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 30 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:
apaleo GmbH shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Integrated CRS and SOC2 Complaint.
Zavia ERP shines , with exclusive features like Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) and Native Email Marketing.
Side-by-side ratings based on 30 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $300/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 30 | 0 |
After analyzing 30 verified reviews, apaleo GmbH users most value its frequent updates and community engagement, customization and flexibility, open api and integration, while Zavia ERP users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Frequent Updates and Community Engagement
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Customization and Flexibility
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Open API and Integration
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App Store and Third-Party Integrations
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Reporting Capabilities
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Group and Booking Management
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How each product ranks among Property Management Systems 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) ▾ | #42 7 reviews | — |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #27 19 reviews | — |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #41 1 reviews | — |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #14 3 reviews | — |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #34 14 reviews | — |
| Luxury | #43 4 reviews | — |
| Branded / Chain | #40 4 reviews | — |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #19 9 reviews | — |
By Region
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| North America | #38 2 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #18 26 reviews | — |
Choosing between Apaleo Open PMS and Zavia ERP depends on your hotel’s size, technology needs, and regional focus. Apaleo offers a flexible, API-first platform with extensive integrations and a proven track record, while Zavia is a tailored solution for smaller hotels in Latin America, emphasizing control and simplicity. Both aim to streamline operations, but they serve different segments and priorities. Which aligns best with your hotel’s growth plans?
Apaleo leads due to its higher ratings, broader feature set, and active community, with 29 recent reviews and a 97% likelihood to recommend. Zavia currently has no reviews or ratings, making its standing uncertain. For a hotel seeking a mature, well-supported platform, Apaleo is the more reliable choice, especially if your hotel operates across multiple regions or requires extensive integrations.
Both products aim to simplify hotel management, but Apaleo excels in flexibility and scalability. Its open API allows for custom integrations, and the platform is designed for hotel groups across various segments, from boutique to branded hotels. Zavia, on the other hand, is built primarily for small to medium hotels in Latin America, focusing on core reservation and management functions without the extensive third-party ecosystem Apaleo offers. Are you looking for a mature platform with a global reach or a localized, straightforward solution?
If your hotel needs a flexible, API-driven platform adaptable to complex workflows and multiple property types, Apaleo is the clear choice. It is ideal for hotels that want to build a custom tech stack, automate guest interactions, and scale internationally.
If your hotel operates primarily in Latin America, with a focus on control, straightforward reservation management, and real-time rate syncs, Zavia offers a simplified, cost-effective solution. It’s best suited for small hotels or chains seeking ease of use without extensive third-party integrations.
In short, choose Apaleo if you prioritize customization, integrations, and international presence. Opt for Zavia if your hotel values simplicity and regional control.
Apaleo boasts a user-friendly interface rated 4.9/5, with onboarding rated 4.85/5 and strong support ratings of 4.83/5. Reviewers praise its intuitive design, quick setup, and minimal downtime, making staff adoption straightforward.
Zavia’s ease of use cannot be assessed due to no available ratings or reviews, but given its focus on small hotels, it is likely designed for straightforward operation. However, without user feedback, its true usability remains unverified.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo offers 35 shared features plus 2 exclusive functionalities like its integrated CRS and SOC2 compliance, enabling complex operations, group management, and security. Its open API and App Store allow extensive third-party extensions.
Zavia provides 16 unique features, including real-time rate sync with over 40 agencies, a mobile-first booking engine, website creation, and integrated payments, tailored for small hotels. However, it lacks the broad, customizable ecosystem that Apaleo provides.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo’s support scores 4.83/5, with reviews highlighting responsiveness, helpfulness, and proactive communication. Users commend their quick onboarding process and ongoing community engagement.
Zavia’s support details are unavailable, making it impossible to assess. Given its regional focus and smaller size, support quality may vary, but absence of reviews leaves this uncertain.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo boasts 120 verified partners, including prominent integrations like Profitroom, SiteMinder, and hotelkit, offering extensive flexibility for customizing your tech stack. Its open API and App Store facilitate seamless connection with third-party solutions.
Zavia features only 5 verified integrations, with notable partners like Stripe, but lacks the extensive ecosystem of Apaleo. Its limited integrations may restrict expansion or customized workflows.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo’s reviews, with 29 recent entries, give it a 77.5 HTR Score and a 97% recommendation rate across segments, especially appreciated by boutique, city center, and extended stay properties. Hotelier feedback consistently praises its ease of use, community support, and flexibility.
Zavia has no reviews or ratings, making it impossible to gauge user satisfaction. Its limited regional presence and lack of detailed feedback suggest it’s less proven on a larger scale.
Edge: Apaleo.
Apaleo’s base price is $900 per month, with no free tier or trial, reflecting its enterprise-grade positioning. Zavia costs $300 per month but also does not specify a trial or free option.
While Zavia is more affordable upfront, Apaleo’s higher price may be justified by its extensive features, integrations, and global support.
Apaleo offers a comprehensive, flexible platform backed by a strong community, making it ideal for hotel groups seeking customization and international reach. Its high ratings, numerous integrations, and continuous updates make it a safe, scalable choice for growing hotels.
Zavia, while less proven globally, provides a cost-effective, regionally focused solution, perfect for small hotels in Latin America looking for simplicity and control. Its limited feature set and lack of reviews mean it’s best for hotels with basic needs and local operations.
If your hotel needs a robust, adaptable PMS with extensive support and integrations, Apaleo is the clear choice. If regional simplicity and direct control are your priorities, Zavia may suffice—but proceed with caution given its unverified reputation.
Property Management Systems 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 $900/mo | From $300/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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| Direct billing | ||
| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
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Marketing & Ecommerce
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| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Native Email Marketing | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Guest CRM | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Booking Engine | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Administration & Configuration
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| Centralized user & role management | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| Cloud based | ||
| On premise | ||
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Customer Management
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| Guest Communication (SMS Messaging) | ||
| Guest profiles | ||
| Centralized Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Front Office
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| Mobile Device Notes & Tasks (Voice-to-Text) | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Automated night audit | ||
| Calendar view | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
| 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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| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Digital Registration | ||
| Guest App | ||
| Online Check-in | ||
| Online Checkout | ||
| Guest Messaging | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
| ID Scanning & Registration Pre-fill | ||
| Lobby Kiosk | ||
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Housekeeping
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| Housekeeping module | ||
| 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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| Integrated Payment Terminal & Card Reader | ||
| Direct billing | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Payment processing | ||
| Payment Requests | ||
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Reservations Management
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| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Gift Vouchers | ||
| Channel Manager | ||
| Integrated CRS | ||
| Drag-n-Drop Tapechart | ||
| Rate Management | ||
| Automated Space Optimization | ||
| Rules Based Room Assignments | ||
| Transactional Emails (booking, folios, etc) | ||
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Revenue Management
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| RevPaR & ADR Reports | ||
| Custom rates | ||
| Ancillary revenue tracking | ||
| Revenue management module | ||
| 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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Spa
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| Spa & Wellness Module |
We analyzed 4 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"One of the biggest impacts for us has been the vast array of implementation options available on Apaleo. We’re now able to think outside the box and customise solutions in ways we..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
The platform's commitment to regular updates and community engagement is well-received, with users valuing the attention to feedback and ongoing impro... The platform's commitment to regular updates and community engagement is well-received, with users valuing the attention to feedback and ongoing improvements. The active community provides a support network that enhances the user experience.
Users highlight Apaleo's strength in customization, allowing tailored workflows and process automation. This flexibility helps hotels create systems t... Users highlight Apaleo's strength in customization, allowing tailored workflows and process automation. This flexibility helps hotels create systems that align perfectly with their operational needs, enhancing efficiency and improving guest services.
Apaleo's open API is uniquely praised for enabling custom tech stacks and seamless integration with various systems, greatly enhancing efficiency and... Apaleo's open API is uniquely praised for enabling custom tech stacks and seamless integration with various systems, greatly enhancing efficiency and flexibility in operations. Reviewers appreciate the ability to create their own applications and tech ecosystems, significantly setting Apaleo apart from its competitors.
Where hoteliers push back
While users value the basic reporting functionalities, there is a noticeable demand for advanced reporting features within Apaleo. Many find current o... While users value the basic reporting functionalities, there is a noticeable demand for advanced reporting features within Apaleo. Many find current options limited, leading to reliance on additional tools for deeper analytics.
Apaleo's group management features receive praise for user-friendliness, but some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly concerning comprehe... Apaleo's group management features receive praise for user-friendliness, but some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly concerning comprehensive functionality and intuitiveness.
Unique capabilities
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Apaleo Open PMS and Zavia ERP share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Apaleo Open PMS offers 120 verified integration partners, while Zavia ERP offers 5. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Apaleo Open PMS leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 0.0/5. 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.
Apaleo Open PMS: No. Zavia ERP: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems 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. apaleo GmbH has an HT Score of 77 and Zavia ERP has 0. 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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