Smart CMS by Bookassist vs. HotelRunner Hotel Website:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

When evaluating website design solutions for your hotel, you want a platform that not only looks good but also boosts bookings and simplifies management. Both Bookassist's Smart CMS and HotelRunner's Website platform aim to address these needs, but they do so through different approaches and strengths. Your choice hinges on your specific priorities: extensive features and proven results versus ease of use and affordability.

Bookassist offers a comprehensive, feature-rich CMS with a long-standing reputation and a large review base, while HotelRunner provides a straightforward website builder optimized for direct bookings. Which one aligns best with your hotel’s goals and operational style?

Is Bookassist or HotelRunner Better for Hotels?

Both products aim to improve your online presence and drive direct bookings, but they differ significantly in their approach and maturity. Bookassist’s platform emphasizes advanced features, extensive customization, and integration, supported by a large, recent review base. Its reviews, over 155 in the last six months, showcase high satisfaction, especially for its ability to increase revenue, with an overall rating of 4.92/5.

HotelRunner, on the other hand, has only 19 recent reviews, with a rating of 4.33/5. Its strength lies in simplicity and ease of creating a multilingual website, but it lacks the depth of features and recent user feedback that bolster confidence in its long-term performance. Do you prioritize a proven, robust system or a straightforward, budget-friendly website builder?

Bookassist vs HotelRunner: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a highly customizable CMS with integrated booking, marketing, and reporting tools, go with Bookassist. It’s well-suited for hotels aiming to boost direct bookings and manage complex offers, especially if you target mid-sized to large properties or chains that benefit from its advanced functionalities.

If your focus is on quickly establishing a professional website with a straightforward interface to accept bookings and payments, HotelRunner may be the better fit. It offers a simple platform ideal for small hotels, B&Bs, or properties just starting their online journey, with a lower upfront complexity.

Is Bookassist or HotelRunner Easier to Use?

Based on ratings, both platforms are rated highly for ease of use, with HotelRunner slightly edging out at 4.79/5 compared to Bookassist's 4.72/5. Users praise HotelRunner for its intuitive website creation and management, emphasizing quick setup and straightforward editing.

Bookassist also scores high, with a 4.72/5 rating, and is appreciated for its visual page management, drag-and-drop functionality, and detailed tutorials. However, some users note that managing certain features requires support assistance, which may impact day-to-day simplicity. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: Bookassist or HotelRunner?

Bookassist’s Smart CMS boasts 24 exclusive features, including multi-lingual support, gift vouchers, automated reporting, and niche modules like wedding and corporate bookings. Its features such as pooled inventory, flexible tariffs, and review widgets set it apart from HotelRunner’s more basic offerings.

HotelRunner offers 9 shared features but does not list additional unique functionalities, focusing mainly on website creation, booking, and payments. Given the breadth of features, especially in niche and marketing tools, Bookassist clearly has the edge. End: Edge: Bookassist.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Bookassist or HotelRunner?

Bookassist’s customer support is highly praised, with a rating of 4.91/5 and reviews highlighting exceptional responsiveness and proactive account management. Clients appreciate the support team’s quick responses, personalized guidance, and proactive updates, contributing to high satisfaction.

HotelRunner’s support is also rated highly at 4.89/5, with reviewers noting fast responses and helpfulness. However, some users mention system failures and issues with reservation management, which can impact confidence. Still, based on review recency and volume, Bookassist’s support has a slight edge. Edge: Bookassist.

Which Has More Integrations: Bookassist or HotelRunner?

Bookassist offers 74 verified partners, including major players like Expedia, Oracle Hospitality, and Stripe, with several exclusive integrations such as LiveRate and GuestAlliance. Its extensive partner network supports a broad range of operational needs, from booking engines to revenue management.

HotelRunner has 17 verified partners, shared some with Bookassist, including Airbnb and Agoda, but its list is less comprehensive. Its integrations are sufficient for small to medium properties but less extensive than Bookassist’s. Edge: Bookassist.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Bookassist or HotelRunner?

Hoteliers rate Bookassist higher overall, with a 4.92/5 rating based on 155 reviews, primarily from properties like city center hotels and resorts. Recent reviews emphasize its role in increasing direct bookings, especially mobile ones, and its user-friendly CMS.

HotelRunner’s 4.33/5 rating comes from fewer reviews, mainly from boutique hotels and vacation rentals. Users appreciate its ease but note limitations in features and occasional system issues. For proven satisfaction and support, Bookassist leads clearly. Edge: Bookassist.

How Much Do Bookassist and HotelRunner Cost?

Bookassist does not publicly disclose its pricing, indicating a custom quote based on hotel size and needs, typical for enterprise-grade solutions. It’s positioned as a premium product, reflecting its extensive features and support.

HotelRunner charges $100 per month, with no free tier or detailed pricing for additional features. Its straightforward model suits smaller properties or those seeking a budget-friendly entry point. Given the depth of features and reviews, Bookassist’s value likely justifies a higher price if the budget allows.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Bookassist?

• Hotels that aim to significantly increase direct bookings and revenue.
• Properties seeking advanced website customization and niche modules.
• Hotels with mid-to-large size operations or multiple properties.
• Teams wanting integrated marketing, booking, and reporting tools.
• Hotels that value high support quality and ongoing innovation.

Not ideal if you prefer a simple, low-cost setup with minimal features. Small properties or startups may find the complexity and cost less suitable.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Small hotels or B&Bs looking for an easy-to-build website.
• Properties with limited technical expertise.
• Hotels prioritizing quick setup and straightforward management.
• Hotels with a focus on local or regional markets.
• Businesses seeking a budget-friendly solution for online bookings.

Not ideal if you need extensive customization, advanced marketing tools, or integration options. Larger properties or chains might find it lacking in depth.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Bookassist’s Smart CMS is a feature-packed, well-supported platform proven to boost revenue and direct bookings. Its extensive integration network and high satisfaction ratings make it an excellent choice for hotels seeking a robust online presence.

HotelRunner offers a simpler, more affordable website builder ideal for small hotels and B&Bs focusing on basic booking and online visibility. Its ease of use and streamlined setup can be advantageous if your hotel’s online strategy is just beginning.

If your priority is a trusted, comprehensive platform with proven results, Bookassist is the clear choice. For quick deployment and budget-conscious hotels, HotelRunner provides a solid, user-friendly alternative.

In summary, choose Bookassist if you seek depth, customization, and a track record of high satisfaction. Opt for HotelRunner if you value simplicity, ease, and affordability, especially at the early stages of your digital journey.