NewBook (PMS) vs. Semper:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right property management system is crucial for your hotel's efficiency and guest experience. Both NewBook and Semper aim to streamline operations, but they serve different types of properties and come with distinct strengths. While NewBook offers a more comprehensive, feature-rich platform with a strong international presence, Semper excels in customer support and ease of use. Which one aligns better with your hotel's needs?

Is NewBook or Semper Better for Hotels?

Both NewBook and Semper are designed to manage hotel operations, but they differ significantly in scope and focus. NewBook is an all-in-one PMS and booking engine with a broad feature set, including CRM, multi-lingual support, and wellness modules, primarily used by boutique hotels, resorts, and rentals. Semper, on the other hand, emphasizes automation, integrations, and customer support, often favored by larger hotels and those seeking a more straightforward, user-friendly experience.

In terms of data currency, Semper has more recent reviews (51 reviews in the last 6 months) compared to NewBook’s zero, making Semper’s user feedback more current and reliable. This recent activity indicates active development and customer satisfaction, giving Semper a slight edge in confidence. Are you prioritizing recent user feedback and ongoing support?

Semper vs NewBook: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

Your choice depends on your hotel’s size, complexity, and operational needs. If your hotel requires a highly customizable platform with features like guest CRM, integrated wellness modules, and multi-language support, NewBook is the clear choice, especially given its 16 reviews and high overall rating of 4.75/5. It suits boutique hotels, resorts, and properties needing extensive customization and international reach.

Conversely, if your hotel values a straightforward, user-friendly system with robust support, automation, and seamless integrations—particularly with POS and reservation platforms—Semper’s 51 recent reviews and high customer support score make it a better fit. It’s especially ideal for larger properties or those that prioritize operational efficiency over feature depth.

In summary, choose NewBook if you need deep customization and multi-faceted property management; go with Semper if ease of use and support are your top priorities. Which features are most critical for your property’s success?

Is NewBook or Semper Easier to Use?

NewBook boasts a high ease-of-use rating of 4.69/5, thanks to its intuitive interface, customizable dashboards, and thorough onboarding process rated at 4.77/5. Reviewers frequently mention how easy it is to manage bookings, check-ins, and communicate with staff, with one noting, “The system is so easy to use that greeting a customer, making bookings, and check-ins is stress-free.”

Semper also scores highly at 4.55/5, with a straightforward web-based interface and a support team praised for their responsiveness. Users report that new staff can quickly learn the system, with Bea de Villiers and Zizipho noted for their exceptional help. However, some find Semper’s interface slightly outdated, which can affect long-term ease of navigation.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Has Better Features: NewBook or Semper?

NewBook offers five unique features not found in Semper, including integrated CRS, guest CRM, guest profiles, wellness modules, and multi-lingual support—powerful tools for personalized guest engagement. It also provides a robust booking engine and comprehensive property management tools suitable for smaller to mid-sized hotels.

Semper provides 69 exclusive features, such as online check-in/out, automated reminders, task management, POS integration, real-time reporting, and advanced stock control. Its extensive feature set supports automation, from guest messaging to automated night audits, making it ideal for hotels that need a feature-rich, all-in-one solution.

Edge: Semper.

Which Has Better Customer Support: NewBook or Semper?

NewBook’s customer support is rated perfect at 5/5, with reviews praising the staff for prompt, knowledgeable assistance and ongoing support. One reviewer highlights, “NewBook support staff have been amazing—prompt and very knowledgeable,” emphasizing their dedication to customer success.

Semper’s support scores slightly lower at 4.88/5, but reviews highlight its professional, friendly, and quick responses, with specific praise for team members like Bea and Zizipho. Users frequently mention how support helps resolve issues efficiently, though some suggest faster responses could improve.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Has More Integrations: NewBook or Semper?

NewBook integrates with 16 verified partners, including major platforms like IDeaS, Tripadvisor, and ChargeAutomation, offering a broad network for property management, pricing, and distribution. Its integrations support advanced revenue management and guest engagement strategies.

Semper offers integrations with 11 partners, including Sage, Cloudbeds, and STAAH, focusing on POS, reservations, and accounting. While slightly fewer, Semper’s integrations cover essential operational tools, and its API allows for tailored connections.

Edge: NewBook.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: NewBook or Semper?

NewBook's recent reviews (all within the last 6 months) reflect an overall rating of 4.75/5, with a 96% likelihood to recommend, especially among boutique hotels and resorts. Its reviews emphasize ease of management, customization, and strong support.

Semper’s 51 reviews in the same period have a 0/5 rating, but they highlight its user-friendliness, automation, and support. Given the volume and recency, more hoteliers are currently satisfied with Semper’s performance.

Edge: NewBook.

How Much Do NewBook and Semper Cost?

NewBook’s pricing starts at $1,000 per month, with no freemium or trial options listed. Its higher price reflects its extensive feature set and international reach.

Semper charges $600 per month, also without trial options, offering a more affordable entry point with a focus on core automation and integrations. Consider your budget and required features when choosing.

What Type of Hotel Should Use NewBook?

• Hotels seeking a highly customizable PMS with integrated CRM and wellness modules.
• Properties that operate in multiple languages or regions and need advanced booking tools.
• Boutique hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals prioritizing personalization.
• Teams that value deep reporting and revenue management features.
• Not ideal if your hotel needs a simple, low-cost solution or minimal customization.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Semper?

• Hotels prioritizing automation, ease of use, and quick onboarding.
• Larger properties needing comprehensive integrations with POS, reservations, and stock control.
• Hotels seeking reliable, 24/7 support with a responsive team.
• Properties that appreciate real-time reporting and automated routines.
• Not ideal if you need extensive customization or multi-lingual support.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

NewBook offers a robust, feature-rich platform suitable for properties that need deep customization and comprehensive management tools. Its higher overall rating, recent active reviews, and international presence make it a strong choice for boutique hotels, resorts, and rentals aiming for personalized guest experiences.

Semper excels in ease of use, automation, and support, making it ideal for hotels that value quick deployment, reliable assistance, and operational efficiency. Its extensive feature set, especially in automation and integrations, makes it a compelling option for larger or more streamlined hotel operations.

If your hotel needs a broad, customizable PMS with strong international support, NewBook is the better choice. If your focus is on simplicity, automation, and top-tier support, Semper is the way to go.

Ultimately, your decision should reflect your property's size, complexity, and strategic priorities. Both systems have their merits, but based on recent reviews and feature depth, NewBook holds a slight edge for most hoteliers today.