The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 415 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:
roommaster shines when it comes to user-friendly design — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Price comparison widget and Meal plans.
Simplotel shines in customer support and ROI — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Stripe and PayU.
Side-by-side ratings based on 415 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $500/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 83 | 332 |
After analyzing 415 verified reviews, roommaster users most value its user-friendly design, secure automated transactions, ai chatbox for web booking, while Simplotel users highlight service and support, user-friendly interface and design, customer experience enhancement. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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User-friendly Design
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Service and Support
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Secure Automated Transactions
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User-friendly interface and design
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AI Chatbox for Web Booking
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Customer experience enhancement
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Integration and Optimization
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Processing Fees
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Customization and Flexibility
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Analytics and Reporting
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How each product ranks among Booking Engine vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
| Segment |
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #16 29 reviews | #5 127 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #14 33 reviews | #6 163 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #21 6 reviews | #9 20 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #26 1 reviews | #14 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #16 33 reviews | #6 139 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #34 8 reviews | #4 187 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #20 14 reviews | #4 101 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #22 4 reviews | #9 15 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #4 61 reviews | #13 11 reviews |
| Europe | #32 3 reviews | #35 2 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | — | #2 307 reviews |
| Middle East | #24 0 reviews | #15 3 reviews |
Choosing the right booking engine is critical for your hotel's direct booking strategy. Both RoomMaster by RoomMaster and Simplotel Booking Engine aim to increase your direct reservations, but they differ significantly in features, support, and market presence. While RoomMaster offers a more established platform with a longer track record, Simplotel’s recent surge in reviews and higher ratings suggest it may be the better option today.
What’s the best fit for your hotel’s size, segment, and growth ambitions? Let’s compare these two solutions head-to-head.
RoomMaster and Simplotel tackle the same core problem: reducing dependency on OTAs by boosting direct bookings. RoomMaster’s strength lies in its integration with property management systems, offering extensive back-end features used by hotels across multiple continents. Conversely, Simplotel emphasizes website design and conversion optimization, backed by more recent and abundant reviews.
RoomMaster’s platform has been around since 1994, and it shows in its broad regional presence and loyal customer base. Simplotel, founded in 2013, has gained rapid traction, especially in Europe and Asia, with nearly 300 reviews and a market presence in 21 countries.
Do you prioritize a proven, integrated system or modern, design-focused conversion tools? The decision depends on your hotel’s needs.
If your hotel needs a comprehensive, customizable booking engine that integrates deeply with PMS and GDS systems, RoomMaster is the choice. It’s ideal for hotels seeking operational control and a platform used by properties of all sizes, notably resorts, boutique hotels, and motels.
If your hotel aims to enhance website conversion rates through sleek design, advanced analytics, and marketing tools, Simplotel is the better pick. Its user-friendly interface, extensive features, and focus on direct bookings suit hotels of various sizes, especially those wanting to scale their web presence.
In summary, choose RoomMaster for operational depth; choose Simplotel for marketing and user experience.
RoomMaster’s ease of use scores 4.43/5 but receives mixed reviews — some users find the back office intuitive, while others mention the need for more organized training and better mobile access. Several reviews commend its straightforward interface for staff familiar with hotel management.
Simplotel scores higher at 4.65/5, with many reviews highlighting its simple, clean design and efficient navigation. Users report that implementing and managing the platform feels intuitive, and onboarding is smoother.
Edge: Simplotel.
RoomMaster offers 32 shared features plus 2 exclusive ones: a price comparison widget and meal plans, giving it a slight edge for customization. Its back-end capabilities include extensive channel management, PMS integration, and detailed reporting.
Simplotel provides 30 shared features but has 7 unique options, including Stripe, PayU, Paypal payment integrations, Facebook conversion tracking, customizable exit intent modals, form autofill, and Google Hotel Ads Bookings—features that enhance website conversion and marketing.
Edge: RoomMaster, for its broader feature set and unique tools.
RoomMaster’s support scores 4.16/5, with reviews citing helpful support but also noting inconsistent response times and some staff unfamiliarity with specific issues. Support is generally responsive, but users mention delays and the need for more organized training.
Simplotel outperforms with a support score of 4.69/5, with numerous recent reviews praising its prompt, friendly, and proactive support. Customers often highlight their satisfaction with team responsiveness and ongoing assistance.
Edge: Simplotel.
RoomMaster boasts 56 verified partners, including major channel managers and GDS systems like Sage, Volo, and GuestCentric, giving it a broad integration network. Its extensive partner list supports complex operational needs, especially for larger properties.
Simplotel has 22 verified partners, sharing some with RoomMaster such as RateGain and STAAH. While fewer in number, Simplotel’s integrations focus heavily on marketing, analytics, and booking enhancements.
Edge: RoomMaster, thanks to its larger, more diverse integration ecosystem.
Simplotel’s reviews are significantly more recent and plentiful, with over 297 reviews and a 4.75/5 overall rating—higher than RoomMaster’s 4.31/5 from 70 reviews. Hotels across segments, especially resorts and branded hotels, rate Simplotel higher, citing ease of use and increased direct bookings.
RoomMaster appeals primarily to boutique hotels and motels, with an average rating of 4.21/5, but recent feedback is limited. Simplotel’s higher ratings and more recent reviews solidify its position as the preferred solution.
Edge: Simplotel.
Both products are priced at $500/month with no implementation fees, freemium options, or tiered pricing indicated. The flat monthly fee suggests predictable costs, but additional charges for customizations or integrations may apply.
Since pricing details are similar, your decision should consider value based on features, support, and market fit rather than cost alone.
Not ideal if you prioritize quick setup, modern website design, or a focus on marketing features.
Not ideal if you require heavily customized back-end integrations or complex operational workflows.
RoomMaster offers a comprehensive, deeply integrated booking engine that excels in operational control and customization. Its extensive partner network and long history make it ideal for larger properties with complex needs.
Simplotel, on the other hand, is a modern platform with superior user ratings, a focus on website design, and tools to increase direct bookings. Its recent surge in reviews and high satisfaction scores suggest it’s the better choice for most hotels seeking simplicity combined with marketing power.
If your priority is a proven system with extensive integrations, go with RoomMaster. If your focus is website conversion, user experience, and support, Simplotel is the superior option.
Booking Engine pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.
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| Starting Price | From $500/mo | From $500/mo |
According to HTR's product database, roommaster booking engine and Simplotel Booking Engine share 30 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Customizable exit intent modals | ||
| Facebook conversion tracking | ||
| Form autofill | ||
| Meal plans | ||
| PayU | ||
| Paypal | ||
| Price comparison widget | ||
| Stripe |
We analyzed 1 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"We’re an independent hotel surrounded by giants, but roomMaster gave us the tools we needed to stand tall alongside them."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
The booking engine's interface is praised for its simplicity, allowing hotel staff to learn and navigate the system efficiently. The intuitive layout... The booking engine's interface is praised for its simplicity, allowing hotel staff to learn and navigate the system efficiently. The intuitive layout enhances overall user experience, contributing to increased adoption and satisfaction among users.
Secure transactions are highlighted as a key strength, supporting seamless bookings and safeguarding guest data. This feature minimizes reliance on th... Secure transactions are highlighted as a key strength, supporting seamless bookings and safeguarding guest data. This feature minimizes reliance on third-party booking platforms, thereby increasing direct revenue streams.
There's an optimistic expectation regarding the integration of AI chat capabilities in the booking engine. This feature is expected to enhance guest e... There's an optimistic expectation regarding the integration of AI chat capabilities in the booking engine. This feature is expected to enhance guest experience by providing instant, intelligent interactions during the booking process.
Where hoteliers push back
While the secure automation of transactions is appreciated, the costs associated with processing fees are identified as a concern. Users suggest the n... While the secure automation of transactions is appreciated, the costs associated with processing fees are identified as a concern. Users suggest the need for cost reduction to enhance the engine's value proposition.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
Although customer support is generally rated as responsive and helpful, there are calls for more proactive communication. Monthly check-ins and traini... Although customer support is generally rated as responsive and helpful, there are calls for more proactive communication. Monthly check-ins and training materials are suggested for enhanced service.
Simplotel's booking engine stands out for its intuitive and user-friendly design, simplifying navigation for guests and hoteliers. Reviews consistentl... Simplotel's booking engine stands out for its intuitive and user-friendly design, simplifying navigation for guests and hoteliers. Reviews consistently mention improved booking experience and engagement, translating to increased bookings and customer satisfaction.
The platform enhances guest experiences by streamlining booking processes and supporting upselling and cross-selling services. This feature is cited f... The platform enhances guest experiences by streamlining booking processes and supporting upselling and cross-selling services. This feature is cited for adding value and contributing to increased revenue.
Where hoteliers push back
Many users appreciate the potential for customizing brand-specific templates and designs but express a demand for more flexibility. There is feedback... Many users appreciate the potential for customizing brand-specific templates and designs but express a demand for more flexibility. There is feedback on limited options for personalizing website layouts and dynamic content.
Simplotel provides robust analytics and reporting features aiding in data-driven decision-making and marketing strategies. Users find these insights b... Simplotel provides robust analytics and reporting features aiding in data-driven decision-making and marketing strategies. Users find these insights beneficial for optimizing bookings, although some suggest further advancements in analytics tools.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. roommaster booking engine and Simplotel Booking Engine share many core Booking Engine features, but each has unique capabilities. roommaster booking engine offers 56 verified integration partners, while Simplotel Booking Engine offers 22. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Simplotel Booking Engine leads in ease of use at 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.
roommaster booking engine: No. Simplotel Booking Engine: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Booking Engine vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. roommaster has an HT Score of 81 and Simplotel has 90. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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How highly do users recommend this product? Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories ▾ The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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How highly do tech partners recommend this company? Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality ▾ Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack. |
| Customer Centricity |
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How customer-centric is this organization? Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness ▾ Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features. |
| Reach, Staying Power & Resources |
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How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing? Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score ▾ Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity. |
Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →
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