Cloudbeds HMS vs. Zonal PMS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Cloudbeds HMS and Zonal PMS hinges on your hotel’s size, operational needs, and growth ambitions. Both solutions aim to streamline hotel management, but Cloudbeds’ comprehensive features and extensive global presence give it a significant edge, especially given its larger review base and recent user feedback.

Cloudbeds offers an all-in-one platform with robust integrations, automations, and a user-friendly interface, while Zonal’s cloud PMS emphasizes real-time OTA connectivity and operational simplicity. The key question is: which system aligns better with your hotel’s current operations and future plans?

Is Cloudbeds or Zonal Better for Hotels?

Cloudbeds and Zonal both serve as core management tools, but they approach hotel operations differently. Cloudbeds integrates reservation management, revenue tools, channel management, guest experience, and reporting into a single platform, aiming to reduce manual work and improve efficiency across diverse property types.

Zonal, on the other hand, focuses heavily on real-time OTA connectivity, front desk operations, and operational streamlining, primarily targeting independent hotels and multi-property groups. While Cloudbeds emphasizes automation and guest-centric tools, Zonal’s strength lies in its real-time distribution and simple management interface.

Do you need an all-in-one growth engine, or is a streamlined, OTA-focused system enough for your hotel?

Cloudbeds vs Zonal: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel requires a scalable, feature-rich platform that centralizes operations—especially if you operate multiple properties or want to automate revenue management—go with Cloudbeds. Its 1,219 reviews and recent 76 reviews in the last six months reinforce its credibility and ongoing user satisfaction.

If your hotel prioritizes real-time OTA distribution, easy front desk management, and minimal operational complexity—particularly if you’re a smaller independent property—Zonal might seem appealing. However, with only 1 review and limited recent feedback, Zonal’s community and product development appear more limited.

For growth-driven hotels, Cloudbeds’ broader feature set and global presence make it the stronger choice. Smaller hotels seeking straightforward OTA management may find Zonal sufficient, but the limited recent reviews reduce confidence in its current support and innovation.

Is Cloudbeds or Zonal Easier to Use?

Cloudbeds currently holds a high ease-of-use rating of 4.58/5, with positive reviews emphasizing its intuitive, user-friendly interface. New users report quick onboarding (average 4.41/5) and minimal training hurdles, with many praising its straightforward navigation.

Zonal scores a perfect 5/5 for ease of use, reflecting its simple, clean interface tailored for operational efficiency. Support and onboarding are also highly rated, with users appreciating the UK-based support team that facilitates quick setup.

Edge: Zonal.

Which Has Better Features: Cloudbeds or Zonal?

Cloudbeds vastly outpaces Zonal in features, boasting over 90 unique functionalities—including PMS connectivity, analytics dashboards, revenue management, multi-lingual and multi-currency support, automation tools, and integrated payment processing. These enable a holistic management environment adaptable to various hotel sizes.

Zonal offers essential features like real-time OTA channel management, a responsive booking engine, mobile check-in/out, digital room keys, and basic operational modules. While effective for streamlining day-to-day tasks, it lacks the extensive automation, detailed analytics, and revenue tools Cloudbeds provides.

Conclusion: Cloudbeds’ feature set is far more comprehensive, supporting scaling and advanced revenue strategies. Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Cloudbeds or Zonal?

Cloudbeds holds a customer support rating of 4.38/5, with reviews citing fast response times and attentive service, although some users report occasional delays during peak periods. Their support team is generally seen as responsive and friendly.

Zonal scores a perfect 5/5, with users praising their dedicated UK-based support, quick issue resolution, and smooth onboarding process. While Zonal’s support appears highly rated, the limited number of recent reviews restricts full comparison.

Edge: Zonal.

Which Has More Integrations: Cloudbeds or Zonal?

Cloudbeds integrates with 190 verified partners, including popular OTAs, payment gateways, revenue management, and POS systems. This extensive network allows for a unified operation environment, reducing manual data entry and errors.

Zonal’s PMS offers just 2 verified integrations, primarily with its own F&B systems and a handful of external partners like OTAs. Its limited integration ecosystem restricts flexibility, especially for hotels seeking a fully connected tech stack.

Conclusion: Cloudbeds’ extensive integrations position it as the more adaptable, future-proof choice. Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Cloudbeds or Zonal?

Cloudbeds’ overall rating of 4.62/5 is based on 1,219 reviews, with recent positive feedback emphasizing its ease of use, automation, and support. Hotels across various segments, especially boutique and Hostel properties, rate it highly, with an NPS of 8.94/10.

Zonal’s current rating is 0/5, with only 1 review, and no recent feedback available. This lack of community input makes it difficult to assess user satisfaction confidently.

Conclusion: Cloudbeds’ well-established reputation and recent reviews make it the favored system. Edge: Cloudbeds.

How Much Do Cloudbeds and Zonal Cost?

Cloudbeds charges a fixed monthly fee of $500, with no additional implementation or trial costs. The pricing reflects its comprehensive feature set and global support infrastructure.

Zonal’s base price is $600 per month, with similar no-trial policies. While slightly higher, Zonal’s pricing may be justified by its focused features for specific markets, but the lack of transparent additional costs limits precise comparison.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Cloudbeds?

• Hotels seeking an all-in-one platform that combines PMS, channel management, booking engine, and guest communication.
• Properties aiming to automate revenue management, reporting, and operations.
• Multi-property groups needing centralized control and scalability.
• Hotels interested in automation and AI-driven insights.
• Properties of all sizes, from boutique to large resorts.

Not ideal if:

• You only need a simple OTA connection.
• You prefer a highly specialized or F&B-focused solution.
• Your hotel operates in a niche market with minimal tech needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Zonal?

• Independent hotels and small groups focusing on OTA distribution.
• Hotels emphasizing streamlined front desk and operational tasks.
• Properties looking for a simple, reliable PMS without extensive automation.
• UK-based hotels that benefit from local support.
• Hotels with a primary focus on real-time OTA management and guest check-in/out.

Not ideal if:

• You need a comprehensive, automated revenue or marketing platform.
• You operate multiple properties across diverse regions.
• You want extensive integrations beyond Zonal’s current offerings.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Cloudbeds and Zonal serve different hotel management needs. Cloudbeds provides a full-featured, integrated platform with a strong customer base, ongoing innovation, and a global reach, making it ideal for growth-oriented and multi-property hotels.

Zonal delivers a straightforward, reliable solution with excellent support, best suited for independent hotels or properties that prioritize OTA connectivity and operational simplicity.

If your hotel aims to scale, optimize revenue, and benefit from automation, Cloudbeds is the clear choice. If operational simplicity and local support are your priorities, Zonal could suffice, but limited recent community feedback is a concern.

In conclusion, Cloudbeds’ larger review base, recent user satisfaction, and extensive feature set make it the recommended choice for most hotels looking to grow and modernize.