The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 95 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:
Maestro PMS shines in customer support — especially for airport and conference properties (4.5/5), with exclusive features like Revenue management module and Mobile App.
Shiji Group shines in Ease of Use and Value for Money — especially for bed & breakfast properties (4.9/5), with exclusive features like Guest profiles and Tablet/Kiosk Check-in.
Side-by-side ratings based on 95 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $1,200/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 58 | 37 |
After analyzing 95 verified reviews, Maestro PMS users most value its customer support, reporting flexibility, customizable features, while Shiji Group users highlight project communication and follow-through, support availability and responsiveness, minimal issues during rollout. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Customer Support
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Project communication and follow-through
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Reporting Flexibility
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Support availability and responsiveness
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Customizable Features
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Minimal issues during rollout
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Training and Documentation
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Professionalism and helpfulness of staff
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User Interface
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Security Features
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How each product ranks among Property Management Systems vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #42 7 reviews | #59 2 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #17 34 reviews | #31 17 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #14 12 reviews | #11 16 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #10 4 reviews | #18 2 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #26 26 reviews | #32 19 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #21 31 reviews | #26 25 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #40 5 reviews | #23 20 reviews |
| Extended Stay | #39 2 reviews | #36 3 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #12 53 reviews | #32 4 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | — | #31 10 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | — | #15 5 reviews |
| Middle East ▾ | — | #3 15 reviews |
Maestro PMS and Shiji Daylight PMS both serve as comprehensive property management systems designed to streamline hotel operations, but they diverge significantly in their fit for hotel types and operational scale. Maestro PMS leans toward independent hotels, luxury resorts, and multi-property groups, with a strong emphasis on customization and on-premise options. Shiji Daylight PMS targets a broader market, including global hotel chains, boutique hotels, and branded properties, emphasizing cloud-native architecture and operational scalability.
Both systems solve the core problem of centralizing reservation, guest profile, billing, and housekeeping management. Maestro supports both cloud and on-premise deployments with 20+ integrated modules, while Shiji focuses on a modern cloud-native platform with a Single Guest Profile to unify guest data across properties. The key difference lies in Maestro’s flexibility for complex, unique property needs versus Shiji’s scalable, standardized approach for multi-property consistency.
If your property is a resort or an independent boutique hotel prioritizing deep customization and the option for on-premise deployment, Maestro PMS is the better choice. This recommendation is based on Maestro’s user base where 44% of users are resorts and 21% boutique hotels, with a 4.4/5 rating across 40 resort reviews and 26 boutique hotel reviews. Maestro’s 8 unique features, including a spa and wellness module and voice-to-text mobile device notes, cater well to properties with specialized service offerings.
If you operate a luxury branded hotel, a large hotel group, or a property that requires multi-lingual support and centralized role management across multiple locations, Shiji Daylight PMS fits better. Shiji’s user base shows 41% luxury hotels and 16% branded hotels, with a 4.5/5 rating from 25 luxury hotel reviews and 21 branded hotel reviews. Its 48 unique features such as multi-currency support, automated night audit, and integrated ID scanning support standardized, high-volume operations. Shiji’s broader global presence (17 countries vs Maestro’s 4) also favors international or multi-region portfolios.
For small properties and vacation rentals, the data is thin, so caution is advised. Neither product has substantial recent review volume in these segments, limiting definitive recommendations.
Shiji Daylight PMS has a clear edge in ease of use with a 4.6/5 ease of use rating and 4.5/5 onboarding, compared to Maestro’s 4.1/5 ease of use and 4.4/5 onboarding across 58 and 37 reviews respectively. Reviewers praise Shiji’s intuitive interface, accessible training materials, and smooth tablet and kiosk check-in workflows, reducing the learning curve for front desk staff.
Maestro is described as user-friendly but has a slightly dated user interface and some complexity in reporting and group block imports, which can increase training time for new employees. Its flexibility comes with a steeper initial learning curve. However, Maestro’s support staff receives high marks for helping with onboarding challenges.
Edge: Shiji Group.
Shiji Daylight PMS offers a broader feature set with 48 unique features not found in Maestro, including multi-lingual support, online check-in/out, integrated payment terminals, automated night audit, and centralized messaging. These features allow hotels to automate operational tasks like housekeeping assignments, guest communications, and tax configurations, improving front desk efficiency and guest experience. For example, Shiji’s automated space optimization and rules-based room assignments streamline room allocation, saving staff time during peak check-in periods.
Maestro PMS offers 8 unique features that target niche operational strengths: a dedicated Spa & Wellness Module, a revenue management module, on-premise deployment options, and mobile device notes with voice-to-text functionality. These features support properties with complex service offerings like spas or conference centers, enabling tailored guest experiences and internal communication improvements.
Given Shiji’s 48 unique features versus Maestro’s 8, and their operational impacts, Shiji Daylight PMS holds the edge in feature breadth and operational automation.
Edge: Shiji Group.
Maestro PMS scores 4.8/5 on customer support, slightly higher than Shiji’s 4.6/5, but onboarding ratings are closer (4.4/5 vs 4.5/5). Reviewers of Maestro frequently mention a “phenomenal responsive support team” that provides 24/7 assistance and personalized problem-solving, especially valuable for complex multi-use properties. Shiji users describe the support as “always available 24/7” and “professional and helpful,” but some mention slower response times during peak periods.
Support quality is similar, with both vendors providing round-the-clock service and knowledgeable teams. The difference is within the 0.3 threshold applied for rating edges.
Edge: Even.
Maestro PMS has 87 verified integrations, 21 more than Shiji Daylight PMS’s 72. Both share 22 common partners such as SiteMinder, Revinate, and IDeaS, essential for channel management, reputation management, and revenue optimization. Maestro’s unique partners include Criton, Curacity, and Zaplox, which support mobile key access and guest engagement in specialized markets. Shiji’s unique integrations include Oaky by Plusgrade, Mews, and Adyen, which enhance upselling, cloud POS integration, and payment processing.
If your hotel requires integrations for advanced mobile guest experiences or specialized investor apps, Maestro’s broader partner network is advantageous. Shiji’s integrations excel in payment and upsell ecosystems suited for global chains and multi-property groups.
Edge: Maestro PMS.
Overall ratings are close: Maestro has 4.4/5 from 58 reviews; Shiji 4.6/5 from 37 reviews. Recent review volume favors Shiji with 3 in the last six months versus zero for Maestro, though sample sizes are small. Recent ratings are consistent with overall scores for both.
By segment, Shiji is rated higher by luxury hotels (4.5/5 from 25 reviews) and branded hotels (4.5/5 from 21), reflecting its strength in large, multi-property operations. Maestro scores 4.5/5 from 31 luxury hotel reviews but has fewer luxury hotel users overall. Resorts prefer Maestro with 4.4/5 from 40 reviews, reflecting the product’s fit for resort operations.
Boutique hotels rate both highly: Maestro 4.4/5 (26 reviews), Shiji 4.6/5 (19 reviews). Bed & Breakfasts give Maestro 4.4/5 (25 reviews) and Shiji 4.9/5 (6 reviews), though Shiji’s B&B review count is limited.
Edge: Even.
Maestro PMS has a base price of $900 with no published implementation fees or per-room pricing. Shiji Daylight PMS starts higher at $1,200 base price, also with no implementation fees or per-room pricing published. Neither product offers trial versions.
Without per-room or monthly fees disclosed, the comparison is limited to base price only. Maestro’s lower base price may appeal to smaller properties or those seeking on-premise deployments, while Shiji’s higher price reflects its cloud-native platform and broader feature set.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
The core difference between Maestro PMS and Shiji Daylight PMS lies in deployment flexibility and feature breadth. Maestro supports both cloud and on-premise with a focus on customization and specialized modules for resorts and spas, while Shiji is a cloud-native platform designed for scalability, operational consistency, and automation across large hotel groups.
Choose Maestro PMS if your property is a resort or independent hotel requiring flexible deployment, integrated spa and wellness management, and a broad partner ecosystem to support unique operational workflows. Maestro’s 24/7 customer support and customizable reporting further benefit properties with complex needs.
Choose Shiji Daylight PMS if your hotel is part of a branded group or luxury chain valuing a cloud-first platform with advanced automation, multi-currency and multilingual capabilities, and comprehensive guest profile management. Shiji’s feature set supports online check-in/out, automated night audit, and centralized housekeeping, which reduce operational overhead and improve guest experience at scale.
Property Management Systems pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $1,200/mo |
These are the features each vendor has configured, organized by feature group — the same data shown in the vendor dashboard. Expand a group to compare features side by side.
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Accounting & Finance
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| Direct billing | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
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Marketing & Ecommerce
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| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Booking Engine | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Administration & Configuration
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| Centralized user & role management | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| Cloud based | ||
| On premise | ||
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Customer Management
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| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Front Office
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| Mobile Device Notes & Tasks (Voice-to-Text) | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Calendar view | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| Task Management | ||
| Automated reminders | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Groups Management
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| Group functionality | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Guest Experience
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| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Digital Registration | ||
| Guest App | ||
| Online Check-in | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| ID Scanning & Registration Pre-fill | ||
| Lobby Kiosk | ||
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Housekeeping
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| Housekeeping module | ||
| Housekeeping Mobile App | ||
| Real-Time Status Updates | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Real Time Reporting | ||
| Shift Planning | ||
| Employee Messaging | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
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Payments
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| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Payment processing | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
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Reservations Management
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| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Rate Management | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Revenue Management
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| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Custom rates | ||
| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Revenue management module | ||
| Base Pricing | ||
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Taxes & Compliance
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| PCI Compliant | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC2 Complaint | ||
| Tax Configuration | ||
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Support & Training
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| Online 24/7 support | ||
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Food & Beverage
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| EPoS | ||
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Spa
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| Spa & Wellness Module |
We analyzed 4 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
No published case study for this goal yet.
"All the big players don't offer the level of API connectivity we need, but Shiji does. From the early stages of our design process, we were confident that Shiji could provide us wi..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"We reduced check-in time by over 80%, from up to eight minutes to just about one minute with the new system."
What hoteliers love
Maestro PMS provides excellent customer support, with many users praising the quick and effective assistance available via various channels. This supp... Maestro PMS provides excellent customer support, with many users praising the quick and effective assistance available via various channels. This supportive culture is beneficial for resolving issues promptly.
Users appreciate Maestro PMS's flexibility in generating custom reports, which helps in making data-driven decisions. However, some have noted the nee... Users appreciate Maestro PMS's flexibility in generating custom reports, which helps in making data-driven decisions. However, some have noted the need for more detailed help menus and easier access to specific types of reports.
Customization is a key advantage, whether it's in reports, modules for specific property needs, or operational flexibility. Maestro PMS allows for sig... Customization is a key advantage, whether it's in reports, modules for specific property needs, or operational flexibility. Maestro PMS allows for significant tailoring, which aids in meeting unique business requirements efficiently.
Where hoteliers push back
While the system offers robust functionality, several users pointed out that the UI is slightly dated and could benefit from modernization to improve... While the system offers robust functionality, several users pointed out that the UI is slightly dated and could benefit from modernization to improve user experience, particularly for new staff members.
Security is a strong feature with options for on-premise solutions and adherence to regulations like GDPR. Enhancements like 2FA and reverse proxies a... Security is a strong feature with options for on-premise solutions and adherence to regulations like GDPR. Enhancements like 2FA and reverse proxies are also suggested by users for improved online security.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Customers emphasize that Shiji's team communicates clearly and keeps stakeholders informed throughout the process. This level of follow-through helps... Customers emphasize that Shiji's team communicates clearly and keeps stakeholders informed throughout the process. This level of follow-through helps hotels avoid confusion during implementation and supports a smoother transition.
Reviews note that Shiji support is readily available when needed and that representatives are helpful and responsive. This gives hotels confidence dur... Reviews note that Shiji support is readily available when needed and that representatives are helpful and responsive. This gives hotels confidence during setup and early use, especially when time-sensitive issues arise.
The feedback suggests very few problems with the installation itself, and any hiccups were attributed to the hotel's internal disorganization rather t... The feedback suggests very few problems with the installation itself, and any hiccups were attributed to the hotel's internal disorganization rather than Shiji. For buyers, this implies lower implementation risk and a more predictable deployment.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Maestro PMS and Shiji Daylight PMS share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Maestro PMS offers 87 verified integration partners, while Shiji Daylight PMS offers 72. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Shiji Daylight PMS leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.
Maestro PMS: No. Shiji Daylight PMS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Maestro PMS has an HT Score of 74 and Shiji Group has 75. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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How highly do users recommend this product? Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories ▾ The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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How highly do tech partners recommend this company? Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality ▾ Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack. |
| Customer Centricity |
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How customer-centric is this organization? Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness ▾ Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features. |
| Reach, Staying Power & Resources |
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How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing? Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score ▾ Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity. |
Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →
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