Little Hotelier Alternatives: 5 Best Hotel Management Software Options

In this article, you’ll find five Little Hotelier alternatives that help small hotels work faster, stay organized, and stay competitive without giving up control.

If you run a small or independent hotel, you know chaos is often the first guest to arrive. 

Before sunrise, you’re handling booking requests, calendar sync issues, guest messages, and a broken coffee machine, all before your first cup of actual coffee. Here, you’re not just the owner. You’re also the receptionist, the marketer, the IT department, and sometimes, housekeeping too.

This is the reality for thousands of boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs). And it’s precisely the problem Little Hotelier set out to solve, a popular cloud-based PMS designed to bring order to the madness.

However, it’s no longer the only player in the market. Whether Little Hotelier feels too limiting, too pricey, or doesn’t fit every hotel or property type, there are other tools that might better suit your needs. 

 

What should you look for in Little Hotelier alternatives

When you’re searching for Little Hotelier alternatives, you’ll need tools that address these gaps while offering features to help your property run smoothly. Here’s what to look for:

• Affordable pricing: Select a solution that meets your budget without sacrificing key features. Steer clear of excessively high prices that can quickly balloon
• Simple setup and onboarding: Look for a system that’s easy to implement. Avoid platforms with steep learning curves and complex initial setup processes
• Streamlined user experience: Find software with a smooth interface and quick access to all key actions, so your team doesn’t waste time navigating through multiple steps
• Flexible reservation management: Choose a tool that lets you create customizable rules for new bookings and prevents accidental changes to reservations
• Centralized document management: Look for platforms that allow you to attach and manage documents directly within the system, rather than relying on third-party apps like Facebook
• Customizable direct booking options: Pick a system that allows you to maximize your direct booking page. Options such as UI customization and custom templates will be a huge difference
• Scalability and ease of use: Find software that can grow with your business and doesn’t get more complicated as you scale

With these features in mind, you can find alternatives to Little Hotelier that work faster, are easier to use, and allow you to focus more on your guests and less on the technology.

The best Little Hotelier alternatives

More than 850 million people in 2023 employed a travel app to assist in planning their journeys. A majority of travelers (72%) used the internet to book their travel, as opposed to merely 12% opting for travel agencies. This shift in booking habits has made it necessary for small hotels to streamline operations and remain competitive in a virtual world.

Little Hotelier alternatives can help you improve your hotel management system, cut down on inefficiencies, and ensure you’re prepared for the demands of modern travelers.

That being said, let’s get to the interesting part. What makes these tools unique and how they can improve hotel operations?

 

 

1. roommaster (Best all-in-one hospitality management system)

 

As an all-in-one hospitality management system, roommaster is trusted by over 5,500 hoteliers globally. The software simplifies operations, automates processes, and enhances guest experiences. It integrates a hotel booking engine and channel manager, which helps you manage guest connections more efficiently. 

The platform also saves IT expenditures by offering cloud-based services and eliminating the need for dedicated servers. With roommaster, you can control OTAs, have real-time updates on bookings, and prevent overbookings. In contrast to Little Hotelier, you also get greater control of your ADR and RevPAR.

Additionally, the system offers built-in revenue management tools that help optimize pricing through accurate forecasting and pricing. It also integrates with ampliphi, an AI-driven revenue management tool, to help you make more intelligent pricing decisions. 

With roommaster Payments, you can track guest signatures with Digital Registration and speed up transaction times with advanced EMV terminals. This system gives you everything you need to manage pricing, bookings, and guest services in one platform.

Key features

• Property management system (PMS): Simplify guest connections, reduce IT costs, and improve customer service with cloud access across devices
• Payments handling: Manage payments confidently using roommaster Payments for front desk and back-office operations
• Revenue Management: Optimize rates with automated pricing and performance forecasting for high-demand periods
• Booking engine: Increase direct bookings and reduce OTA commission using custom booking widgets and integrated payments
• Group bookings management: Set rules for weddings, events, and teams while supporting direct bookings and flexible billing
• Guest management: Track guest preferences and history while automating communication touchpoints
• Marketplace: Connect with over 150+ third-party systems to expand features and build a tailored solution

Pros

• Comprehensive reporting: Access advanced daily reports and over 270 templates, and customize reports to meet your needs
• Mobile optimization: Use contactless check-in, mobile booking, and digital key access for improved convenience
• Guest communication: Automate guest emails before and after visits to maintain consistent communication
• Customer support: Work with a team of experienced hoteliers who provide fast, relevant assistance
• User-friendly design: Enjoy an easy-to-use system that simplifies reservations, check-ins, and check-outs
• Time-saving functionality: Improve efficiency and save time with streamlined operations

Cons

• The room visualization feature lacks clarity, making it difficult for users to get an accurate perspective of how a room will look
• Some processes feel outdated and require multiple steps, making the user experience less efficient

Pricing

• Custom pricing

What are real-life users saying about the tool?

“1) Versatility in using from home/ other departments/mobile. 2) Short learning curve 3) Lots of features 4) Cost- no annual costs a BIG plus 5) Support 6) Storage and backup offsite – even reports- GREAT !! 7) TABS for often-used screens is a great plus.”

• Verified Hotel Tech Report review

 

2. Lodgify (Best for vacation rental)

 

Lodgify gives vacation rental owners and property managers complete control over their business. You can build a professional website, accept direct bookings, and skip third-party fees. The platform also enables you to manage reservations, sync calendars across listing sites, and handle guest conversations, all from one place. You can run your rental business more efficiently and open up more opportunities to earn without relying on multiple tools.

Already built a vacation rental website but can’t accept direct bookings? Drop Lodgify’s booking widget into your site and start taking reservations and credit card payments right away. You can also choose from multiple website templates designed to convert visitors into bookings, something that’s not found in Little Hotelier. Simply add your photos and details, and your website will immediately showcase your properties, display rates, availability, and amenities, and include a booking form with a live calendar.

Key features

• Website builder: Use customizable templates to build a responsive, SEO-optimized website that facilitates direct bookings
• Booking management: Consolidate all bookings in a single interface, streamlining check-in and check-out procedures, as well as guest communications
• Channel management: Sync listings, calendars, and rates across all platforms, such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com
• Guest communication: Manage all guest interactions through a unified inbox, incorporating automated messages and AI-powered responses

Pros

• Dynamic pricing: Adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, and other factors to optimize occupancy and revenue
• Reporting and analytics: Create detailed reports on revenue, occupancy, and other performance metrics to enable informed decision-making
• Integrations: Connect with popular tools and apps, like Turno for cleaning and maintenance, to enhance operations

Cons

• Some users report unhelpful support, with responses that may lack depth or personalization
• New users may find it challenging to locate and utilize the external booking widget
• The platform offers basic messaging automation, lacking advanced scheduling options

Pricing

• Starter: $20/month
• Professional: $50/month
• Ultimate: $73/month 

What are real-life users saying about the tool?

“DIY Website. Reporting (Have to pay extra for that though). If you have 1-3 Units and only run off of your website, Airbnb, and maybe VRBO…Lodgify might be a solution to get you up and going. Anything more than that should be moved to a more robust platform.”

• Verified G2 review

 

3. Guesty (Best for Airbnb and short-term rental property management)

 

If you’re looking for hotel management software alternatives that prioritize short-term and vacation rentals, Guesty gives you exactly that. You can sync all your properties in real time across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and 100+ channels to instantly boost your rankings. You can also use dynamic pricing, offer pre-check-in services, and create guest experiences that help you stand out and grow your revenue. 

Want your hotel management software to deliver fast guest responses? Guesty ReplyAI does that using AI-generated replies that match your tone and understand every context. When guests cause damage, you don’t waste time chasing them down. Guesty’s Damage Protection lets you manage claims entirely within your dashboard and recover costs without guest involvement. Unlike Little Hotelier, you stay in complete control from start to finish.

Key features

• Centralized booking system: Manage all bookings across multiple channels from a single platform, simplifying inventory tracking and pricing updates
• Automated communication: Utilize tools to automate guest communication, including pre- and post-stay messages, check-in instructions, and review requests
• Comprehensive analytics: Access advanced analytics and reporting tools to track performance, optimize revenue, and make data-driven decisions
• Direct booking capabilities: Manage direct bookings through customizable websites, secure transactions, and features that enhance the guest experience

Pros

• Accounting tools: Utilize built-in accounting features for managing payments, expenses, and revenue sharing.
• Smart lock integration: Integrate with smart locks for remote management and automatic code generation
• Unified inbox: Manage all guest communications from different channels, including email, SMS, and WhatsApp, in one place

Cons

• Some users report that support can be unresponsive at times, with issues not always addressed promptly
• New users may find the platform complex initially
• Some automation features may experience occasional glitches, disrupting workflows

Pricing

• Lite: $23/month per listing (perfect for 1-3 listings)
• Pro: Custom pricing (perfect for 4-199 listings)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (perfect for 200+ listings)

What are real-life users saying about the tool?

“Lots of things! Remarkable automation capabilities, making property management a breeze. The reporting and analytics tools empower me as a host to make data-driven decisions, and seamless integrations with third-party services provide flexibility and customization. Lastly, the unified inbox is awesome!”

• Verified G2 review

 

4. HotelRunner (Best for sales-first hospitality management)

 

As one of the best Little Hotelier competitors, HotelRunner gives you tailored tools that drive efficiency, increase revenue, and unlock new growth across the travel and hospitality space. You can update and sync your property’s rates, availability, and bookings across 150+ OTAs like Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, and Expedia from a single platform. That setup keeps your listings accurate and your rooms available across every channel, so you never miss a revenue opportunity. You also avoid overbookings and save time switching between dashboards.

With HotelRunner’s fast booking engine, you can drive more direct bookings, which increases conversions and lifts your overall revenue. The platform also gives you full access to reporting tools that uncover actionable insights for smarter decisions. Unlike Little Hotelier, you get performance data that helps you fix issues quickly and manage your operations with confidence, without dealing with the risks of manual updates or inconsistent numbers. 

Key features

• Booking engine: Accept direct bookings, customize the experience, and support mobile devices
• Channel manager: Update your availability and pricing across all OTAs from one platform without switching tabs
• Property management system: Handle front desk, housekeeping, reservations, CRM, and reviews using a complete property management system
• Sales and marketing tools: Run promotions and metasearch campaigns to attract more guests and grow bookings across key channels

Pros

• Automated pricing (Autopilot): Set up dynamic pricing that adjusts based on demand and availability without manual work
• Review center: Centralize guest reviews, allowing hotels to manage and respond to feedback across multiple platforms with AI-assisted support.
• Guest relationship management: Personalize guest communication, improve satisfaction, and foster loyalty

Cons

• Customer support lacks consistency and doesn’t fully solve issues when you need quick answers
• The PMS and calendar tools feel limited and need better functionality to keep up with daily needs
• You have to calculate pricing manually because the rate-setting system lacks flexibility and automation

Pricing

• Manage: $19.95/month
• Sell: $29.95/month
• Complete: $39.95/month
• Advanced Plans (Automate & Explore): Contact for pricing 

What are real-life users saying about the tool?

“It is good in every aspect, but the mobile application side can be made easier. The mobile application is a little more challenging than the web side.”

– Verified Hotel Tech Report review

 

5. HotelFriend

 

With HotelFriend, you can manage operations across multiple locations, drive profitability, and unlock meaningful growth that fits your unique business goals. Tap into HotelFriend AI to boost guest communication, craft compelling content, and break through language limitations without hiring extra staff.

You can use the HotelFriend POS ecosystem to take full control of your hotel or restaurant’s sales. Accept orders from tablets and kiosks, then pull everything together in one connected cloud setup that leaves no touchpoint behind. You don’t need to toggle between systems or chase data when it’s already all in one place.

Additionally, use the HotelFriend self-service kiosk to reduce wait times, expedite check-ins, and enable staff to focus on what matters. Unlike Little Hotelier, HotelFriend gives you a fully integrated check-in experience that actually works.

Key features

• Mobile POS: Accept payments and offer services anywhere using the mobile point of sale feature
• Booking engine: Facilitate direct bookings through your website, eliminating commission fees and enhancing revenue
• Mobile guestbook: Give guests a quick view of your offerings and make important information easy to access 
• Digital check-in: Replace front desk delays with fast, guest-friendly digital check-in options 

Pros

• Virtual concierge: Offer convenient service requests and hotel info without needing staff intervention
• Real-time messaging: Facilitate instant communication between guests and staff, addressing needs promptly 
• Deal and package manager: Create and manage seasonal offers, discounts, and bundled services to attract more bookings

Cons

• The system comes packed with features, so it gets confusing sometimes, but support responds quickly and helps out
• You can’t show vouchers in the Booking Engine unless guests pick a date, which feels restrictive
• The multi-front desk works, but dragging bookings between properties would make things much easier

Pricing

• Available in Quick Start, Select, and Enterprise: Custom pricing

What are real-life users saying about the tool?

“It gives us the most for our money with all the features and how easy it is to use. We can add new rooms, set up room descriptions, create special offers for different types of rooms, and put them on the booking engine, and it only takes about 20 minutes to do it all. It’s also easy to change the prices and offers. Invoice creation and payment processing have never been better as well.”

• Verified G2 review

 

roommaster vs Little Hotelier: A quick comparison

As you compare roommaster vs Little Hotelier, you’ll notice that the biggest difference lies in control, customization, and scalability. roommaster gives you deeper access to rate rules, guest data, and revenue tools right out of the box. Its hybrid pricing model helps you adjust strategies quickly, while Little Hotelier often requires workarounds for similar changes. You can build custom packages, manage payments more flexibly, and run advanced reports without relying on third-party tools.

If you want better visibility across OTAs, tighter control over your booking engine, and built-in revenue forecasting, roommaster gives you more options. It also supports a broader range of third-party integrations and has more advanced group booking tools. Little Hotelier feels simpler upfront, but can become restrictive if you scale or want more automation.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of roommaster vs Little Hotelier to help you choose the right hospitality management software for small and independent hotels:

 

 

Feature	roommaster	Little Hotelier
User Interface	Offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation for efficient property management	Makes access difficult with too many steps, and the layout lacks flexibility for better usability
Industry Experience	Brings 30+ years of hospitality expertise to hotel operations	Serves small providers well but fails to offer the depth and polish expected from a mature, premium hotel platform
Support Availability	Provides 24/7 live support with trained agents who understand the industry	Offers 24/7 support. Its intuitive interface and built-in tools like automated rate calculations make daily operations easier. While support is available around the clock, resolution times for more complex issues can occasionally vary
Payment Processing	Handles complex payments and integrates easily into billing and reporting systems	Processes payments fast but lacks in-system slip attachments, forcing users to rely on Facebook chat or external tools
Property Management	Loads property data reliably and manages multiple sites without major technical interruptions	Makes property setup difficult with a steep learning curve and doesn’t support custom rules for new reservations
Channel Management	Works with 300+ OTAs and platforms to increase booking reach	Connects to over 450 booking channels, including major OTAs and metasearch sites, with 100% connection quality to prevent double bookings
Reporting & Analytics	Provides comprehensive reporting tools to help hoteliers make informed decisions and optimize operations	Offers powerful insights on business performance, competitors, and the market, aiding in strategic decision-making
Mobile Access	Supports mobile POS for service sales and offers a mobile point of sale for guests, enhancing flexibility	Lets you manage your hotel remotely, but the mobile experience lacks ease and creates friction across key tasks
Direct Booking Capabilities	Provides mobile-friendly direct booking with site customization	Provides tools to manage direct bookings through customizable websites and secure transactions, boosting direct sales
Guest Communication	Enables real-time messaging between guests and staff, improving communication efficiency	Automates guest communications, including pre- and post-stay messages, check-in instructions, and review requests, saving time and enhancing guest experience

 

Choosing the right software for your property

You need hotel management software that runs smoothly, keeps operations sharp, and gives your guests exactly what they expect. While Little Hotelier may work for some properties, roommaster delivers stronger features that support complex business needs.

Out of all the options available, the platform provides you with powerful tools that deliver real operational results every single day. Use its customizable booking engine to manage direct bookings and connect to over 300+ OTAs with its channel manager. Additionally, take full control of your pricing with advanced revenue management and track performance with over 270+ detailed reports. You can also connect your POS, CRM, and activity scheduling tools without dealing with separate vendors or clunky interfaces.

Ready to upgrade how your hotel operates? Make the switch to roommaster and take charge of every touchpoint now.

 

FAQs

What are the best Little Hotelier alternatives for small hotels?

Consider roommaster, Hotelfriend, HotelRunner, Lodgify, and Guesty. These platforms offer broader features, better integrations, and support for direct bookings without sacrificing ease of use or daily control.

How does roommaster compare to Little Hotelier?

roommaster offers stronger reporting, more integrations, better OTA connectivity, and greater customization, making it more suitable for hotels that demand deeper insights and multi-property capabilities from day one.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Little Hotelier?

Yes, roommaster, Guesty, and HotelRunner offer lower-cost options with essential features like booking engines and channel management, making them ideal for budget-conscious properties.

What is better than Little Hotelier for mid-sized properties?

roommaster provides better scalability, advanced reporting, and multi-property capabilities, making it a strong choice for mid-sized properties seeking operational efficiency and growth potential.