Booking Engine by HotelRunner vs. openROOM:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right booking engine is critical to increasing direct bookings, managing inventory, and streamlining operations. HotelRunner and openROOM both aim to fulfill these needs but differ significantly in features, market presence, and user feedback. Your hotel’s specific requirements—whether it’s extensive channel management or high conversion-focused booking processes—will determine the best fit.

HotelRunner boasts a higher review count, more recent feedback, and a broader geographic footprint, making it the more proven choice. openROOM, with fewer reviews but high satisfaction, appeals to specific hotel types but lacks the same scale of validation. So, which is better for your hotel?

Is HotelRunner or openROOM Better for Hotels?

HotelRunner and openROOM are both designed to facilitate online bookings, but their core strengths set them apart. HotelRunner excels in comprehensive channel management, offering integrations with 17 partners across multiple regions, which helps hotels avoid double bookings and expand their reach. Its booking engine is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the guest experience and promotions.

In contrast, openROOM emphasizes maximizing conversion rates through a simplified, intuitive booking process tailored for various hotel types, including independent hotels, chains, and youth hostels. Despite its focus on ease of use, openROOM has fewer integrations and a smaller market presence, which affects its overall versatility.

Both platforms aim to boost direct bookings, but your decision hinges on whether you prioritize extensive channel connectivity or a high-converting booking process. Are you seeking a broad, reliable system with extensive third-party integrations or a streamlined engine that emphasizes booking conversions?

HotelRunner vs openROOM: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a robust, multi-region system with a large integration network and advanced features such as pooled inventory and PCI compliance, HotelRunner is likely the better fit. It is suited for hotels that want detailed control over rates, availability, and promotional campaigns, especially properties with multiple channels to manage.

If your priority is a straightforward, high-conversion booking experience with a focus on mobile and website performance, openROOM is the recommended choice. It caters well to independent hotels and chains looking for a tool that simplifies the booking journey and maximizes bookings without extensive third-party integrations.

For property managers seeking a versatile, feature-rich platform, HotelRunner offers more depth. Conversely, if your hotel prioritizes a sleek, effective booking process with minimal complexity, openROOM’s streamlined approach is advantageous.

Is HotelRunner or openROOM Easier to Use?

HotelRunner has a user-friendly interface rated at 4.73/5, praised for its ease of navigation and onboarding process rated at 4.79/5. Users highlight its straightforward setup and support, with many feeling confident managing rates and channels after minimal training.

openROOM surpasses slightly in ease of use with a score of 4.78/5 and onboarding at 4.88/5, with reviews emphasizing its intuitive design tailored to non-technical users. Clients appreciate how quickly they can implement and start seeing results, even with limited technical expertise.

Edge: openROOM.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or openROOM?

HotelRunner offers a comprehensive suite with 17 features unique to its platform, including pooled inventory, PCI compliance, website integration, social media bookings, and advanced tools like A/B testing and booking abandonment recapture. It also supports popular payment options such as Google Pay, PayPal, and Stripe.

openROOM provides 2 unique features—Facebook conversion tracking and loyalty program integration—focused on boosting conversions and customer retention. It covers essential booking functions but lacks the extensive customization and marketing tools found in HotelRunner.

Overall, HotelRunner’s feature set is more extensive, especially for hotels wanting a full platform for management, marketing, and operations. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or openROOM?

HotelRunner’s customer support is highly rated at 4.8/5, with users emphasizing its responsiveness and availability via multiple channels, including WhatsApp. Reviewers note that support issues are resolved promptly, making their operational experience smoother.

openROOM’s support is slightly higher at 4.89/5, with reviews praising the team’s commitment and approachability. Clients describe openROOM support as proactive and collaborative, feeling like partners rather than just vendors.

Edge: openROOM.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or openROOM?

HotelRunner boasts 17 verified integrations with major OTAs, PMS systems like protel and Oracle Hospitality, and services such as Airbnb and Agoda. This extensive network facilitates smooth, real-time updates and inventory management across multiple channels.

openROOM currently offers no verified integrations, limiting its connectivity options. This can restrict your hotel’s online distribution and flexibility in managing third-party bookings.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or openROOM?

HotelRunner’s overall rating is 4.5/5 based on 40 reviews, with recent feedback emphasizing its reliability and feature set. Boutique hotels and city center properties particularly appreciate its customization and ease of management.

openROOM, though rated at 0/5, has only 9 reviews, all highly positive, with a 9.78/10 NPS score and 98% likelihood to recommend. Its users include hotels and chains focused specifically on conversion and website performance.

Given the larger, more recent review base, HotelRunner’s rating is more robust. Edge: HotelRunner.

How Much Do HotelRunner and openROOM Cost?

HotelRunner charges a flat monthly fee of $100, with no trial or implementation fees, offering a predictable, affordable price point. Its pricing model suits hotels seeking extensive features without hidden costs.

openROOM’s base price is $400 per month, with no free tier or trial, reflecting its focus on high-conversion features. Its higher cost might be a barrier for smaller hotels but justifiable for properties prioritizing optimized booking processes.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

Hotels that:

• Need extensive channel management and integration options.
• Operate across multiple regions or channels.
• Require advanced customization, reporting, and inventory control.
• Have larger properties or chains with complex operations.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel has very limited online distribution needs.
• You prefer a simple, no-frills booking tool.
• You operate on a tight budget with minimal integration requirements.

What Type of Hotel Should Use openROOM?

Hotels that:

• Focus heavily on maximizing conversion rates on their website.
• Are independently owned or part of a small chain.
• Need a quick, intuitive booking engine that improves guest experience.
• Value a straightforward, mobile-optimized booking process.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel relies on extensive third-party channel integrations.
• You require advanced marketing or operational features.
• Budget constraints mean the higher monthly fee is a concern.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelRunner and openROOM serve different needs. HotelRunner is a broad, feature-rich platform ideal for hotels with complex distribution and management requirements. openROOM is a high-conversion engine perfect for properties prioritizing simplicity and website performance.

Choose HotelRunner if your hotel needs comprehensive channel management, extensive integrations, and detailed control. Its larger review base and recent feedback make it a more proven, reliable option.

Opt for openROOM if your primary goal is a sleek, user-friendly booking experience that maximizes conversions on your site. Its high satisfaction scores, despite fewer reviews, indicate strong performance for specific hotel types.

In conclusion, for most hotels, especially those seeking proven stability and extensive features, HotelRunner is the recommended choice. If your focus is on boosting direct bookings through a highly effective, simple booking engine, openROOM offers a compelling alternative.