From Airbnb and Booking.com to Vrbo and Expedia, there are a plethora of websites where you can rent out your hotel, hostel, or rental home. With such a variety of options, it becomes increasingly difficult to know which platform to use.
Like many other small businesses and homeowners looking to rent out their property, you may opt to add your lodging to more than one of these rental websites. This is where a property manager system becomes your best friend, as you can seamlessly manage all your listings in one place.
Clearly, choosing the right property manager system is essential. There are three top choices on the market, and in this post, weโll compare Cloudbeds vs. Sirvoy vs. Little Hotelier. Whether you’re looking to improve your hotelโs marketing strategy or better manage your property, this in-depth guide is your new saving grace.
Why a Property Management System Is Great for Small Hotels
If you have listed your property on multiple websites, using a property management system (PMS) can reduce your stress levels significantly. Not only do they help you avoid dealing with complex software, but they also ensure you donโt double-book rooms.
Each company offers a whole world of unique features, but these are the basic benefits you can enjoy from each provider.
They Provide a User-Friendly Experience
All of these platforms, whether Sirvoy, Little Hotelier, or Cloudbeds, offer users an easy, stress-free experience.
They all allow you to manage your listings in one place so you can provide up-to-date details on all your booking channels. This means no more back-and-forth, updating each booking channel independently.
These systems also offer a quick way to manage bookings with an automated calendar, allowing you to update availability across all channels in seconds. Plus, you can often communicate with guests through messages, request reviews, and take advantage of many more helpful tools all in one place.
They Offer a Channel Manager
One of the biggest drawcards of management software like this is that you can control multiple channels without a fuss. Using automation, the days of double bookings and manually adjusting room availability are over.
These channel manager tools will also automatically adjust pricing for each booking channel according to their commission, so you no longer need to worry about that. You can also update your listingโs amenities and inventory all in one place, saving you time, money, and a lot of worry.
Your Reservations Management Is Streamlined
Now, this is where an intuitive calendar that is linked to all your booking channels can become a lifesaver. Youโll have real-time information about property availability and be able to manage any cancellations or reservation changes in one place.
The interactive calendar also allows you to add notes about a guest whoโs about to check in and understand which booking channel a reservation is from. Not only does this ensure you can avoid double bookings, but it also means you can target higher-paying guests.
They Can Help Increase Revenue
Possibly, one of the best reasons for a PMS is the fact they can result in an increase in revenue in the long run. You may be wondering how this is possible.
Well, for starters, there will be fewer double bookings, resulting in a lower chance of reimbursements. They often also result in better guest reviews, as you can focus more on guests and less on unnecessary tasks.
You can also connect your website to their systems to manage direct bookings. Lastly, almost all of these property management systems offer detailed analytics tools, helping you track your property’s performance on each booking channel.
Top Tip: If you have a website for your hotel, hostel, or rental home, check out our guide on how you can use SEO to get more direct bookings.
How to Compare Cloudbeds vs Sirvoy vs Little Hotelier
Now that you know why a PMS is such an essential tool within the hospitality industry, itโs time to cross-reference each. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the one you choose is the best fit for you.
Features |
Cloudbeds | Sirvoy |
Little Hotelier |
Cost Comparison |
Upon request | Price varies depending on property type, size, and services required. | From $10 per month | Starter plan (Based on room count)
From $39 per month | Pro plan (Based on room count) |
From $85 per month | Based on room count
Premium plan | Prices available upon request |
Customer Satisfaction Rating (Trustpilot) |
4.3 / 5 (400+ reviews) | 4.4 / 5 (50+ reviews) |
4.2 / 5 (250+ reviews) |
Free Trial |
Free demo available | 2-week free trial for both plans |
30-day free trial |
Direct Booking Engine |
๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Web Builder |
๐ข
Quoted separately |
๐ข
Only available in the Pro version |
๐ข Add on to the original price |
Open API |
๐ข
Included in Premium & Enterprise or as an add-on |
๐ด
Limited to โURL callback APIโ or โWebhook APIโ |
๐ข |
Automated Seasonal Rates |
๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Calendar Management |
๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Contact Management |
๐ข | ๐ข
Additional SMS rates |
๐ข |
Dashboard |
๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Insights/Analytics |
๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Expense Tracking |
๐ข | ๐ข | ๐ด |
External Integrations | ๐ข | ๐ด |
๐ข |
Inventory Tracking |
๐ข | ๐ข | ๐ข |
Multi-Currency |
๐ข | ๐ด | ๐ด |
Notifications | ๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Multi-User | ๐ข | ๐ข |
๐ข |
Scheduling |
๐ข | ๐ข | ๐ข |
Customer Support | ๐ข
A live rep is easy to reach by email and call |
๐ข
Live reps are only reachable via email |
๐ข Live reps are only reachable via email |
Booking Channels (OTAs) | Includes 300+ booking channels | Includes 100+ booking channels |
Only available in the Pro version |
Includes 450+ booking channels |
A Deeper Dive Into Each Property Management System
The above table offers great insights into each product, but it doesn’t cover everything. Each system has unique traits that give them an edge, so letโs have a quick look.
Cloudbeds
Since its start-up in 2012, Cloudbeds has quickly become one of the top award-winning PMSs. While it is one of the pricier options on the market, its 24/7 customer support and unified platform make it one of the easiest tools you can use.
They also recently partnered with SiteMinder to improve their reach to a wider range of booking engines. This means more revenue opportunities, a seamless set-up process, and a better guest experience overall.
Cloudbeds is definitely the ideal PMS to use for large hotels, hostels, and owners with multiple properties due to its tailor-made pricing and holistic API integrations.
Cloudbeds Marketplace
One of Cloudbeds’s best offerings, which other PMSs donโt excel at, is API integrations. Many of these systems arenโt great at cross-platform compatibility, and this is where Cloudbeds is heads above the rest.
While they have over 100 integrations you can use, here are some of the top tools you can connect to your Cloudbeds account:
- 4wifi โ Offers an easy way to manage guest WiFi from your Cloudbeds account.
- 4SUITES โ Allows you to manage your fully cloud-based hotel door locks with ease.
- PayPal โ Provides easy payment techniques for you while using Cloudbeds.
- Zapier โ Allows you to connect your Cloudbeds account to thousands of your favourite apps without the need for a developer or coding.
Cloudbeds Amplify
If youโre looking to take your business to the next level, then Cloudbeds offers the perfect marketing tool to improve your global reach. Cloudbeds Amplify helps create adverts and target interested travellers.
By using Metasearch, their team strategically places your property’s best possible rates on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Hotel Ads. They can also help you establish a Google My Business Profile, which, in turn, will improve your search presence and sales potential.
Simply put, Cloudbeds is far more than just a PMS. It also offers a wide range of marketing tools.
Top Tip: If your property already has a website and is looking to improve direct bookings, read our guide to hotel PPC management.
Whistle for Cloudbeds
Communication is at the forefront of hospitality, so being able to contact guests can easily make or break your business. Cloudbeds takes this a step further, helping to streamline your communications with guests before, during, and after their stay.
From automating answers to frequently asked questions and welcoming international guests in their native language, you can really save time and money in the long run. Youโll also have access to multiple messaging channels all in one inbox, helping save time having to jump from one booking channel to another.
Being contactable can significantly impact your propertyโs rating, which can also affect your sale rate, so Cloudbedsโ tools can greatly improve your operations. And if you need any more convincing, Cloudbeds received the HotelTechAwards Best Guest Messaging Software in 2023.
Note: Cloudbeds has a lot of great features, but most of these are add-ons that aren’t included in the initial starter package. So, if you’re looking for transparent pricing with no hidden fees, Cloudbeds may not be the best option for you.
Sirvoy
The Ireland-founded tech company has been in operation since 2008 and is notorious for its affordability. Sirvoy is by far one of the most affordable PMSs around, making them a fantastic option for small hotels and vacation rental owners.
Their Starter plan offers access to just one booking channel, which explains its affordable rates. That said, the pro version is still far cheaper than many companies and offers all-inclusive access to their tools, so itโs still a fantastic option.
While it doesnโt have as many unique features as Cloudbeds, there are still some noteworthy services worth mentioning.
Booking Engine Services
For those with an existing website, you can streamline direct bookings by using Sirvoyโs booking engine tool. Powered by AWS, you can conveniently integrate this tool onto your website and PMS, ensuring an easy-to-use, commission-free booking process.
You can even customise the booking engine to match the style of your website. It also caters to more than 20 languages, so it also caters to your international audience. While other PMS companies also offer booking engines, Sirvoy is by far one of the most affordable options on the market.
Channel Manager Service
As you may expect, Sirvoyโs channel manager services are where theyโve put a lot of time and money into making it as user-friendly as possible. While you can connect with hundreds of booking channels, you can now manage them all at once with a few simple clicks of a button.
From updating listings to adjusting prices, you can do it all quickly with the URL callback API and iCal import/export feature. Sirvoy has also partnered with Siteminder, helping its customers reach even more potential guests.
While itโs not as sophisticated a program as Cloudbeds and offers fewer add-ons, itโs a great tool for any small property owner.
Website Builder Services
One of the most sought-after aspects of Sirvoyโs services is its web builder tool. You can get a personalised website with your properties up on the internet in minutes.
They offer a wide range of templates for you to choose from โ all of which are customisable to make them your own. These websites are naturally developed to be mobile-friendly, which is becoming an increasingly important aspect of ranking in Google.
But one of the best aspects of these Sirvoy-built websites is the fact they are commission-free and offer multi-language options, translating your site to over 25 languages.
Top Tip: If you already have a website that is outdated or needs work, consider our SEO services for hotels.
Little Hotelier
Born out of Australia, Little Hotelier proudly supports small accommodation businesses. They aim to cater to every business owner in the hospitality industry, from motels and inns to guest houses and small cabins.
Little Hotelier tends to fall between Cloudbeds and Sirvoy in terms of pricing, making it a great option if you want multiple features at an affordable price. Like the other companies mentioned, it offers a comprehensive property management system, ensuring you save time not just for yourself but also for your staff.
With that in mind, letโs jump into the perks of signing up with Little Hotelier.
Little Hotelier Mobile App
You donโt need to lug around a laptop to stay on top of your property, as their mobile app has everything you need. For example, contacting guests and adjusting room availability with your automated calendar can be done anywhere, anytime.
Payments can also be processed effortlessly from your smartphone, making their app an all-in-one tool. Jumping from using the phone to the laptop? Thatโs not a problem either, as they use cloud technology, ensuring everything stays in sync.
Little Hotelierโs mobile app really does remove the stress of property management.
Website Builder Services
You may wonder where Little Hoteliersโ website building services differ from those of any other company. While theyโre all very similar at heart, a few bonus features they offer make their web dev services worthwhile.
For starters, they offer automated language and currency conversions, ensuring you reach your target audience globally. You can also add extras to your website, which guests can add themselves, thus upselling your offerings.
And if that wasnโt enough, youโll have full control of your website, from its look, usability, and much more.
Note: Little Hotelier will have full control over your website’s hosting and domain. So, if you do want to move over to a new provider, gaining access to these factors can be slightly difficult.
Data Insight Services
One of the features Little Hotelier loves to rave about is their data insights. Itโs easy to see why, as well, considering they give you real-time data on your propertyโs performance, pricing trends, and much more.
Youโll also be able to analyse your competitorโs rates in comparison to yours, helping you make big decisions with clarity. Their insights can also help you understand which booking channels are providing you with high turnovers and which arenโt, so you know which to target for future promotions.
FAQs About Sirvoy, Cloudbeds, & Little Hotelier
Before heading off and signing up with your ideal PMS, hereโs a quick look at some of the popular questions within the hospitality industry.
Do I Need a Property Manager System for My Rental Property?
While itโs not an absolute must, it does make life easier if you use multiple booking channels, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, etc.
Is Having a Website Worth It if Iโm Already Using Booking Engines?
Absolutely. The main bonus of having your own website is the fact you can enjoy no commission fees for direct bookings.
Tip: If you need to set up a website for your business, have a look at our website design services.
What Are the Best Hospitality Websites for My Rental Property?
The best online travel agencies (OTAs) for property owners are probably Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, Agoda, and TripAdvisor. For small property owners, other great options include Vrbo, Friendly Rentals, and Coliving.com.
Final Thoughts on Sirvoy vs Cloudbeds vs Little Hotelier
There you have it, a comprehensive look at three fantastic property management systems on offer. Which PMS is best for you? Well, that really depends on your budget, property size, and what youโre looking to get out of your PMS.
If you’re a large hospitality company, Cloudbeds is a great option. If you seek affordability for your small property, Sirvoy is the better option. And if you want something in between, with slightly more services than Sirvoy at a lower price than Cloudbeds, then Little Hotelier should be your go-to.
Whatever you choose, having a PMS by your side will make running your property a whole lot easier, thatโs for certain.