Exely Channel Manager vs. Channel Manager by Net Affinity / Smarthotel:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Exely Channel Manager and SmartHOTEL’s Channel Manager hinges on your hotel’s specific needs, operational complexity, and growth ambitions. Both products aim to streamline online distribution and prevent overbooking but differ significantly in their approach, features, and market presence.

Exely focuses on providing a straightforward, highly rated platform with robust synchronization and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for hotels that prioritize operational efficiency. SmartHOTEL, on the other hand, offers extensive integrations and advanced PMS connectivity, suited for hotels looking for a highly automated, scalable solution. Which aligns better with your hotel's objectives?

Is Exely or SmartHOTEL Better for Hotels?

Exely has accrued over 100 reviews with a high overall rating of 0/5 and a recent review count of 34, reflecting strong, current user satisfaction. Its platform is praised for being intuitive, stable, and efficient, with a focus on reducing manual work and increasing revenue. Conversely, SmartHOTEL has 62 reviews, a 4.63/5 rating, but none in the last six months, which means its latest performance data is less reliable.

Both address online distribution challenges, but Exely’s recent reviews highlight its ease of use and reliability, whereas SmartHOTEL’s reviews emphasize extensive integration and support. Given the review volume and recency, Exely’s performance is more confidently validated today. Are you looking for a solution backed by recent, high-volume feedback?

Exely vs SmartHOTEL: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a straightforward, easy-to-use channel manager with a focus on reducing manual effort and increasing direct revenue, Exely is the better pick. It’s ideal for hotels of all sizes seeking reliable synchronization, automated reports, and a smooth onboarding process.

In contrast, if your hotel requires deep PMS connectivity, extensive third-party integrations, and the capacity to manage unlimited channels without extra costs, SmartHOTEL suits larger or more technologically advanced operations. Its flexibility in integrations makes it a good fit for hotel groups or properties with complex tech stacks. Which features are critical for your operational success?

Is Exely or SmartHOTEL Easier to Use?

Exely scores a 4.95/5 for ease of use, with many reviews praising its intuitive interface and fast onboarding. Users describe it as stable, straightforward, and helpful, making staff adoption easier and reducing training time. SmartHOTEL has a slightly lower score of 4.43/5, but reviews highlight its user-friendly design and quick support, facilitating manageable staff training.

While both are high-rated, Exely’s recent review scores and feedback emphasize its slightly superior ease of use. Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Features: Exely or SmartHOTEL?

Exely offers 9 shared features plus 4 exclusive ones such as support for weekly and monthly rates, integrated payment processing, inventory grid, and booking performance reports—features that enhance operational control. SmartHOTEL provides 9 shared features and 3 unique ones, including PMS connectivity, centralized user and role management, and unlimited channels at no extra cost.

Exely’s additional features cater to detailed rate management and analytics, while SmartHOTEL’s strengths lie in deep PMS integration and flexible user management. For robust analytics and control, Exely leads; for extensive integration options, SmartHOTEL is advantageous. Which features align with your hotel’s growth plans?

Which Has Better Customer Support: Exely or SmartHOTEL?

Exely’s support scores 4.95/5, with reviewers describing the team as responsive, professional, and constantly updating the platform based on feedback. Users mention that support "solves issues quickly and professionally," increasing confidence in its reliability.

SmartHOTEL closely follows with a 4.83/5 score, with many reviews lauding the team’s quick, knowledgeable responses and proactive support. Customers appreciate the personal touch, especially Fiona Cooper’s assistance, which enhances user experience. Both excel, but Exely’s slightly higher recent ratings suggest marginally better support. Edge: Exely.

Which Has More Integrations: Exely or SmartHOTEL?

SmartHOTEL boasts 38 verified integrations, significantly more than Exely’s 8, including key partners like Kwentra, Paxxio, RevControl, and Net Affinity. Shared integrations include Oracle Hospitality, Clock, IDeaS, and Mews, but SmartHOTEL’s broader partner network provides more options for complex setups.

Exely’s integrations are fewer but include essential partners like Booking.com and Hotellab, focusing on core distribution channels. If your hotel’s tech ecosystem depends on wide or specific integrations, SmartHOTEL’s extensive network offers a clear advantage. Edge: SmartHOTEL.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Exely or SmartHOTEL?

Exely’s reviews are limited in number and mostly positive, but the overall rating is 0/5, indicating potential for review data inconsistencies or a reporting glitch. SmartHOTEL, with a 4.63/5 rating from 62 recent reviews, shows consistent satisfaction across different property types, especially independent and boutique hotels.

Given the volume and recency, SmartHOTEL’s ratings are more representative of current user experience. For reliable, high-rated support and usability, SmartHOTEL holds an edge. Which user feedback resonates more with your property’s needs?

How Much Do Exely and SmartHOTEL Cost?

Exely’s pricing starts at $100/month without additional fees, making it a more affordable option for smaller hotels or those seeking basic functionality. SmartHOTEL’s base price is $300/month, reflecting its broader integration capabilities and advanced features.

Neither offers a free tier, and additional costs may depend on integrations or customization. If budget is a primary concern, Exely’s lower price point makes it attractive; for more comprehensive features and integrations, SmartHOTEL’s higher cost may be justified.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely?

Hotels that:

• Require straightforward, reliable channel management with real-time sync
• Aim to increase online revenue and reduce manual workload
• Value intuitive interfaces and quick onboarding
• Need basic analytics and reporting for performance insights
• Operate in regions covered by Exely (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa)

Not ideal if:

• You need extensive PMS integration or unlimited channels
• Your hotel has complex rate structures like weekly/monthly rates
• You want integrated payment processing or advanced analytics

Exely is suitable for independent hotels, boutique properties, and hotel chains seeking efficiency without complex tech needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use SmartHOTEL?

Hotels that:

• Depend on deep PMS or GDS integration
• Manage multiple properties or require role-based user management
• Need to connect with numerous OTAs and GDS channels
• Want to automate availability and rate updates with minimal manual input
• Prioritize robust support and custom feature development, often at no extra cost
• Operate within regions covered by SmartHOTEL (Europe, North America, Middle East, South America, Africa)

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel is small with only a few channels
• Budget constraints limit monthly costs
• You don’t need extensive integrations or PMS connectivity

SmartHOTEL is best for larger hotels or groups seeking a highly scalable, automated distribution system.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Exely provides a straightforward, well-rated channel manager ideal for hotels prioritizing operational simplicity and efficiency. Its recent reviews confirm strong user satisfaction, making it a safe choice for independent hotels and boutique properties.

SmartHOTEL’s extensive integrations, PMS connectivity, and flexible management tools make it suitable for hotel groups or properties needing a highly automated, customizable platform. Its higher review volume and recent feedback validate its reliability and support.

If your hotel values ease of use, quick onboarding, and proven performance in recent reviews, Exely is the clear pick. For hotels needing advanced integrations, role management, and extensive channel options, SmartHOTEL is the better choice.