Compare Hostel Mate to Other Hostel PMS & Channel Managers
Wondering which hostel management system fits your beds, budget and booking mix? Grab a coffee, browse our honest, hostel-focused breakdowns and pick the software that lets you spend more time chatting with guests and less time fighting spreadsheets.
Whether you run a 20-bed surf lodge on the coast or a 300-bed hub in a buzzing capital, the right property management system (PMS) can free up hours at reception, increase direct reservations and keep dorms turning over. Below you'll find quick links to each comparison plus no-nonsense advice on what genuinely matters when choosing hostel technology.
We focus on hard numbers—subscription fees, payment processing rates, channel commissions—as well as workflow details such as staff onboarding, housekeeping timelines and nightly revenue optimisation. No buzzwords, no AI waffle, just the facts hostel operators ask us about every day.
Comparison links
Hostel Mate vs Cloudbeds
Hostel Mate is hostel‑first: mixed‑gender dorms, per‑bed pricing and a real‑time channel manager baked in. Cloudbeds still leans hotel‑centric, leaving hostel owners to shoe‑horn dorm logic in later.
Hostel Mate vs Little Hotelier
Little Hotelier works for B&Bs; Hostel Mate keeps bunk rates, flexible cancellation windows and direct‑booking widgets tuned for razor‑thin hostel margins—no spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Hostel Mate vs Mews
Both love automation, but Hostel Mate is build for Hostels with automated workflow, pivots and happier backpackers at self check‑in.
Hostel Mate vs Amenitiz
Amenitiz looks boutique‑hotel chic. Hostel Mate is a full‑blown hostel toolbox—group payments, staff mobile app—with clear pricing and zero surprise add‑ons.
Hostel Mate vs Sirvoy
Sirvoy covers room basics. Hostel Mate layers per‑bed revenue rules, marketplace plug‑ins and transparent onboarding so every bunk boosts RevPAR without mystery fees.
Hostel Mate vs Beds24
Beds24 nails channel connections; Hostel Mate adds smart rate pacing, dorm occupancy caps and mobile housekeeping boards so empty bunks flip into five‑star reviews.
Hostel Mate vs BananaDesk
BananaDesk kick‑started hostel PMS. Hostel Mate now brings 2025‑ready perks: automatic card charging, WhatsApp confirmations and 24/7 human chat that answers before the queue builds.
Why these hostel software comparisons matter
Picking a hostel property management system isn't just about ticking feature boxes. It's about teaming up with a provider who understands dorm-bed inventory, mixed-gender rooms, curfew policies, backpacker expectations and the tight margins that make hostel life a balancing act.
We built Hostel Mate specifically for those quirks. Our comparisons dive into the nitty-gritty—transparent pricing, processing fees, OTA connections, housekeeping workflows, revenue management, guest self check-in options and mobile apps. Think of it as a reality check before you lock yourself into a long contract or pay surprise integration fees.
TL;DR: we've combed through user manuals, support docs and hundreds of real hostel operator questions so you don't have to. Use these insights to choose software that scales with your beds, delights guests and doesn't eat your profit.
What we measure in every hostel PMS
Transparent pricing: flat monthly plans, upfront per‑booking fees and zero hidden extras—because surprises belong on city tours, not invoices.
Toolkit depth: real‑time channel manager, direct booking engine, secure payments, built‑in accounting and conversion analytics bundled for hostel growth.
Owner reviews: candid feedback from hostel managers on uptime, ease of use and guest‑experience wins (and fails).
Support & onboarding: 24/7 live chat, local‑timezone engineers and a searchable knowledge base so you’re never stuck at check‑in time.
Growth readiness: multi‑property dashboards, franchise workflows and bulletproof performance during festival‑season spikes.
Frequently asked questions
A hostel booking software (often called a hostel PMS) is used by hostels to control, automate and streamline daily operations. Core functions include managing reservation systems, bed and room occupancy, pricing, invoicing and reporting.
A solid PMS also helps operators run a hostel smoothly by simplifying workflows and increasing transparency. Look for features like:
- 100 % cloud-based solution with automatic updates
- User-friendly interface so staff can learn it in minutes, not days
- Built-in booking engine to boost direct reservations
- Deep reports for data-driven decisions
- Channel management for real-time rate and availability sync
- Automated, rule-based pricing updates
The cost of hostel management software varies depending on features, contract length and the size of your hostel. Most providers offer tiered pricing—so a 20-bed surf lodge pays less than a 300-bed city hostel.
Curious about Hostel Mate's plans? Head over to our pricing page for transparent monthly costs.
Must-have tools for 2025 and beyond include:
- Visual reservation calendar for beds and private rooms
- Real-time dorm allocation and housekeeping status
- Channel manager covering major OTAs plus niche backpacker sites
- Guest communication tools (WhatsApp, email and SMS automations)
- Smart pricing and revenue optimisation
- Detailed analytics with export options
- Mobile-friendly access for on-the-go staff
A good PMS makes life smoother for guests by:
- Speeding up self check-in and checkout
- Delivering personalised, timely messages
- Offering contactless payments and digital receipts
- Keeping dorms spotless with real-time housekeeping updates
- Capturing feedback automatically after departure
Before signing a contract, weigh these factors carefully:
- Transparent, budget-friendly pricing (no hidden gateway fees)
- Ease of use—can new staff master it by their second shift?
- Scalability—does it handle multiple properties seamlessly?
- OTA coverage and direct booking tools
- Customisation to fit your hostel's unique vibe and policies
Ready to Manageyor dearm Hostel?
