HotelRunner HMS vs. ThinkReservations All-in-1 HMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

When choosing a hotel management system, your primary goal is to find a solution that streamlines operations, boosts bookings, and enhances guest satisfaction. HotelRunner HMS and ThinkReservations All-in-1 HMS both aim to address these needs but differ significantly in their approach, features, and market presence. The key is to evaluate which platform aligns best with your property's size, segment, and strategic goals.

HotelRunner offers a broader regional reach and a lower starting price, while ThinkReservations provides a more extensive set of features backed by a larger, more recent review base. Which one will deliver the value and functionality your hotel needs most?

Is HotelRunner HMS or ThinkReservations All-in-1 HMS Better for Hotels?

HotelRunner and ThinkReservations are both designed to automate daily hotel tasks, manage reservations, and improve online visibility. HotelRunner focuses on a unified platform catering to independent, boutique, and city hotels worldwide, integrating booking, payment, and guest feedback management. ThinkReservations emphasizes comprehensive property management with advanced tools like rate shopping, automated night audits, and extensive guest communication options.

The main divergence is in their market focus and feature depth. HotelRunner is more regionally expansive but offers fewer unique features (3 in total), whereas ThinkReservations provides 31 features, making it more suitable for properties needing a robust, all-in-one system. Do you prioritize a broad international presence or a feature-rich platform?

HotelRunner HMS vs ThinkReservations: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel primarily operates in North America and needs a budget-friendly solution with straightforward reservation management, HotelRunner’s $100 monthly fee and simple interface make it a good fit. It is especially suited for boutique or city hotels seeking easy online booking and guest feedback tools. Conversely, if your property is looking for an all-encompassing system that handles complex rate management, guest messaging, automated night audits, and detailed reports, ThinkReservations’ $1,100 monthly fee aligns better.

For small properties focused on automation and guest engagement, ThinkReservations offers a more mature, feature-dense platform. Larger or multi-property hotels that need a broad set of integrations and advanced operational tools should lean toward ThinkReservations. Which features are non-negotiable for your property?

Is HotelRunner HMS or ThinkReservations All-in-1 HMS Easier to Use?

HotelRunner’s UI scores 4.64 out of 5, and its onboarding process is rated 4.64, indicating a user-friendly experience. However, some reviews mention a mobile app that needs more functionality, and staff training could be improved. ThinkReservations edges slightly higher with a 4.8 rating for ease of use and a 4.73 onboarding score, supported by reviews praising its intuitive interface and seamless setup.

ThinkReservations’ larger, more recent review base (312 reviews, last 6 months) provides stronger evidence of consistent usability. If quick staff adoption and minimal training are priorities, the edge goes to ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or ThinkReservations?

HotelRunner offers 3 unique features, including guest feedback management, native email marketing, and a rate shopping module. ThinkReservations, however, provides 31 features, including guest messaging, real-time reporting, drag-and-drop tape chart, automated night audits, and integrated payment terminals.

While HotelRunner suits hotels that need essential booking and feedback tools, ThinkReservations’ extensive feature set enables detailed revenue management, automation, and guest communication. For properties that require advanced operational tools, ThinkReservations clearly has the edge.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or ThinkReservations?

HotelRunner’s support scores 4.5 out of 5, with reviews indicating a generally reliable service but some mentions of limited staff training. ThinkReservations outperforms slightly with a 4.79 rating and reviews describing its support as fast, knowledgeable, and accessible—often likening the support team to “another employee.”

Given the more recent reviews and higher support rating, the edge goes to ThinkReservations, especially for hotels prioritizing rapid, expert assistance during onboarding and ongoing operations.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or ThinkReservations?

HotelRunner offers 17 verified partners, including industry giants like Agoda, Orbitz, and IDeaS. ThinkReservations has 16 verified integrations, including Airbnb, Expedia, and Stripe, with a slight edge due to an extensive list of exclusive integrations like TrustYou, Triptease, and OpenKey.

Both platforms are well-connected, but HotelRunner’s broader geographic reach and more diverse integrations make it preferable for hotels with specific OTAs or channel needs. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations boasts a higher overall rating of 4.88/5 based on 312 reviews, compared to HotelRunner’s 5/5 from 14 reviews. HotelRunner’s reviews are all recent (last 6 months), but the volume and recency favor ThinkReservations, with more feedback from a diverse range of property types.

Among small inns, boutique hotels, and resorts, ThinkReservations’ reviews highlight its ease of use, automation, and revenue growth. Its larger review base and product maturity give it the edge in customer ratings.

How Much Do HotelRunner and ThinkReservations Cost?

HotelRunner charges a flat $100 monthly fee with no implementation or trial costs, making it accessible for small to medium-sized hotels. ThinkReservations’ pricing starts at $1,100 per month, reflecting its more comprehensive feature set.

While HotelRunner’s lower entry point is attractive, its fewer features may limit scalability. ThinkReservations’ higher cost is justified if your property needs advanced tools, automation, and detailed reporting.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Hotels that operate primarily in Europe, Asia, or other international markets.
• Properties seeking a cost-effective solution for online booking and feedback management.
• Independent hotels, boutique hotels, or city hotels with simple operational needs.
• Hotels that want a straightforward platform to boost online visibility without complex automation.

Not ideal if your hotel requires extensive revenue management, automation, or integrations with a wide array of OTAs and systems.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

• Small to medium-sized properties looking for an all-in-one system with automation.
• Inns, bed & breakfasts, and boutique hotels that want to enhance guest communication.
• Hotels aiming for detailed revenue management, upselling, and reporting.
• Properties that value support and frequent updates, especially in North America.

Not ideal if your hotel operates in regions where HotelRunner’s regional presence is stronger or if you prefer a lower-cost, simpler booking platform.

ThinkReservations vs HotelRunner: The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelRunner provides a budget-friendly, regionally diverse platform ideal for hotels seeking basic online presence and reservation management. Its main strength lies in its simplicity and affordability, making it suitable for small, independent hotels in international markets. However, it lacks the extensive automation and advanced features found in ThinkReservations.

ThinkReservations offers a feature-rich, highly automated platform with robust guest communication, revenue tools, and detailed reports. It excels with hotels that need to streamline operations, increase revenue, and support rapid growth, especially in North America.

If your hotel requires a comprehensive system with advanced automation and excellent support, ThinkReservations is the clear choice. Conversely, if you're looking for an economical, straightforward system with regional flexibility, HotelRunner might be sufficient.

In conclusion, for most hotels evaluating both options today, the larger review base, recent feedback, and extensive capabilities of ThinkReservations make it the stronger candidate. Its consistent positive feedback and proven track record in automating hotel operations position it as the preferred solution for ambitious properties.