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Booking Engine by HotelRunner vs. Simple Booking (Reservations System):
Which Is Right for You?
TLDR
We analyzed 72 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:
HotelRunner shines when it comes to customer support .
Simple Booking shines when it comes to user-friendly interface , with exclusive features like Urgency messaging.
How Does Booking Engine by HotelRunner Compare to Simple Booking (Reservations System)?
Side-by-side ratings based on 72 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $100/mo | From $200/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 41 | 31 |
What Are the Pros and Cons of Booking Engine by HotelRunner vs Simple Booking (Reservations System)?
After analyzing 72 verified reviews, HotelRunner users most value its ease of use, channel management, integration with otas, while Simple Booking users highlight user-friendly interface, increased booking conversions, flexibility and customization. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Ease of Use
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User-friendly Interface
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Channel Management
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Increased Booking Conversions
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Integration with OTAs
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Flexibility and Customization
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Customization Options
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Advanced Functionalities
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Booking Engine
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Advanced Functionalities
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Reporting Features
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Cost-related Issues
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HotelRunner vs Simple Booking: Rankings by Hotel Segment
How each product ranks among Booking Engine vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #19 16 reviews | #31 6 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #29 9 reviews | #21 19 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #31 0 reviews | #24 4 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #25 1 reviews | #27 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #18 22 reviews | #28 13 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #28 9 reviews | #26 12 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #31 3 reviews | #26 7 reviews |
| Extended Stay | #33 1 reviews | #27 3 reviews |
By Region
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| North America | #26 1 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #22 12 reviews | #11 25 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | #20 3 reviews | #22 2 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | #1 16 reviews | #12 4 reviews |
The Decision
Choosing between HotelRunner’s booking engine and Simple Booking’s reservation system depends on your hotel’s specific needs. Both platforms aim to boost direct bookings and streamline operations, but they differ significantly in features, user experience, and market presence. HotelRunner offers a more robust, well-reviewed platform with extensive channel management, while Simple Booking emphasizes ease of use and integration with a broad partner network. Which aligns better with your hotel’s priorities?
Is HotelRunner or Simple Booking Better for Hotels?
HotelRunner and Simple Booking both address the core hotel booking challenge: increasing direct bookings while managing multiple channels efficiently. HotelRunner’s platform is built for hotels seeking comprehensive control, featuring advanced customization, extensive channel integrations, and a highly rated user experience. Conversely, Simple Booking emphasizes simplicity and speed, catering to hotels that want a straightforward, easy-to-implement reservation system. Do you prioritize depth of features or simplicity?
HotelRunner, with a total of 40 shared features and a higher overall score of 74.69, is suited for hotels needing a flexible, multi-channel management system. Simple Booking, with only 4 exclusive features and a lower overall rating of 69.73, is better for hotels that want quick deployment and minimal complexity. Given recent reviews, HotelRunner’s more active user base and recent positive feedback make it the clear leader. Which platform will better support your growth?
HotelRunner vs Simple Booking: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?
If your hotel needs a full-featured booking engine integrated with a strong channel management system, HotelRunner is the stronger choice. Its high user ratings, broad regional presence, and extensive integrations make it ideal for boutique hotels, inns, and properties seeking operational control.
If you prioritize ease of use, fast onboarding, and integration with a wide array of property management and marketing tools, Simple Booking fits better. It’s particularly suited for independent hotels, hostels, or resorts aiming for quick deployment without extensive customization. Your decision hinges on whether you need depth or speed.
Is HotelRunner or Simple Booking Easier to Use?
HotelRunner scores 4.73/5 for ease of use, with recent reviews highlighting its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup. Users appreciate the intuitive navigation and prompt support, especially via WhatsApp, which helps staff adopt the system quickly. Some mention that connectivity speed can lag during last-minute updates, but overall, HotelRunner’s onboarding is highly regarded.
Simple Booking also scores an impressive 4.79/5, with reviewers praising its speed and modern interface. Its focus on simplicity allows hotels to manage bookings efficiently, though some users report that back-office features could be more advanced.
Edge: HotelRunner.
Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?
HotelRunner offers 40 shared features, including robust channel management, customizable booking engine options, and website design tools. It lacks some of the advanced marketing features found in Simple Booking but excels in core channel and reservation management.
Simple Booking provides 4 unique features not in HotelRunner: urgency messaging, Facebook conversion tracking, Apple Pay, and loyalty program integration. These features can enhance direct conversions and customer engagement but are limited compared to HotelRunner’s suite.
Edge: HotelRunner.
Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?
HotelRunner’s customer support is highly rated at 4.8/5, with many users citing quick, helpful responses and attentive service. Recent reviews commend their responsiveness, especially via WhatsApp, which accelerates issue resolution.
Simple Booking scores 4.76/5, with reviews noting generally responsive support. Some users mention recent difficulties reaching support, but overall, the support quality remains high.
Edge: HotelRunner.
Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?
HotelRunner has 17 verified partners, including major OTAs and channel managers like Airbnb, Expedia, and Agoda. While its integration list is solid, it lacks some of the advanced marketing and PMS integrations seen in Simple Booking.
Simple Booking boasts 56 verified partners, including 5 shared with HotelRunner and additional integrations like AdsHotel, Priority Software, and Lybra Tech. Its extensive partner network offers broader connectivity, especially for large-scale distribution.
Edge: Simple Booking.
Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or Simple Booking?
HotelRunner’s overall rating of 4.5/5 is supported by 40 reviews, mostly recent, and a 96% likelihood of recommendation. Boutique hotels, inns, and city center properties rate it highly, praising its flexibility and support.
Simple Booking has a lower overall rating of 0/5 in the data, but its recent reviews suggest some dissatisfaction, especially with customer support. Its user base, including luxury hotels and resorts, also gives mixed feedback, with some praising functionality and others noting cost concerns.
Given the more recent positive reviews and higher rating, HotelRunner is the stronger-rated platform.
Edge: HotelRunner.
How Much Do HotelRunner and Simple Booking Cost?
HotelRunner charges a base price of $100 per month, with no freemium tier or implementation fees, providing transparency and predictable costs. Its pricing model suits hotels seeking a full-featured system without hidden charges.
Simple Booking costs $200 per month, also without implementation or setup fees. Its higher price reflects its broader integration capabilities and additional features, but some users feel the cost is high for its feature set.
What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?
Hotels that should consider HotelRunner include:
- Boutique hotels seeking extensive customization and control
- Inns and Bed & Breakfasts aiming for integrated marketing and booking management
- Hotels prioritizing multi-channel distribution and OTA connectivity
- Properties looking for a reliable, scalable platform with high user ratings
Not ideal if:
- Your hotel operates with a very limited budget
- You need a simple, plug-and-play reservation system without extensive features
What Type of Hotel Should Use Simple Booking?
Hotels that are ideal for Simple Booking:
- Independent hotels seeking fast deployment and easy management
- Resorts or properties with high online visibility needs
- Hotels focusing on direct booking conversion through integrated marketing
- Properties that prefer a straightforward, user-friendly platform
Not ideal if:
- Your hotel requires a highly customizable or feature-rich system
- You need extensive channel management or PMS integration beyond what Simple Booking offers
The Bottom Line for Hotels
HotelRunner and Simple Booking serve different hotel profiles. HotelRunner’s core strength lies in its extensive feature set, high user ratings, and regional presence, making it suitable for hotels seeking comprehensive control and customization. Simple Booking excels in ease of use, quick setup, and broad integration options, fitting hotels that prioritize simplicity and rapid deployment.
If your hotel needs an all-in-one platform with proven reliability and advanced features, HotelRunner is the clear choice. For hotels that value speed, ease, and a broad partner network, Simple Booking is a strong contender.
In summary, choose HotelRunner if you want depth, customization, and a high-rated support team. Opt for Simple Booking if you seek a straightforward, efficient reservation system with extensive integrations. Your decision should align with your hotel’s operational priorities and growth plans.
How Much Do Booking Engine by HotelRunner and Simple Booking (Reservations System) Cost?
Booking Engine pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.
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| Starting Price | From $100/mo | From $200/mo |
Which Features Does Booking Engine by HotelRunner Have That Simple Booking (Reservations System) Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?
According to HTR's product database, Booking Engine by HotelRunner and Simple Booking (Reservations System) share 40 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Apple Pay | ||
| Facebook conversion tracking | ||
| Loyalty program integration | ||
| Urgency messaging |
HotelRunner vs Simple Booking: The Bottom Line
What hoteliers love
Customer support receives accolades for being responsive and efficient. Users appreciate the prompt assistance via various communication channels, inc... Customer support receives accolades for being responsive and efficient. Users appreciate the prompt assistance via various communication channels, including WhatsApp.
The platform is noted for its user-friendly interface and ease of navigation, making set-up and management straightforward for hoteliers of varied tec... The platform is noted for its user-friendly interface and ease of navigation, making set-up and management straightforward for hoteliers of varied technical expertise.
Users praise Hotelrunner for its strong channel management capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with numerous OTAs. This eliminates double... Users praise Hotelrunner for its strong channel management capabilities, allowing seamless synchronization with numerous OTAs. This eliminates double bookings and simplifies inventory management.
Where hoteliers push back
The integrated booking engine is highly regarded for driving direct bookings and allowing customization of packages. Many users appreciate the ease of... The integrated booking engine is highly regarded for driving direct bookings and allowing customization of packages. Many users appreciate the ease of creating OTAs listings, contributing to increased occupancy and revenues.
Users highlight the need for more robust and customizable reporting tools to aid in rate strategy decisions, reflecting a critical area for future imp... Users highlight the need for more robust and customizable reporting tools to aid in rate strategy decisions, reflecting a critical area for future improvement.
Ranks higher for
What hoteliers love
The software's intuitive and easy-to-use interface is frequently praised, allowing both hotel staff and guests to navigate and manage bookings effortl... The software's intuitive and easy-to-use interface is frequently praised, allowing both hotel staff and guests to navigate and manage bookings effortlessly. This ease of use promotes higher conversion rates and a better overall user experience.
While customer support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful, some users note a decline in its quality, finding it cumbersome and diff... While customer support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful, some users note a decline in its quality, finding it cumbersome and difficult to reach lately. Continuous improvement in this area is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction.
Many hoteliers report a noticeable increase in their booking conversions since implementing SimpleBooking. Features such as the rate match tool, optim... Many hoteliers report a noticeable increase in their booking conversions since implementing SimpleBooking. Features such as the rate match tool, optimized user experience, and persuasive booking options contribute significantly to this improvement.
Where hoteliers push back
Hoteliers are impressed by the system's advanced functionalities, such as automated rate and availability management, customizable templates, and mult... Hoteliers are impressed by the system's advanced functionalities, such as automated rate and availability management, customizable templates, and multi-language support. These features enhance the booking process, making it more efficient and user-centric.
Several reviews highlight cost-related concerns, particularly the high prices for specific features like custom URLs and payment provider options. Use... Several reviews highlight cost-related concerns, particularly the high prices for specific features like custom URLs and payment provider options. Users feel that these charges are not justified and suggest more reasonable pricing.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Engine by HotelRunner vs Simple Booking (Reservations System)
Can Booking Engine by HotelRunner replace Simple Booking (Reservations System)?
It depends on your requirements. Booking Engine by HotelRunner and Simple Booking (Reservations System) share many core Booking Engine features, but each has unique capabilities. Booking Engine by HotelRunner offers 17 verified integration partners, while Simple Booking (Reservations System) offers 56. 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. Simple Booking (Reservations System) leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5. 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 Booking Engine by HotelRunner or Simple Booking (Reservations System) offer a free plan?
Booking Engine by HotelRunner: No. Simple Booking (Reservations System): No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Booking Engine vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Booking Engine by HotelRunner and Simple Booking (Reservations System)?
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. HotelRunner has an HT Score of 74 and Simple Booking has 68. 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 →
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