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HotelKey PMS vs. Redforts:
Which Is Right for You?
TLDR
We analyzed 74 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:
HotelKey shines when it comes to user-friendliness , with exclusive features like Ancillary revenue tracking and On premise.
Redforts shines when it comes to ease of use and intuitive system , with exclusive features like Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) and Native Email Marketing.
How Does HotelKey PMS Compare to Redforts?
Side-by-side ratings based on 74 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $800/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 31 | 43 |
What Are the Pros and Cons of HotelKey PMS vs Redforts?
After analyzing 74 verified reviews, HotelKey users most value its user-friendliness, mobile integration, pms simplification, while Redforts users highlight ease of use and intuitive system, reservation management, customer service. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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User-Friendliness
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Ease of use and intuitive system
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Mobile Integration
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Reservation management
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PMS Simplification
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Customer service
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Training and Onboarding
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Continuous improvement and innovation
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Configuration and Customizability
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Integration capabilities
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Customer Support Challenges
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Interface and design improvements
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Reporting Limitations
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HotelKey vs Redforts: Rankings by Hotel Segment
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 |
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #47 6 reviews | #31 21 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #33 16 reviews | #49 3 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #30 3 reviews | — |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #35 1 reviews | — |
By Property Type
| Segment |
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| Boutique ▾ | #46 8 reviews | #30 18 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #46 4 reviews | #39 5 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #30 8 reviews | #49 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay | #40 2 reviews | #37 2 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #18 28 reviews | #32 4 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #54 0 reviews | #14 39 reviews |
The Decision
Choosing between HotelKey PMS and Redforts hinges on your hotel's operational needs, size, and growth goals. Both systems aim to streamline hotel management, but they differ significantly in user feedback, features, and market presence. HotelKey, with its extensive reviews and recent positive feedback, offers a more tested and reliable platform for many hoteliers. Redforts, while more affordable and feature-rich, has fewer recent reviews and a smaller user base. Which product aligns best with your hotel's priorities?
Is HotelKey or Redforts Better for Hotels?
HotelKey and Redforts are both property management systems designed to simplify hotel operations, but their core strengths diverge. HotelKey emphasizes ease of use and configurability, with a focus on integration and operational simplicity, backed by 30 reviews in the last six months—more recent and numerous reviews than Redforts. Redforts offers a broad suite of features, including channel management and online payment, but with only 1 recent review among 40 total. Do you prioritize proven reliability or a comprehensive feature set?
HotelKey vs Redforts: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?
If your hotel needs a highly intuitive, easy-to-train system with proven stability and recent positive reviews, HotelKey is the clear choice. Its user-friendly interface, strong onboarding scores, and extensive integrations make it ideal for small to mid-sized hotels seeking quick deployment. Conversely, if your hotel requires a full suite of tools—including revenue and yield management, online check-in, and POS integration—and you’re comfortable with a potentially steeper learning curve, Redforts could suit you better. The choice depends on whether ease of use or feature breadth takes priority.
Is HotelKey or Redforts Easier to Use?
HotelKey scores 4.62/5 for ease of use, with many users praising its intuitive design and quick staff onboarding, supported by a 4.55/5 onboarding rating. Reviewers highlight how staff can learn the system within hours, and mobile apps enhance operational flexibility. Redforts is similarly rated at 4.68/5, with users commending its straightforward interface and automation features. However, HotelKey’s recent reviews and higher overall ratings suggest a more consistent user experience. Edge: HotelKey.
Which Has Better Features: HotelKey or Redforts?
HotelKey offers nine features exclusive to its platform, including automated night audit, integrated CRS, shift planning, and online checkout, totaling 49 features when combined with shared functionalities. Redforts provides six unique features, such as native email marketing, gift vouchers, and task management, but with only 40 features in total. Both systems excel in core reservations, channel management, and reporting, but HotelKey’s added automation and integrated payment solutions give it an edge. Edge: HotelKey.
Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelKey or Redforts?
HotelKey’s support scores 4.38/5, with reviews noting its helpfulness but occasional delays and stability issues. Recent feedback indicates some users experience bugs and inconsistent responses, which can hinder daily operations. Redforts outperforms slightly with a 4.53/5 rating, praised for its attentive, quick, and personalized customer service, with reviews emphasizing prompt resolutions. Given the recent review activity, Redforts’ support appears marginally more reliable. Edge: Redforts.
Which Has More Integrations: HotelKey or Redforts?
HotelKey boasts 31 verified partners, including major names like Curacity, Revinate, and STAAH, offering extensive connectivity with booking engines, POS, and other platforms. Redforts has only 2 verified integrations—WuBook and Mr. Winston—limiting its connectivity options. If platform integrations are critical to your operations, HotelKey’s broader ecosystem provides a clear advantage. Edge: HotelKey.
Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelKey or Redforts?
HotelKey’s recent reviews and higher ratings (4.96/5 overall) reflect strong satisfaction across various hotel segments, particularly motels and boutique hotels. Its 30 reviews in the last six months provide current insight into user experience. Redforts, with 40 reviews but only one recent one, has a poor 0/5 rating in some segments, indicating inconsistent satisfaction. For reliability and recent positive feedback, HotelKey is the preferred choice. Edge: HotelKey.
How Much Do HotelKey and Redforts Cost?
HotelKey’s pricing is a flat $800 monthly fee with no freemium or trial options, making it a more substantial investment. Redforts offers a lower base price of $500 monthly, also without free trials or hidden fees. Both are subscription-based, but HotelKey’s higher cost reflects its broader features and enterprise focus.
What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelKey?
- Hotels that need an easy-to-use, reliable PMS with quick onboarding and strong integration capabilities.
- Properties that value mobility, with staff managing operations remotely via apps.
- Hotels seeking a configurable platform tailored to various business models, especially motels and boutique hotels.
- Teams that prioritize stability and recent positive reviews.
- Not ideal if your hotel requires advanced revenue management or detailed reporting features.
What Type of Hotel Should Use Redforts?
- Hotels, hostels, and apartments looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one management platform.
- Teams that prefer a modular system you can customize based on operational needs.
- Properties that value automation for daily tasks, reservations, and online check-in.
- Hotels seeking strong integration with POS and payment systems.
- Not ideal if your hotel relies heavily on advanced reporting, interface modernizations, or extensive partner integrations.
The Bottom Line for Hotels
HotelKey offers a dependable, user-friendly PMS with recent, high-volume reviews confirming its stability and ease of use. Its extensive integrations and configurable features make it suitable for many small to mid-sized hotels, especially those prioritizing operational simplicity and stability.
Redforts provides a feature-rich platform at a competitive price point, appealing to hotels that want an all-in-one system with automation and online management tools. However, its limited recent reviews and fewer integrations suggest it’s better suited for smaller properties or those comfortable with a less modern interface.
If your hotel values proven reliability and a broad ecosystem, HotelKey is the smarter choice. If you need a flexible, budget-friendly system with extensive features and excellent support, Redforts might meet your needs—though recent feedback indicates HotelKey’s stronger market presence and customer satisfaction.
Which Features Does HotelKey PMS Have That Redforts Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?
According to HTR's product database, HotelKey PMS and Redforts share 40 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
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| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| SOC2 Complaint | ||
| Shift Planning | ||
| Task Management |
Showing top differences. 3 more features differ between these products.
HotelKey vs Redforts: The Bottom Line
What hoteliers love
Users frequently mention the ease of use of HotelKey, highlighting its intuitive design that allows quick training of staff and seamless navigation. T... Users frequently mention the ease of use of HotelKey, highlighting its intuitive design that allows quick training of staff and seamless navigation. This is especially valued in fast-paced environments where efficiency is critical.
The mobile app integration is well-received, allowing managers and staff to access essential functions and statistics in real-time from their smartpho... The mobile app integration is well-received, allowing managers and staff to access essential functions and statistics in real-time from their smartphones or tablets, facilitating better operational management and customer service.
HotelKey's PMS is cited as simplifying hotel operations by integrating multiple functions, such as reservations, housekeeping, billing, and more withi... HotelKey's PMS is cited as simplifying hotel operations by integrating multiple functions, such as reservations, housekeeping, billing, and more within a single platform. This consolidation helps streamline processes and reduce operational complexity.
Where hoteliers push back
HotelKey is praised for its high configurability, enabling properties to tailor the system to their unique business needs. However, some users feel th... HotelKey is praised for its high configurability, enabling properties to tailor the system to their unique business needs. However, some users feel there is room for improvement regarding customizable reporting and additional features.
While generally praised, some users report inconsistent customer support experiences, including delayed responses and unhelpful interactions. For a PM... While generally praised, some users report inconsistent customer support experiences, including delayed responses and unhelpful interactions. For a PMS, timely and effective support is crucial in maintaining smooth hotel operations.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About HotelKey PMS vs Redforts
Can HotelKey PMS replace Redforts?
It depends on your requirements. HotelKey PMS and Redforts share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. HotelKey PMS offers 31 verified integration partners, while Redforts offers 2. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Which is better for small or independent hotels?
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Redforts leads in ease of use at 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5. 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.
Do HotelKey PMS or Redforts offer a free plan?
HotelKey PMS: 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.
How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank HotelKey PMS and Redforts?
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. HotelKey has an HT Score of 20 and Redforts has 73. 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 →
What Other Property Management Systems Comparisons Are Hoteliers Reading?
Explore more head-to-head comparisons based on verified hotelier reviews.
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