NewBook (PMS) vs. protel PMS (by Planet):
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing a property management system (PMS) is critical for your hotel’s operational efficiency, revenue management, and guest satisfaction. Both NewBook and protel PMS aim to serve these goals but diverge significantly in capabilities, user experience, and support. With NewBook’s recent surge in reviews and higher ratings, it’s clearer which product has more current momentum and proven performance.

Your decision should hinge on your hotel’s size, complexity, and technological needs. Are you seeking a user-friendly, all-in-one system with robust support? Or do you need extensive integrations and advanced features for a large or complex property portfolio? Let’s compare these two contenders directly.

Is NewBook or protel PMS Better for Hotels?

Both NewBook and protel PMS are designed to streamline hotel operations, from bookings to payments, but they approach this differently. NewBook offers an intuitive platform with a focus on simplifying daily management, especially for small to medium properties. protel PMS provides a highly customizable, scalable system aimed at larger or multi-property hotels with complex needs.

NewBook shines with its ease of use, quick onboarding, and high customer satisfaction. protel, meanwhile, excels in its extensive integrations, advanced features, and flexibility, though it suffers from slower support and some bugs. Do you prioritize simplicity or customization? Which is more critical for your property’s success?

NewBook vs protel PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a straightforward, easy-to-navigate PMS with excellent support and recent reviews backing up its reliability, go with NewBook. Its 16 reviews, all recent, and 4.75/5 overall rating reflect strong user confidence, especially in onboarding and customer service.

If you run a large hotel chain, resort, or multi-property operation requiring extensive integrations, multiple modules, and customizable workflows, protel PMS is more suitable. Its 105 reviews, though fewer recent, highlight its versatility and broad ecosystem, making it preferable for complex setups. For small, simple hotels, NewBook’s ease and support make it the better choice.

Is NewBook or protel PMS Easier to Use?

NewBook’s UI scores 4.69/5, with users describing it as intuitive, straightforward, and quick to learn. Clients highlight how staff can manage bookings, check-ins, and communication from anywhere with minimal training, citing the support team’s promptness and helpfulness.

Protel’s interface is rated 4.12/5, with users appreciating its logical layout but noting that recent updates have introduced some complexity. Support response times are longer, and onboarding can be challenging, especially for smaller hotels unfamiliar with extensive customization.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Has Better Features: NewBook or protel PMS?

NewBook offers four features unique to its platform: Channel Manager, Automated Night Audit, Spa & Wellness Module, and a Mobile App. These features directly cater to small-to-mid-sized properties seeking integrated solutions without needing third-party tools.

Protel provides 20 unique features, including Multi-currency, Multi-lingual, Integrated ID & Passport Scanner, Real-Time Reports, Shift Planning, and Rate Management. Its extensive suite supports large, complex operations needing detailed control and automation.

Edge: Protel PMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: NewBook or protel PMS?

NewBook’s customer support is rated a perfect 5/5, with reviews emphasizing prompt, knowledgeable, and dedicated assistance. Clients praise the availability of support and the helpfulness of the onboarding process, highlighting how support enhances their confidence in the system.

Protel’s support scores 3.95/5 and is often criticized for slow response times, especially after its acquisition by Planet. Users describe delays and unhelpful responses, which can hinder daily operations, particularly when troubleshooting complex issues.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Has More Integrations: NewBook or protel PMS?

NewBook integrates with 16 verified partners, including major players like SiteMinder, Revinate, and RoomPriceGenie. Its integrations focus on core hotel functions, but the ecosystem is smaller compared to protel.

Protel boasts 195 verified integrations, including prominent systems such as GuestRevu, Innspire, and Right Revenue. Its extensive ecosystem covers a broad range of hotel technology, allowing for deep customization and complex automation.

Edge: Protel PMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: NewBook or protel PMS?

NewBook has a significantly higher overall rating of 4.75/5, based on 16 recent reviews, with a 96% likelihood to recommend. Hoteliers across various segments, especially boutique hotels and resorts, praise its ease of use, support, and functionality.

Protel’s rating is 4.11/5 from 105 reviews, with a 80% likelihood to recommend. It’s favored by larger hotels and chains but receives more criticism for support and bugs.

Edge: NewBook.

How Much Do NewBook and protel PMS Cost?

NewBook costs $1,000 monthly with no free tier, no trial, and no mention of discounts. Its higher price reflects its targeted, all-in-one approach for small to medium properties.

Protel’s base price is $500 per month, also without a free tier or trial, making it more accessible but potentially requiring additional modules or customizations for full functionality.

What Type of Hotel Should Use NewBook?

• Hotels that value an easy-to-use platform with quick onboarding.
• Properties focusing on direct bookings and guest communication.
• Small to medium-sized hotels, inns, and resorts.
• Teams seeking dedicated support and regular updates.
• Boutique hotels or RV parks needing integrated booking and communication tools.

Not ideal if your hotel requires extensive multi-property management, multi-currency support, or advanced automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use protel?

• Hotels and resorts with complex operations and multi-property portfolios.
• Teams needing deep customization and extensive integrations.
• Larger hotel chains looking for scalable solutions.
• Hotels requiring multi-lingual, multi-currency support.
• Properties that prioritize detailed reporting, automation, and advanced workflows.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, has limited IT capacity, or prefers a straightforward interface with minimal complexity.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

NewBook is the clear leader if your hotel values recent reviews, ease of use, and exceptional support. Its feature set and customer satisfaction make it ideal for small-to-mid-sized properties that prioritize simplicity and service.

Protel PMS offers a broader array of features and integrations, making it suitable for large, complex operations needing detailed customization. However, it struggles with slower support and some bugs, which may hinder daily operations for smaller hotels.

If your hotel seeks a stress-free, highly supported PMS experience, go with NewBook. For extensive functionality and integration capabilities, especially in larger environments, protel PMS is the more suitable choice.