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 82 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:
feratel media technologies AG shines , with exclusive features like Integrated Payment Processing.
SmartHOTEL shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Inventory Management and Centralized user & role management.
Side-by-side ratings based on 82 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $100/mo | From $300/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 0 | 82 |
After analyzing 82 verified reviews, feratel media technologies AG users most value its , while SmartHOTEL users highlight quick and effective support, user-friendly interface, automated booking and digital management. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Quick and Effective Support
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User-Friendly Interface
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Automated Booking and Digital Management
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Room Rate Adjustments and Restrictions
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Update and Design Improvements
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Technical Issues and Overbookings
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How each product ranks among Channel Managers 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) ▾ | — | #14 24 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | — | #11 29 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | — | #11 7 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | — | #8 5 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | — | #12 32 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | — | #16 18 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | — | #10 21 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | — | #15 5 reviews |
By Region
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| North America | — | #14 3 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | — | #8 73 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #15 4 reviews |
Choosing between feratel Deskline 3.0 and SmartHOTEL channel manager hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Both products aim to streamline distribution across channels, but they diverge significantly in user adoption, feature set, and market presence. Given the available data, SmartHOTEL’s more recent reviews and higher user ratings make it the more compelling option for most hoteliers.
While feratel offers a long-standing, integrated system tailored for tourism organizations, its lack of recent reviews and zero overall rating suggest limited recent user engagement or development. Conversely, SmartHOTEL’s active review base, high ratings, and strong recommendation rate indicate a more current and trusted solution. Are you ready to see which platform aligns better with your hotel’s goals?
Both feratel Deskline 3.0 and SmartHOTEL aim to connect your property to multiple distribution channels, reducing manual work, and avoiding overbookings. However, feratel’s system is primarily designed for tourism organizations and affiliates, functioning as a Destination Management System with PMS-like features. SmartHOTEL, by contrast, is a dedicated channel manager focused on automating real-time updates across hundreds of OTA and GDS channels.
SmartHOTEL boasts a user base with 62 reviews in recent months, none for feratel, which has no recent feedback at all. The current ratings reflect that hoteliers find SmartHOTEL more usable, reliable, and supportive. Given the data, would you prefer a system with recent, verified user feedback or a legacy platform with no recent input?
If your hotel needs a straightforward, highly-rated channel management system with broad integrations and excellent customer support, go with SmartHOTEL. Its focus on automating availability, rates, and overbooking prevention suits small to medium hotels seeking efficiency.
If, instead, your hotel operates within a tourism-focused ecosystem needing integrated content transfer, or if you’re part of a Destination Management Organization, feratel’s Deskline might be suitable, especially for those who value a PMS-like property management experience. For most hotels, though, SmartHOTEL’s recent reviews and extensive partner network make it the better pick.
SmartHOTEL’s user interface scores 4.43 out of 5, with reviews praising its accessibility and ease of use. Users highlight its intuitive design, quick onboarding, and straightforward management of rates and availability.
In contrast, feratel’s interface and onboarding experience are not rated or reviewed recently, leaving its usability uncertain. The absence of current feedback suggests it might be less aligned with modern user expectations.
Edge: SmartHOTEL.
SmartHOTEL offers five exclusive features such as Inventory Management, Centralized User & Role Management, Unlimited Channels, Analytics Dashboard, and Derived Rates—none of which are present in feratel’s system. feratel’s unique features include Support for Weekly & Monthly Rates, Integrated Payment Processing, and an Inventory Grid, but these are less focused on channel management.
Both products share seven core features, but the broader, more modern feature set of SmartHOTEL positions it as the more versatile platform. Its advanced reporting and user management are significant advantages.
Edge: SmartHOTEL.
SmartHOTEL’s customer support receives an impressive 4.83 out of 5 rating, with reviews emphasizing quick, knowledgeable responses and proactive assistance. Users appreciate their responsiveness, with some describing the support team as "second to none."
feratel’s support experience isn’t rated or reviewed recently, implying limited current user feedback. Given the recent positive reviews and high ratings, SmartHOTEL clearly holds the support advantage.
Edge: SmartHOTEL.
SmartHOTEL connects to 38 verified partners, including key integrations like Booking.com, Expedia, and multiple PMS systems. feratel, with 13 verified partners, also includes major OTAs but has significantly fewer integration options overall.
Both systems share common partners, but SmartHOTEL’s extensive network offers greater flexibility and coverage, making it a better choice for hotels seeking broad connectivity.
Edge: SmartHOTEL.
With 62 recent reviews, mostly positive, SmartHOTEL’s overall rating of 4.63/5 and a likelihood to recommend of 89% highlight user satisfaction. The reviews praise its ease of use, support, and system stability.
feratel’s ratings are non-existent, but given its lack of recent feedback, it’s clear that SmartHOTEL’s reputation among current users is stronger. For most hotels, recent reviews outweigh legacy reputation.
Edge: SmartHOTEL.
feratel’s pricing starts at $100 per month without a trial or additional fees, with no detailed breakdown available. SmartHOTEL charges a $300 monthly base fee, also without trial info, but offers extensive features at this price point.
Considering features, support, and recent reviews, the higher cost of SmartHOTEL appears justified for most hotels seeking a reliable, well-supported channel manager.
Not ideal if your hotel needs a flexible, modern channel manager with extensive third-party integrations and recent user feedback.
Not ideal if your hotel operates in a niche market needing highly customized content or extensive PMS integrations beyond typical channel management.
SmartHOTEL stands out with a current, active user base and a strong reputation for support, usability, and integration. Its modern feature set and recent reviews make it the preferred choice for most hotels seeking an efficient distribution system.
feratel Deskline 3.0 offers a legacy solution with specific features aimed at tourism organizations and affiliates, but its lack of recent user feedback diminishes its appeal for most hoteliers. Unless your property aligns closely with feratel’s focus, SmartHOTEL will serve you better.
If your hotel needs a reliable, feature-rich channel manager with extensive integrations and high user satisfaction, go with SmartHOTEL. Its recent reviews and high ratings suggest it’s the more trustworthy and future-proof platform.
For niche, tourism-focused operations or properties seeking content API integration, feratel may still be a consideration, but for most hotels, SmartHOTEL delivers more immediate value.
Channel Managers 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 $100/mo | From $300/mo |
According to HTR's product database, feratel Deskline 3.0 and SmartHOTEL (Channel Manager) share 7 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Analytics dashboard | ||
| Centralized user & role management | ||
| Derived Rates | ||
| Integrated Payment Processing | ||
| Inventory Management | ||
| Inventory grid | ||
| Support for Weekly & Monthly Rates | ||
| Unlimited Channels (no additional cost) |
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
The quick and effective support provided by the SmartHotels team is another key highlight. Users especially appreciate the quick resolution of issues... The quick and effective support provided by the SmartHotels team is another key highlight. Users especially appreciate the quick resolution of issues and the knowledgeable and friendly support staff.
A frequently mentioned benefit is the product's user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate system. Both the extranet and the mobile application rece... A frequently mentioned benefit is the product's user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate system. Both the extranet and the mobile application receive high marks for being straightforward and accessible, which simplifies the booking and management process.
The system's ability to automate bookings and manage everything digitally is repeatedly praised. This automation leads to fewer manual entries and err... The system's ability to automate bookings and manage everything digitally is repeatedly praised. This automation leads to fewer manual entries and errors, streamlining the workflow and enhancing operational efficiency.
Where hoteliers push back
A few users mention that the design of the online tool could be improved. Enhancements in design would align the visual appeal with the system's high... A few users mention that the design of the online tool could be improved. Enhancements in design would align the visual appeal with the system's high functionality, offering a better user experience.
Some critical reviews point out occasional technical issues like system overbookings and errors in the software. These issues can hinder smooth operat... Some critical reviews point out occasional technical issues like system overbookings and errors in the software. These issues can hinder smooth operations and require prompt resolution to maintain service quality.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. feratel Deskline 3.0 and SmartHOTEL (Channel Manager) share many core Channel Managers features, but each has unique capabilities. feratel Deskline 3.0 offers 13 verified integration partners, while SmartHOTEL (Channel Manager) offers 38. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. SmartHOTEL (Channel Manager) leads in ease of use at 4.5/5 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.
feratel Deskline 3.0: No. SmartHOTEL (Channel Manager): No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Channel Managers 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. feratel media technologies AG has an HT Score of 0 and SmartHOTEL has 18. 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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