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 395 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:
Eptera shines , with exclusive features like On premise and Guest CRM.
ThinkReservations shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (0.0/5) , with exclusive features like Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader and Tablet/Kiosk Check-in.
Side-by-side ratings based on 395 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $1,100/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 0 | 395 |
After analyzing 395 verified reviews, Eptera users most value its , while ThinkReservations users highlight customer support, operational efficiency, data and reporting. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Customer Support
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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) ▾ | — | #4 145 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | — | #9 25 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | — | #6 3 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | — | #5 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | — | #7 100 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | — | #7 70 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | — | #7 24 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | — | #11 8 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | — | #1 386 reviews |
| Europe | — | #57 0 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #32 0 reviews |
| Middle East | — | #32 0 reviews |
Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is critical for your hotel's operational efficiency and guest experience. Both Eptera PMS by Eptera and ThinkReservations PMS by ThinkReservations aim to streamline hotel management, but they differ significantly in features, support, and market presence. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, needs, and growth plans. Which system will best align with your strategic goals?
Eptera PMS offers a modular, cloud-based solution designed to give you flexibility with features like guest CRM, online checkout, and revenue management. ThinkReservations, in contrast, provides an all-in-one platform with a focus on ease of use, OTA integration, and revenue optimization tools. Eptera’s approach caters to hotels wanting tailored systems, while ThinkReservations emphasizes quick deployment and user-friendly interfaces.
Both products aim to improve occupancy and guest satisfaction, but Eptera’s extensive feature set suggests it’s better suited for larger or more complex properties needing customization. ThinkReservations, with its robust integrations and intuitive interface, appeals to small- and mid-sized hotels prioritizing operational simplicity. Are you looking for a highly customizable system or a straightforward, easy-to-navigate platform?
If your hotel needs a flexible, scalable system with advanced modules like on-premise options, integrated ID scanners, and a dedicated spa/wellness module, Eptera is the clear choice. Its modular setup allows you to pick only what you need, making it ideal for hotels seeking tailored solutions.
On the other hand, if your hotel emphasizes OTA integration, automation, and quick onboarding, ThinkReservations is better suited. Many small hotels and inns benefit from its straightforward booking engine, excellent support, and features like drag-and-drop charting, which streamline reservations and upselling.
For hotels prioritizing extensive customization and future growth, Eptera is the more suitable option. If efficiency and ease of use with proven revenue tools matter most, ThinkReservations should be your pick.
ThinkReservations has a near-perfect ease of use rating at 4.82/5, with users praising its intuitive interface and simple onboarding process. Many reviews highlight how staff can adopt it quickly, reducing training time, and how its automation features cut down manual work.
Eptera, by comparison, has a 0/5 rating for ease of use, with limited review data. Its modular design and extensive features likely demand more training and setup time, which can challenge staff unfamiliar with complex PMS systems.
Edge: ThinkReservations.
Eptera offers 52 features, including unique modules like guest CRM, integrated ID/passport scanners, online checkout, automated space optimization, and a dedicated spa & wellness module. These features support comprehensive hotel management, especially for properties seeking specialized tools.
ThinkReservations provides only 39 features but excels with elements like a drag-and-drop tapechart, integrated payment terminals, and tablet check-in—features that enhance daily operations and guest interactions. While it lacks some of Eptera’s advanced modules, it covers core needs effectively.
Edge: Eptera, for its broader, more specialized feature set.
ThinkReservations receives a 4.82/5 support rating, with many users describing their support team as accessible, knowledgeable, and responsive. Testimonials consistently mention quick, helpful responses that facilitate smooth onboarding and problem resolution.
Eptera’s support data isn’t available, but with zero reviews, we lack concrete insights. Given the lack of recent feedback, it’s difficult to gauge its support quality compared to ThinkReservations’ established reputation.
Edge: ThinkReservations.
ThinkReservations offers 16 verified integrations, including major OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb, plus partners like Triptease, TrustYou, and OpenKey. This extensive network facilitates seamless distribution and guest engagement.
Eptera has only one verified partner—SiteMinder—limiting its connectivity options. While its features are broad, the lower number of integrations could restrict your hotel’s ability to connect with various channels and tools.
Edge: ThinkReservations.
ThinkReservations boasts 356 reviews, with a 4.88/5 overall rating, and recent feedback confirms high satisfaction levels. Many small hotels, inns, and boutique properties praise its ease of use, support, and revenue features.
Eptera, with no reviews, offers no recent guest feedback or ratings. Without user insights, it's impossible to evaluate its real-world performance or hotel satisfaction.
Edge: ThinkReservations.
Eptera’s pricing starts at $1,100, with no free trial or monthly plans, potentially making it expensive for smaller hotels. Its modular approach might incur additional costs depending on modules selected.
ThinkReservations charges a $500 initial fee, with no mention of ongoing charges or hidden fees. Its pricing structure appears more accessible for small and mid-sized hotels, especially given its features.
Not ideal if your hotel:
Not ideal if your hotel:
Eptera offers a comprehensive, customizable PMS with a wide array of modules tailored for larger or more complex hotels. Its flexibility supports extensive operations but comes with a higher price and a steeper learning curve.
ThinkReservations excels in simplicity, integration, and support, making it ideal for small to mid-sized hotels that want to increase efficiency and revenue quickly. Its reviews and recent ratings clearly favor ThinkReservations’ reputation.
If your hotel values extensive features and customization, Eptera is the better choice. For straightforward, fast, and supported hotel management, ThinkReservations is the recommended system.
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 $1,100/mo | From $500/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Eptera PMS and ThinkReservations PMS share 36 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
| On premise | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in |
Showing top differences. 7 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
No published case study for this goal yet.
"I became aware of ThinkReservations at a trade show in the US, and I could see right away that it would help Blue Tang Inn streamline our operations, increase our booking and upsel..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"ThinkReservations Digital Registration has streamlined our check in process, making my job so much easier. Being able to ask guests for their ID and credit card ahead of time, agre..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"We try to take care of all the needs of our guests so that they have an experience rather than just a stay"
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Though already noted as excellent by many, a few reviews express the desire for additional support on weekends to better handle urgent inquiries.
ThinkReservations aids in streamlining operations through digital registration, night audits, and easy management of booking and check-in processes, a... ThinkReservations aids in streamlining operations through digital registration, night audits, and easy management of booking and check-in processes, allowing staff to focus more on guest interactions.
The system offers comprehensive data and reporting features, enabling hoteliers to make informed decisions on pricing, guest satisfaction, and strateg... The system offers comprehensive data and reporting features, enabling hoteliers to make informed decisions on pricing, guest satisfaction, and strategy planning.
Where hoteliers push back
Some reviews highlight issues with the pricing structure, including dissatisfaction with channel manager fees and the high price of features like Thin... Some reviews highlight issues with the pricing structure, including dissatisfaction with channel manager fees and the high price of features like ThinkMessenger.
Mandatory two-step authentication is a point of frustration for some users, who find it burdensome and wish for lower security settings.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Eptera PMS and ThinkReservations PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Eptera PMS offers 1 verified integration partners, while ThinkReservations PMS offers 16. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. ThinkReservations PMS leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 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.
Eptera PMS: No. ThinkReservations 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. Eptera has an HT Score of 0 and ThinkReservations has 89. 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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