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 180 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 customer support and ROI , with exclusive features like Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader and Ancillary revenue tracking.
Redforts shines when it comes to ease of use and intuitive system , with exclusive features like Native Email Marketing and Guest CRM.
Side-by-side ratings based on 180 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
| HTScore |
|
|
| Likelihood to Recommend |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Customer Support |
|
|
| Value for Money |
|
|
| Starting Price | From $200/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 137 | 43 |
After analyzing 180 verified reviews, freetobook users most value its ease of use, pricing/value for money, guest experience enhancements, while Redforts users highlight ease of use and intuitive system, reservation management, customer service. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Pros | |
|
+
Ease of Use
▾
|
+
Ease of use and intuitive system
▾
|
|
+
Pricing/Value for Money
▾
|
+
Reservation management
▾
|
|
+
Guest Experience Enhancements
▾
|
+
Customer service
▾
|
|
+
Channel Management
▾
|
+
Continuous improvement and innovation
▾
|
| Cons | |
|
−
Customization
▾
|
−
Integration capabilities
▾
|
|
−
Self-Catering Focus
▾
|
−
Interface and design improvements
▾
|
|
−
Handling of Single vs. Double Occupancy Rates
▾
|
|
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
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #28 26 reviews | #31 21 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) | #53 2 reviews | #49 3 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #25 1 reviews | — |
By Property Type
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Boutique ▾ | #23 24 reviews | #30 18 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #26 20 reviews | #39 5 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #31 6 reviews | #49 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #26 5 reviews | #37 2 reviews |
By Region
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| North America ▾ | #28 6 reviews | #32 4 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #8 94 reviews | #14 39 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | #22 2 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #14 2 reviews | — |
Choosing the right property management system (PMS) can define your hotel's operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue growth. Both freetobook and Redforts aim to simplify your management tasks, but they differ in scale, feature sets, and market presence. With more recent reviews and a significant review count, freetobook's stronger user feedback suggests it’s better suited for most small to medium-sized hotels and B&Bs. So, which system truly fits your hotel’s needs?
Both freetobook and Redforts serve the purpose of streamlining hotel operations, yet they diverge in target markets and overall maturity. Freetobook, with over 129 reviews and a high recent review count, scores significantly higher across key metrics, especially in ease of use and customer support, indicating a more refined user experience. Conversely, Redforts, with a smaller review base and fewer recent reviews, has a loyal but less widespread user base, primarily among boutique hotels and hostels.
The core difference lies in their feature approaches: freetobook emphasizes an intuitive booking engine, channel management, and guest messaging, making it a favorite for independent hotels and B&Bs. Redforts offers a broader suite with revenue and yield management, online check-in, and PoS integration, which might appeal to properties looking for more comprehensive operational tools. Do your management needs lean more toward user-friendly booking and marketing tools or toward a full-featured operational suite?
If your hotel primarily needs an easy-to-adopt, reliable PMS with strong booking and channel management capabilities, go with freetobook. Its high user ratings (87.2 HTR Score, 4.91/5 ease of use, and 4.91/5 support) demonstrate its effectiveness for small to mid-sized properties focused on increasing direct bookings and guest engagement.
If, however, your hotel requires a more extensive system that integrates revenue management, online check-in, PoS, and detailed operational control, Redforts could be the better fit. Its features are tailored for properties that want to automate multiple aspects of their management and are willing to invest in a system with a broader scope, despite its lower review count and slightly older interface.
For most small hotels and B&Bs, especially those prioritizing ease and support, freetobook’s established reputation makes it the clear recommendation. Redforts’s comprehensive tools suit properties with complex operational needs willing to navigate a less modern interface.
Freetobook boasts a near-perfect user rating of 4.91/5 for ease of use, with reviews highlighting its simple, intuitive interface. Users appreciate how quickly new staff can be trained and how straightforward the booking and management processes are, reducing operational friction.
Redforts scores 4.68/5 in ease of use, with reviews acknowledging its intuitive design but noting that its interface could benefit from a visual refresh. While easy to learn, some users see room for modernization to keep pace with current design standards.
Given the recent reviews and higher ease rating, edge: freetobook.
Freetobook offers five features exclusive to its platform, including integrated payment terminals, ancillary revenue tracking, automated assignments, shift planning, and rules-based room assignments. These functions directly enhance booking management, revenue optimization, and operational automation.
Redforts provides 13 unique features such as multi-lingual support, native email marketing, guest CRM, mobile app, online check-in, ID scanning, POS integration, task management, and a drag-and-drop tapechart, making it a highly versatile all-in-one system.
While Redforts’s broader feature set appeals to properties needing extensive operational tools, edge: freetobook for its targeted, ease-focused feature set that directly supports small hotel management.
Freetobook’s support scores 4.91/5, with recent reviews praising their knowledgeable, prompt, and personalized assistance. Users say, “Customer support is great, with one-to-one help making sure we get the most out of their PMS,” reinforcing its reputation for excellent service.
Redforts scores 4.53/5, with reviews indicating responsive customer service, but fewer comments on the depth of support. Some users mention the interface could be improved, which might also impact support interactions.
Given the more recent, higher-rated support experience, edge: freetobook.
Freetobook connects with four verified partners, including RoomPriceGenie, Stripe, Pitchup.com, and Sweeply, offering robust options for marketing, payments, and distribution. Its integrations facilitate automation and revenue growth for small hotels.
Redforts has two verified integrations, including WuBook (channel manager) and Mr. Winston, focusing on core connectivity but with fewer options for expanded marketing or operational integrations.
For broader, more modern integration options, edge: freetobook.
Freetobook, with 129 reviews and a recent surge of 27 reviews in the last six months, maintains an overall average rating of 0/5 but scores highly on support and ease of use, with a 99% likelihood of recommendation. Reviewers praise its simplicity, value, and reliable performance—especially for B&Bs and small hotels.
Redforts, with only 40 reviews and just 1 recent review, also scores 0/5 overall but is praised for its intuitive design and customer service, mainly among boutique hotels and hostels. However, the limited data makes its rating less conclusive.
Considering the volume and recency of reviews, edge: freetobook.
Freetobook charges a base price of $200, with no freemium tier or monthly fees per room. Its pricing is transparent, with no implementation fees, making it accessible for small operators.
Redforts costs $500 upfront, with no ongoing monthly fees or freemium options. Its higher price point reflects its broader feature set but might be a barrier for smaller properties.
For affordability and straightforward pricing, edge: freetobook.
Not ideal if your property requires extensive operational features like revenue management, POS, or online check-in, which are better suited to Redforts.
Not ideal if you prioritize simplicity, rapid setup, or budget-conscious solutions focused on booking and marketing alone.
Freetobook’s core strength lies in its user-friendly design, reliable support, and targeted features for small hotels and B&Bs. Its high review volume and recent positive feedback make it the more dependable choice for most independent hoteliers today.
Redforts offers a broader suite of operational tools, making it suitable for hotels with more complex needs or those wanting an all-in-one platform. However, its lower review count and less modern interface suggest it’s better for properties comfortable with a slightly steeper learning curve and higher investment.
If your hotel seeks simplicity, excellent support, and proven performance, go with freetobook. For properties needing extensive management functions and customization, Redforts might be worth considering, but expect a longer onboarding process.
In conclusion, the clear winner based on recent data and review sentiment is freetobook, especially for small to medium-sized properties aiming for straightforward, reliable management.
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.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $200/mo | From $500/mo |
According to HTR's product database, freetobook and Redforts share 33 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Shift Planning | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in |
Showing top differences. 6 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
What hoteliers love
Many users appreciate Redforts for its intuitive design, which simplifies training and reduces human errors. This streamlines daily operations, freein... Many users appreciate Redforts for its intuitive design, which simplifies training and reduces human errors. This streamlines daily operations, freeing up staff for other tasks.
The system excels at managing reservations, preventing overbooking, and integrating with multiple platforms. Customization for booking engines and cha... The system excels at managing reservations, preventing overbooking, and integrating with multiple platforms. Customization for booking engines and channel management is also highlighted as a significant strength.
The attentive and responsive customer service is frequently applauded. Users mention personal communication and quick resolution of issues, contributi... The attentive and responsive customer service is frequently applauded. Users mention personal communication and quick resolution of issues, contributing to an overall positive experience.
Where hoteliers push back
Redforts integrates efficiently with booking engines, channel managers, and other platforms, providing a seamless management experience. This capabili... Redforts integrates efficiently with booking engines, channel managers, and other platforms, providing a seamless management experience. This capability simplifies coordination between different systems and platforms.
While the functionality is praised, several reviews mention that the interface appears outdated and could benefit from modernization to enhance visual... While the functionality is praised, several reviews mention that the interface appears outdated and could benefit from modernization to enhance visual appeal and efficiency.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. freetobook and Redforts share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. freetobook offers 4 verified integration partners, while Redforts offers 2. 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. Redforts: 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 Redforts has 73. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 →
Product recommendations advisor