Maestro PMS (Northwind) vs. ThinkReservations PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

When choosing a property management system (PMS), your primary goal is to streamline operations while enhancing guest experiences. Maestro PMS and ThinkReservations both aim to solve these issues, but they differ significantly in scope, usability, and support. Maestro offers extensive modules and customization for large or complex properties, while ThinkReservations emphasizes simplicity and rapid deployment. Which system aligns better with your hotel’s size and operational needs?

Is Maestro PMS or ThinkReservations Better for Hotels?

Maestro PMS is a robust, all-in-one solution designed for multi-property groups, luxury resorts, and independent hotels that require extensive customization and integration. ThinkReservations, on the other hand, caters primarily to small boutiques, B&Bs, and independents seeking an easy-to-use platform with strong OTA connectivity. Do you need the broad feature set and flexibility of Maestro, or the straightforward, user-friendly interface of ThinkReservations?

Maestro boasts a deeper feature set—over 20 unique modules including spa, revenue management, and integrated CRM—making it suitable for hotels with complex operations. ThinkReservations offers a leaner system, with 39 shared features that prioritize straightforward booking, payment processing, and guest communication. Does your property benefit from extensive modules or from simplicity?

In recent reviews, ThinkReservations has more recent feedback—4 new reviews in the last six months versus Maestro’s zero—which means its user experience is fresh and evolving. Maestro’s older reviews reflect high overall support ratings but indicate some UI and report limitations, like inability to run historical reports. Which platform’s support and update frequency better serve your needs?

Edge: ThinkReservations.

ThinkReservations vs Maestro PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel operates as a small or boutique property, especially in B&Bs or independent hotels, ThinkReservations is the more suitable choice. Its ease of use, quick onboarding, and strong OTA integrations (including Airbnb and Expedia) make it ideal for properties looking to grow revenue without complex customization. Many users highlight how effortless the transition was, and the system’s intuitive interface has earned a 4.82/5 ease-of-use rating from recent reviews.

Conversely, if your hotel is a large resort, multi-property group, or luxury boutique requiring extensive modules like revenue management, CRM, or on-premise support, Maestro PMS provides those capabilities. Its 19 unique features exclusive to Maestro—such as guest CRM, online checkout, and mobile apps—are tailored for properties with complex operational needs, though it comes at a higher price point ($900 vs $500).

For hotels prioritizing rapid deployment and guest communication, ThinkReservations’ automation and upselling features can boost revenue quickly. If customization and detailed reporting are critical, Maestro’s flexible modules and support for multiple integrations will better serve your team. Which profile matches your property’s size and complexity?

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Is Maestro PMS or ThinkReservations Easier to Use?

ThinkReservations has a consistent 4.82/5 rating for ease of use, supported by reviews praising its intuitive layout, quick onboarding, and straightforward reservation management. Many users mention how it feels like “adding another employee” due to its automation features, with minimal training needed. Recent reviews reflect ongoing improvements, making it still more user-friendly than Maestro.

Maestro PMS, with a 4.04/5 ease rating, offers comprehensive functionality but receives criticism for its navigation, citing “too many clicks” and a dated UI that can slow down staff, especially newcomers. Its onboarding score of 4.73/5 is solid but lags behind ThinkReservations’ recent momentum. Support is rated highly but some users wish for a more modern, simplified interface.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Features: Maestro PMS or ThinkReservations?

Maestro PMS offers 19 features exclusive to its platform, including Spa & Wellness modules, revenue management, online checkout, guest CRM, and mobile apps—providing a full-stack property solution. ThinkReservations has 39 shared features, mainly focusing on booking, payment processing, and guest communication, but lacks those specialized modules.

ThinkReservations’ strength lies in its automation, integrations with OTAs, and built-in upsell prompts, which have driven measurable revenue increases for users. Maestro’s dedicated modules for on-premise operations, guest engagement, and security are beneficial for properties needing detailed control and customization.

Given the 39 shared features—such as automated messaging, online booking, and channel management—ThinkReservations leads in operational simplicity. Maestro excels when you need a comprehensive, multi-module platform for complex operations. Which features are most critical for your property?

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Maestro PMS or ThinkReservations?

Maestro PMS supports its clients with a 4.78/5 customer support rating, with many reviews praising their quick, 24/7 availability, and technical assistance. Their Diamond Plus Service is well-regarded, providing ongoing support and training, especially valued by large or group properties.

ThinkReservations has a slightly higher support rating at 4.82/5, with recent reviews emphasizing quick, knowledgeable responses and easy access to support staff who understand the platform deeply. Multiple users describe it as “like adding another employee,” highlighting the personal touch and reliability of support.

Support quality is crucial; Maestro’s long-standing reputation and enterprise support appeal to larger properties, while ThinkReservations’ recent reviews suggest a more responsive, modern support experience. Which support style aligns with your operational needs?

Edge: ThinkReservations.

Which Has More Integrations: Maestro PMS or ThinkReservations?

Maestro PMS integrates with 89 verified partners, including specialized modules and global solutions like Criton, Volo, and Inntopia, making it suitable for complex operations requiring extensive system connectivity. It shares seven partners with ThinkReservations, such as TripAdvisor, TrustYou, and OpenKey.

ThinkReservations supports 16 verified integrations, including Airbnb, Expedia, Stripe, and HotelTonight. While fewer than Maestro, its focus on major OTAs and channel managers simplifies connectivity for small and mid-sized properties aiming to maximize online distribution.

If extensive third-party connections are vital, Maestro’s 89 integrations give it an edge. For properties prioritizing OTA connections and straightforward integration, ThinkReservations’ 16 are sufficient. Which set of integrations is more aligned with your property?

Edge: Maestro PMS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Maestro PMS or ThinkReservations?

ThinkReservations enjoys a significantly higher overall rating of 4.88/5 based on 356 reviews, with recent feedback praising its ease of use, automation, and customer support. It also has a higher likelihood to recommend score at 97%, reflecting strong satisfaction among small hotels and B&Bs, especially in North America.

Maestro’s overall rating is 4.36/5 from 56 reviews, with older feedback emphasizing its comprehensive features and support but noting UI and reporting limitations. Recent reviews are scarce, so the latest hotel perceptions lean toward ThinkReservations.

For property types like B&Bs and small hotels, recent reviews favor ThinkReservations’ usability and support. Larger or multi-property hotels attribute value to Maestro’s broader feature set, but its ratings are older.

Edge: ThinkReservations.

How Much Do Maestro PMS and ThinkReservations Cost?

Maestro PMS’s base price is $900, with no freemium, monthly flat rate, or per-room charges, reflecting its enterprise positioning. Implementation costs are included in the base fee, but additional modules or customizations may incur extra costs.

ThinkReservations charges a $500 base price with no additional fees for monthly or per-room charges, making it more accessible for smaller properties. It does not specify additional costs for upgrades or integrations but may have fees for extra features like ThinkMessenger.

If your budget is tight or your property is small, ThinkReservations offers a more straightforward, lower-cost option. For larger properties with complex needs, Maestro’s higher price may justify its extensive features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Maestro PMS?

• Hotels that operate multiple properties requiring centralized management and extensive customization.
• Luxury resorts needing specialized modules like spa, revenue management, and guest CRM.
• Conference centers or large event venues managing complex booking and billing processes.
• Properties with on-premise IT infrastructure seeking a PCI-certified, secure system.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Is a small boutique or B&B with simple operations.
• Needs quick onboarding and minimal staff training.
• Prefers a lightweight, cloud-based system with minimal customization.

Maestro is best for large, complex operations that need flexibility and detailed control, especially if they value integration and support.

What Type of Hotel Should Use ThinkReservations?

• Small hotels, inns, and B&Bs seeking an easy-to-use platform with rapid setup.
• Properties prioritizing OTA connectivity, automation, and guest communication.
• Hotels aiming to increase revenue through upselling and dynamic booking features.
• Operations that want a cloud-based solution with excellent support and frequent updates.

Not ideal if your property:

• Needs in-depth customization or complex modules like revenue management.
• Has a large, multi-property operation requiring centralized control.
• Requires on-premises hardware or very specific integrations outside the common OTA channels.

ThinkReservations suits small to mid-sized properties focused on operational efficiency and guest experience.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Maestro PMS delivers an all-in-one, highly customizable platform suited for large, complex properties or multi-property groups. Its suite of 19 exclusive features and extensive integrations justify its higher price point for properties with demanding operational needs.

ThinkReservations shines for small hotels and B&Bs seeking a user-friendly, fast-deploying PMS that enhances revenue with automation and OTA connections. Its high user ratings and recent reviews point to a system that’s evolving quickly and satisfying its core users.

If your property requires deep customization, extensive modules, and multi-property support, Maestro is the clear choice. Alternatively, if simplicity, affordability, and strong guest communication tools are your priorities, ThinkReservations is the better fit.

In summary, choose Maestro PMS if your hotel demands a comprehensive, flexible system and you’re prepared for a higher investment. Opt for ThinkReservations if you prioritize ease of use, rapid deployment, and cost-effective operations.