Optima HMS vs. Visual Matrix PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Optima HMS by Priority Software and Visual Matrix PMS depends on your hotel’s operational priorities. Both aim to streamline management, but they do so with different strengths and focus areas. Priority Software offers a broad, integrated approach suited for global chains and resorts, while Visual Matrix PMS emphasizes ease of use and operational efficiency, particularly for understaffed teams. Your decision hinges on which features and support structures align best with your hotel's needs.

While both products solve essential hotel management challenges, Priority Software is more comprehensive across multiple functions, whereas Visual Matrix PMS excels in usability and recent support updates. Are you prepared to prioritize extensive features and international connectivity or user-friendly simplicity and recent reviews?

Is Priority Software or Visual Matrix PMS Better for Hotels?

Priority Software’s Optima HMS addresses the complete spectrum of hotel management, including guest engagement, reservation automation, revenue operations, and global distribution. These features are designed to serve large, complex properties or chains that need a centralized, scalable platform. Visual Matrix PMS, however, focuses on operational ease, staff connectivity, and revenue optimization through automation and integrations, making it ideal for properties needing to improve efficiency quickly.

Priority Software has only 2 recent reviews, but those reviews highlight its stability and extensive functionality, supporting its longstanding reputation. Visual Matrix PMS, with 143 reviews in the last six months, presents more current data, demonstrating ongoing customer satisfaction and product evolution. Given the recent review volume, Visual Matrix’s support and usability are more reliably documented. Which product aligns better with your property’s scale and operational complexity?

Priority Software vs Visual Matrix PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates across multiple locations, needs advanced integrations, and values a wide feature set, go with Priority Software. It supports global listings, online check-in/out, and website development—perfect for chains and resorts seeking comprehensive control. Conversely, if your team prioritizes operational simplicity, mobile management, and fast onboarding, Visual Matrix PMS is the better choice, especially for understaffed properties or hotels seeking rapid efficiency gains.

Priority Software’s strengths lie in its open architecture, extensive partner network, and broad feature coverage, making it suitable for larger or more complex properties. Visual Matrix PMS’s focus on ease of use, recent support, and automation appeals to smaller hotels or those with limited tech resources. Your decision should consider your hotel’s size, staffing, and technological ambitions.

Is Priority Software or Visual Matrix PMS Easier to Use?

Priority Software scores a perfect 5/5 for ease of use and onboarding, with reviews praising its quick setup and comprehensive support. Customers comment on how the platform helps staff learn faster and reduces training time, making it suitable for large teams. Visual Matrix PMS, rated 4.43/5 for ease of use, also receives praise for its user-friendly interface and mobile app, simplifying daily tasks.

However, some users of Visual Matrix PMS mention system slowness, which can hinder productivity during busy periods. The recent support reviews favor Visual Matrix PMS, with high ratings of 4.34/5, indicating solid customer service. Edge: Priority Software.

Which Has Better Features: Priority Software or Visual Matrix PMS?

Priority Software boasts 49 shared features and an additional 4 unique, including online check-in, online checkout, payment requests, and website development—features that enhance guest experience and operational control. Visual Matrix PMS, with 49 shared features plus 6 unique ones like guest messaging, ancillary revenue tracking, and mobile device notes, is more focused on operational automation and guest communication.

While Priority Software’s extensive features support complex, global operations, Visual Matrix PMS’s unique functions center on staff communication and revenue management, making it more adaptable for smaller or understaffed hotels. The decision depends on whether your hotel values broader functionality or targeted operational automation. Edge: Visual Matrix PMS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Priority Software or Visual Matrix PMS?

Priority Software’s customer support consistently earns 5/5, with reviews emphasizing their responsiveness and technical expertise. Hoteliers state that help is available around the clock, and issues are resolved efficiently. Visual Matrix PMS’s support, rated 4.34/5, is also highly regarded, with users noting that support staff are knowledgeable and pleasant, though some mention occasional delays during critical support situations.

Given the recent reviews, Visual Matrix PMS’s customer support appears more actively engaged, but Priority Software’s support remains slightly ahead in customer satisfaction ratings. Edge: Priority Software.

Which Has More Integrations: Priority Software or Visual Matrix PMS?

Priority Software integrates with 40 verified partners, including major players like STR, TrustYou, and RoomChecking, offering extensive connectivity options. Visual Matrix PMS has 23 verified partners, sharing key integrations such as SiteMinder and Cendyn, but it offers fewer overall options.

If extensive connectivity with third-party systems is crucial for your hotel, Priority Software’s broader integration network provides greater flexibility. Visual Matrix’s integrations are sufficient for many operational needs but may require additional customization. Edge: Priority Software.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Priority Software or Visual Matrix PMS?

Visual Matrix PMS has accumulated significantly more recent reviews—143 in the past six months—compared to Priority Software’s 2 reviews, making its recent customer satisfaction more reliable. Overall, Visual Matrix PMS has a 3.75/5 rating, with many users citing improved efficiency and ease of use, especially in operational automation.

Priority Software’s 5/5 rating is based on few reviews, mostly praising support and stability, but the limited recent data reduces confidence. Given the volume and recency, hoteliers rate Visual Matrix PMS higher. Edge: Visual Matrix PMS.

How Much Do Priority Software and Visual Matrix PMS Cost?

Priority Software does not publicly disclose its pricing, implying a custom quote based on hotel size and needs. It is not offered as a freemium or with a simple subscription model.

Visual Matrix PMS charges $500 per month, with no free trial or other pricing options. This straightforward pricing makes it easier to evaluate and budget for your hotel’s operations. Given the lack of transparent pricing for Priority Software, Visual Matrix PMS offers clearer value expectations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Priority Software?

• Hotels that operate across multiple locations and need centralized management.
• Properties that require extensive integrations with global booking channels.
• Resorts, large chains, or boutique hotels seeking a comprehensive, scalable platform.
• Teams that prioritize automation, online check-in/out, and website development.
• Not ideal if your hotel prefers a simple, low-cost solution or has minimal tech staff.

Priority Software is suitable for properties looking for a full-suite management system with a global reach. Its broad feature set and open architecture support complex operations but might be overkill for small, straightforward hotels.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Visual Matrix PMS?

• Hotels or resorts with limited staff seeking automation to reduce workload.
• Properties that value mobile management, scheduling, and staff communication.
• Hotels focused on operational efficiency and revenue optimization through automation.
• Small to midsize properties needing an intuitive system with quick onboarding.
• Not ideal if your hotel requires extensive global integrations or complex management features.

Visual Matrix PMS is designed for properties aiming for smarter, faster operations with less staff. Its recent high review volume and focus on automation make it a compelling choice for understaffed or efficiency-driven hotels.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Which PMS Should You Pick?

Priority Software stands out as a comprehensive, globally connected hotel management solution ideal for large, multi-property operators. Its extensive integrations, features, and support make it suited for complex operations with a need for centralized control.

Visual Matrix PMS, with its focus on ease of use, automation, and recent positive reviews, is better suited for smaller or understaffed properties that need quick wins and operational simplicity. It provides a modern, flexible platform that helps hotels optimize daily tasks without overwhelming staff.

If your hotel needs a broad, scalable system with global reach and in-depth features, Priority Software is the stronger choice. For properties seeking a user-friendly, automation-focused PMS with active recent support, Visual Matrix PMS is the better fit.