8 Best Open Source and Free Hotel Management Software in 2024

Gone are those days when hoteliers had to spend a thick wad of cash to raise their brand. Though they still have to spend money to expand their business, things have become quite easy these days or rather automated!

Yes, automation is the key to growth for any business and the same is true for hospitality sector. Be it updating your hotel information on the spreadsheet or promoting your business, the software does everything flawlessly in a matter of seconds.

What is Hotel Management Software?

Hotel management software provides essential features to streamline activities like online booking, room availability tracking and feedback. Every thriving hotel can leverage the power of technology and enhance their brand reputation.

It is a must-have tool for hoteliers to streamline administrative tasks at their property and increase the number of bookings. Along with managing day-to-day operations, the free hotel software and their premium versions also assist in delivering an outstanding guest experience.

8 Best Open Source and Free Hotel Management Software in India 2024

• eZee Absolute
• DJUBO
• QloApps
• StayFlexi
• Cloudbeds
• OPERA PMS
• OTA Hotel Management
• HotelDruid

Free hotel management system has the features to help you manage a hotel, big or small, as well as, similar properties like resorts, B&Bs, homestays, etc.

They can help you perform key tasks smoothly such as automated check-ins, report generation, guest management, group bookings, etc. They come with unique capabilities to help your hotel perform at maximum efficiency.

1. eZee Absolute

eZee Absolute Hotel Management Software is your all-in-one solution for efficient hotel operations. This cloud-based PMS automates front-office tasks, reservations, and guest check-in/out, allowing you to focus on providing exceptional service.

It offers the features for profile management, group operations, and security control. Moreover, this software offers a mobile app for quick access to its functionalities on the go, a guest self-service portal, and a robust revenue management module.

Features of eZee Absolute (Free PMS Software)

• This tool lets you manage all the bookings and reservations
• You can manage multiple profile with its cloud-based system
• Easily manage security access and user privileges
• Manage front office operation
• Inbuilt email marketing and scheduling features

Pricing: eZee Absolute Hotel PMS software pricing starts at INR 2250 per month.

Platform Supported: eZee is a cloud-based platform, and it works with both Windows and macOS. Additionally, it also offers an Android app.

Free Trial: Available

Pros and Cons of eZee Absolute

Why Choose eZee Absolute?

You can choose eZee Absolute for simplified hotel management and enhanced guest experience. It offers features like seamless WhatsApp integration, and compliance with hotel management policies in 170+ countries.

2. DJUBO

DJUBO offers a range of modules and features to streamline hotel operations, improve revenue management, and boost online bookings. By using this tool, hotels can benefit from reduced staff requirements, streamlined revenue management, and cost savings.

The system’s cloud-based nature ensures easy accessibility to data, while its online booking system helps hotels maximize their online presence and revenue.

Features of DJUBO

• DJUBO offers a centralized reservation system to manage all sorts of activities
• Offers a robust reporting and analytics feature
• It can integrate with over 100 payment gateways
• Also offers a property management system

Pricing: DJUBO plan starts at INR 2395 per month, and it is billed quarterly (every 3 months).

Platforms Supported: DJUBO works with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Free Trial: No

Pros and Cons of DJUBO

Why Choose DJBUO?

It’s a smart move to select DJUBO for hotel management. It gives you an all-in-one platform for handling hotel tasks, maximizing revenue and optimizing online reservations.

3. QloApps

This is an open source hotel reservation and booking system, which helps manage both online and offline booking. Some of its useful features are room allocation, payment processing, room allocations, and more.

Further, by using this hotel management open source system, you can reduce the dependence on manual efforts and optimize administrative tasks in your hotel.

Features of QloApps

• Helps you build and launch hotel booking site
• Supports all major payment gateways
• Offers an inbuilt tax management option
• Has a SEO optimization feature to boost rankings

Pricing: QloApps pricing plan is available on request

Platform Supported: QloApps supports Windows and macOS.

Free Trial: Available

Pros and Cons of QloApps

Why Choose QloApps?

QloApps is the ideal choice for hoteliers looking for an open-source hotel reservation and online booking system. With QloApps, you can quickly launch an attractive and user-friendly hotel booking website in just a few seconds.

4. StayFlexi

StayFlexi offers a comprehensive, integrated solution for hotel and vacation rental management. Its user-friendly interface and extensive features make it the top choice for property owners looking to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and boost revenue.

With features like a property management system, Magic Link for guest upsells, Channel Manager, Point of Sale, and more, it’s ideal for managing a variety of property types.

Features of StayFlexi

• Offers PMS and POS feature
• Easily control your property across multiple booking channels
• API integration
• Guest upselling feature to increase revenue

Pricing: SmartFlexi pricing is available on request on their official website.

Platform Supported: Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

Free Trial: Available for 14 days

Pros and Cons of StayFlexi

Why Choose Stayflexi?

Great for optimizing revenue management and ensuring flexible booking for hotels.

5. Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds is one of the best free software for hotel management that serves the operational needs of hotels of all sizes, be it vacation rentals, B&Bs, mid-sized or large hotels.

The key features of Cloudbeds hotel management software are customer relationship management (CRM), point of sale, reservation, front desk management, and a lot more.

Moreover, OTA integration with online booking engines and social media platforms ensures that you convert more walk-in customers. At the same time, visitors on your website can make a reservation, cancel it or reschedule as per their convenience.

Features of Cloudbeds

• Easily manage reservations and housekeeping with drag and drop PMS Calendar
• You can turn your website into a high-performing booking channel with its booking engine option
• Third party marketplace integrations
• Built-in reporting and accounting options

Pricing: Available on request

Platform Supported: Windows and macOS

Free Trial: Not available

Pros and Cons of Cloudbeds

Why Choose Cloudbeds?

Offers a versatile platform for property management and online distribution, catering to various types of accommodations.

6. OPERA PMS

Irrespective of your hotel property size, OPERA PMS is a great tool to manage its different operations with ease. It ensures higher productivity and profitability with fast and efficient access to guest details and expectations.

Different functions, such as accounting, sales, reservations, feedback management, etc. can be configured towards higher profitability with this software.

OPERA PMS Features

• Easily handle reservations, check guests in and out, and assign rooms
• Accounting and billing
• Inventory management
• Performance evaluation
• Creating flexible packages for guests

Pricing: Available on request

Free Trial: Not available

Supported Platform: Windows and iOS

Pros and Cons of OPERA Free Hotel PMS Software

Why Choose OPERA HMS?

An amazing software designed for large hotel chains, it offers robust property management capabilities.

7. OTA Sync Hotel Management

OTA Sync hotel management software is a cloud-based property management system that includes a channel manager and a booking engine. It’s designed for all types of accommodations, including short-term rentals, boutique hotels, hostels, guest houses, vacation rentals and more.

Features of OTA Sync Management

• Provides you with a real-time online booking engine
• You can create, edit and delete guest profiles
• Offers automated messaging and updates
• Multi-currency support
• 256-bit SSL encryption

Pricing: OTA Sync will cost you around INR 7400 per month

Free Trial: 14-days free trial

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android and iOS

Pros and Cons of OTS Sync

Why Choose OTS Sync?

OTA Sync software ensures seamless synchronization with 100+ online travel agencies, direct bookings, and efficient property management, saving time and boosting revenue.

8. HotelDruid

HotelDruid works well for properties of all sizes, from B&Bs to large hotel chains. It is a cloud-based free hotel management software that can be accessed from PCs, smartphones, and tablets. It is a user-friendly software supporting multiple languages.

English, Spanish, and Italian languages are supported by the software, and you can always add more dialects using the language module.

Features of HotelDruid

• It automatically assigns rooms while maximizing room availability
• You can add extra cost and special offers to the base rate flexibly
• It facilitates Point of Sale for restaurants and bars along with inventory management
• Comparative statistics can be done considering occupancy and revenue

Price: HotelDruid pricing is available on request.

Supported Platform: Windows and Mac.

Free Trial: Not available

Pros and Cons of HotelDruid

Why Choose HotelDruid?

A great option suitable for small, independent hotels and guesthouses that require basic management features.

Top Features of Software for Free Hotel Management System

Hotel management software helps scale up your business by automating all critical functions and letting the staff focus more on serving your guests. To scale up your hotel business, look for these essential features in your hotel management software:

• Reservation Management: This feature enables hotel staff to efficiently handle bookings, check availability, and confirm reservations. It also helps in managing cancellations, modifications, and guest preferences, ensuring a smooth booking process.
• Inventory Management: This feature assists in managing hotel resources, including rooms, facilities, and amenities. It ensures that rooms are properly stocked, managed, and ready for the guest’s use.
• Billing and Invoicing: Automates the billing process, generating invoices, calculating charges, and processing payments. This reduces the risk of billing errors and streamlines financial transactions.
• Reporting and Analytics: Offers data analysis tools that generate reports on occupancy rates, revenue, and guest preferences. This information can ensure strategic decisions to optimize hotel performance and profitability.
• Booking Engine: This amazing feature empowers guests to make direct bookings with you, eliminating the burden of hefty commissions to third party platforms. By incorporating an online booking engine on your website, you can showcase your room rates and availability effortlessly. It seamlessly collects all the essential information from guests and promptly generates reservations.
• Front Desk Management: Makes it easy for the guests to check in and check out conveniently. Also, the software provides a quick insight into the room availability, and guests don’t have to wait for the check-in. All details related to hotel facilities can be accessed instantly with free & open source hotel management software along with the premium ones.
• Payment Gateway: With the help of software, people can accept payment directly via debit/ credit cards. Also, payment can be received through third-party platforms and updated in their financial database.
• Housekeeping: Can keep a tab of any room cleaning request and ensure timely service. Also, rooms can per prepared in advance as per the booking schedule. With an organized housekeeping schedule, the staff can spend more time ensuring hygiene and sanitation.
• OTA Integration: Integration with third party booking platforms and online travel agencies is critical to the profitability of any hotel business. At the same time, hotel managers need to track bookings from different platforms and ensure that there is no overlap. Free hotel management software helps monitor OTAs and keep bookings from different platforms organized.
• Rate Management: Gives you the freedom to revise rates of your hotel rooms, depending upon the market trends and competitors’ pricing strategy. You can change your rates automatically and ensure higher profitability. Accordingly, prices can be set according to the demand.
• Direct Bookings: All bookings directly through your hotel website can be tracked with hotel management software. The software makes it easy to book directly without any commission involved. With social media integration, the software also facilitates bookings through your social media pages.
• Inventory Management: Involves both, yield and revenue management. Automation technologies, such as free & open source hotel management software helps in managing demand and generating maximum returns. It helps with better management of hotel property, resulting in higher profits.

Why Choose Free Hotel Management Software?

Choosing free hotel management software can be beneficial for hoteliers in several ways:

• Cost-Efficiency: With no upfront costs, this software ensures substantial cost savings, making it an ideal choice for small or medium-sized establishments on tight budgets.
• Operational Efficiency: Many free HMS tools come with essential features like reservation management, room status tracking, and front-office operations, facilitating smooth functioning.
• Trial Before Investment: Free versions can act as trial versions of premium software. It allows users to explore the tool’s capabilities, ensuring it meets their needs before they commit financially.
• Staff Training: Before buying any expensive software, you can use a free tool and train your staff in the functions of such software.

Although free software has its advantages, it may lack advanced features compared to the paid ones.

Types of Hotel Management Software

There are different types of hotel management software, each catering to specific needs within the industry. Here are some common types of hotel management software:

• PMS (Property Management Software): This is one of the core types of software for managing hotels. It helps in managing day-to-day operations like hotel reservations, check-ins, check-outs, assigning rooms, etc.
• Channel Management Software (CMS): Channel Management Software manages distribution channels to update room availability, rates, and information across various online travel agencies (OTAs) and booking platforms in real-time. This helps hotels to maximize online visibility and minimize overbooking.
• Online Booking Engine: As the name suggests, this type of HMS software allows guests to book rooms directly on a hotel’s website. It’s also called online hotel booking software.
• POS (Point of Sales): Used in hotel restaurants and F&B outlets to manage orders and bills, and track inventory. It’s crucial for seamless dining experiences and efficient back-of-house operations. This software can also be integrated with the hotel’s main property management system for better coordination.
• Maintenance Management Software: Used by hotels to schedule and track maintenance tasks for their infrastructure and facilities. It helps ensure that equipment, rooms, and common areas are well-maintained, reducing the risk of breakdown and enhancing the overall guest experience.
• Accounting and Finance: Accounting and finance software in the hotel industry is used to manage financial transactions and reporting. It helps hotels keep track of revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. This software can handle tasks such as invoicing, budgeting, payroll, and financial analysis.

Top Challenges Faced by Hotel Industry

You have already started the hotel business. Now, the real challenge is to juggle multiple tasks and ensure that every process is tuned towards offering higher value to the guests. Here, we’ve listed some of the common challenges faced by the people in the hospitality sector, and ways to overcome them.

1. Changing Customer Expectations

People working in the hospitality sector are facing constant challenges in terms of changing customer behavior. If hotel staff offers something new to the guests on their first visit, it becomes a norm for them. And customers expect something new every time.

Also, different people have different expectations from their hotel stay. However, hotel staff can take cues from different social media platforms to know who is offering what and what is liked the most by guests at other hotels. Free hotel management software can assist in understanding customer demands effectively.

2. Skill Shortage & Staff Turnover

Employees in the hotel sector often have to deal with long and irregular working hours. Many of them are not able to cope with the increasing competition and customer expectations, resulting in higher staff turnover. At the same time, hoteliers are dealing with the scarcity of skilled staff. Those who hold expertise in devising different strategies to meet guests’ expectations.

So, to ensure that employees learn and grow, hotel managers must devise ways to manage their stress. After all, losing a valuable staff because of burnout is not a positive sign. Manage their work schedule in a way that they can focus on work more.

3. Fluctuating Demands

While peak seasons bring in more business, lean seasons often make it difficult for hoteliers to sustain. At the same time, the demand for staff and resources varies. Moreover, it depends largely on how they manage this issue of seasonality and rotate their staff.

Conclusion of Hotel Management System

There are several options available for free and open source hotel management software. These solutions offer a wide range of features and capabilities to help hotel owners and managers streamline their operations, improve guest experience, and increase profitability.

From front desk management to online reservations, inventory control to reporting and analytics, these software systems can meet the needs of hotels of all sizes.

FAQs Related to Hotel Management Software