HotelFriend HMS vs. rezStream:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between HotelFriend HMS by HotelFriend AG and rezStream hinges on your property’s size, operational complexity, and specific needs. Both platforms aim to streamline hotel management, but they differ significantly in features, target markets, and overall maturity. HotelFriend offers a comprehensive, multi-module system suited for larger or more complex operations, while rezStream caters to small to medium independent hotels with a focus on reservations and guest engagement. How do you prioritize your hotel’s unique demands?

Quick Verdict

rezStream has a clear edge due to its larger review base—26 reviews with recent activity—and higher overall ratings, including a 99% likelihood to recommend. Its ease of use and customer support ratings surpass HotelFriend, which suffers from only 17 reviews, mostly older and with more critical feedback. For hoteliers seeking a straightforward, user-friendly solution with proven customer satisfaction, rezStream is the better choice.

Is HotelFriend or rezStream Better for Hotels?

HotelFriend AG and rezStream both address core hotel management needs: reservations, property management, and guest communication. HotelFriend’s platform integrates a wide array of modules—over 50—including revenue management, GDPR compliance, and native email marketing—aimed at larger hotels or chains with complex workflows. RezStream, however, focuses on small and independent hotels, offering a streamlined reservation system, website tools, and digital marketing.

HotelFriend’s extensive feature set makes it advantageous for properties with multiple revenue streams and regulatory requirements, while rezStream’s simplicity and affordability benefit small hoteliers who want an easy-to-implement solution. Do you need a feature-rich enterprise system or a straightforward, budget-friendly platform?

HotelFriend vs rezStream: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates at a large scale, with complex operations, multiple revenue streams, and a need for detailed financial compliance—especially in Europe—HotelFriend is the logical pick. It offers modules like native email marketing, employee messaging, and centralized messaging, which are unmatched in number and depth.

For small to medium properties prioritizing reservation management, guest engagement, and online marketing, rezStream stands out. With its high ease-of-use rating and strong customer reviews, it is ideal for independent hoteliers seeking simplicity, affordability, and responsiveness. If your focus is on direct bookings and user-friendly operations, rezStream is the better fit.

Is HotelFriend or rezStream Easier to Use?

rezStream’s interface receives a 4.81/5 rating, with users praising its intuitive and visually appealing design. Its onboarding process is seamless, and staff adoption tends to be quick, thanks to clear workflows and effective support. HotelFriend also scores highly, with a 4.76/5 ease-of-use rating, but some reviews highlight its heavier feature set leading to a steeper learning curve, especially for larger teams unfamiliar with complex software.

Given recent reviews, rezStream’s straightforward approach ensures that staff can start managing reservations and guest communications with minimal training. Edge: rezStream.

Which Has Better Features: HotelFriend or rezStream?

HotelFriend’s advantage lies in its extensive features—over 50 shared features plus 11 exclusive modules—such as multi-lingual support, GDPR compliance, integrated ID scanners, and a dedicated revenue management module. These features are designed for complex, larger properties requiring detailed control over operations.

RezStream offers five unique features, including guest communication via SMS, a housekeeping mobile app, rules-based room assignments, and multi-currency support. While its feature count is lower, these functionalities are highly relevant for small hotels focused on reservations, online presence, and guest engagement.

Edge: HotelFriend, if your hotel needs advanced modules and compliance features; rezStream if your priority is reservation and guest communication simplicity.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelFriend or rezStream?

rezStream’s customer support scores a near-perfect 4.92/5, with reviews emphasizing their responsiveness, friendly staff, and consistent platform updates. Hoteliers highlight their ongoing training sessions and the team’s proactive approach to feature enhancements, making support a key strength.

HotelFriend also maintains a high 4.76/5 support rating, with reviews noting personalized on-site support and detailed onboarding. However, some users express frustration over the software’s usability issues and bugs, impacting their overall experience.

Edge: rezStream, thanks to its more recent reviews and higher satisfaction ratings, clearly demonstrates superior support.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelFriend or rezStream?

rezStream integrates with five verified partners, including major OTAs and payment providers like Cloudbeds, Akia, and Stash Rewards. These integrations streamline reservations and revenue channels effectively.

HotelFriend offers only one verified integration—Smartness—limiting its connectivity options. While its native modules are extensive, the lack of broader third-party integrations may hinder scalability for some larger hotel groups.

Edge: rezStream, with more verified partners and broader integration options, supports more flexible operations.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelFriend or rezStream?

rezStream enjoys a higher overall rating—75.67/100—based on 26 reviews, compared to HotelFriend’s 0/5 from 17 reviews. Recent reviews favor rezStream’s ease of use, customer support, and value, with a 99% likelihood to recommend. HotelFriend’s reviews are mostly critical, citing bugs, cumbersome workflows, and outdated features, which overshadow its strengths among the limited sample.

For hoteliers seeking peer-validated satisfaction, rezStream’s higher ratings and recent positive feedback clearly indicate a more trusted solution.

Edge: rezStream.

How Much Do HotelFriend and rezStream Cost?

HotelFriend’s base price is $800 per month, with no free trial available. Its pricing model appears to be a flat fee with no detailed breakdown of modules, potentially making it more expensive for smaller hotels.

rezStream’s base price is $700 per month, also without a trial, but its more targeted feature set and positive reviews suggest a better ROI for smaller properties. Both offer similar pricing structures, but rezStream’s affordability combined with proven satisfaction makes it more attractive.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelFriend?

• Hotels that operate at a large scale with complex workflows, multiple revenue streams, or require detailed compliance with European regulations.
• Teams that need a highly customizable all-in-one platform with modules like revenue management, native email marketing, and integrated ID scanning.
• Properties in Europe or regions where full legal compliance and German data hosting are priorities.
• Hotels with dedicated IT or operational teams willing to undergo extensive onboarding and training.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, new, or looking for quick deployment—because of the steep learning curve and higher cost.

What Type of Hotel Should Use rezStream?

• Independent hotels, boutique properties, or small resorts seeking an easy-to-use reservation and guest engagement tool.
• Teams that want to quickly train staff and see fast deployment with high user satisfaction.
• Hotels focused on online marketing, direct bookings, and guest communication, especially in North America.
• Properties that appreciate responsive support and regular platform updates based on user feedback.

Not ideal if your hotel requires advanced modules like revenue management, multi-lingual support, or extensive compliance features.

rezStream vs HotelFriend: The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelFriend AG offers an extensive, modular platform ideal for large, complex hotels, especially in Europe, with detailed compliance, revenue management, and integrated solutions. Its steep learning curve and limited recent reviews make it less suitable for smaller or less technologically advanced properties.

rezStream provides a straightforward, user-friendly solution with higher recent ratings, superior support, and a focus on reservations, guest communication, and online marketing. Its affordability and ease of use make it the better choice for independent and small hotel operators.

If your hotel needs a large-scale, multi-module system with detailed compliance and reporting, HotelFriend is the way to go. However, for most hoteliers looking for proven satisfaction, ease of deployment, and strong support, rezStream is the preferred platform.