Need some help choosing hotel reservation software?
We aren't going to pretend that KeepMeBooked is the only game in town. There are plenty of reservation software packages out there. In fact, there are so many, you might be struggling to whittle them down to a shortlist.
So here are some key things to look for, which might help you decide if KeepMeBooked is the right reservation management software to use in your business:
Web-based or installed?
Installed: needs installing on your own computer, and you need to keep your data backed up. Can only be accessed from one computer. Usually requires a one-off payment, plus ongoing support costs.
Web-based (like KeepMeBooked): access from any web browser, nothing to install, we make sure everything is secure and backed up. Monthly subscription, which includes support costs. (Our prices start at $5 per room per month)
Web-based (like KeepMeBooked): access from any web browser, nothing to install, we make sure everything is secure and backed up. Monthly subscription, which includes support costs. (Our prices start at $5 per room per month)
Who is the product aimed at? Big hotels? Or B&Bs?
A product aimed at big hotels might be more expensive and complex than you need.
A product like KeepMeBooked, which is aimed at B&Bs, guesthouses & inns will generally be less expensive and have just the features you need.
A product like KeepMeBooked, which is aimed at B&Bs, guesthouses & inns will generally be less expensive and have just the features you need.
Self-service trial or salesman-led?
Would you like to have a salesman call you and walk you through the setup?
Or would you prefer to get started on something like KeepMeBooked with a free trial which you can sign up for yourself?
Or would you prefer to get started on something like KeepMeBooked with a free trial which you can sign up for yourself?
What is the interface like?
A clear, uncluttered interface means the difference between hunching over your computer and squinting at the screen or effortlessly cruising from one task to the next.
(Decide for yourself with a free trial, but we think KeepMeBooked is closer to effortless cruising than hunching-and-squinting. Watch a demo video)
(Decide for yourself with a free trial, but we think KeepMeBooked is closer to effortless cruising than hunching-and-squinting. Watch a demo video)
How quickly can you check availability or enter a booking?
If you are on the phone to a guest, you need to be able to quickly check availability and record a booking.
Try this task on each software package you review, to give you a simple benchmark.
(KeepMeBooked lets you record a booking just by typing the guest's details directly onto the calendar screen. We don't think anyone has a quicker method than this. See how this works on our demo video)
Try this task on each software package you review, to give you a simple benchmark.
(KeepMeBooked lets you record a booking just by typing the guest's details directly onto the calendar screen. We don't think anyone has a quicker method than this. See how this works on our demo video)
Online bookings
Do you need to take online bookings?
Does the product offer this, and is it easy to implement?
With installed software, you'll need to think about how the availability data (stored on your computer) is going to be linked to your website (which probably isn't running on your computer).
With web-based software like KeepMeBooked, it is simple: you (or the person that manages your website) just paste a few lines of code we give you into your existing website to display a calendar of your availability and allow visitors to book online.
Does the product offer this, and is it easy to implement?
With installed software, you'll need to think about how the availability data (stored on your computer) is going to be linked to your website (which probably isn't running on your computer).
With web-based software like KeepMeBooked, it is simple: you (or the person that manages your website) just paste a few lines of code we give you into your existing website to display a calendar of your availability and allow visitors to book online.
Payments for online bookings
Do you want guests to make a payment when they book online?
If so, the product needs to be PCI-compliant, or hand off the card processing to a processor who is PCI-compliant.
KeepMeBooked will integrate with your choice of payment gateway (like PayPal or Authorize.net), leaving the gateway to handle PCI compliance. And you can choose to require full payment or part-payment online (or no payment).
If so, the product needs to be PCI-compliant, or hand off the card processing to a processor who is PCI-compliant.
KeepMeBooked will integrate with your choice of payment gateway (like PayPal or Authorize.net), leaving the gateway to handle PCI compliance. And you can choose to require full payment or part-payment online (or no payment).
Good luck. If you have a couple of minutes free during your search, do give KeepMeBooked a try. Everyone gets a 30 day free trial, no credit card needed, and it only takes a minute to sign up.
