Property Management System & Channel Management

A property management system (PMS) and a channel manager are two inseparable, indispensable components of the life of hoteliers and hosts, aka the hospitality industry. If you are one of the more experienced property managers, you know that a channel manager is part of a PMS, yet we can talk about the two separately.

A property management system is a management software that supports the daily operations of vacation rentals, including: reservation management, it helps to manage inventory (like property content), direct bookings, housekeeping, billing and payments (like room rates), keeps the availability data of the guests in order, and generates reports and analytics, through whichever booking websites you use.

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On the other hand, a channel manager is a tool built into a PMS. It helps vacation rentals to distribute their availability and room rates through multiple online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDS), and a channel manager connects directly more channels.

It has key functions such as inventory distribution, rate and provision management, and handling booking restrictions with a specific booking engine.

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The Link Between the Two Management Software

The integration capacity of the channel manager is particularly important. If it is not seamlessly integrated into the PMS, the two management software cannot work together efficiently and effectively. As a result, you as the host will not be able to provide an exceptional and safe experience for your guests.

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It is therefore important that the following aspects work well between them: real-time synchronization, centralized management (with a unified dashboard), automated operations, data consistency, dynamic pricing and a better guest experience.  

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Hotel Property Management System

A hotel PMS centralizes and automates various functions, such as: handling the bookings (including direct bookings), manages front desk operations and housekeeping, processes payments, stores guest information, generate hotel tech report, and connects with channel managers.

Visitor vs. Cloudbeds Channel Manager

For more information on the issues outlined above, please read our previous articles on them. For now, we have only shared the functions of PMS and channel manager to refresh your knowledge, without going into more detail on their mechanisms.

It is natural that in the ever-changing panorama of the hospitality industry, those who own or operate properties are constantly looking for solutions that will help their property run more smoothly and improve the guest experience.

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Two prominent players are helping them: Visitor and Cloudbeds channel manager are at the forefront, both offering innovative features that will make your vacation rental business more efficient and increase profitability.

The hospitality industry is an industry that, like technology, is constantly evolving (the two are not necessarily independent). You, as a hospitality operator, often have to make big decisions about which channel manager to use.

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In the remainder of this article, we'll cover a thorough comparison of Visitor and Cloudbeds channel manager. We will explore their key features, user terminal and overall performance.

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Who is the target audience?

Visitor

The Visitor channel manager is a versatile solution for all property owners, regardless of the type and size of their property. You can get the most out of your property, as its booking engine connects you with over 300 more channels and charges zero added commission.

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Cloudbeds

For the Cloudbeds channel manager, there is no specific information about what type and size of property you can benefit from. However, it also connects you to more than 300 individual channels, with zero added commission, and provides unlimited distribution channels.

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How much do subscriptions cost?

Visitor

Visitor offers three different price ranges, depending on your budget - to suit all budgets. The most economical is the Basic plan, which starts from €51 per month and is ideal for small to midsize accommodations. It includes all the necessary features needed to run a lodging business efficiently: front desk system, own website, booking engine, customer database, channel manager, mobile app, payment and property management system.

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The crowd favourite bestseller is the Standard package, perfect for accommodations looking t boost revenue. It costs €85 per month and gives access to advanced features such as a full security package.

The Premium package is made for hotels who want to maximize their operations, for just €102 per month. This already offers a wide range of features and is designed to meet the needs of really big businesses.

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Cloudbeds

On Cloudbeds you will only find specific numbers if you request a price quote. Until then, there's no way to know how much you should pay each month for channel management depending on how many rental properties you manage.

It is indicated what the core features are (such as the Marketplace, which is filled with 3rd party apps that are curated to work well with the Cloudbeds Suite), performance packs, add-on features, as well as education (such as Cloudbeds University) and a support team. Cloudbeds University is a training program for hotels using one of the Cloudbeds hotel channel managers.

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The Main Differences & Similarities

Visitor

Visitor specializes in channel management for a wide range of facilities, offering tools to streamline check-ins, enhance security, and maintain detailed guest records. Use Visitor if you need a channel manager and a PMS focusing on managing room inventory, multiple room types, rates, and reservations across multiple online travel agencies (OTAs).

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A Visitor channel manager also offers comprehensive tools for channel distribution, dynamic pricing, and revenue management, and its integration capabilities are working seamlessly with a property management system. Integrates with OTAs, GDS, and its own PMS for unified property management to help you save time and to deliver memorable experiences for your guests.

It works automatically, there's no need for manual intervention.

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Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds focuses on comprehensive channel management solutions for the hospitality industry, integrating multiple tools to manage reservations, distribution channels, revenue, and guest services. Use Cloudbeds hotel if you'd like to manage a bigger property and need integrated tools for reservations and revenue handling.

This channel manager and a PMS can also help you save time.

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User Interface

Visitor

Visitor provides a seamless experience for users, while at the same time being an elegant and user-friendly platform. Its design is modern, easy to navigate and well thought out, making it simple to find the various functions.

All this increases efficiency, makes it visually appealing and facilitates interaction.

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Cloudbeds

In contrast to Visitor, Cloudbeds' interface is less visually appealing and requires a longer learning curve to navigate the site.

Mobile App

Visitor

Visitor's own mobile app can be downloaded for Android and iOS.

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Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds also has a mobile app, but its functionality is somewhat limited.

Conclusion

When choosing between Visitor and Cloudbeds for your channel management needs, it is essential to consider the specific requirements and scale of your property. Visitor offers a comprehensive solution for a wide range of facilities, providing seamless integration, dynamic pricing, and a user-friendly interface that enhances security and streamlines guest management. With its tiered pricing plans, Visitor is accessible to small, midsize, and large properties alike, making it a versatile choice for various types of accommodations.

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On the other hand, Cloudbeds excels in providing a robust, integrated solution for larger properties within the hospitality industry. Its comprehensive suite of tools, including a property management system and extensive channel management capabilities, makes it ideal for properties requiring advanced reservation and revenue handling features. However, its pricing is less transparent, requiring potential users to request a quote.

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Ultimately, the choice between Visitor and Cloudbeds should be guided by your property's specific needs, budget, and the importance you place on user platform, mobile accessibility, and integration prospects. Both platforms offer powerful features to help property owners optimize their operations, enhance guest experiences, and boost profitability, but their suitability will vary based on the size and type of the property being managed.

Visitor vs. Cloudbeds Channel Manager FAQs

❓ What are the main differences between Visitor and Cloudbeds in terms of target audience?

Visitor caters to a broad range of facilities, including hotels, corporate offices, co-working spaces, residential buildings, and healthcare facilities. It focuses on managing visitor access, security, and detailed guest records. Cloudbeds is designed specifically for the hospitality industry, including hotels, hostels, holiday homes, and other lodging businesses. It integrates tools for reservations, distribution channels, revenue handling, and guest services.

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❓ How do Visitor and Cloudbeds handle pricing and subscription models?

Visitor offers three tiered pricing plans. Cloudbeds provides customized pricing based on the specific needs and size of the property. Prospective users need to request a quote to get detailed pricing information. It offers various core features, add-ons, and access to Cloudbeds Uni for training.

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❓ What integrations do Visitor and Cloudbeds offer with other systems?

Visitor integrates with OTAs, GDS, and its own PMS, ensuring seamless management of room inventory, rates, and reservations across multiple online travel agencies. It also connects with access control systems to enhance security and visitor management. Cloudbeds integrates with over 300 OTAs, GDS, and other booking platforms through direct API partnerships. It also connects with various third-party applications, payment gateways, and marketing tools, providing a unified PMS solution.

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❓ What are the UI and mobile app differences between Visitor and Cloudbeds?

Visitor offers a modern, elegant, and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, increasing efficiency and making interaction seamless. Its mobile app is available for both Android and iOS, providing full functionality on the go. Cloudbeds has a more functional but less visually appealing interface that may require a longer learning curve. Its mobile app is also available for Android and iOS but has somewhat limited functionality compared to the desktop version.

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❓ How do Visitor and Cloudbeds ensure data synchronization and automated operations?

Visitor emphasizes real-time synchronization, centralized management, and automated operations, minimizing the need for human intervention. This ensures data consistency and enhances the overall guest experiencing. Cloudbeds also provides real-time updates and automated synchronization across all connected channels, helping to prevent overbookings and ensuring accurate rate and availability knowledge. Its integration with the PMS allows for smooth and efficient management of reservations and guest services.