HotelRunner Channel Manager vs. iStay Gateway (by IBS Software):
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between HotelRunner’s Channel Manager and iStay Gateway hinges on your hotel’s specific needs. HotelRunner offers a comprehensive, highly-rated platform with recent reviews and a broad feature set, while iStay Gateway’s limited review data and narrower regional presence make it less proven for most hoteliers. Both products aim to maximize your online distribution, but they do so through very different strengths and approaches.

Your decision should consider which product aligns better with your operational scale, technology integration needs, and support expectations. Are you seeking a solution with a proven track record and extensive features? Or do you need a platform deeply embedded in global distribution with fewer reviews backing its reputation?

Is HotelRunner or iStay Gateway Better for Hotels?

HotelRunner clearly stands out as the more established, well-reviewed channel management platform, boasting a 4.78/5 overall rating based on 109 reviews and recent activity. Its reviews highlight ease of setup, real-time updates, and strong customer support, making it a trusted choice for many hoteliers worldwide. Conversely, iStay Gateway’s reviews are nonexistent, and its global presence is not documented, limiting confidence in its proven reliability.

HotelRunner’s extensive feature set—covering email marketing, web design, data analysis, and PMS connectivity—further enhances its appeal. iStay Gateway, meanwhile, focuses solely on syndication and distribution, with only one verified partner, Duetto, and no recent customer feedback. Are you comfortable relying on a platform with a proven track record and extensive user base, or are you exploring an untested solution?

HotelRunner vs iStay Gateway: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a reliable, user-friendly platform with proven results in multi-channel management, go with HotelRunner. Its high review count and recent positive feedback suggest it can efficiently handle your distribution, automate updates, and improve your revenue streams. Hotels that prioritize ease of use, support, and a broad range of features should consider HotelRunner their top choice.

If your hotel relies heavily on syndicating availability and rates across a large number of channels and your primary concern is extensive distribution reach, iStay Gateway might seem attractive. However, with no reviews or regional data, its effectiveness remains unverified for most hoteliers. It’s best suited for companies with existing familiarity with IBS Software’s ecosystem or those seeking highly specialized distribution.

Is HotelRunner or iStay Gateway Easier to Use?

Based on reviews, HotelRunner’s interface scores a 4.7/5 for ease of use, with users praising its straightforward setup and intuitive management dashboard. Customers also highlight the support they receive during onboarding, often mentioning live support sessions that simplify complex processes. Conversely, there are some complaints about interface speed, but overall, HotelRunner’s usability is highly regarded.

IBS Software’s iStay Gateway does not have publicly available ratings or reviews, leaving its user experience unverified. Without user feedback, it’s impossible to judge whether it offers the same level of friendliness or simplicity. For most hoteliers, the clear winner is HotelRunner, with its well-documented, positively reviewed interface.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or iStay Gateway?

HotelRunner offers 24 features exclusive to its platform, including email marketing, web development, data analysis, meta search marketing, social media management, PMS connectivity, inventory management, and yield rules. These allow your team to manage marketing campaigns, analyze performance, and optimize revenue directly within the platform.

iStay Gateway provides only distribution and syndication capabilities, with no additional features listed. It connects to over 144 channels but lacks the broader management tools found in HotelRunner. If your hotel seeks a multi-faceted solution with marketing and reporting tools, HotelRunner’s rich feature set gives it the edge.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or iStay Gateway?

HotelRunner’s customer support scores 4.7/5, with reviews mentioning quick, helpful responses and dedicated support staff. Users frequently cite live support sessions during onboarding as a key factor in their positive experience, which directly contributes to its high Net Promoter Score of 9.48/10.

IBS Software's support reviews are unavailable, making it difficult to assess the quality of their customer service. Given the lack of publicly available feedback, HotelRunner’s well-rated support system clearly makes it the stronger choice for hotels that value reliable assistance.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or iStay Gateway?

HotelRunner integrates with 17 verified partners, including major PMS systems like protel and Oracle Hospitality, OTAs like Expedia and Agoda, and other tools such as IDeaS and Airbnb. Its broad partner network supports extensive operational flexibility without additional costs.

iStay Gateway only lists one verified partner, Duetto, limiting its integration scope. Without a wider ecosystem, your hotel might find it difficult to connect with other essential systems or expand its distribution channels. For most hotels, HotelRunner’s extensive integrations better support growth and operational efficiency.

Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or iStay Gateway?

HotelRunner’s reviews predominantly come from independent, boutique, and branded hotels across multiple regions, with recent reviews emphasizing its ease of use, support, and value. The platform’s 4.78/5 score and 109 reviews affirm its popularity among diverse property types.

IBS Software’s iStay Gateway has no publicly available ratings or reviews, so its user satisfaction remains unverified. Without recent ratings, HotelRunner’s proven positive reputation makes it the preferable choice for hoteliers seeking trusted, peer-reviewed software.

Edge: HotelRunner.

How Much Do HotelRunner and iStay Gateway Cost?

HotelRunner charges a flat monthly fee of $100, with no implementation fees or freemium options. Its transparent pricing, combined with a suite of features, provides clear value for mid-sized and larger hotels.

Pricing information for iStay Gateway is not publicly available, which complicates direct comparisons. This lack of transparency suggests that HotelRunner offers a straightforward, predictable cost structure, making it easier for your team to budget.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Hotels that want a trusted, easy-to-use channel management platform with a proven track record.
• Teams that prioritize real-time updates, broad integrations, and detailed reporting.
• Properties seeking support during onboarding and throughout operations.
• Hotels that want to expand globally and manage multiple distribution channels efficiently.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel is very small and only needs basic distribution.
• You prefer a solution with a free trial or lower entry cost.

What Type of Hotel Should Use iStay Gateway?

• Hotels with extensive multi-channel distribution needs and existing familiarity with IBS systems.
• Large hotels or chains that require syndication to over 144 channels.
• Properties that prioritize broad international reach and are comfortable with unverified vendor support.
• Hotels already integrated with IBS Software’s other products.

Not ideal if:

• You need a platform with comprehensive features beyond syndication.
• You require strong customer support or peer reviews.
• Your hotel is small or mid-sized without existing IBS integrations.

HotelRunner vs iStay Gateway: The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelRunner’s proven track record, extensive feature set, and high customer satisfaction make it the superior choice for most hoteliers. Its recent reviews validate its reliability across regions and property types, ensuring your team can trust its performance.

iStay Gateway’s focus on distribution, limited reviews, and narrow integration scope suggest it may serve niche or existing IBS clients better. For most hotels seeking a full-featured, well-supported channel manager, HotelRunner provides the clearer, more dependable path forward.

If you want a platform with a verified reputation and comprehensive management tools, choose HotelRunner. If you rely on extensive distribution and are already embedded in the IBS ecosystem, consider iStay Gateway—but be aware of the unverified customer experience.