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 733 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 bed & breakfast properties (4.9/5), with exclusive features like Post-stay emails and Pre-stay emails.
Visual Matrix PMS shines in support responsiveness and expertise — especially for boutique properties (4.7/5), with exclusive features like Native Email Marketing and Guest Communication (SMS Messaging).
Side-by-side ratings based on 733 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Ease of Use |
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $1,000/mo | From $500/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 573 | 160 |
After analyzing 733 verified reviews, RoomRaccoon users most value its ease of use, customer service, continuous improvement, while Visual Matrix PMS users highlight support responsiveness and expertise, training and onboarding for new staff, room status, housekeeping, and out-of-order management. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Ease of Use
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Support responsiveness and expertise
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Customer Service
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Training and onboarding for new staff
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Continuous Improvement
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Room status, housekeeping, and out-of-order management
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Integration and Automation
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| Cons | |
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Critical Issues
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Navigation and screen layout
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Pricing Concerns
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Billing, audit, and payment integration issues
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Guest Database Transparency
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Reporting and data access gaps
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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) ▾ | #5 218 reviews | #19 23 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #8 46 reviews | #2 126 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #5 22 reviews | #9 10 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #8 2 reviews | #18 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #3 247 reviews | #12 40 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #4 155 reviews | #18 17 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #5 73 reviews | #1 137 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #3 73 reviews | #4 49 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #14 11 reviews | #5 153 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #1 450 reviews | #31 1 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #9 9 reviews | #12 4 reviews |
| Middle East | #18 3 reviews | — |
RoomRaccoon and Visual Matrix PMS both target hotel management but diverge in their core user focus and operational strengths. RoomRaccoon excels with independent hotels, boutique properties, and B&Bs, supporting these with a comprehensive all-in-one system that integrates PMS, channel management, and booking engine functionalities. Visual Matrix caters more to branded hotels and larger properties that prioritize extensive reporting, housekeeping coordination, and integrated guest communication features.
Both platforms address the fundamental challenge of centralizing hotel operations from reservations to guest checkout, but RoomRaccoon prioritizes automation and revenue management for small operators, while Visual Matrix emphasizes operational control and staff connectivity in more complex, possibly understaffed environments. This shapes their suitability according to property size, segment, and workflow needs.
If you operate a small to medium independent hotel, boutique, or B&B—segments where RoomRaccoon holds a strong 4.8 to 4.9 rating across 299 Bed & Breakfast reviews and 248 Boutique Hotel reviews—RoomRaccoon’s integrated booking engine, dynamic pricing, and automated messaging will streamline your front desk and marketing with fewer systems. This is supported by 573 total reviews with a 4.8 average, reflecting stable user satisfaction.
Conversely, if you manage a branded hotel or a property handling complex housekeeping and maintenance workflows, Visual Matrix’s features like the MOP housekeeping app and rules-based room assignments cater to operational efficiency, especially noted by its 41% user base in branded hotels and solid 4.6 rating across that segment from 137 reviews. Its 160 reviews and emphasis on staff communication tools suit teams needing real-time coordination.
For segments with fewer than 10 reviews, such as luxury or vacation rentals in Visual Matrix, data is insufficient to recommend confidently. Both products have seen a sharp drop in recent review activity—RoomRaccoon by 92%, Visual Matrix by 66%—so recent product updates or support quality may not be fully reflected in scores.
RoomRaccoon scores 4.9/5 for ease of use and 4.8 for onboarding, compared to Visual Matrix’s 4.5 and 4.3 respectively, over hundreds of reviews. Reviewers frequently highlight RoomRaccoon's intuitive interface that reduces training time, enabling smooth daily operations for front desk staff in small properties. For example, a general manager praised it for saving “hours a day” on training.
Visual Matrix users appreciate quick onboarding and the availability of training resources like VM University, but often describe the system as functional rather than intuitive. Criticisms focus on slower workflows and a cumbersome interface that can hamper speed during peak check-in periods. Frequent pop-ups and navigation friction lead to slower guest processing.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon offers 20 unique features, including pre- and post-stay automated emails, multi-currency support, loyalty program integration, online check-in/out, and dynamic AI pricing. These automate guest communications and revenue management, enabling front desk teams to focus on service instead of manual tasks. Its payment request and PCI compliance features support secure and efficient transactions.
Visual Matrix provides 18 exclusive features such as a native email marketing tool, guest SMS messaging, rules-based room assignments, centralized messaging, and a dedicated housekeeping mobile app (MOP). These features enhance staff communication and operational control, which benefits larger or multi-department hotels. The SOC2 compliance emphasizes security for data-sensitive environments.
RoomRaccoon’s automated reporting and special offers modules directly impact revenue management and guest engagement workflows. Visual Matrix’s guest feedback management and group reservation handling improve operational accuracy but lack dynamic pricing and upsell automation.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon rates 4.7/5 for customer support and 4.8 for onboarding, while Visual Matrix scores 4.4 and 4.3 respectively, both from over 100 reviews. RoomRaccoon users praise its knowledgeable support during setup but complain about limited availability—support is only during business hours with no weekend coverage, which is critical for weekend-heavy bookings. One user noted "terrible customer support" due to slow responses outside office hours.
Visual Matrix reviewers consistently commend fast, courteous, and effective support, highlighting quick problem resolution and proactive outreach that reduces desk downtime. Several mention receiving patient step-by-step technical assistance and frequent training updates, which improve operational continuity.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
RoomRaccoon offers 87 verified integrations versus Visual Matrix’s 25, sharing 7 common partners including FLEXIPASS Keyless Access and SiteMinder. RoomRaccoon’s broader ecosystem includes payment processors, revenue management tools like HQ revenue, and marketing platforms such as Becurious, enhancing its flexibility for independent hotels needing seamless connections across front and back office.
Visual Matrix’s smaller integration set focuses on hospitality-specific providers like Hotel Investor Apps and Vertical Booking, suitable for properties requiring niche operational tools rather than extensive marketing or payment integrations.
Properties prioritizing a large tech stack with diverse marketing and financial systems benefit from RoomRaccoon’s 248% larger integration ecosystem. Hotels needing focused operational integrations and local compliance may find Visual Matrix adequate.
Edge: RoomRaccoon.
Overall ratings are close: RoomRaccoon leads slightly with 4.8/5 over Visual Matrix’s 4.6/5, but both have experienced a sharp drop in recent review volume—RoomRaccoon down 92% and Visual Matrix down 66% compared to their respective two-year averages. This suggests current ratings may not fully capture recent product or service quality.
Segment ratings favor RoomRaccoon in Bed & Breakfasts (4.9 vs 4.7 across 299 vs 74 reviews) and Boutique Hotels (4.8 vs 4.7 from 248 vs 40 reviews). Visual Matrix performs well in Branded Hotels (4.6 from 137 reviews) where RoomRaccoon has fewer users.
Limited Service and Budget Hotels rate both similarly (RoomRaccoon 4.8 from 113 reviews; Visual Matrix 4.6 from 131). Hostels rate RoomRaccoon higher (4.6 from 19 reviews) than Visual Matrix (4.1 from 11).
Edge: Even.
RoomRaccoon charges a base price of $1,000 with no per-room or monthly flat fees and no implementation fee. Visual Matrix’s base price is $500, also without per-room or monthly flat fees and no implementation fee. Neither offers a trial.
RoomRaccoon’s higher base price reflects its all-in-one approach and extensive features, likely justifiable for properties seeking integrated revenue management and guest communication tools. Visual Matrix’s lower base price suits hotels prioritizing operational essentials and staff management tools.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
RoomRaccoon and Visual Matrix approach hotel management from different angles: RoomRaccoon integrates PMS, channel management, and booking engine with AI-powered pricing geared toward independent and boutique hotels, while Visual Matrix focuses on operational control, staff communication, and support for branded hotels and larger properties.
Choose RoomRaccoon if you want automated revenue management, extensive integrations, and a user-friendly interface that reduces front desk workload and boosts direct bookings. Its advantages include a large integration ecosystem (87 partners) and automated guest communication features that save time and increase ancillary revenue.
Choose Visual Matrix if your hotel needs comprehensive operational tools like a dedicated housekeeping app, guest SMS messaging, and robust staff training resources. Its strengths lie in detailed staff communication, rules-based room assignments, and strong support responsiveness, all at a lower base price.
Note that both platforms have experienced a sharp decline in review activity recently (RoomRaccoon down 92%, Visual Matrix down 66%), so their all-time high ratings may not fully represent current product or support quality. Prospective buyers should consider this when evaluating recent reliability and vendor responsiveness.
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 |
These are the features each vendor has configured, organized by feature group — the same data shown in the vendor dashboard. Expand a group to compare features side by side.
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Accounting & Finance
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| Multi-currency | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
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Marketing & Ecommerce
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| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Group Booking Engine | ||
| Website Development | ||
| Booking Engine | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
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Administration & Configuration
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| Multi-lingual | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Centralized user & role management | ||
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Customer Management
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| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest Feedback Management | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
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Front Office
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| Guest Feedback Management | ||
| Housekeeping module | ||
| Property Management System | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Mobile Device Notes & Tasks (Voice-to-Text) | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Calendar view | ||
| Task Management | ||
| Automated reminders | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Groups Management
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| Group functionality | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
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Guest Experience
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| Guest Feedback Management | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Digital Registration | ||
| Guest App | ||
| Online Check-in | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in | ||
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Housekeeping
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| Housekeeping module | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Housekeeping Mobile App | ||
| Real-Time Status Updates | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Real Time Reporting | ||
| Shift Planning | ||
| Employee Messaging | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
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Payments
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| Multi-currency | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Automated reminders | ||
| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
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Reservations Management
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| Rate Shopping Module | ||
| Property Management System | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Rate Management | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Automated Assignments | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Revenue Management
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| Rate Shopping Module | ||
| Revenue Management Module | ||
| Pricing Intelligence | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Custom rates | ||
| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Base Pricing | ||
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Taxes & Compliance
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| PCI Compliant | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC2 Complaint | ||
| Tax Configuration | ||
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Support & Training
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| Online 24/7 support | ||
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Food & Beverage
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| Point of Sale |
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
Users most often praise Visual Matrix for fast, courteous, and knowledgeable support that resolves problems quickly, often through chat or remote assi... Users most often praise Visual Matrix for fast, courteous, and knowledgeable support that resolves problems quickly, often through chat or remote assistance. Many say this reduces operational downtime and helps managers and front desk staff get unstuck during busy shifts.
Reviewers frequently mention that Visual Matrix is easy for new employees to learn, with onboarding support and training resources that help staff bec... Reviewers frequently mention that Visual Matrix is easy for new employees to learn, with onboarding support and training resources that help staff become productive quickly. The VM University and knowledge base are seen as especially useful for reducing ramp-up time and supporting ongoing learning.
Users value the idea of better room-status and housekeeping coordination, but some say the current workflow is limited or awkward. Requests include ea... Users value the idea of better room-status and housekeeping coordination, but some say the current workflow is limited or awkward. Requests include easier access to room rack status, better out-of-order controls for future dates, and real-time updates for housekeeping and maintenance tasks.
Where hoteliers push back
Users commonly say the system is functional but can feel cumbersome because key tasks require too much clicking and menu navigation. Several want a mo... Users commonly say the system is functional but can feel cumbersome because key tasks require too much clicking and menu navigation. Several want a more intuitive layout, fixed navigation, and easier access to commonly used screens and reports.
A smaller but important set of reviews highlights operational risk around night audit, credit card batching, pin pad communication, and settlement err... A smaller but important set of reviews highlights operational risk around night audit, credit card batching, pin pad communication, and settlement errors. These issues can create billing confusion, possible double-charge concerns, and extra work for staff to reconcile payments.
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 87 verified integration partners, while Visual Matrix PMS offers 25. 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 4.5/5. 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 81 and Visual Matrix PMS has 79. 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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