus: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a cost-effective, easy-to-use channel manager primarily aimed at small accommodations, go with freetobook. Its straightforward interface, high customer satisfaction, and strong focus on direct booking features make it ideal for B&Bs, small inns, and hostels.

If your property handles multiple locations, requires advanced distribution, or needs in-depth integrations with RMS, PMS, and call center operations, Dingus is the better choice. Its extensive feature set (10 exclusive features) supports complex distribution networks and offers multi-property management, making it suitable for large or multi-property hotels that require detailed control.

Your hotel’s scale and complexity should guide your decision: for simplicity and recent positive reviews, freetobook wins; for advanced features and multi-property needs, Dingus is the better fit.

Is Dingus or freetobook Easier to Use?

freetobook scores higher on ease of use, with a rating of 4.88/5 compared to Dingus’s 4.46/5. Its recent reviews praise its user-friendly interface, straightforward booking management, and intuitive controls, especially for small teams unfamiliar with complex channel management.

Dingus, while still rated well (4.46/5), has reviews indicating a steeper learning curve, with some users taking up to a year to fully familiarize themselves. Support has improved but still lags slightly behind freetobook’s near-perfect ratings (4.92/5 vs. 4.35/5).

Edge: freetobook.

Which Has Better Features: Dingus or freetobook?

Dingus offers 10 unique features, including channel management & OTA distribution, call center functionality, RMS connectivity, dynamic pricing, multi-property management, PMS connectivity, centralized user & role management, geotargeted pricing, reporting dashboard, and metasearch connectivity. These cater to hotels needing sophisticated, integrated tools for complex distribution.

freetobook has 12 exclusive features, including derived rates, inventory management, inventory grid, channel self-mapping, bulk updates, real-time two-way integrations, PMS connectivity, user role management, integrated payments, analytics, booking performance reports, and weekly/monthly rate support. It provides more granular control for small properties.

Edge: freetobook, due to its broader feature set tailored for small, independent hotels.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Dingus or freetobook?

freetobook’s recent reviews consistently praise its customer support, with a rating of 4.92/5 and comments like “support staff are always on the end of the phone” and “professional & friendly, creating a personal environment.” Customers feel confident support will resolve issues quickly.

Dingus’s support, rated at 4.35/5, has been described as responsive but with room for improvement. Reviewers mention delays in issue resolution, particularly in recent months, which could hamper smooth operation during busy periods.

Edge: freetobook.

Which Has More Integrations: Dingus or freetobook?

Dingus boasts 35 verified partners, including major systems like Cendyn, Bookassist, and The Hotels Network, supporting extensive connectivity options. Its integrations cover PMS, RMS, geotargeting, and metasearch, suitable for hotels with complex tech stacks.

freetobook has only 5 verified integrations, primarily with payment and booking platforms like Stripe and Pitchup.com. While enough for small properties, it offers less flexibility for extensive third-party connectivity.

Edge: Dingus.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Dingus or freetobook?

freetobook receives a higher overall rating (83.69) based on 145 recent reviews, with a score of 4.88/5 for ease of use and 4.92/5 for support. Small properties and B&B owners particularly praise its simplicity and value.

Dingus’s rating (67.52) is based on only 26 reviews, with a perfect 5/5 rating but less recent data. Larger hotels with complex needs value Dingus’s feature depth but note slower support response times.

For current hoteliers, freetobook’s higher recent ratings make it the more trusted choice.

Edge: freetobook.

How Much Do Dingus and freetobook Cost?

Dingus does not list specific pricing details publicly, suggesting tailored quotes based on property size and needs. Its model may include bespoke pricing, typical for enterprise-level solutions.

freetobook charges a flat $100 per month, with no setup or implementation fees, making it transparent and accessible for small budgets. Its straightforward pricing suits small hotels and B&Bs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Dingus?

• Hotels that manage multiple properties or brands with complex distribution needs.
• Hotels requiring integration with RMS, PMS, and call centers.
• Properties aiming for advanced dynamic pricing and geotargeted strategies.
• Large resorts or branded hotels with sophisticated sales channels.
• Teams that prefer extensive analytics and customized reporting.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, with limited staff or minimal distribution complexity. Dingus’s learning curve and support delays could hinder smaller teams.

What Type of Hotel Should Use freetobook?

• Small hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and hostels seeking simplicity.
• Properties prioritizing direct bookings alongside OTA presence.
• Hotels with limited technical staff or minimal distribution needs.
• Businesses on a tight budget wanting transparent, low-cost solutions.
• Accommodations focused on guest experience and operational automation.

Not ideal if your hotel has multiple locations or requires complex integrations, as freetobook’s feature set is geared toward smaller operations.

Dingus vs freetobook: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Dingus is a comprehensive channel management system suited for larger, multi-property hotels with complex distribution and integration needs. It offers extensive features, but recent reviews highlight support delays and a steep learning curve, which could impact your team’s efficiency.

freetobook excels in simplicity, support, and recent user satisfaction, making it ideal for small accommodations that value ease of use and transparent pricing. Its strong focus on direct bookings and user-friendly design help small hoteliers operate more effectively.

If your hotel needs advanced, multi-channel management and has the resources to handle a more complex system, Dingus is the choice. For small properties seeking reliable, straightforward functionality with recent top-rated support, freetobook remains the better option.