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

Is protel PMS (by Planet) or ThinkReservations PMS Better for Hotels?

Protel PMS by Planet and ThinkReservations both solve the essential property management challenge: managing reservations, guest communications, and daily hotel operations digitally. However, they diverge sharply in their fit for different hotel types and scale. Protel targets a broad hospitality market including chains, resorts, and multi-property groups, offering extensive integration capabilities and both cloud and on-premise deployment options. ThinkReservations focuses primarily on independent inns, B&Bs, and small to medium-sized hotels with a streamlined, user-friendly interface and an emphasis on direct booking growth and operational simplicity.

Both systems automate core workflows like booking management, guest profiles, and payment processing, but Protel’s complex feature set and integration ecosystem support larger or multi-property operations, while ThinkReservations’ intuitive design and strong guest messaging tools better serve smaller properties wanting fast adoption and less technical overhead.

protel PMS (by Planet) vs ThinkReservations PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If you operate a small to medium-sized independent B&B or inn, especially in North America, ThinkReservations is the better choice, supported by 425 reviews averaging 4.8/5 overall and 4.9/5 in key segments like Bed & Breakfast & Inns (376 reviews). Its ease of use rating of 4.8 and customer support at 4.8 reflect a smoother onboarding and daily operation experience. If your property values guest messaging, mobile check-in, and direct channel management, ThinkReservations offers features uniquely suited to these workflows.

Conversely, if you manage a hotel chain, resort, or multi-property operation across multiple countries, or need extensive customization and integrations (196 verified partners vs ThinkReservations’ 17), protel’s broader ecosystem and support for on-premise deployments make it a stronger fit. Protel’s 128 reviews average 4/5 overall and show strengths in luxury and branded hotel segments. However, its onboarding and support scores (3.8 and 4.0) indicate a steeper learning curve and slower support response.

Where data is thin—such as multi-property management in ThinkReservations or very large resorts in ThinkReservations—caution is advised. But for single-property independents, ThinkReservations’ review volume and ratings provide more confidence.

Is protel PMS (by Planet) or ThinkReservations PMS Easier to Use?

ThinkReservations leads in ease of use with a score of 4.8/5 compared to protel’s 4.2/5, based on 425 versus 128 reviews. Reviewers of ThinkReservations consistently praise its intuitive interface, straightforward navigation, and simple workflows that reduce staff effort on reservations and guest services. ThinkReservations’ onboarding rating (4.7) also surpasses protel’s (3.8), reflecting faster learning and adoption.

Protel users report a generally intuitive interface but describe it as outdated visually and occasionally buggy, especially with special characters or crashes under complex operations. Some reviews highlight a need for more structured training and longer support wait times, which can slow staff adoption.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Features: protel PMS (by Planet) or ThinkReservations PMS?

Protel offers 15 unique hotel-relevant features that ThinkReservations lacks, including an on-premise deployment option, an integrated revenue management module, multi-currency and multi-lingual support, a sophisticated guest CRM, integrated ID and passport scanning, voice-to-text notes on mobile devices, and rules-based room assignments with automated space optimization. These features enable complex, global hotel operations and multi-property management to optimize revenue and guest experience.

ThinkReservations provides 8 unique features tailored to smaller properties, such as a built-in channel manager, EPoS integration, automated night audit, guest messaging, mobile app access, tablet/kiosk check-in, and online check-in. These features streamline front desk operations and guest communications in properties without dedicated IT resources or large teams.

Both share 31 core features like booking management, payment processing, and reporting. For hotels prioritizing advanced revenue management and multi-currency support, protel’s broader feature set gives it a clear operational advantage. For properties emphasizing guest messaging and modern mobile check-in, ThinkReservations’ specialized features improve front desk workflows.

Edge: protel PMS (by Planet).

Which Has Better Customer Support: protel PMS (by Planet) or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations scores 4.8/5 on customer support and onboarding, outpacing protel’s combined 4.0/5 and 3.8/5 respectively. Reviewers of ThinkReservations frequently note rapid, knowledgeable, and easily accessible support via phone, chat, and email, with proactive account management that understands innkeeping needs. One reviewer called support “exceptionally responsive” and praised live-person help.

Protel users describe mixed support experiences: some report competent and reachable support teams with multilingual specialists, while others mention long wait times, poor phone availability, and slow ticket responses post-acquisition by Planet. Several negative reviews cite support delays that disrupt daily hotel operations.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has More Integrations: protel PMS (by Planet) or ThinkReservations PMS?

Protel leads significantly with 196 verified partner integrations compared to ThinkReservations’ 17. Shared integrations include major partners like Whistle, TrustYou, Triptease, INTELITY, Tripadvisor, and Expedia, which both PMSs support.

Protel’s exclusive integrations cover advanced revenue management systems (Right Revenue, RevControl), global distribution services (Omnibees), and specialized guest engagement platforms (Bookboost). This extensive ecosystem supports diverse hotel types, complex distribution strategies, and advanced analytics.

ThinkReservations’ unique integrations include Airbnb, Stripe, PriceLabs, and RemoteLock, appealing to smaller properties focusing on channel management, payment processing, and access control.

Hotels with complex multi-channel distribution or multi-property environments benefit from protel’s integration depth. Smaller properties with streamlined channel requirements and payment needs find ThinkReservations’ integrations sufficient.

Edge: protel PMS (by Planet).

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: protel PMS (by Planet) or ThinkReservations PMS?

ThinkReservations holds a decisive rating edge with 4.8/5 overall from 425 reviews compared to protel’s 4.0/5 from 128 reviews. Recent reviews reinforce this gap: ThinkReservations scores a perfect 5/5 over the last six months from 41 reviews, while protel remains at 4/5 with 20 recent reviews.

Segment-specific ratings highlight ThinkReservations’ strength in Bed & Breakfast & Inns (4.9/5, 376 reviews), luxury hotels (4.9/5, 74 reviews), and airport/conference hotels (4.9/5, 55 reviews). Protel’s highest segment ratings appear in branded hotels (4.3/5, 39 reviews) and luxury hotels (4.1/5, 37 reviews), but with fewer reviews and lower averages.

ThinkReservations’ 97% likelihood to recommend further supports its customer satisfaction compared to protel’s 80%.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

How Much Do protel PMS (by Planet) and ThinkReservations PMS Cost?

Both protel PMS and ThinkReservations publish a base price of $500.00. Neither offers a freemium model, monthly flat fees, per-room pricing, implementation fees, nor trial periods publicly.

Without per-room or usage-based pricing, hotels should inquire about custom quotes, which likely vary based on property size, modules selected, and integration needs.

Because pricing information is limited and identical, pricing should not be a deciding factor without further clarification.

What Type of Hotel Should Use protel PMS (by Planet)?

• Hotels that operate multi-property portfolios or require on-premise deployment benefit from protel’s flexibility and infrastructure options.
• Teams seeking extensive integration options with advanced revenue management, guest CRM, or multi-currency support will utilize protel’s 196 verified partners and 15 unique features.
• Properties in global regions beyond North America, including Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America, will find protel’s multi-lingual and broad regional presence advantageous.
• Hotels that require detailed, customizable reporting and complex automation workflows can leverage protel’s capabilities, as evidenced by case studies like Bergwelt Grindelwald resort doubling reservations and Hôtel Paris Bastille accelerating check-ins.
• Not ideal if your property is a small independent or B&B seeking fast onboarding, simple user experience, or strong guest messaging features, as protel’s onboarding scores and user feedback indicate a steeper learning curve.
• Not ideal if your team demands rapid, easily accessible customer support due to protel’s reported slow response times.
• Not ideal for properties prioritizing mobile or kiosk check-in and lightweight channel management, which protel lacks compared to ThinkReservations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations PMS?

• Hotels that are small to mid-sized independent inns, B&Bs, or boutique hotels will benefit from ThinkReservations’ strong ratings in these segments, particularly in North America.
• Teams that value ease of use and fast adoption will appreciate ThinkReservations’ 4.8 ease of use and onboarding scores, enabling front desk staff to manage bookings and communications efficiently.
• Properties seeking integrated guest messaging, mobile app access, and automated reminders will find ThinkReservations’ 8 unique features support superior guest communications and operational workflows.
• Hotels wanting straightforward channel management with direct connectivity to major OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia will find the built-in channel manager and integrations sufficient.
• Not ideal if your hotel portfolio is large, multi-property, or requires extensive global integrations and multi-currency or multi-lingual support, as ThinkReservations has fewer integrations and regional presence.
• Not ideal if you need advanced revenue management modules or complex rules-based room assignments missing from ThinkReservations.
• Not ideal for hotels outside North America, as ThinkReservations operates primarily in 9 North American countries.

protel PMS (by Planet) vs ThinkReservations PMS: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Protel PMS and ThinkReservations both provide core property management functions but serve distinct hotel markets. Protel’s strength lies in its versatility, supporting multi-property, multi-currency, and multi-lingual operations with a vast integration network and advanced revenue management tools. ThinkReservations excels in ease of use, customer support, and features that streamline reservations and guest communication for smaller independent hotels.

Choose protel PMS if your hotel operates globally, requires on-premise deployment, and needs deep customization, integration, and advanced revenue optimization. The system’s unique features like automated space optimization and integrated ID scanning empower complex workflows, while case studies demonstrate success in increasing reservations and operational efficiency.

Choose ThinkReservations if you run a small to medium independent property, especially a B&B or boutique hotel in North America, and prioritize fast staff adoption, superior guest messaging, and direct booking growth. Its higher ratings, larger recent review volume, and 97% recommendation rate reflect a product that is easier to use and better supported for smaller operations.

In sum, protel is a powerful solution for complex hotel operations demanding customization and scale, while ThinkReservations is the more user-friendly, guest-focused PMS for smaller, independent properties seeking straightforward, effective management tools.