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Head-to-head · Motel Software

HotelFriend vs HotelRunner Booking Engine

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score HotelFriend #2 in Motel Software 8.1/10 7-day trial ✓ 1 of 6 features Visit HotelFriend
HotelRunner Booking Engine #8 in Motel Software 6.4/10 From $29.95/mo ✓ 1 of 6 features Visit HotelRunner

HotelFriend leads on 1 check, HotelRunner Booking Engine on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreHotelFriend · 8.1/10

HotelFriend scores higher on our rubric for motel software: 8.1 against 6.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

HotelFriend offers channel manager; HotelRunner Booking Engine doesn't publish it. HotelRunner Booking Engine offers payment processing; HotelFriend doesn't publish it.

HotelFriend is the better fit for motels wanting a full-service PMS and operations suite. HotelRunner Booking Engine is the better fit for motels wanting a straightforward multilingual booking engine.

  • HotelFriend fits best

    Motels wanting a full-service PMS and operations suite

  • HotelRunner Booking Engine fits best

    Motels wanting a straightforward multilingual booking engine

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature HotelFriend 8.1/10 Visit ↗ HotelRunner Booking Engine 6.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.1 6.4
Ranking #2 in Motel Software #8 in Motel Software
Best for Motels wanting a full-service PMS and operations suite Motels wanting a straightforward multilingual booking engine
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published $29.95/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Live chat, Email, Phone
Compliance GDPR, PCI DSS, 2FA GDPR, PCI DSS
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features HotelFriend 1/6 · HotelRunner Booking Engine 1/6
Online booking engine Not published Not published
Channel manager ✓ (best) Not published
Housekeeping tools Not published Not published
Payment processing Not published ✓ (best)
Mobile app Not published Not published
Multi-property support Not published Not published
Specs
Maximum rooms Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Combines PMS, channel management, housekeeping, payments, and POS
  • Centralizes multi-property operations with web, iOS, Android, and API access
  • Connects booking channels and POS systems, including Booking.com and Lightspeed
  • Displays real-time room availability and rates for direct website reservations.
  • Supports multiple currencies, online payments, packages and extras.
  • Offers a customizable mobile-responsive interface with embeddable widgets.
Cons
  • No free plan; HotelFriend is a paid product
  • Package-specific trials differ: FLEX offers 7 days and Signature 14 days
  • Deployment options vary by package across cloud and self-hosted setups
  • Focuses on booking and distribution tools, not broader motel operations.
  • Essential Sell has a $29.95 monthly minimum and percentage-based pricing.
  • No free plan is available.
Our verdict

HotelFriend is a property-management and operations suite for independent hotels, hotel groups, and other hospitality operators. It brings together reservations, front-desk work, guest records, room-status tracking, housekeeping, payments,…

Read the review →

HotelRunner Booking Engine helps hotels and other accommodation businesses take direct reservations through their websites. It displays live room availability and rates, and lets guests book with online payment integrations, multiple…

Read the review →
  1. HotelFriendMotel Software 8.17-day trial
  2. HotelRunner Booking EngineMotel Software 6.4From $29.95/mo

Strengths and trade-offs

  • HotelFriend — where it wins

    • Combines PMS, channel management, housekeeping, payments, and POS
    • Centralizes multi-property operations with web, iOS, Android, and API access
    • Connects booking channels and POS systems, including Booking.com and Lightspeed

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; HotelFriend is a paid product
    • Package-specific trials differ: FLEX offers 7 days and Signature 14 days
    • Deployment options vary by package across cloud and self-hosted setups

  • HotelRunner Booking Engine — where it wins

    • Displays real-time room availability and rates for direct website reservations.
    • Supports multiple currencies, online payments, packages and extras.
    • Offers a customizable mobile-responsive interface with embeddable widgets.

    Where it doesn't

    • Focuses on booking and distribution tools, not broader motel operations.
    • Essential Sell has a $29.95 monthly minimum and percentage-based pricing.
    • No free plan is available.

More comparisons

All motel software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update