DIRS21 One vs. Exely Booking Engine:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right booking engine is critical for your hotel's online success. Both DIRS21 by TourOnline AG and Exely aim to streamline reservations and boost direct bookings, but their offerings and strengths differ markedly. With DIRS21’s lack of recent reviews and industry ratings, Exely’s current reputation and user feedback make it the more reliable choice for hoteliers seeking proven results. So, which platform truly fits your hotel's needs?

Is DIRS21 or Exely Better for Hotels?

DIRS21 by TourOnline AG was established in 1996 but currently lacks any recent reviews or measurable user feedback, making its effectiveness difficult to assess. In contrast, Exely boasts over 144 reviews, with 63 in the last six months, reflecting active use and recent customer experiences. Exely's high NPS score of 9.73/5 and a 98% likelihood to recommend indicate strong, current user satisfaction.

While DIRS21 claims to be a fast, modular system designed for direct online sales, its empty review profile and 0/5 overall rating suggest a lack of recent user validation. Exely, on the other hand, is praised for its ease of use, support, and value, backed by concrete review quotes and ratings. Do you want to rely on a platform with no recent feedback, or one with current, positive user experiences?

DIRS21 vs Exely: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a customizable, European-based booking system with features like loyalty program integration, pooled inventory, and ADA compliance, DIRS21 may seem appealing. However, given its zero reviews and no recent industry validation, it’s risky for hotels that require proven performance.

Conversely, if your hotel prioritizes a user-friendly interface, rapid onboarding, and strong customer support, Exely is the clear winner. It’s especially suitable for independent hotels, boutique properties, and hotels looking to enhance direct bookings with a platform that has recent, positive reviews and a high recommendation rate. For hotels seeking a reliable, modern booking engine, Exely’s current user validation makes it the logical choice.

Is DIRS21 or Exely Easier to Use?

DIRS21’s usability data is nonexistent; it has a rating of 0/5 and no recent reviews to gauge ease of use or onboarding quality. This creates uncertainty about its user interface and staff adoption. In contrast, Exely scores 4.91/5 for ease of use, with recent reviews praising its intuitive dashboard and smooth management of rates and reservations.

Exely’s onboarding process is rated 4.84/5, with users highlighting its quick setup and friendly support. Review quotes emphasize its user-friendly design and proactive support team, while DIRS21’s lack of feedback leaves its ease of use unverified.

Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Features: DIRS21 or Exely?

DIRS21 offers 10 features exclusive to it, including urgency messaging, ADA compliance, gift vouchers, and loyalty integrations, totaling 23 shared features with Exely. However, Exely features six unique functions, such as booking abandonment recapture, post-stay emails, and automated reporting, which enhance marketing and guest engagement.

While DIRS21’s unique features focus on availability and compliance, Exely’s strengths lie in guest engagement tools that directly boost conversions. With more recent reviews praising its marketing capabilities and automation, Exely’s feature set better supports revenue growth.

Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Customer Support: DIRS21 or Exely?

DIRS21 lacks recent reviews and doesn’t showcase support ratings, leaving its customer service quality unverified. Its long absence from review platforms suggests limited or no recent support validation.

Exely, on the other hand, boasts a 4.96/5 support rating, with reviews highlighting prompt, friendly assistance and proactive problem-solving. Users appreciate its rapid response times and ongoing support, making it a more dependable partner.

Edge: Exely.

Which Has More Integrations: DIRS21 or Exely?

DIRS21 offers 31 verified integrations, including major partners like Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and Hotelchamp, giving it a broad ecosystem. Exely, with only 8 verified integrations, has limited connectivity, including some key channels like Booking.com and IDeaS but fewer options overall.

If extensive integrations are crucial to your operation, DIRS21’s larger partner network is advantageous. However, the quality and recent validation of Exely’s integrations, coupled with its active user base, suggest its current ecosystem is sufficient for most needs.

Edge: DIRS21.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: DIRS21 or Exely?

Because DIRS21 has no recent reviews or ratings, it cannot be evaluated on user satisfaction today. Conversely, Exely’s recent reviews consistently praise its ease of use, support, and effectiveness, underpinning its high ratings.

Exely’s NPS score of 9.73/5 and 98% recommendation rate reflect a high level of current user satisfaction across diverse hotel segments, including boutique and city-center hotels. Its recent positive feedback makes it the preferred choice among hoteliers.

Edge: Exely.

How Much Do DIRS21 and Exely Cost?

DIRS21 does not publicly list its pricing, and there’s no available information about its fee structure or trial options. Its absence from recent reviews further suggests limited transparency or recent upgrades.

Exely charges $200/month, with no additional implementation fees or trial information available. Its clear pricing model and recent positive reviews indicate good value for money, especially considering its support and feature set.

Note: If more detailed pricing information for DIRS21 becomes available, this comparison may need updating.

What Type of Hotel Should Use DIRS21?

• Hotels that operate primarily within Europe, especially those seeking a modular, customizable booking platform.
• Teams that need specific features like loyalty programs, pool inventory, or ADA compliance.
• Properties that prefer a platform with extensive integrations and a long-established presence.

Not ideal if your hotel requires recent validation, modern marketing tools, or a highly intuitive interface. Its lack of recent reviews makes it risky for hotels prioritizing proven performance.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely?

• Independent hotels, boutique properties, or city-center hotels seeking an easy-to-manage booking engine.
• Hotels aiming to increase direct bookings and reduce OTA reliance.
• Properties that value responsive customer support and automation tools to improve guest engagement.

Not ideal if your hotel needs extensive third-party integrations beyond what Exely offers or if you operate in regions where DIRS21’s European focus is a disadvantage. Its current active user base suggests strong suitability for most independent and small chain hotels.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

DIRS21 by TourOnline AG is an established European booking system with a broad partner network but lacks recent validation or user feedback. Its core advantage lies in its extensive integrations and modular features, making it suitable for hotels that prioritize technical customization and regional focus.

Exely, on the other hand, has proven its value through recent, high-rated reviews, offering an intuitive interface, excellent support, and marketing features that directly enhance revenue. Its active user base across diverse hotel types confirms its reliability and effectiveness.

If your hotel values proven performance, current support, and a user-friendly experience, Exely is the clear choice. However, if extensive integrations and regional customization are your priorities, and you can verify DIRS21’s latest capabilities, it may still be worth considering.

In conclusion, for most hoteliers seeking a reliable, well-supported booking engine with recent validation, Exely stands out as the stronger option.