Optima HMS vs. RMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing the right hotel management software is crucial, especially when comparing a product with just a few reviews against a more established platform with hundreds of recent reviews. Priority Software’s Optima HMS offers a centralized, all-in-one solution targeting global chains, resorts, and boutique hotels, but it has fewer reviews. RMS, on the other hand, is trusted by over 7,000 businesses worldwide with a large, recent review base. Your decision hinges on which software better fits your hotel’s scale, needs, and priorities.

Both products aim to streamline operations, improve revenue, and enhance guest experiences, but their core strengths differ. Should your hotel prioritize extensive integrations and proven scalability or a tailored all-in-one platform? How do ease of use and customer support compare? Let’s explore the details.

Is Optima HMS or RMS Better for Hotels?

Optima HMS by Priority Software is a cloud-based solution designed to offer comprehensive management features, including guest engagement, reservations, revenue operations, and a rich marketplace. RMS by RMS emphasizes automation, real-time insights, and guest interaction tools, serving a broad range of hotel types globally.

While Optima boasts a 5/5 overall rating from just two reviews, RMS’s 4.56/5 from 224 reviews—many recent—provides a clearer picture of customer satisfaction. RMS’s wider user base and updated reviews suggest more reliable performance and support. The question is: does Optima’s niche appeal and open architecture outweigh RMS’s extensive feature set and support network?

RMS or Optima: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a flexible, multi-property platform with advanced channel management, automated revenue tools, and a proven track record in automating operations, RMS is the clear choice. Its broad feature set, including guest CRM, reporting, online support, and extensive integrations, suits hotels looking for a scalable, tried-and-true system.

Conversely, if your property requires an all-in-one solution with built-in website development, rate shopping, and a customizable interface, Optima might be more fitting, especially if you prioritize a solution tailored for boutique or resorts with a focus on global connectivity. But RMS’s more extensive recent reviews and higher overall ratings make it the stronger option for most hotels seeking reliability and proven results.

Is Optima HMS or RMS Easier to Use?

Optima HMS scores a perfect 5/5 for ease of use based on available ratings, with users describing onboarding as simple and staff adoption straightforward. RMS, rated at 4.3/5, has a solid reputation for intuitive navigation but some reviews mention occasional complexities during updates and setup.

Given RMS’s larger user base and recent reviews, it’s evident that RMS has a more established support structure, though Optima’s streamlined onboarding process and high user satisfaction give it an edge. Overall, RMS is easier to adopt for multi-property operations, but Optima’s simplicity benefits boutique hotels or smaller teams.
Edge: RMS.

Which Has Better Features: Optima HMS or RMS?

Optima offers three features unique to its platform: website development, rate shopping, and drag-and-drop tapechart. RMS provides 24 exclusive features, including a channel manager, EPoS, revenue management, integrated CRS, booking engine, guest CRM, and online support.

RMS’s extensive features cater to hotels needing automation, detailed reporting, and multi-channel sales, while Optima’s niche features suit properties with specific website and rate shopping needs. Its broader feature count and specialization give RMS the advantage for comprehensive hotel management.
Edge: RMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Optima HMS or RMS?

Both products score highly for support, but RMS’s 4.52/5 rating from 224 reviews surpasses Priority Software’s perfect 5/5 but from only two reviews. RMS users frequently cite responsive, knowledgeable service, and their recent reviews reinforce support quality—“Yang Mae Kang from RMS assisted me in fixing the issue,” says one client.

Priority Software’s support is described as “help available every hour,” with reviews emphasizing professionalism and quick problem resolution, but the small review count limits the overall picture. RMS’s larger, more recent feedback indicates more consistent, reliable support.
Edge: RMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Optima HMS or RMS?

RMS receives a 4.54/5 rating based on 214 reviews, with many recent positive comments from diverse hotel segments, especially mid-sized and boutique properties. Priority Software’s 5/5 rating from only two reviews is less representative, especially as the reviews are identical in content and very limited.

RMS’s broader, more recent reviews across different property types suggest it is more trusted and preferred by hoteliers today. For hotelier confidence and proven satisfaction, RMS clearly leads.
Edge: RMS.

How Much Do Optima HMS and RMS Cost?

Priority Software does not publicly disclose its pricing, implying a customized quote, likely making it less transparent. RMS charges a base price of $700 per month, with no mention of hidden fees or implementation costs.

While RMS’s transparent pricing makes budgeting easier, the lack of public pricing for Optima suggests hotels should expect higher, tailored quotes. The value for money appears higher with RMS considering its extensive feature set and proven support.
Edge: RMS.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Optima HMS?

Hotels that benefit most from Optima’s all-in-one platform include:

• Boutique hotels seeking integrated website development and custom rate management.
• Resorts or properties with a global presence needing multi-site connectivity.
• Hotels prioritizing open architecture to customize third-party integrations.
• Teams looking for a straightforward, cloud-based PMS with automation features.
• Hotels with smaller or mid-size operations that want simplicity and speed in onboarding.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Requires extensive third-party integrations beyond the 40 verified partners.
• Needs advanced revenue management or detailed analytics.
• Operates multiple properties across diverse regions with complex needs.
• Looks for a platform with a broad, established user community.

What Type of Hotel Should Use RMS?

Hotels that will benefit most from RMS include:

• Mid-sized and large hotels needing scalable, multi-property management.
• Properties that prioritize automation, real-time insights, and guest engagement.
• Hotels looking to maximize bookings through integrated channel management.
• Businesses that value extensive reporting, revenue optimization, and guest CRM.
• Hotels across diverse segments—boutique, motels, resorts, and extended stays—seeking a flexible, proven platform.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Prefers a simple, all-in-one system with minimal third-party reliance.
• Operates a very small property or single boutique hotel with basic needs.
• Needs a platform with minimal setup or customization.
• Has budget constraints that prevent investing in a $700/month system without transparent pricing.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Optima HMS or RMS?

RMS’s core advantage is its extensive, recent reviews, and proven scalability, making it the safer choice for most hotels needing reliable, feature-rich management. Its 4.56/5 rating from 224 reviews, many from recent months, indicates consistent satisfaction and support.

Optima’s niche appeal lies in its open architecture and integrated website tools, but its limited reviews and lack of recent feedback reduce confidence in its current performance. For most hotels, RMS offers a more tested and trusted solution.

Choose RMS if you want a broad, reliable platform with extensive integrations, proven support, and scalable features. Optima may suit boutique or resort hotels with specific needs for website development and rate shopping, but RMS’s track record makes it the better all-around choice for growing and established hotels alike.