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 516 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:
Exely shines in ROI — especially for brand properties (0.0/5) , with exclusive features like Meal plans and Tripadvisor Bookings.
Simplotel shines when it comes to service and support — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Urgency messaging.
Side-by-side ratings based on 516 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $200/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 184 | 332 |
After analyzing 516 verified reviews, Exely users most value its support and training, direct booking enhancement, user-friendly interface, while Simplotel users highlight service and support, user-friendly interface and design, customer experience enhancement. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Support and Training
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Service and Support
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Direct Booking Enhancement
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User-friendly interface and design
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User-Friendly Interface
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Customer experience enhancement
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Mobile Optimization
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Integration and Optimization
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Reporting and Analytics
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Analytics and Reporting
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Seamless Integration
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Upselling and Marketing Tools
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How each product ranks among Booking Engine vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
| Segment |
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #15 34 reviews | #5 127 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #11 64 reviews | #6 163 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #22 5 reviews | #9 20 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #8 6 reviews | #14 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #15 35 reviews | #6 139 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #15 28 reviews | #4 187 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #16 17 reviews | #4 101 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #16 9 reviews | #9 15 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #24 2 reviews | #13 11 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #25 11 reviews | #35 2 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #4 79 reviews | #2 307 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | #2 17 reviews | #15 3 reviews |
Choosing between Exely Booking Engine by Exely and Simplotel Booking Engine by Simplotel hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and priorities. Both aim to boost direct bookings and streamline operations but diverge significantly in features, user experience, and market presence. Exely excels in support, ease of use, and recent reviews, making it a strong contender, while Simplotel's vast integrations and international reach might appeal to larger, more complex properties.
Given the data, the decision ultimately depends on your hotel type, operational complexity, and budget. Are you looking for the most recent customer feedback and a user-friendly platform? Or do your needs lean toward extensive integrations and a broad feature set?
Both products are designed to improve direct bookings and reduce OTA dependency, but they approach these goals differently. Exely offers a straightforward, highly rated booking engine with a focus on customer support and ease of use, supported by recent reviews and a higher overall rating. Simplotel, on the other hand, provides a more feature-rich platform with extensive integrations, broad international coverage, and advanced marketing tools.
Exely’s strengths lie in its simplicity, proactive customer support, and recent user feedback, with 63 reviews in the last six months and a 98% likelihood of recommendation. Conversely, Simplotel has more reviews overall (297), but only 14 recent reviews, which slightly weakens confidence in its current performance. Which aspect is more critical for your hotel: ease of use and recent positive sentiment or extensive features and integrations?
If your hotel values straightforward operation, rapid onboarding, and stellar support, Exely is the logical choice. Its ease of use rating (4.91/5) and recent review volume make it ideal for independent hotels, boutique properties, or those prioritizing customer service.
If, however, your hotel needs a highly customizable website, advanced marketing features, and broad integration capabilities, Simplotel is better suited. Its 22 verified partners and features like Google Analytics, loyalty program integration, and social media bookings cater to larger or technologically sophisticated properties.
For small to mid-sized hotels seeking quick deployment and support, Exely provides a clearer advantage. Larger properties with complex systems and a focus on detailed analytics may find Simplotel more aligned with their needs.
Exely’s user-friendly interface, scored 4.91/5, is consistently praised for its smooth management dashboard and straightforward booking process. Recent reviews highlight how quickly teams adopt the platform, citing a less steep learning curve and more intuitive navigation. The onboarding process receives high marks at 4.84/5, with support teams responding promptly and effectively.
Simplotel’s interface, rated 4.65/5, is also designed to be user-friendly but with a slight complexity due to its additional features and customization options. Some users mention that navigating its wide array of marketing tools and analytics can be challenging initially. Edge: Exely.
Exely offers 26 shared features plus three exclusive ones: flexible dates, meal plans, and Tripadvisor bookings. Its unique features support flexible booking management, catering to hotels offering various packages or dine-in options, and include direct booking enhancements.
Simplotel matches with 26 shared features but provides 11 additional functions, such as urgency messaging, pooled inventory, loyalty program integration, gift vouchers, ADA compliance, social media bookings, and wedding/corporate modules. These features are tailored for hotels seeking sophisticated marketing and guest engagement tactics.
While Simplotel’s feature set is more extensive, Exely’s core offerings cover essential booking needs effectively. Edge: Simplotel, for offering a broader array of features.
Exely’s support ratings, 4.96/5, are nearly perfect, with recent reviews praising their quick, friendly responses and proactive approach. Reviewers mention how the support team resolves issues rapidly and provides clear guidance, which boosts confidence during onboarding and troubleshooting.
Simplotel’s support, rated 4.69/5, is also reviewed positively, with users appreciating timely responses and friendly service. However, some reviews suggest support could be more proactive, especially during system integrations or updates.
Edge: Exely.
Simplotel boasts 22 verified integrations, including popular PMS and channel managers like Cloudbeds, SiteMinder, and OTAs such as Booking.com and Triptease. This extensive ecosystem enables hotels to streamline operations across multiple platforms efficiently.
Exely offers 8 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, IDeaS, and Mews, with integration options focused on key hotel management and distribution systems. While fewer in number, these integrations are well-regarded but may limit some operational flexibility.
Edge: Simplotel.
Recent reviews show Exely with a higher net promoter score (9.73/5) and 98% likelihood of recommendation, indicating stronger recent user satisfaction. Hotels across various segments, especially boutique and city-center properties, praise its ease of use and support.
Simplotel’s reviews, though generally positive, are fewer in recent feedback, with a 9.24/5 NPS and 93% recommendation rate. Larger hotels and resorts tend to rate Simplotel higher, but recent sentiment favors Exely’s responsiveness and simplicity.
Edge: Exely.
Exely’s pricing is $200/month with no implementation or setup fees. It does not offer a freemium model, making it a predictable ongoing expense suitable for smaller hotels seeking value.
Simplotel’s base price is $500/month, also without setup fees, positioning it as a more premium option. Its higher cost aligns with its broader feature set and integrations, making it more suitable for larger or more complex operations.
Not ideal if...
Not ideal if...
Exely excels in simplicity, support, and recent positive reviews, making it ideal for hotels seeking a reliable, easy-to-manage booking solution. Its limited but focused feature set and lower price point appeal to smaller properties or those new to online booking systems.
Simplotel stands out with its extensive integrations and rich marketing tools, suited for larger, tech-savvy hotels that want to maximize direct bookings through detailed analytics and customization. Its broader feature set justifies the higher price tag for properties with the capacity to leverage these capabilities.
For hotels prioritizing ease and support, Exely remains the stronger choice, especially given recent reviews and support ratings. Conversely, if your hotel can benefit from a wider array of features, integrations, and marketing tools, Simplotel offers a compelling platform—but be prepared for a more involved setup.
According to HTR's product database, Exely Booking Engine and Simplotel Booking Engine share 27 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
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| ADA Compliant | ||
| Alternative accommodation recommendations (when no availability) | ||
| Loyalty program integration | ||
| Meal plans | ||
| Price comparison widget | ||
| Room substitutions | ||
| Social Media Integration/Bookings | ||
| Tripadvisor Bookings | ||
| Urgency messaging |
Showing top differences. 1 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 2 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"We took a proactive approach and collaborated with Exely, implementing various strategies, such as a loyalty program. The outcome has been outstanding — not only have we been able..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"Once we switched to Exely, we immediately noticed a significant increase in reservations from online travel agencies. We discovered that our previous system had blocked some availa..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
Exely's support team is widely applauded for responsiveness, with detailed assistance and clear solutions. However, new users mention a need for train... Exely's support team is widely applauded for responsiveness, with detailed assistance and clear solutions. However, new users mention a need for training materials to better navigate advanced features.
Exely substantially increases direct bookings, aiding hotels like Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort, and reducing OTA dependencies. Hotels report significant... Exely substantially increases direct bookings, aiding hotels like Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort, and reducing OTA dependencies. Hotels report significant sales growth, citing simplified operations, increased guest control, and promotional features.
The platform's intuitive and organized interface is highlighted as a major advantage, enhancing navigation and user experience. A few reviews seek a m... The platform's intuitive and organized interface is highlighted as a major advantage, enhancing navigation and user experience. A few reviews seek a more modern and customizable interface to bolster user engagement.
Where hoteliers push back
Users often call for advanced reporting and detailed analytics, seeking comprehensive insights for better performance tracking. While some find existi... Users often call for advanced reporting and detailed analytics, seeking comprehensive insights for better performance tracking. While some find existing features satisfactory, many desire deeper filtering and customization options.
Reviews often call for more customization options across booking widgets and website design. Users report limitations in design flexibility, potential... Reviews often call for more customization options across booking widgets and website design. Users report limitations in design flexibility, potentially affecting unique branding and guest appeal.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Although customer support is generally rated as responsive and helpful, there are calls for more proactive communication. Monthly check-ins and traini... Although customer support is generally rated as responsive and helpful, there are calls for more proactive communication. Monthly check-ins and training materials are suggested for enhanced service.
Simplotel's booking engine stands out for its intuitive and user-friendly design, simplifying navigation for guests and hoteliers. Reviews consistentl... Simplotel's booking engine stands out for its intuitive and user-friendly design, simplifying navigation for guests and hoteliers. Reviews consistently mention improved booking experience and engagement, translating to increased bookings and customer satisfaction.
The platform enhances guest experiences by streamlining booking processes and supporting upselling and cross-selling services. This feature is cited f... The platform enhances guest experiences by streamlining booking processes and supporting upselling and cross-selling services. This feature is cited for adding value and contributing to increased revenue.
Where hoteliers push back
Many users appreciate the potential for customizing brand-specific templates and designs but express a demand for more flexibility. There is feedback... Many users appreciate the potential for customizing brand-specific templates and designs but express a demand for more flexibility. There is feedback on limited options for personalizing website layouts and dynamic content.
Simplotel provides robust analytics and reporting features aiding in data-driven decision-making and marketing strategies. Users find these insights b... Simplotel provides robust analytics and reporting features aiding in data-driven decision-making and marketing strategies. Users find these insights beneficial for optimizing bookings, although some suggest further advancements in analytics tools.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Exely Booking Engine and Simplotel Booking Engine share many core Booking Engine features, but each has unique capabilities. Exely Booking Engine offers 8 verified integration partners, while Simplotel Booking Engine offers 22. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Exely Booking Engine leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5. 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.
Exely Booking Engine: No. Simplotel Booking Engine: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Booking Engine 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. Exely has an HT Score of 93 and Simplotel has 90. 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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