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

The Decision

Choosing between Exely HMS by Exely and Zonal PMS hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and priorities. Both solutions aim to streamline operations and boost revenue, but they differ significantly in features, market presence, and user feedback. Exely’s platform is newer and boasts a larger review base, indicating more recent customer experiences. Zonal, established since 1979, has a strong presence in Europe but fewer recent reviews. Which platform aligns better with your hotel’s goals?

Is Exely HMS or Zonal PMS Better for Hotels?

Exely and Zonal aim to simplify hotel management but approach it differently. Exely offers a broad set of features, including a booking engine, channel management, and guest communication tools, all within a single platform. Zonal focuses on seamless operational management with real-time OTA synchronization, mobile check-in, and integrated F&B management. Exely's recent reviews and higher review count suggest it’s more actively used and tested in recent months, but Zonal’s longstanding reputation still resonates with many hotels.

Do these differences influence your decision based on your hotel’s operational complexity? If your goal is to enhance direct bookings and online reputation, Exely's integrated tools might serve you better. Conversely, if you prioritize real-time OTA management and operational efficiency, Zonal’s features could be more suitable.

Exely HMS vs Zonal PMS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a comprehensive, cloud-based platform with a focus on direct bookings, reputation management, and marketing, go with Exely. Its suite includes a booking engine, website development, native email marketing, and guest feedback tools, perfect for hotels aiming to increase online visibility.

If you require a robust operational system with advanced channel management, real-time OTA updates, and integrated F&B management, Zonal is the better choice. It’s especially suited for independent or multi-site hotels looking for reliable, real-time data and seamless front desk or housekeeping management.

Your choice should align with whether your focus is marketing and direct bookings (Exely) or operational efficiency and OTA management (Zonal).

Is Exely HMS or Zonal PMS Easier to Use?

Exely’s user interface scores 4.88/5, with reviews highlighting its intuitive design and straightforward navigation. Users praise its ease of setup, especially during onboarding, and mention that staff adopt the system quickly, with minimal training needed. Support via WhatsApp and ongoing improvements make it accessible for teams with varying tech skills.

Zonal’s platform is rated 5/5 for ease of use, with reviews emphasizing its simplicity, clear workflows, and quick onboarding process. Its long-standing presence in the industry suggests familiarity and reliability, especially for teams already accustomed to property management systems.

Edge: Zonal.

Which Has Better Features: Exely or Zonal?

Exely offers a wide array of features—38 unique functionalities—including multi-currency support, gift vouchers, automated night audits, native email marketing, group booking engine, guest profiles, and property management tools. These features cater to hotels looking for an all-in-one platform to manage reservations, marketing, and revenue.

Zonal provides core operational features like real-time OTA integration with over 450 channels, mobile check-in/out, digital room keys, and dynamic pricing. However, it lacks the extensive marketing, website development, and guest engagement features found in Exely.

Edge: Exely.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Exely or Zonal?

Exely’s support is highly rated at 4.9/5, with reviews citing “speedy solutions,” “helpful staff,” and “continuous improvement.” Users appreciate the responsive service and the ongoing development that responds to customer feedback, making support a strong point for Exely.

Zonal also scores a perfect 5/5, with reviews praising its quick, knowledgeable support team and straightforward onboarding. Its longstanding reputation for customer service, especially within the UK, makes it a dependable choice.

Edge: Zonal.

Which Has More Integrations: Exely or Zonal?

Exely integrates with 8 verified partners, including major names like Oracle Hospitality, Mews, Booking.com, and IDeaS, offering a broad ecosystem for hotel management, revenue, and distribution. These integrations enable hoteliers to connect their PMS with various tools for dynamic pricing, online distribution, and guest feedback.

Zonal’s integration count is limited to 2 verified partners—SiteMinder and HiJiffy—focusing on OTA and channel management. While these cover essential needs, Exely’s wider range of integrations provides greater flexibility for expanding your hotel’s tech stack.

Edge: Exely.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Exely or Zonal?

Exely’s reviews are more recent, with 48 reviews in the last six months and an overall rating of 81.89 on the HTRE score, indicating strong user confidence. Hotels in boutique, city center, and conference segments generally rate it favorably for its ease of use and continuous updates.

Zonal, with only one recent review, has limited fresh feedback. Its longstanding presence and niche focus on independent hotels attract a specific segment, but it lacks the volume and recency of Exely’s data.

Edge: Exely.

How Much Do Exely and Zonal Cost?

Exely’s pricing starts at $400 per month, with no trial or freemium options, positioning it as a mid-tier solution. Zonal’s base price is $600 per month, also without a free trial, reflecting its enterprise focus and longer market presence.

Neither offers a free tier, so your decision may depend on budget flexibility and the specific features you need.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Exely?

• Hotels that want a comprehensive, all-in-one management platform combining booking, marketing, and guest feedback.
• Hotels aiming to boost direct bookings through integrated marketing and website development.
• Boutique and city center hotels looking for automation and improved online presence.
• Hotels that value ongoing updates and responsive support.
• Teams that prefer a scalable solution adaptable to growth.

Not ideal if you need a system with minimal features or are on a very tight budget.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Zonal?

• Independent hotels seeking straightforward operational management with real-time OTA updates.
• Properties that prioritize seamless front desk, housekeeping, and F&B management.
• Hotels heavily reliant on OTA channels with a focus on real-time availability.
• Multi-site operations requiring centralized data and reporting.
• Hotels in regions where Zonal’s UK-based support is advantageous.

Not ideal if your hotel needs advanced marketing tools or a broader ecosystem of integrations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Exely offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform with recent, abundant reviews, making it ideal for hotels prioritizing direct bookings, marketing, and online reputation. Its wide range of integrations and active development indicate a system built for growth and adaptability.

Zonal, with its longstanding reputation and simplicity, appeals to hotels focused on operational efficiency and real-time OTA management. Its support and ease of use make it a dependable choice for properties that prefer tried-and-true solutions.

If your hotel values a modern, all-in-one system with frequent updates, go with Exely.

If your key focus is reliable operational management and real-time OTA synchronization, Zonal may still serve you well, especially if you’re already familiar with its ecosystem.

In conclusion, Exely’s recent reviews and larger user base make it the more compelling option for most hotels today. Its continuous improvements and extensive features position it as the better choice for your team’s growth and success.