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 724 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:
RoomRaccoon shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Post-stay emails and Pre-stay emails.
Visual Matrix PMS shines when it comes to technical support challenges , with exclusive features like Native Email Marketing and Guest Communication (SMS Messaging).
Side-by-side ratings based on 724 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $1,000/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 572 | 152 |
After analyzing 724 verified reviews, RoomRaccoon users most value its ease of use, customer service, continuous improvement, while Visual Matrix PMS users highlight technical support challenges, user-friendly interface, comprehensive reporting tools. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Ease of Use
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Technical support challenges
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Customer Service
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User-friendly interface
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Continuous Improvement
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Comprehensive reporting tools
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Integration and Automation
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Streamlined operations
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Critical Issues
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Technical support challenges
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Pricing Concerns
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Booking and reservation management
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Guest Database Transparency
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System speed and feature availability
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How each product ranks among Hotel Management Software vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #5 214 reviews | #18 23 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #8 50 reviews | #2 117 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #4 18 reviews | #11 5 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #8 2 reviews | #16 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #3 245 reviews | #12 38 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #4 149 reviews | #16 17 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #5 70 reviews | #1 124 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #3 72 reviews | #4 44 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #14 11 reviews | #7 141 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #1 445 reviews | #32 1 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #8 9 reviews | #18 2 reviews |
| Middle East | #17 3 reviews | — |
Choosing the right hotel management software can significantly impact your operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue. Both RoomRaccoon HMS and Visual Matrix PMS aim to streamline hotel operations, but they do so with different strengths. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s size, tech needs, and growth plans. Are you prioritizing ease of use and extensive integrations or seeking a more customizable, staff-connected management system?
RoomRaccoon, with its higher global presence and more recent reviews, offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution designed for independent properties. Visual Matrix, meanwhile, targets understaffed teams with a focus on automation and connectivity. Which system aligns better with your hotel’s operational style?
Both products aim to centralize hotel operations, but they diverge in scope and focus. RoomRaccoon is an all-in-one platform combining PMS, channel management, booking engine, and native payment tools, making it ideal for small to medium independent properties seeking simplicity. Visual Matrix emphasizes automation, staff connectivity, and extensive integrations, appealing to hotels that need to optimize existing workflows with fewer staff.
RoomRaccoon’s recent reviews show a strong customer satisfaction score—97% likelihood to recommend—thanks to its intuitive interface and robust native features. Visual Matrix’s reviews highlight its automation capabilities and real-time staff communication but mention slower speed and some technical support issues. Do you want a straightforward, comprehensive platform or a flexible, automation-focused system?
If your hotel needs an easy-to-learn, all-in-one management solution with strong native features, go with RoomRaccoon. Its high overall rating (4.95/5) and user reviews praising its simplicity and centralized control make it suitable for small, independent hotels, especially B&Bs and boutique properties.
If your team requires advanced automation, staff connectivity tools, and extensive integrations with third-party systems, opt for Visual Matrix. Its specialized features like housekeeping mobile app and automated assignments serve understaffed or multi-property teams well, despite a lower overall rating (3.75/5). For scalable growth and automation, Visual Matrix may be more adaptable.
RoomRaccoon boasts a user rating of 4.87/5, with reviews emphasizing its intuitive, clean interface and quick onboarding. Many users find it simple to learn, with minimal training required, and highlight its mobile responsiveness. Supportive onboarding and straightforward workflows make staff adoption smooth.
Visual Matrix scores 4.43/5, with praise for its familiar interface and mobile app, but some users report slowness and occasional complexity in navigating features. Its learning curve may be slightly steeper, especially for those transitioning from other systems.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon offers 20 features exclusive to its platform, including special offers, automated reporting, online check-in, and multi-currency support, providing a comprehensive management bundle. Visual Matrix has 18 unique features, such as native SMS messaging, guest CRM, and a housekeeping mobile app, focusing on automation and staff communication.
Shared features total 37, but RoomRaccoon’s added native booking engine and loyalty integrations make it more attractive for small hotels seeking a full solution. Visual Matrix’s automation tools and guest communication features are strong but less extensive compared to RoomRaccoon.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon’s support rating of 4.74/5 reflects prompt, knowledgeable service, with reviews praising their responsiveness and support during onboarding. Many users mention the value of hands-on assistance and quick resolutions, though some note room for improvement in post-sale follow-up.
Visual Matrix scores 4.34/5, with users appreciating its support but citing occasional delays or difficulties in communication. While support is generally reliable, RoomRaccoon’s higher rating and recent positive reviews tip the scale.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon integrates with 88 verified partners, including major OTAs, payment gateways, and marketing tools, allowing for broader connectivity. Visual Matrix has 23 verified integrations, with key partners like SiteMinder and OTAs but fewer options overall.
Shared integrations include popular partners such as Lighthouse, Nevotek, and Cendyn. If extensive third-party connectivity is vital, RoomRaccoon’s larger ecosystem provides more flexibility.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon’s user reviews, with a 4.95/5 rating and 484 reviews, show consistently high satisfaction, especially among small independent hotels and boutique properties. Recent reviews highlight its ease of use, automation, and support, with a 97% recommendation rate.
Visual Matrix, rated at 3.75/5 from 143 reviews, receives mixed feedback. Larger hotel groups and understaffed properties rate it favorably for automation but cite speed issues and support frustrations more often.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon’s pricing starts at $1,000/month without a free trial or freemium option, positioning it as a premium solution for small hotels. Visual Matrix’s base price is $500/month, also without a trial, offering a more affordable entry point.
Additional costs depend on integrations and add-ons, but neither system offers free tiers or transparent tiered pricing. Your decision may hinge on budget and required features.
Not ideal if you need extensive multi-property management or require highly customizable workflows. Larger, branded hotel chains might find RoomRaccoon’s focus too narrow.
Not ideal if your hotel depends heavily on extensive billing features, or if speed and support responsiveness are top priorities. Larger chains may prefer systems with broader enterprise capabilities.
RoomRaccoon is a comprehensive, user-friendly solution designed for small and independent hotels seeking simplicity and native features. Its high ratings, extensive integrations, and recent positive reviews make it ideal for properties that want to streamline operations without unnecessary complexity.
Visual Matrix excels in automation and staff connectivity, making it suitable for understaffed or multi-property teams aiming to optimize workflows and communication. Its lower overall rating and slower speed may be drawbacks for hoteliers prioritizing speed and straightforward support.
If your hotel values ease, all-in-one management, and a proven track record, RoomRaccoon is the clear choice. For those seeking automation-heavy tools and deep staff communication, Visual Matrix can suit specific operational needs better, but it may come with some speed and support trade-offs.
Hotel Management Software 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 $1,000/mo | From $500/mo |
According to HTR's product database, RoomRaccoon HMS and Visual Matrix PMS share 37 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Automated reporting | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Housekeeping Mobile App | ||
| Mobile optimized/responsive | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Post-stay emails | ||
| Pre-stay emails | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Special offers & discounts | ||
| Tariffs |
Showing top differences. 26 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"Yield rules have helped us optimise our rates and our occupancy immensely. The ones we found most crucial were setting up yield rules for last minute bookings, to increase our occu..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"The automation of the payment system - from the guests receiving their invoice, the booking confirmation, and the payment being automatically accredited to the reservation - has le..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"Most of our guests travel from far, and they might be tired when they arrive, so they might not always think about the extra things they might need - like a bathrobe and slippers...."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
Many users praise RoomRaccoon for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, which reduces training time and allows smooth integration into dai... Many users praise RoomRaccoon for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, which reduces training time and allows smooth integration into daily operations, thereby improving overall efficiency.
While some users commend the support team's responsiveness and expertise, others criticize the lack of after-sales care and response efficiency, indic... While some users commend the support team's responsiveness and expertise, others criticize the lack of after-sales care and response efficiency, indicating inconsistencies in customer service quality.
Users appreciate RoomRaccoon's ongoing development, including AI enhancements, which have contributed to improved sales and operational function, show... Users appreciate RoomRaccoon's ongoing development, including AI enhancements, which have contributed to improved sales and operational function, showcasing commitment to long-term adaptability.
Where hoteliers push back
Several reviews point out critical issues such as ineffective after-sales support and unresolved technical problems, significantly affecting user sati... Several reviews point out critical issues such as ineffective after-sales support and unresolved technical problems, significantly affecting user satisfaction and trust in the system.
The system's pricing is seen as steep by some users, especially those with seasonal businesses, impacting their decision-making despite the perceived... The system's pricing is seen as steep by some users, especially those with seasonal businesses, impacting their decision-making despite the perceived value of included features.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
While support is generally quick and effective, some users report challenges in reaching tech support during critical situations, suggesting improveme... While support is generally quick and effective, some users report challenges in reaching tech support during critical situations, suggesting improvements in call center operations.
Visual Matrix's intuitive design reduces the learning curve, making it accessible for new hires. However, some users mention initial difficulties tran... Visual Matrix's intuitive design reduces the learning curve, making it accessible for new hires. However, some users mention initial difficulties transitioning from other systems.
Users find Visual Matrix's reporting tools robust and comprehensive, aiding in informed decision-making by allowing access to detailed metrics on occu... Users find Visual Matrix's reporting tools robust and comprehensive, aiding in informed decision-making by allowing access to detailed metrics on occupancy, revenue, and forecasting.
Where hoteliers push back
While support is generally quick and effective, some users report challenges in reaching tech support during critical situations, suggesting improveme... While support is generally quick and effective, some users report challenges in reaching tech support during critical situations, suggesting improvements in call center operations.
The software's seamless integration with booking channels minimizes overbooking and improves reservation accuracy, ultimately maximizing revenue.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. RoomRaccoon HMS and Visual Matrix PMS share many core Hotel Management Software features, but each has unique capabilities. RoomRaccoon HMS offers 88 verified integration partners, while Visual Matrix PMS offers 23. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. RoomRaccoon HMS leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 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.
RoomRaccoon HMS: No. Visual Matrix PMS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Management Software 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. RoomRaccoon has an HT Score of 86 and Visual Matrix PMS has 80. 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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