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

The Decision

When choosing a property management system, your hotel needs software that simplifies operations, improves guest experiences, and boosts revenue. HotelRunner PMS and Semper both aim to solve these issues but diverge in their approach and strengths. HotelRunner offers a straightforward, user-friendly platform with excellent support, while Semper provides a feature-rich, highly customizable system with extensive integrations. Which aligns better with your hotel’s needs?

Is HotelRunner PMS or Semper Better for Hotels?

Both HotelRunner PMS and Semper target streamlining daily hotel operations, but their core strengths differ. HotelRunner’s platform is praised for ease of use, quick onboarding, and excellent customer support, making it ideal for hotels prioritizing simplicity and reliable service. Conversely, Semper boasts a broader feature set, including online check-in/out, guest messaging, and POS integration, which cater to hotels seeking advanced automation and multi-department control.

HotelRunner’s review count is significantly lower (16 reviews, all recent), but all are highly positive, emphasizing its user-friendliness and support quality. Semper, with 51 reviews, has a wider range of feedback, including some performance concerns, but is favored for its robustness. So, which system better suits your hotel’s operational complexity and support expectations?

HotelRunner PMS vs Semper: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs an easy-to-learn system with top-tier support and quick setup, HotelRunner is the better fit. It works well for boutique, B&B, and city hotels that value straightforward operations, with a 5/5 overall rating and 99% likelihood to recommend.

If your property requires advanced features like online check-in, integrated guest messaging, or POS connectivity, Semper is more suitable. Its extensive capabilities and 94% recommendation rate make it ideal for resorts or larger hotels that want detailed control over operations and automation.

Your choice hinges on operational complexity: choose HotelRunner for simplicity and support, Semper for feature depth and automation.

Is HotelRunner PMS or Semper Easier to Use?

HotelRunner scores a 4.81/5 for ease of use, driven by its intuitive interface, straightforward onboarding, and positive staff feedback. Reviewers describe the platform as “user-friendly and efficient,” with all systems functioning smoothly during reservations. Its mobile app, however, has room for improvement, particularly for reservations management on the go.

Semper’s usability is also rated highly at 4.55/5, with users appreciating the clean interface and simplified workflows. Support staff are praised for their responsiveness, making onboarding easier, though some users mention occasional lag and an outdated visual design.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner PMS or Semper?

Semper offers a far wider array of features—68 compared to HotelRunner’s 3 unique offerings. Semper’s strengths include online check-in/out, guest messaging, task management, automated reminders, PCI and GDPR compliance, and integrated POS and inventory modules, all absent in HotelRunner.

HotelRunner’s features are more limited but include an integrated CRS, multi-lingual support, and mobile device notes & tasks. Its simplicity might appeal to smaller hotels, but for comprehensive automation, Semper’s extensive features give it a decisive edge.

Edge: Semper.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner PMS or Semper?

HotelRunner’s customer support garners a perfect 5/5 rating, with reviewers praising ongoing training, responsiveness, and a strong relationship focus. One reviewer notes, “Support is very good and always available,” emphasizing the proactive nature of their service.

Semper’s support also scores highly at 4.88/5, with reviewers describing the team as “incredibly accommodating and knowledgeable.” Specific mentions include Bea and Zizipho, who are praised for resolving issues swiftly and professionally. While both excel, HotelRunner’s slightly higher rating and recent reviews suggest a stronger support reputation.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner PMS or Semper?

HotelRunner’s all-reviews are recent, with a 5/5 overall rating and a 99% likelihood of recommendation among boutique and B&B hotels. Its simplicity and support resonate strongly with small hotels seeking reliability.

Semper’s reviews, although more numerous, contain some system performance concerns, but overall, it maintains a 0/5 rating in review scores, indicating significant dissatisfaction from some property types—particularly larger resorts and hotels needing extensive automation.

Since HotelRunner’s reviews are more recent and uniformly positive, it holds the higher rating.

Edge: HotelRunner.

How Much Do HotelRunner PMS and Semper Cost?

HotelRunner’s base price is $100 per month, with no free tier or trial, making it more accessible for smaller hotels. Semper’s cost is $600 per month, reflecting its more extensive feature set, with no trial available.

Pricing for Semper is significantly higher, aligning with its broader capabilities, which may deter smaller properties. If budget is a concern, HotelRunner offers a more affordable entry point.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner PMS?

• Hotels that prioritize ease of use and quick onboarding, such as boutique hotels, city center properties, and B&Bs.
• Teams seeking reliable support and training, especially if staff turnover is high.
• Hotels with simpler operational needs that don’t require extensive automation.
• Not ideal if your hotel needs advanced guest engagement features, POS integration, or detailed automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Semper?

• Larger hotels, resorts, or properties with multiple revenue streams needing extensive automation.
• Hotels seeking integrated POS, online check-in/out, or guest messaging.
• Teams that value comprehensive reporting, stock, and inventory management.
• Not ideal if your operational scope is minimal, or your budget is tight, given the higher monthly fee.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelRunner PMS excels in providing a straightforward, support-driven solution ideal for boutique, B&B, and city hotels. Its simplicity, recent focus on ease of use, and high support ratings make it suitable for properties that want reliable PMS without complexity.

Semper offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform that suits larger hotels and resorts aiming to automate as much as possible across multiple departments. Its extensive integrations and customizable features justify its higher cost, though some users report performance issues.

If your hotel values effortless operation, customer support, and affordability, HotelRunner is the clear choice. Conversely, if automation, extensive features, and integration are critical, Semper is the more capable system—despite some performance caveats.

Note: Given the higher number of recent reviews, HotelRunner’s ratings and support reputation are stronger indicators of current performance.