Gearco - True Extended Stay vs. ThinkReservations PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is critical for your hotel’s operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Both Gearco and ThinkReservations aim to streamline your workflows, but they serve different hotel types and operational needs. Gearco’s niche is long-term and extended stays, while ThinkReservations caters to a broad spectrum including small hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. Do you need a specialized system for extended stays or a versatile platform for various property types?

Is Gearco or ThinkReservations Better for Hotels?

Gearco is designed explicitly for long-term and extended stay accommodations, automating tasks like populating guest data, capturing signatures electronically, and managing availability based on length-of-stay rules. ThinkReservations, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive PMS with features that support a variety of property types, from inns to resorts, with strong OTA integration and guest communication tools. Which operational challenge are you prioritizing: managing long-term stays or optimizing mixed-property workflows?

Gearco’s focus on automating long-term stay management and controlling revenue issues across multiple properties makes it ideal for hotels with a high volume of extended stays. ThinkReservations is more flexible, supporting small hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals with a large feature set, including real-time reporting and upselling tools. Are your primary needs long-term stay automation or broad operational features?

End of the day, Gearco offers a specialized solution for a narrow segment with complex long-stay needs, while ThinkReservations provides a versatile platform that adapts to various hotel types and enhances revenue opportunities.

Gearco vs ThinkReservations: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel primarily offers extended stays or long-term rentals, Gearco is the clear choice. Its automation of check-in processes, guest profiles, and multi-property DNR checks simplifies long-term management and reduces revenue leakage.

If your hotel needs a flexible, all-in-one PMS with strong OTA integration, upselling, and guest communication capabilities, go with ThinkReservations. It’s better suited for small to mid-sized properties focused on maximizing revenue and operational simplicity.

For properties that need dedicated long-term stay features, Gearco’s revenue management and LOS protection are unmatched. Conversely, if your hotel benefits from robust booking engine integrations and comprehensive reporting, ThinkReservations will serve you better.

Is Gearco or ThinkReservations Easier to Use?

Gearco’s interface has a perfect 5/5 ease-of-use rating, making it exceptionally straightforward for staff, especially those managing long-term stays and complex transactions. Its onboarding process is rated 5/5, and reviews highlight its intuitive design, with users noting how quickly new staff can be trained.

ThinkReservations also scores highly with a 4.82/5 rating for ease of use, praised for its clean, professional UI and seamless OTA integrations. Users commend its straightforward setup and operation, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy staff.

Edge: Gearco.

Which Has Better Features: Gearco or ThinkReservations?

Gearco’s standout features include revenue management modules, integrated CRS, and guest profiles tailored for extended stays—features not present in ThinkReservations. ThinkReservations offers a broader set of 25 unique features like gift vouchers, SMS messaging, multi-currency support, digital registration, and native email marketing, which Gearco lacks.

Gearco’s focus on managing long-term stays through LOS protection and automated surcharges makes it a niche tool for extended stay hotels. ThinkReservations’ features are more diverse, supporting various property operations, upselling, and guest engagement.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Gearco or ThinkReservations?

Gearco’s support scores 4/5, with reviewers noting the support team as “quite solid” and the system’s overall reliability as “rock solid.” However, given its limited review count, feedback is less diverse.

ThinkReservations ranks slightly higher with a 4.82/5 rating, with many praising its quick, knowledgeable support team and proactive customer service. Users say support is “fantastic,” with prompt responses and helpful guidance, especially during onboarding and troubleshooting.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has More Integrations: Gearco or ThinkReservations?

Gearco supports five verified partners, including Vertical Booking, SiteMinder, and Inn-Flow, focusing on core integrations for revenue and channel management. ThinkReservations, with 16 verified integrations, connects to major OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, Airbnb, Triptease, and TrustYou, offering broader connectivity.

Shared integrations include Sojern, but ThinkReservations’ extensive partner list covers more channels and tools, making it more adaptable for diverse operational needs.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Gearco or ThinkReservations?

Gearco’s review base features only one review, rated 0/5, and its limited data prevents a reliable hotel segment analysis. ThinkReservations, with 356 reviews and a 4.88/5 rating, garners high praise across all segments, especially inns and small hotels, with recent reviews emphasizing its ease and support.

Small and boutique hotels tend to rate ThinkReservations higher due to its broad feature set and proven support. Gearco’s rating is anecdotal and not recent, so the stronger, more recent data favors ThinkReservations.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

How Much Do Gearco and ThinkReservations Cost?

Gearco does not publish a specific pricing model, but as a subscription-based SaaS tailored for niche long-term stay management, pricing is likely customized. ThinkReservations charges a flat $500 monthly fee, with no implementation or setup fees, providing predictable costs for small properties.

If your hotel values transparent, predictable pricing, ThinkReservations’ flat-rate model might be more appealing. Gearco’s pricing is less clear but may offer value for specialized long-term stay management.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Gearco?

• Hotels that primarily offer long-term or extended stays, especially those managing multiple properties.
• Teams seeking to automate the check-in process for long-term guests.
• Hotels needing detailed revenue management and availability controls for forever guests.
• Properties that value security and compliance, such as capturing signatures electronically.
• Hotels managing complex multi-property DNR procedures or seeking to reduce revenue leakage.

Not ideal if you need a broad feature set supporting various property types or OTA integrations, as Gearco’s features are highly specialized.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

• Small hotels, inns, B&Bs, and boutique properties looking for a simple, intuitive PMS.
• Hotels focused on increasing revenue via upselling and effective online distribution.
• Properties seeking reliable OTA integrations, including Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking.com.
• Teams prioritizing guest communication and automated messaging tools.
• Hotels wanting comprehensive reporting and operational tools within a single platform.

Not ideal if you need extensive long-term stay management or advanced revenue controls, as ThinkReservations excels at broad hotel operations.

Gearco vs ThinkReservations: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Gearco is a specialized property management system built exclusively for long-term and extended stay accommodations. Its core strengths lie in automating guest data collection, managing multi-property long-term availability, and reducing revenue leakage through advanced controls.

ThinkReservations, with its 356 reviews and a recent 4.88/5 rating, offers an all-around, user-friendly PMS supporting small and boutique hotels with features designed to boost revenue and guest satisfaction. Its extensive integrations, automated upselling, and superior support make it a versatile choice for most small properties.

If your hotel’s focus is on long-term stays and minimizing revenue risks from complex transactions, Gearco’s niche features are unmatched. However, for broader operational needs, easier adoption, and proven reliability, ThinkReservations remains the stronger, more dependable option.