openROOM vs. Simplotel Booking Engine:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between openROOM by openROOM and Simplotel Booking Engine hinges on what your hotel needs most. Both solve the core problem of increasing direct bookings and streamlining the reservation process but diverge significantly in features, integration, and user experience. With openROOM’s limited review base but high recent ratings, and Simplotel’s extensive user feedback and broader market reach, your decision should align with your property’s size, technical needs, and growth ambitions. Are you ready to find the better fit?

Is openROOM or Simplotel Better for Hotels?

Both openROOM and Simplotel serve as booking engines designed to convert website visitors into guests, but they differ in their approach. openROOM emphasizes a high-conversion process with a tailored booking flow, especially for youth hostels and small hotels, whereas Simplotel offers a broader suite with more features, integrations, and a focus on branding and analytics.

The key difference lies in their market presence: openROOM has just 9 reviews, all in the last six months, indicating a small but recent user base, while Simplotel boasts 297 reviews, many from long-term users across 21 countries. openROOM’s recent reviews highlight its efficiency and personalized approach but also note its higher cost and limited integrations. Conversely, Simplotel’s reviews praise its ease of use, extensive features, and ability to boost direct bookings, though some users find it complex initially.

Are these differences enough to influence your choice based on your hotel size, technical capacity, and regional focus? Let’s explore further.

openROOM vs Simplotel: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is small, independent, or a youth hostel seeking a straightforward, highly optimized booking experience, openROOM is likely the best fit. Its focus on conversion and ease of use, along with a dedicated approach to different property types, makes it ideal for operators who prioritize simplicity and effectiveness over extensive integrations.

On the other hand, if you operate a mid-sized or larger property, resort, or chain looking for a comprehensive platform with advanced analytics, marketing tools, and multiple integrations, Simplotel will serve you better. Its ability to customize branding, manage promotions, and support scalability makes it suitable for hotels aiming to grow and optimize their online presence.

In summary, choose openROOM if rapid, high-conversion bookings with minimal fuss are your priority. Opt for Simplotel if you need a feature-rich, adaptable system that supports complex marketing and operational needs.

Is openROOM or Simplotel Easier to Use?

openROOM scores a 4.78 out of 5 for ease of use, based on user feedback praising its intuitive interface and smooth onboarding process. Reviewers emphasize their staff adopted the system quickly, citing "very friendly" support and minimal training requirements, especially for smaller teams.

Simplotel, rated at 4.65 out of 5, also receives high marks for user-friendliness. Its design is described as "very customer friendly," with prompt support and helpful documentation. However, some users mention initial setup challenges because of its broader feature set and integration complexity.

Edge: openROOM. Its simpler design and recent reviews indicating quick adoption make it the easier system for most hotels to implement and operate smoothly.

Which Has Better Features: openROOM or Simplotel?

openROOM offers 4 unique features not found in Simplotel, including flexible dates, Tripadvisor bookings, meal plans, and availability block features. These are particularly valuable for properties offering varied packages or catering to specific guest needs.

Simplotel provides 16 features unique to its platform, such as urgency messaging, pooled inventory, booking abandonment recapture, ADA and PCI compliance, social media integration, room substitutions, A/B testing, and multiple payment options like Stripe, PayU, and Paypal. These features support larger hotels or those focusing on marketing, security, and customization.

While openROOM specializes in conversion-centric features, Simplotel's extensive capabilities cater to properties with more complex marketing, compliance, and operational needs.

Edge: Simplotel. Its broader feature set, especially in marketing and compliance, makes it more adaptable for diverse hotel types.

Which Has Better Customer Support: openROOM or Simplotel?

openROOM’s support scores 4.89 out of 5 and benefits from recent reviews that highlight their commitment and partner mentality. Users describe support as "fluid communication" and appreciate working closely with their team, which feels more like a true partnership.

Simplotel, rated at 4.69, also garners praise for support, with reviews mentioning "prompt response" and "friendly team." However, some reviewers note inconsistency and room for proactive engagement, especially during system integration or upgrades.

Edge: openROOM. Its higher recent ratings and positive customer quotes suggest a more attentive and collaborative support experience.

Which Has More Integrations: openROOM or Simplotel?

Simplotel integrates with 22 verified partners, including major PMS and channel management systems like Cloudbeds, SiteMinder, RateGain, and RezNext. This extensive network enables easier operational workflows and wider connectivity.

openROOM, with zero verified integrations, relies more on its core features and partner collaborations on a case-by-case basis. Its limited integrations may restrict some automation and data flow, especially for larger operations.

Edge: Simplotel. Its broader integration ecosystem is better suited for hotels that depend on interconnected systems and automation.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: openROOM or Simplotel?

Despite openROOM’s recent high ratings (4.78/5 for ease of use, 4.89/5 support), Simplotel outperforms with an overall rating of 4.75/5 based on 297 reviews. Hoteliers across segments, especially resorts and branded hotels, rate Simplotel higher, citing increased bookings and user engagement.

openROOM’s reviews, limited in number, mostly praise its dedication and conversion focus but lack enough diversity for a definitive score. Meanwhile, Simplotel’s recent reviews reinforce its reputation for enhancing online revenue and ease of management.

Edge: Simplotel. Its more extensive and recent review base provides a more reliable gauge of sustained performance.

How Much Do openROOM and Simplotel Cost?

openROOM is priced at $400 monthly, with no free tier, trial, or hidden fees. Its higher cost may reflect its niche focus and partner-driven service model.

Simplotel costs $500 monthly, also without trial or setup fees. Despite a slightly higher price, its broader feature set and integrations offer more value for larger or more complex hotels.

Both platforms lack flexible pricing models based on rooms or features, so your decision hinges on feature needs versus budget.

What Type of Hotel Should Use openROOM?

• Hotels that prioritize high conversion rates with minimal hassle.
• Independent hotels, youth hostels, or small properties seeking a straightforward booking engine.
• Hotels needing a focused platform with essential features like flexible dates and Tripadvisor bookings.
• Teams that value dedicated support and partner collaboration.

Not ideal if you require extensive integrations, advanced marketing tools, or scalability for multiple locations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Simplotel?

• Hotels of all sizes looking for a comprehensive booking and marketing platform.
• Resorts, branded hotels, or properties aiming to boost direct bookings with analytics and personalization.
• Teams wanting deep integrations with PMS and channel managers.
• Hotels planning to scale operations and optimize digital marketing.

Not ideal if your property is very small, with limited budget or minimal tech infrastructure, or if you prefer a very simple booking engine without extensive customization.

Simplotel vs openROOM: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference is scope: openROOM offers a high-conversion, easy-to-use booking engine suited for smaller, independent properties, while Simplotel provides a feature-rich, scalable platform ideal for larger or growing hotels.

If your hotel needs a straightforward, highly effective booking solution and you value personalized support, openROOM’s recent reviews support a strong recommendation. Its limited features and integrations make it less suitable for complex operations.

Conversely, if your hotel seeks to maximize online revenue through advanced marketing, integrations, and analytics, Simplotel’s extensive feature set and verified partner network make it the better investment.

Choose openROOM for simplicity and focused conversion. Select Simplotel if you require flexibility, integrations, and scalability to support your growth ambitions.