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 153 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:
freetobook shines in ROI , with exclusive features like Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) and Payment Requests.
NewBook shines , with exclusive features like Guest CRM and Guest profiles.
Side-by-side ratings based on 153 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $200/mo | From $1,000/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 137 | 16 |
After analyzing 153 verified reviews, freetobook users most value its ease of use, pricing/value for money, guest experience enhancements, while NewBook users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Ease of Use
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Guest Experience Enhancements
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Channel Management
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Customization
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Self-Catering Focus
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Handling of Single vs. Double Occupancy Rates
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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) ▾ | #28 26 reviews | #43 8 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #53 2 reviews | #42 7 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | — | #47 1 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #25 1 reviews | — |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #23 24 reviews | #47 7 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #26 20 reviews | #53 2 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #31 6 reviews | #44 4 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #26 5 reviews | #44 2 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #28 6 reviews | #39 2 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #8 94 reviews | — |
| Asia Pacific | #22 2 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #14 2 reviews | — |
Choosing between freetobook and NewBook means weighing a simple, highly-rated system against a more comprehensive PMS with a broader feature set. Both platforms aim to streamline your operations and boost direct bookings, but they diverge significantly in their target audiences, features, and market presence. Your choice hinges on your property type, operational complexity, and what features matter most for your team.
freetobook offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution with over 129 reviews and a recent surge in feedback—making its strengths highly relevant. Meanwhile, NewBook boasts a higher overall rating, fewer reviews, and a more extensive feature catalog, but with less recent customer feedback. Do you prioritize a proven, simple system or a more feature-rich platform with less recent validation?
freetobook and NewBook both serve hospitality providers seeking to manage reservations and operations efficiently; however, their core strengths differ. freetobook excels in serving small, independent properties such as B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels, primarily in Europe and North America, with a focus on simplicity and affordability. In contrast, NewBook targets slightly larger or more complex operations like motels, resorts, and short-term rentals, primarily in Australia and a handful of other regions, emphasizing extensive features and central management.
freetobook’s recent reviews consistently praise its ease of use, channel management, and value—highlighted by a 4.91/5 customer support rating from 129 reviews, including some from over ten years ago. NewBook’s reviews, though fewer (16 total), showcase high satisfaction with customer support (5/5) and ease of use (4.69/5), but lack recent feedback, which diminishes confidence in current user experience. Given the volume and recency of reviews, freetobook’s data suggests a more reliable, tested solution.
Are you looking for a straightforward system that your team can adopt quickly, or a more complex platform designed for larger, multi-faceted operations? With the most recent and extensive customer feedback, freetobook is the more dependable choice today.
If your hotel operates as a small independent or a boutique guesthouse, and you need a cost-effective, easy-to-manage platform, go with freetobook. Its core strengths lie in simple reservation management, channel distribution, and guest communication—perfect for properties with limited staff or those prioritizing direct bookings without complicated features.
If your property is a motel, resort, or short-term rental needing advanced features like integrated CRM, group management, or on-site operations, NewBook might be more suitable. Its more extensive feature set, including automated night audits and multi-lingual support, caters to larger or multi-property businesses that require centralized control and detailed operational tools.
For small B&Bs and inns, freetobook’s ease of use and community support are particularly appealing. Conversely, if you’re managing multiple properties or seeking sophisticated automation, NewBook’s comprehensive capabilities will serve you better.
In summary, choose freetobook for simplicity and proven performance; select NewBook if you require a broad set of management tools and can invest in a higher-priced system.
freetobook’s user experience is highly rated, with a 4.91/5 rating based on 129 recent reviews, emphasizing its intuitive interface and quick onboarding. Users mention that staff can learn the system rapidly, and the platform’s simplicity reduces training time significantly, making daily management straightforward.
NewBook’s 4.69/5 rating reflects a similarly positive user experience, with reviews highlighting its ease of connection and overall usability. However, with fewer recent reviews, it’s harder to gauge if the platform still maintains this ease of use at scale or with recent updates.
Edge: freetobook.
freetobook offers 19 shared features plus 19 unique ones, including transactional emails, guest messaging, online check-in, real-time reporting, and automated reminders—features critical to small operations. Its additional features like PCI and GDPR compliance, guest app, and shift planning cater directly to independent hoteliers seeking control over their guest experience.
NewBook provides 16 verified integrations, including guest CRM, group functionality, automated night audits, and a spa & wellness module, which cater to larger or multi-service properties. Its native email marketing and multi-lingual support are beneficial for expanding operations.
Edge: freetobook, thanks to its broader feature set tailored for small to medium properties.
freetobook’s customer support is highly praised, with a 4.91/5 rating from 129 reviews, including comments about knowledgeable, one-on-one help that ensures property owners maximize their system. Users appreciate its responsiveness and ongoing development based on customer feedback.
NewBook’s perfect 5/5 customer support rating from 16 reviews indicates excellent service, with reviewers describing staff as prompt, knowledgeable, and dedicated. However, the limited number of recent reviews makes it less clear whether this high level of support is sustained across all users today.
Edge: freetobook, given its larger volume of recent positive reviews.
freetobook integrates with 4 verified partners, including Stripe and RoomPriceGenie, offering essential payment and channel management tools for smaller operators. Its integration ecosystem is suited to straightforward property needs without overwhelming complexity.
NewBook boasts 16 verified integrations, including TripAdvisor, SiteMinder, Revinate, and PriceLabs, supporting larger, multi-faceted operations with extensive distribution and marketing channels. Its partnerships reflect a broader scope of operational and marketing tools.
Edge: NewBook, with a wider range of integrations ideal for larger or more complex businesses.
freetobook has over 129 reviews, with a consistent 87.22 HTR Score, and multiple 5-star ratings from long-term users emphasizing ease of use, support, and value. Recent reviews reaffirm its reliability for small properties seeking straightforward management.
NewBook holds a 4.75/5 rating from 16 reviews, with many praising its robustness and support, though its fewer, older reviews make it less current. Larger properties or those needing complex features rate it highly.
Edge: freetobook, based on volume and recency of reviews indicating sustained satisfaction.
freetobook has a straightforward pricing model at a base cost of $200, with no freemium, monthly, or implementation fees. Its affordability and transparent, flat-rate pricing appeal to small hotels and B&Bs.
NewBook charges a $1,000 base fee with no ongoing monthly costs listed, reflecting a higher entry point suited for larger operations with more comprehensive needs. The higher price aligns with its broader feature set.
For small properties, freetobook offers better value; larger or complex hotels may find the investment in NewBook justified.
Not ideal if you require advanced automation, multi-property management, or extensive on-site operational features.
Not ideal if you are a small independent property or prioritize budget over comprehensive management features.
freetobook and NewBook serve different segments effectively. freetobook’s strength lies in its ease of use, affordability, and proven track record among small, independent properties. It’s a solid choice for boutique hotels, B&Bs, and inns seeking straightforward reservation and channel management.
NewBook offers a broader feature set, better suited for larger or multi-property operations that need detailed automation, extensive integrations, and centralized control. It’s more expensive but provides advanced tools that can support growth and operational complexity.
If your hotel values simplicity, recent positive reviews, and proven performance, freetobook is the clear winner. Conversely, if you require a feature-rich platform capable of managing a complex portfolio, NewBook’s broader capabilities justify its higher price.
In conclusion, for most small hotels and B&Bs, freetobook provides a more reliable, current, and cost-effective solution. Larger properties or those planning rapid expansion should consider NewBook, especially if they can leverage its extensive functionalities.
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 $200/mo | From $1,000/mo |
According to HTR's product database, freetobook and NewBook (PMS) share 19 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Group functionality | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Rate Management | ||
| Spa & Wellness Module | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) |
Showing top differences. 18 more features differ between these products.
What hoteliers love
The software’s user-friendly nature is a major highlight, enabling even less tech-savvy users to manage their properties efficiently. This simplicity... The software’s user-friendly nature is a major highlight, enabling even less tech-savvy users to manage their properties efficiently. This simplicity allows property owners and managers to easily navigate the system, reducing the time required for administrative tasks and thereby increasing focus on improving guest services.
Freetobook is perceived as excellent value for money, offering advanced features at competitive pricing. Users recognize its affordability in comparis... Freetobook is perceived as excellent value for money, offering advanced features at competitive pricing. Users recognize its affordability in comparison to other systems, which is particularly attractive to small accommodation businesses looking to maintain professional operations without significant outlays.
Freetobook enables hotels to enhance the guest experience through features like the GuestAppy system, which provides personalized booking confirmation... Freetobook enables hotels to enhance the guest experience through features like the GuestAppy system, which provides personalized booking confirmations and tailored options. Users note these additions positively impact guest satisfaction and help in delivering a more professional service.
Where hoteliers push back
Although generally praised for its flexibility, some users feel there's room for improvement regarding customization options, particularly for invoice... Although generally praised for its flexibility, some users feel there's room for improvement regarding customization options, particularly for invoices and booking summaries. Enhanced options would allow users to better tailor the system to specific operational needs, improving overall satisfaction.
The system is primarily designed for hotels, and some reviewers have indicated a need for more self-catering features, suggesting potential for expans... The system is primarily designed for hotels, and some reviewers have indicated a need for more self-catering features, suggesting potential for expansion in this area. Addressing this could make Freetobook more attractive to a wider variety of accommodation providers.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. freetobook and NewBook (PMS) share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. freetobook offers 4 verified integration partners, while NewBook (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. freetobook 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.
freetobook: No. NewBook (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. freetobook has an HT Score of 87 and NewBook has 0. 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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