Cloudbeds PMS vs. HotelRunner PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Cloudbeds PMS and HotelRunner PMS hinges on your property's size, operational complexity, and growth ambitions. Both systems aim to streamline daily tasks, but Cloudbeds offers a broader, more integrated platform, while HotelRunner emphasizes straightforward reservation management and operational control. How do you determine which aligns best with your hotel’s future?

Cloudbeds is an all-in-one ecosystem trusted by over 1,000 hotels with recent reviews emphasizing its maturity and extensive features, whereas HotelRunner has a smaller user base with limited recent feedback. Does your property need a more proven platform or a leaner, simplified solution?

Is Cloudbeds or HotelRunner Better for Hotels?

Cloudbeds and HotelRunner both serve to simplify hotel operations, but Cloudbeds is designed as a comprehensive management engine, integrating PMS, channel management, booking engine, and analytics into a single platform. HotelRunner focuses on core reservation and operational tools, offering a simplified interface suitable for smaller or less complex properties.

While Cloudbeds connects to over 190 partners and offers 37 exclusive features, HotelRunner provides only 17 verified integrations and 2 unique features, making Cloudbeds more scalable for larger or expanding properties. Do you need a platform that can grow with your hotel, or just a straightforward reservation tool?

Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs an all-in-one management system capable of handling complex operations, extensive distribution, and revenue management, go with Cloudbeds. Its broad feature set and proven scalability make it ideal for boutique hotels, hostels, and multi-property groups aiming for growth.

If your property requires a simple, cost-effective PMS primarily focused on reservations, check-in/out, and basic operations, HotelRunner is a better fit. Its lower price point and streamlined interface suit small hotels or properties seeking minimal setup and quick management.

Is Cloudbeds or HotelRunner Easier to Use?

Cloudbeds boasts a 4.61/5 ease-of-use rating based on over 1,000 reviews, with many users praising its intuitive interface and helpful onboarding, despite occasional setup complexity. Recent reviews highlight its mobile accessibility and user-friendly workflows, especially for large teams managing multiple properties.

HotelRunner surpasses Cloudbeds slightly, rated at 4.81/5, with reviews emphasizing its straightforward, friendly interface and ongoing support. HotelRunner’s small team size and limited review count mean its ease of use is less proven at scale.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Features: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds offers 37 features exclusive to its platform, including inventory management, real-time analytics, online check-in, automated reminders, guest messaging, and a mobile housekeeping app. It also boasts advanced integrations like PCI compliance, GDPR, and SOC2 certifications, plus modules for spa, wellness, and shift planning.

HotelRunner, with only 2 unique features—mobile device notes/tasks and on-premise capabilities—lacks the breadth of advanced management tools. Its core functionalities cover reservations and basic operations but do not match Cloudbeds’ extensive feature set.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds' support is rated at 4.41/5, with reviews praising its responsiveness, especially during onboarding. Some users mention support delays during peak periods but generally value the quick assistance provided by their dedicated teams.

HotelRunner’s customer support is rated at a perfect 5/5 based on limited reviews, with users appreciating ongoing training and dedicated support. However, due to its smaller user base and fewer reviews, its support experience is less validated across diverse hotel types.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has More Integrations: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds connects to 190 verified partners, including major OTAs, payment systems, and third-party tools, supporting extensive automation and customization. Shared integrations include Airbnb, Expedia, Stripe, and Booking.com, with additional exclusive partners like Hotelogix and Umi Digital.

HotelRunner offers only 17 verified integrations, with some unique partners such as Oracle Hospitality and Planet. While sufficient for basic operations, it lacks the depth and variety of Cloudbeds’ ecosystem.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds has a recent overall rating of 4.63/5 from 1,071 reviews, with hotel segments like boutique hotels, hostels, and independent properties giving high marks for usability and support. Its recent reviews emphasize improved operational control and revenue growth.

HotelRunner’s perfect 5/5 rating is based on only 16 reviews, mostly from boutique hotels. The limited data makes it harder to gauge overall satisfaction, but current reviews praise its user-friendliness and ongoing support.

Edge: Cloudbeds.

How Much Do Cloudbeds and HotelRunner Cost?

Cloudbeds charges a base fee of $600/month, with no free plan or visible trial options. Its premium features and integrations justify the higher price for hotels seeking a comprehensive management platform.

HotelRunner costs $100/month, offering a lower entry point suitable for small properties or those needing only reservation management. The significant price difference reflects their scope, with Cloudbeds providing a broader suite of tools.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Cloudbeds?

• Hotels seeking an all-in-one platform to centralize operations, revenue, and distribution.
• Properties expanding or with multiple locations requiring scalable solutions.
• Boutique hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals aiming for automation and analytics.
• Teams that want integrated guest messaging, online check-in, and revenue management.
• Not ideal if your hotel has very simple needs or limited IT support.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Small hotels or hostels with basic reservation and check-in needs.
• Properties looking for a budget-friendly, straightforward management system.
• Hotels in regions where rapid setup and minimal customization are priorities.
• Teams that prefer a simple, user-friendly platform with ongoing training.
• Not ideal if you need extensive integrations, advanced revenue tools, or multi-property management.

Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Cloudbeds stands out as a mature, feature-rich platform with a large, recent review base and proven scalability. Its deep integration network and comprehensive tools make it ideal for hotels seeking growth, automation, and detailed analytics.

HotelRunner offers a more affordable, straightforward solution with excellent support but fewer integrations and features, suitable for small properties or those new to PMS technology. It’s best if simplicity and cost are your top priorities.

When to choose Cloudbeds? If your hotel plans to expand, needs extensive automation, or values a unified, scalable platform, Cloudbeds delivers a stronger proposition.

When to pick HotelRunner? If your property is small, budget-conscious, and requires only reservation management with excellent support, HotelRunner offers a streamlined, reliable alternative.

In conclusion, the decision depends on your property's size, growth goals, and operational complexity. Cloudbeds’ extensive features and proven market presence make it the more compelling choice for most medium to large hotels, while HotelRunner offers a solid, cost-effective solution for smaller operations seeking simplicity.