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

The Decision

Choosing the right booking engine is crucial for your hotel's online revenue and guest experience. Both HotelRunner and Simplotel aim to streamline bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs, but they differ significantly in user feedback, features, and scalability. While HotelRunner boasts a larger, more recent review base and a solid overall rating, Simplotel's higher review count and recent positive feedback position it as the more established and trusted option. So, which platform aligns better with your hotel’s needs?

Is HotelRunner or Simplotel Better for Hotels?

HotelRunner and Simplotel both tackle the challenge of increasing direct bookings and managing online distribution. HotelRunner offers a comprehensive platform with extensive integrations, high customization, and a strong focus on channel management, but some reviews mention occasional system reliability issues. Simplotel, meanwhile, emphasizes website design, conversion, and analytics, garnering more recent reviews and a higher overall rating, which indicates more current user satisfaction. Do you need a platform with broader channel coverage or one focused on conversion optimization?

HotelRunner vs Simplotel: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel primarily needs a robust channel management system combined with a flexible booking engine, HotelRunner is the clear choice. It caters well to boutique hotels and B&Bs, especially those looking for extensive OTA integration and detailed customization, supported by a better-established user base. Conversely, if your hotel prioritizes direct booking conversion, website design, and advanced analytics—particularly if you're aiming to reduce OTA dependency—Simplotel’s higher recent ratings and detailed marketing tools make it the better fit. Consider your property type, size, and strategic priorities when choosing.

Is HotelRunner or Simplotel Easier to Use?

HotelRunner scores higher in ease of use with a rating of 4.73/5 versus Simplotel’s 4.65/5, and boasts a slightly better onboarding rating of 4.79/5 compared to 4.58/5. HotelRunner users highlight its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup, with comments praising the platform’s intuitive design and support responsiveness. Simplotel's interface is also praised for simplicity, but some reviews mention a learning curve during initial setup. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or Simplotel?

HotelRunner offers 34 shared features plus 6 exclusive ones, including Tripadvisor bookings, Google Pay, and dynamic content management, which are absent in Simplotel. Simplotel, meanwhile, provides 3 unique features like urgency messaging, loyalty integrations, and Facebook conversion tracking—useful for targeted marketing but fewer in number. HotelRunner’s broader feature set supports complex property needs, while Simplotel emphasizes conversion and marketing tools. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or Simplotel?

HotelRunner's support ratings (4.8/5) surpass Simplotel’s (4.69/5), with reviewers frequently praising its quick, helpful responses and multilingual support. Many reviews mention responsive support via WhatsApp and email, especially during onboarding. Simplotel support is described as good but with occasional concerns about consistency and proactive communication. Overall, HotelRunner’s support seems more reliable and faster. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or Simplotel?

HotelRunner connects with 17 verified partners, including major OTAs and channel managers like Airbnb, Expedia, and Agoda, plus unique integrations like Tripadvisor Bookings. Simplotel boasts 22 verified integrations, including popular systems like Cloudbeds, RezNext, and RateGain, with some overlap. However, HotelRunner’s broader regional presence and more extensive partner network give it an edge for hotels needing diverse and extensive integrations. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or Simplotel?

Simplotel’s reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a high rating of 4.75/5 based on 297 reviews—far outpacing HotelRunner’s 4.5/5 from just 40 reviews. Recent reviews (14 in the last 6 months) emphasize its ease of use, effectiveness, and support, especially among independent and resort hotels. HotelRunner’s ratings, while strong, are based on a smaller sample size with older reviews. The volume and recency of Simplotel reviews lend it greater credibility. Edge: Simplotel.

How Much Do HotelRunner and Simplotel Cost?

HotelRunner charges a base fee of $100/month, with no freemium or trial options noted, making it straightforward but potentially limiting for small hotels. Simplotel starts at $500/month, reflecting its focus on larger properties and advanced features, with no trial or freemium offerings. Pricing reflects different target markets; HotelRunner is more affordable for smaller hotels, while Simplotel offers more comprehensive solutions at a higher price point.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Hotels that need extensive channel management and integrations across multiple OTAs.
• Properties seeking a customizable booking engine with flexible content options.
• Hotels that want a user-friendly platform with high support ratings.
• Teams that prioritize operational efficiency and detailed reporting.
• Not ideal if your hotel is very small or budget-constrained, due to higher ongoing costs and feature complexity.

Not ideal if your hotel operates with a very limited online presence or has simple booking needs, as the platform’s breadth might be more than necessary.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Simplotel?

• Hotels focused on increasing direct bookings through website conversion.
• Properties that want to maintain brand consistency with customizable website designs.
• Hotels that value detailed analytics and marketing tools to optimize revenue.
• Resorts and independent hotels looking for a scalable platform with a high recent satisfaction rate.
• Not ideal if your hotel is small with minimal online traffic, or if your team prefers straightforward, less feature-rich solutions.

Not ideal if you require extensive channel management or integrations beyond what Simplotel offers, as its focus is primarily on website and booking conversion.

HotelRunner vs Simplotel: The Bottom Line for Hotels

At its core, HotelRunner is a versatile, broad-feature booking platform that excels in channel management and customization. It suits hotels needing extensive distribution, reliable support, and operational control, especially if budget allows.

Simplotel, with its higher recent ratings and focus on direct bookings and website conversion, is better suited for properties prioritizing online sales, branding, and analytics. Its ease of use and customer satisfaction make it a compelling choice for hotels aiming to reduce OTA reliance and enhance guest engagement.

If your hotel needs a comprehensive distribution tool with broad integrations, HotelRunner is the safer pick. For hotels targeting higher direct bookings with a focus on website experience and analytics, Simplotel is the clearer choice.