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 363 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:
Simple Booking shines when it comes to user-friendly interface , with exclusive features like Price comparison widget and Flexible dates.
Simplotel shines when it comes to service and support — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) .
Side-by-side ratings based on 363 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $200/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 31 | 332 |
After analyzing 363 verified reviews, Simple Booking users most value its user-friendly interface, customer support, increased booking conversions, 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 Interface
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Service and Support
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Customer Support
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User-friendly interface and design
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Increased Booking Conversions
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Customer experience enhancement
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Flexibility and Customization
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Integration and Optimization
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Advanced Functionalities
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Customization and Flexibility
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Cost-related Issues
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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
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #31 6 reviews | #5 127 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #21 19 reviews | #6 163 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #24 4 reviews | #9 20 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #27 1 reviews | #14 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #28 13 reviews | #6 139 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #26 12 reviews | #4 187 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #26 7 reviews | #4 101 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #27 3 reviews | #9 15 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | — | #13 11 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #11 25 reviews | #35 2 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #22 2 reviews | #2 307 reviews |
| Middle East | #12 4 reviews | #15 3 reviews |
Choosing between Simple Booking by Simple Booking and Simplotel Booking Engine hinges on your hotel’s specific needs, budget, and growth plans. Both products aim to streamline reservations and boost direct bookings, but they differ significantly in scope, user feedback, and feature set. Simple Booking is a reservation system integrated into an extensive ecosystem, while Simplotel emphasizes website design and user engagement. Which aligns better with your priorities?
Simple Booking and Simplotel both resolve the challenge of increasing direct reservations and managing multi-channel distribution. Simple Booking offers an all-in-one reservation platform with marketing tools and extensive integrations, while Simplotel focuses on converting website visitors into bookers through customized website design and analytics. Given their core focus, do you prioritize a comprehensive reservation system or website-centric conversion tools?
The key divergence is in user base and review strength. Simple Booking has only 29 reviews with limited recent feedback, whereas Simplotel boasts 297 reviews, with 14 in the last 6 months—indicating more current user experience data. Also, Simplotel’s higher overall rating (4.75/5) compared to Simple Booking’s 0/5 suggests better satisfaction. Why might recent feedback matter more in your decision?
If your hotel needs a robust reservation system that integrates with property management and distribution channels, go with Simple Booking. It’s ideal for independent hotels, resorts, and properties that value centralized management, automation, and marketing features like rate match and metasearch integration.
If your goal is to improve your website’s booking conversion, brand presentation, and guest engagement, Simplotel is the better fit. It suits hotels looking for customizable, visually appealing websites with built-in analytics and marketing tools that help reduce OTA reliance. For properties prioritizing direct, website-driven bookings, Simplotel’s focus is a clear advantage.
Simple Booking’s UI scores a 4.79/5 in ease of use, with reviews highlighting its speed and straightforward back-office management. Users find it intuitive, especially for channel management and synchronization, but some report recent support challenges and limited back-end features.
Simplotel’s interface ratings are slightly lower at 4.65/5, yet reviews praise its simplicity and website customization options. Users note that it’s easy to create branded websites, and support teams respond promptly, though some mention room for better mobile responsiveness. Overall, Simple Booking’s higher user ratings and recent positive comments give it a slight edge.
Edge: Simple Booking
Simple Booking offers 37 shared features with Simplotel but provides 7 exclusive functionalities, including price comparison widgets, TripAdvisor bookings, Apple Pay, Google Pay, flexible date options, and availability blocks. These features support dynamic pricing, diverse payment options, and enhanced booking flexibility.
Simplotel, in contrast, focuses on website design, guest engagement, and analytics but lacks these advanced booking-specific features. With 7 unique features, Simple Booking’s specialized tools give it the edge for hotels seeking more operational control and revenue-driving options.
Edge: Simple Booking
Simple Booking’s customer support rates at 4.76/5, with recent reviews praising its responsiveness and helpfulness. Some older reviews mention support delays, but current feedback indicates improvements. Hoteliers appreciate prompt assistance, especially during onboarding.
Simplotel’s support scores 4.69/5, with reviews emphasizing friendly staff and timely responses. However, some users report inconsistent support quality amid frequent staff changes, affecting confidence. Given the larger recent review base and slightly higher rating, Simple Booking’s support currently has the upper hand.
Edge: Simple Booking
Simple Booking connects with 56 verified partners, including major channel managers, PMS, and marketing platforms, with 11 shared integrations with Simplotel. Notable exclusive integrations include AdsHotel, Customer Alliance, and HiJiffy, providing extensive options for hotel operations.
Simplotel’s 22 verified partners include key integrations like Cloudbeds PMS and Yanolja Cloud, but it offers fewer options overall. For hotels relying on diverse systems or seeking extensive third-party connections, Simple Booking’s broader integration network is advantageous.
Edge: Simple Booking
Simplotel’s reviews are far more numerous and recent, with a 4.75/5 overall rating, compared to Simple Booking’s 0/5 from only 29 reviews. Hoteliers across segments like resorts and branded hotels rate Simplotel higher, often praising its website customization, ease of use, and support.
Simple Booking’s limited reviews and lower ratings reflect less recent feedback and uncertain satisfaction. For a more reliable gauge of user experience, Simplotel’s higher and more recent ratings suggest it’s the preferred choice among hoteliers.
Edge: Simplotel
Simple Booking’s base price is $200/month, with no freemium version or implementation fees. Its transparent pricing makes it accessible for smaller hotels and independents.
Simplotel’s base price starts at $500/month, also without freemium options or setup fees. Its higher cost aligns with its broader website and marketing features but might be less attractive for smaller properties with tight budgets.
Not ideal if your hotel requires advanced website customization, extensive marketing channels, or a comprehensive property management system.
Not ideal if your hotel requires complex integrations with diverse property management or channel systems or if you’re on a tight budget.
Simple Booking offers a broad, integrated reservation ecosystem with more features, integrations, and recent positive reviews. It suits hotels seeking operational efficiency, extensive marketing, and automation.
Simplotel shines as a website-focused solution with top-rated user satisfaction, ideal for properties emphasizing direct bookings, website branding, and guest engagement. Its recent reviews and high ratings make it a clear favorite for hotels prioritizing website conversion.
If your hotel values a comprehensive reservation platform with numerous integrations and features, choose Simple Booking. If your priorities are website design, guest engagement, and recent positive feedback, Simplotel is the safer bet.
In conclusion, for most hotels actively seeking a validated, well-rated solution with recent user feedback, Simplotel is the stronger choice. Its higher ratings and larger review base reflect current user satisfaction and ongoing support, especially for properties focused on direct online engagement and website excellence.
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 $200/mo | From $500/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Simple Booking (Reservations System) and Simplotel Booking Engine share 37 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Apple Pay | ||
| Flexible dates | ||
| Google Pay | ||
| Meal plans | ||
| Price comparison widget | ||
| Tripadvisor Bookings |
What hoteliers love
The software's intuitive and easy-to-use interface is frequently praised, allowing both hotel staff and guests to navigate and manage bookings effortl... The software's intuitive and easy-to-use interface is frequently praised, allowing both hotel staff and guests to navigate and manage bookings effortlessly. This ease of use promotes higher conversion rates and a better overall user experience.
While customer support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful, some users note a decline in its quality, finding it cumbersome and diff... While customer support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful, some users note a decline in its quality, finding it cumbersome and difficult to reach lately. Continuous improvement in this area is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction.
Many hoteliers report a noticeable increase in their booking conversions since implementing SimpleBooking. Features such as the rate match tool, optim... Many hoteliers report a noticeable increase in their booking conversions since implementing SimpleBooking. Features such as the rate match tool, optimized user experience, and persuasive booking options contribute significantly to this improvement.
Where hoteliers push back
Hoteliers are impressed by the system's advanced functionalities, such as automated rate and availability management, customizable templates, and mult... Hoteliers are impressed by the system's advanced functionalities, such as automated rate and availability management, customizable templates, and multi-language support. These features enhance the booking process, making it more efficient and user-centric.
Several reviews highlight cost-related concerns, particularly the high prices for specific features like custom URLs and payment provider options. Use... Several reviews highlight cost-related concerns, particularly the high prices for specific features like custom URLs and payment provider options. Users feel that these charges are not justified and suggest more reasonable pricing.
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
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Simple Booking (Reservations System) and Simplotel Booking Engine share many core Booking Engine features, but each has unique capabilities. Simple Booking (Reservations System) 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. Simple Booking (Reservations System) leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 4.7/5. 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.
Simple Booking (Reservations System): 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. Simple Booking has an HT Score of 65 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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