“Free”, We’re sure that you must have heard this word a bazillion times, and every time, we can guarantee that you found it difficult to control the appeal of this word. In a time where the internet is flooded with free hotel management software, we’re here to break your bubble and tell you that free software is not worth the time and effort. 

But before we tell you that a free hotel management system is absolutely not worth it, it’s important you take a look at what Hotel Management Software is. 

Hotel Management Software

A hotel management software or system is essentially a hospitality solution that allows hoteliers to manage and streamline the hotel’s day-to-day operations to offer guests an impeccable experience.

Top-rated software features a centralized platform from which the functions of all departments can be effectively managed and tracked, whether they are inventory or front-desk.

With integrations with third-party systems such as OTAs, payment gateways, etc. This software can truly strengthen a hotel’s potential. 

Now, let’s get to know all about the free hotel management software. 

Assessing if the Hotel Management Software is really Free

Whenever you see any vendor offering a free hotel management system, always inquire before making any rushed decisions.

As in most cases, free hotel management systems come with hidden costs, which could range from booking charges and credit card processing fees to higher charge rates, meaning the more bookings you receive, the higher charges are levied upon you and your guests. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg; in some instances, you might even get systems with compromised features and capabilities, or even more, you might get the system for free but will have to pay for even the most basic features.

As a result, it is always advisable to look for the signs and ask a lot of questions whenever you come across free hotel management software in the market. 

Limitations of Free Hotel Management Software

a) Poor Performance:

It’s a proven fact that free stuff will always lack some element or another. In this respect, free hotel management systems will always compromise on quality, which will nevertheless result in poor performance.

Apart from being slow and clunky to use, free hotel management software will take a longer time to even complete the bare minimum tasks, leading to delays and causing significant damage to efficiency.

b) No Customer Service and Training Support:

It’s obvious that understanding a new technology requires training and support, but this can’t be guaranteed with a free hotel management solution.

Since you get other services for free, there are high chances that the lack of customer support will add unwanted pressure on your staff, which will be reflected in service delays, negative reviews, and a reduction in both new and repeat guests. 

c) Underwhelming Guest Experience:

For any hotel, guest experience is a paramount aspect that can never be overlooked. However, that can’t be said for free hotel management software, as its limited features and functions will make micromanagement a big hassle, which will impair the hotel staff’s ability to completely focus on guest service.

Moreover, a no-cost solution will lack expert capabilities like single-click check-in and POS integrations, leaving guests with a slow and unpleasant experience.

d) Migration Hurdles:

It’s fundamental for hotel management software to be easy-to-use, as this ease translates to seamless migration from conventional systems to hotel management systems.

Since the majority of the details of a free hotel management system are ambiguous, you will never be able to know if the free software includes data migration, covers only a limited amount, or is chargeable. 

e) Threat to Security:

Being a data-rich industry, the hospitality sector is an absolute favorite for cyber attackers. But these data breaches cause significant reputational damage.

A vendor providing complete hotel management software for free would certainly not be big on data security.

So the question comes: how can you trust such a partner, and moreover, how can you offer your guests the best service when you’re not even able to guarantee the security of their data? 

Revivo’s Hotel Management Software is Easy on Your Pocket 

With shifting market dynamics and customer expectations, managing a hotel has certainly become much more complex.

In addition to that, free hotel management software that is bereft of data security, training, customer support, customization, etc. is only going to add to your list of chaos.

Don’t even let it be your last option, because there are better solutions in the market, though they might not be free but still come at an affordable cost. 

Take Revivo’s Hotel X, for example. It is India’s pioneering cloud-based software, which comes with customization and flexibility, along with the perks of excellent customer support and maintenance.

Being all-in-one software, it offers revenue management, inventory management, channel management, dynamic pricing, POS tools, and so much more.

With a cost that outweighs its benefits, Hotel X is one of the most reliable and user-friendly software out in the market. 

Start your free trial today to save money as a way to make more revenue.  

FAQs

1. What is a hotel management software?

A hotel management software or system is essentially a hospitality solution that allows hoteliers to manage and streamline the hotel’s day-to-day operations to offer guests an impeccable experience.

2. What is the cost of hotel management software?

In a market that offers multiple hotel management softwares, the cost greatly varies depending on the features, accessibility, providers, and market adaptation.

3. What are the disadvantages of a free hotel management system?

From the number of disadvantages that come with free hotel management software, poor performance, lack of customer support, threats to data security, and a delayed and low-quality guest experience are the ones that top the list. 

4. Is the free hotel management software really free?

Well, to burst the bubble, free hotel management software might appear to be free, but there are hidden costs such as booking charges, credit card processing fees, and higher charge rates, making free software in no way free.

5. What type of software is best suited for my hospitality industry?

The most suitable software for the hospitality industry is Revivo’s Hotel X, as this all-in-one software comes at an affordable cost, along with benefits such as immediate customer support, free trial, and even training.