Host Hotel Systems vs. ThinkReservations PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel's efficiency, guest experience, and revenue. Host Hotel Systems and ThinkReservations both aim to streamline your operations, but their features, support, and market presence differ significantly. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, segment, and the specific operational tools you need.

Host Hotel Systems offers a longstanding legacy with limited reviews but a broad feature set suited for larger, multi-property operations. ThinkReservations, meanwhile, boasts a high review count, recent positive feedback, and a focus on small to mid-sized properties. Which product aligns better with your hotel’s needs?

Is Host Hotel Systems or ThinkReservations Better for Hotels?

Host Hotel Systems has been around since 1994 and provides a comprehensive PMS platform with 35 shared features and 12 exclusive tools like guest CRM, payment requests, and an integrated ID scanner. Its reviews highlight ease of use (4.5/5) and solid support (4/5), but with only 2 reviews, its reputation is based on limited recent feedback.

ThinkReservations, founded in 2012, is rated 4.88/5 from 356 reviews, with recent feedback showing high satisfaction (4 reviews in the last 6 months). Its strengths lie in its seamless OTA integrations, booking engine, and mobile app, which are crucial for small and boutique properties. Given the volume and recency of reviews, ThinkReservations’ reputation is more reliable for hoteliers considering current performance.

Both products aim to improve operational efficiency and guest management, but ThinkReservations’ large, recent review base suggests it is more aligned with modern hotel needs. Are you looking for a system backed by recent, positive user experiences?

ThinkReservations vs Host Hotel Systems: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a small property, B&B, or boutique operation focused on online distribution and guest engagement, ThinkReservations is likely the better fit. Its integrations with OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb, combined with its booking engine and guest communication tools, make it ideal for properties seeking to maximize direct bookings and revenue.

Host Hotel Systems is better suited for larger hotels or chains that require extensive, customizable features, including guest CRM, centralized messaging, automated space optimization, and on-premise deployment. Its higher customization and feature depth serve hotels with complex operational needs. If your hotel needs to manage multiple properties or require advanced features, Host Hotel Systems might be more appropriate, despite its limited recent reviews.

In summary, choose ThinkReservations if you prioritize ease of use, OTA integration, and a proven track record with small to mid-sized properties. Opt for Host Hotel Systems if your hotel demands extensive customization, multi-property management, and advanced features.

Is Host Hotel Systems or ThinkReservations Easier to Use?

ThinkReservations scores slightly higher for ease of use at 4.82/5, supported by its intuitive interface, quick onboarding, and positive reviews emphasizing simplicity. Its onboarding process is rated 4.73/5, with users noting that training videos and accessible support make the transition smooth.

Host Hotel Systems, with a 4.5/5 ease of use rating, also receives praise for its speed and approachability, but its limited review count makes it harder to gauge overall user sentiment. Some users mention that adapting to specific features can be challenging due to the system’s complexity.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Features: Host Hotel Systems or ThinkReservations?

Host Hotel Systems offers 12 exclusive features not found in ThinkReservations, including guest CRM, centralized messaging, automated space optimization, and integrated ID scanners—vital for large hotels and chains. Its 35 shared features cover core PMS functions, but the added exclusive tools set it apart for complex operations.

ThinkReservations provides four unique features: channel manager, booking engine, guest SMS communication, and a mobile app, all focused on small properties that rely heavily on online bookings and guest engagement. Its features are tailored for efficiency and revenue growth through automation.

The choice depends on your hotel type. For broad, customizable operational needs, Host Hotel Systems leads. For straightforward, online-focused properties, ThinkReservations offers the key features with less complexity.

Edge: Host Hotel Systems.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Host Hotel Systems or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations consistently receives higher support ratings (4.82/5) and recent positive reviews praising its responsiveness and helpfulness. Customers highlight their accessible team and seamless onboarding as major advantages.

Host Hotel Systems’ support scores 4/5, with reviews noting helpful staff but less recent feedback to gauge current responsiveness. Some comments indicate technical resolution times could improve, but overall, support is considered solid.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has More Integrations: Host Hotel Systems or ThinkReservations?

Host Hotel Systems boasts 44 verified partners, including major players like SiteMinder, Revinate, and RateGain, offering extensive third-party connectivity. These integrations support larger, more complex hotel ecosystems.

ThinkReservations has 16 verified partners, including OTA giants like Tripadvisor, Airbnb, and Expedia, with reliable integration that suits small-to-mid-sized hotels. It shares two partners with Host Hotel Systems, such as Stripe and TrustYou.

For broader, more diverse connectivity, Host Hotel Systems takes the lead. For essential OTA and channel integrations, ThinkReservations is sufficient.

Edge: Host Hotel Systems.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Host Hotel Systems or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations has a significantly larger number of recent reviews—356 in total—highlighting high satisfaction (4.88/5). Small hotels and B&Bs frequently praise its ease of use, support, and revenue features.

Host Hotel Systems’ only 2 reviews hinder meaningful comparison, but those reviews praise its powerful features and responsiveness. However, the limited recent feedback reduces confidence in its current performance.

Given the volume and recency of reviews, hoteliers rate ThinkReservations higher for user satisfaction and reliability.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

How Much Do Host Hotel Systems and ThinkReservations Cost?

Host Hotel Systems does not publicly disclose pricing, indicating a potential custom quote based on property size and needs. It also offers no free trial or freemium plan, suggesting a more tailored, possibly higher-cost solution.

ThinkReservations charges a flat $500 monthly fee with no free trial or implementation fee. Its transparent pricing makes it easier to compare against other solutions, especially for small properties.

For clarity and predictability, ThinkReservations offers straightforward pricing. Host Hotel Systems likely involves custom quotes, which may increase total costs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Host Hotel Systems?

Hotels that:

• Operate multiple properties requiring centralized management.
• Need extensive customization and automation features.
• Require on-premise deployment for data security or operational reasons.
• Have complex guest management needs, including CRM and ID scanning.
• Have a dedicated technical team to handle implementation and ongoing support.

Not ideal if:

• You are a small property seeking simple online booking and guest communication tools.
• Your budget favors transparent, predictable monthly costs.
• You prefer quick setup and minimal technical complexity.

Host Hotel Systems suits larger, multi-property hotels with complex operational requirements.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

Hotels that:

• Are small to mid-sized, including B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels.
• Rely heavily on online booking channels and OTA integrations.
• Want an easy-to-use PMS with a focus on revenue growth.
• Need reliable guest communication, including SMS messaging.
• Value transparency in pricing and rapid onboarding.

Not ideal if:

• You operate a large, multi-property hotel chain.
• You require extensive customization or on-premise deployment.
• Your hotel needs advanced features like guest CRM or centralized messaging.

ThinkReservations is best for properties seeking simplicity, automation, and OTA connectivity.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Host Hotel Systems is a feature-rich, multi-property solution built for large hotels and chains requiring extensive customization and integrations. Its limited recent reviews make assessing current performance difficult, but its longstanding presence indicates stability.

ThinkReservations is a highly-rated, widely used PMS tailored for small and boutique hotels. Its recent reviews underscore user satisfaction, ease of use, and robust OTA and guest communication features at an affordable, transparent price.

If your hotel is a small property aiming for online growth and operational simplicity, ThinkReservations is the clear choice. For complex, multi-property management with customizable features, Host Hotel Systems may be more suitable, though limited recent feedback warrants caution.

In conclusion, the decision hinges on your hotel’s size, complexity, and technological needs. ThinkReservations' recent, high-volume positive reviews make it the more reliable choice currently, especially for smaller properties looking to grow efficiently.