The Best Hotel Channel Manager

Are you looking to upgrade your existing hotel channel manager or subscribe to a channel manager for a new property? There are numerous channel managers on the market, and no single provider is ideal for all properties, so it is critical that you conduct your research before making a decision and ensure that you have invested in the right solution that aligns with your objective. In this blog, I will highlight the top 5 Channel Manager providers renowned by the industry and available globally as well as the criteria that you need to consider when choosing a hotel channel manager.

What is a Hotel Channel Manager?

A Hotel Channel Manager is software that allows you to effectively manage your property’s inventories and rates across multiple booking channels. This is more relevant to hotels that are registered with multiple booking channels and hotels that have multi-properties with hundreds of rooms. The channel manager is able to provide a real-time update on room availability, rates, and restrictions with the connected OTAs. Best of all if the hotel channel manager is integrated with your hotel property management systems (PMSs). 

Read also: PMS and Channel Manager Integration 

Main things to consider when choosing a Channel Manager

Choosing a channel manager is not a one-size-fits-all situation. You might reach a point on where and how to select the right channel manager. Don't worry if you're having trouble deciding which one is best for you. Below are the 5 key factors I would recommend you to consider before making a decision.

1. Functionality 

   A small independent hotel might only need a simple but credible tool, whereas a chain hotel will need more sophisticated features that include compatibility with Google Analytics, revenue management, and other features. Therefore, when choosing a hotel channel manager, make sure the specifications match your business requirements and be sure of how all these features can be applied to your business needs.

2. System Integrations

   Not all Channel Managers are able to connect to your existing Booking Engine or Property Management System. You should ensure that the channel manager you selected is able to integrate with your existing hotel systems such as PMS, RMS, Booking Engine, CRS, and other tools that need to be connected with the channel manager. 

3. Connectivity

   Besides, a good channel manager software will promote and expose your property to previously undiscovered travel markets. Hence, your channel manager should have API integration across many channel partners to make sure that your property is available to book wherever guests shop.

4. User-friendly & Responsive Support

   The channel manager must be easy to use for newbies while also being comprehensive for advanced users, such as hotel owners and managers that require more information. In fact, the software must provide a clear overview of the performance of all connected channels over a specific time period and so on. Apart from this, it is crucial, too, to consider what kind of training is provided to your hotel staff who are using the software for the first time. After the onboarding, I believe the subsequent customer support is also an important consideration in choosing a channel manager provider.

5. Your Budget

   Lastly, be realistic with your hotel’s budget and the features you truly need and can afford to pay for. Some channel managers are more credible than others, but they may be much more expensive. A reliable channel manager provider will offer a free trial for their products, which could help you evaluate the software before you start paying to their channel manager.

Read also: How to Choose the Right Channel Manager for Hotels

The best hotel channel manager for your business in 2021

Staah

Hotel Technology Rating: 96%

Price: Starting from $80 Per month (Price differ based on the number of hotel rooms); Has Free Trial

Staah’s channel manager is easy and efficient to use and connected to 200+ OTAs. Besides, they also have mobile apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad which allows you to monitor your channel manager on the go. It is suitable for any type of property from small independents to hotel chains.  

Features:

• Dynamic Pricing 
• Promotions Management 
• Restriction Management 
• Partner Management 
• Order management 
• Inventory Control 
• Bulk updates
• Channel Analytics 
  
  

SiteMinder

Hotel Technology Rating: 90%

Price: Starting from $75  Per month (Price differs based on the number of hotel rooms); Has Free Trial

SiteMinder is used by over 35,000 hoteliers and supports over 2 million reservations per year. Besides, SiteMinder is integrated with 400+ distribution channels such as Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and so on. Moreover, they offer in-depth performance data to help you analyze top channels performance, build your sales strategy and offer a clear overview of summary reports and guest reservations. No matter if you are connected with a large amount or hundreds of channels, SiteMinder Channel Manager is capable of syncing your room inventory to booking sites. This solution is suitable for any type of accommodation from B&B to hotel chains. 

Features:

• PMS connectivity
• Analytics dashboard
• Support Multi-Currency 
• Inventory Management
• Rate Management 
• Promotions Management 
• Restriction Management 
• Two-way integrations
• Unlimited Channels (no additional cost)
• Multi-lingual dashboard
• Centralized user & role management
• Bulk Updating
• Channel Self-Mapping
• Derived Rates
• Kill Switch 
• Yield Rules
  
  

Myallocator, Cloudbeds

Hotel Technology Rating: 92%

Price: Monthly Subscription Per month (Price differs based on the number of hotel rooms); Has Free Trial

Cloudbeds is a cloud-based hotel management suite with a powerful channel manager and connects with over 300 online booking channels. In fact, the PMS, Booking Engine, and CRM are all easy to use as this software was created exclusively for the hospitality business. It is ideal for small to mid-sized hotels, hostels, and guest houses.

Features:

• Channel Analytics
• Cash Management 
• Campaign management 
• Built-in Accounting 
• Customized automated emails on a per-channel basis
• CRM
• Kill Switch 
• Customer Support
• GDS/ OTA Integration
• Group Reservations
• Marketing Automation
• Inventory Control
• Extended Stay
• Dynamic Pricing
• Point of Sale (POS)
• Rate Management
• Promotions Management 
• Reservation Management 
• Restriction Management
  
  

eZee Centrix

Hotel Technology Review: 89%

Price: Starting from $39.00 Per month (Price differs based on the number of hotel rooms); Has Free Trial 

eZee Centrix Hotel Channel Manager has connected with over 100 OTAs. It has an app for both android and iPhone users to support your channel manager on the go. This software is designed for properties with 5 to 1000 rooms such as Hotel, Resort, Motel, BnB, or Hotel Chains.

Features:

• Foreign currency rate updates
• campaign management 
• inventory control
• partner management 
• lead management 
• Order management 
• Channel analytics 
  
  

Softinn Channel Manager

Price: Starting from $40 Per month (Price differ based on the number of hotel rooms); Has Free Trial

Softinn Channel Manager is an all-in-one solution for boutique hotels and resorts that is both economical and effective. Through two-way connections with 80 online travel agencies, the software helps hoteliers to avoid overbooking and reduces human labour. Besides, they are embedded with Softinn PMS and other advanced tools such as self-service kiosks. Hence, access your hotel systems through a single login and entry point.

Features: 

• PMS connectivity
• Automatic OTA Reservation creation 
• Inventory Management
• Rate Management 
• Promotions Management 
• Restriction Management 
• Two-way integrations
• Unlimited Channels (no additional cost)
• Centralized user & role management
• Channel Self-Mapping
• Responsive customer support
  
  

Conclusions

There are numerous channel manager providers that serve properties of all sizes. You should make sure the channel manager you chose covers your business needs in terms of price, implementation, and support. Recommend changing your channel manager if you notice that it is taking more time than it is returning.

A good channel manager would help in increasing occupancy, reservations, and revenue that bring good results. Never settle for anything less than your best!