This comparison is inspired by the Hotel Tech Report ecosystem and its 2025 PMS rankings. We use those rankings as a starting point to explore why Preno and HotelTime resonate with different types of properties and how they perform in day-to-day operations.
In 2025, the property management system (PMS) landscape is more competitive than ever — and few sources map that competition better than Hotel Tech Report. Within that ecosystem, Preno and HotelTime stand out for different reasons: Preno for its simplicity and speed, HotelTime for its depth and operational unification. This article goes beyond feature lists to explain what those differences mean in practice and which platform tends to fit which kind of hotel.
Different Origins, Different Philosophies
Preno was born in New Zealand with a clear goal: make hotel management genuinely simple for small, independent operators. It’s a lightweight, cloud-based PMS where boutique teams can control reservations, housekeeping, accounting, and pricing without an IT department. A major selling point is its deep integration with Xero, which turns financial reconciliation — often a headache — into a straightforward workflow.
HotelTime, founded in Prague, carries a broader platform vision. Rather than being “just a PMS,” it’s designed as a complete operations suite for hotels that need to connect rooms with restaurants, spas, and events. Its native modules — Vento POS (F&B), Libero Spa (wellness), and Confero MICE (events) — make it a strong fit for resorts and multi-property groups that want every department talking to the same database.
Simplicity Versus Ecosystem Depth
Using Preno feels like switching on a new phone: you can start working within hours. The dashboard is clear, onboarding is quick, and recent updates include a dynamic pricing engine that adjusts rates with demand or last-minute availability. For small and mid-sized properties, that’s powerful revenue control without buying a separate RMS.
HotelTime behaves more like an operational control center. It unifies data across rooms, F&B, spa, and events, so managers can see performance across outlets in one place. Setup takes longer and usually involves guided training, but for multi-department or multi-property operations, the payoff is long-term coordination and cleaner analytics.
Integrations, Data, and the Revenue Puzzle
Preno plays the role of a “smart connector.” It integrates with dozens of OTAs and emphasizes accounting accuracy and everyday revenue control. Its philosophy is to do fewer things — but do them smoothly and without friction.
HotelTime leans into an open-API model. You can plug in advanced tools (e.g., third-party RMS, digital kiosks, housekeeping apps) and expand the stack as you grow. Reporting is more advanced as well: detailed ADR, RevPAR, and forecasting — the kind of analytics that executives managing several properties expect.
Support, Compliance, and Implementation
Preno is known for approachable support and self-service onboarding. A hotel team without technical staff can get productive quickly. HotelTime offers structured training and seven-day assistance through partners; once live, it becomes a backbone for complex operations with multiple points of sale.
On compliance, HotelTime explicitly highlights GDPR and PCI credentials — crucial for European operations and chain environments. Preno places its public emphasis on reliability and usability. Both systems are fully cloud-based and accessible on web or mobile.
Pricing and Commercial Models
Preno follows a transparent subscription approach with clear monthly pricing and trial options — ideal for smaller properties that need predictability. HotelTime works on a quote-based, modular model (per room and per module for PMS, POS, Spa, MICE). This can scale with your needs but may increase total cost as you activate more modules.
Market Traction and Reputation
HotelTime operates in 20+ countries with a strong footprint in Central Europe, and multi-property groups (e.g., regional chains) use it to unify operations. Preno keeps a loyal following among boutiques and B&Bs across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, where users often praise its speed, simplicity, and accounting integration. In Hotel Tech Report’s ecosystem of reviews and rankings, Preno tends to win points for ease of use, while HotelTime is recognized for power and integration depth.
So, Which PMS Should You Choose?
If your property is independent, boutique, or small-scale, and you want to get online fast with minimal complexity, Preno will likely deliver more value for the money. It’s built for quick adoption and clear daily control, with accounting and dynamic pricing baked in.
If you run a resort, a multi-property group, or a hotel with restaurants, spas, or event spaces, HotelTime is the stronger long-term investment. Its unified suite reduces system fragmentation and offers the reporting depth that larger operations need.
Both platforms reflect the diversity of modern hotel tech — a diversity that Hotel Tech Report’s ranking ecosystem makes visible by comparing user satisfaction, feature breadth, and support quality across the category.
Quick Comparison: Capabilities at a Glance
| Feature | Preno | HotelTime |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Independent hotels, boutiques, B&Bs, motels | Medium–large hotels, resorts, multi-property groups |
| Core approach | Simple, fast, “switch on & sell” | Unified operations suite (rooms + F&B + spa + events) |
| Native modules | PMS + booking engine + channel manager + dynamic pricing | PMS + Vento POS + Libero Spa + Confero MICE |
| Accounting | Deep native integration with Xero | External accounting via APIs |
| Revenue management | Built-in dynamic pricing (rules-based) | Integrates with external RMS (e.g., Atomize, Duetto) |
| Reporting | Practical daily reports (occupancy, revenue) | Forecasting, ADR/RevPAR, multi-property analytics |
| Integrations | Dozens of OTAs + finance; plug-and-play feel | Open API, extensive partner ecosystem |
| Compliance | Standard cloud security | GDPR & PCI highlighted |
| Pricing model | Transparent monthly plans; trial options | Quote-based; modular pricing per room/module |
Feature-by-Feature Mapping
| Area | Preno | HotelTime |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Ops | Reservations, housekeeping, room allocation, guest profiles; fast onboarding | Front desk, billing, invoicing, chain support; designed for multi-unit control |
| Channel & Direct | Channel manager + booking engine for direct sales | Broad channel integrations; native direct + module tie-in |
| F&B | Via third-party integrations | Native with Vento POS |
| Spa/Wellness | Via third-party integrations | Native with Libero Spa |
| Events / MICE | Via third-party integrations | Native with Confero MICE |
| Revenue Tactics | Rules-based dynamic pricing (demand, last-minute) | External RMS via open API (e.g., Atomize) |
| Analytics | Lean, actionable reports | Advanced: forecasting, ADR, RevPAR, cross-property views |
| Implementation | Self-service, quick setup, small-team friendly | Guided training, longer setup for multi-module deployments |
| Scalability | Ideal for single-site, room-focused properties | Built for multi-department and multi-property growth |
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Hotel Tech Report’s ranking ecosystem does more than list winners — it highlights the spectrum of modern hospitality software. Preno captures the spirit of accessibility for independent operators who want to move fast. HotelTime reflects the need for centralization and depth when a property adds restaurants, spas, or events, or scales across multiple locations. The “best PMS” is the one that fits your daily rhythm: fast and nimble (Preno), or integrated and data-rich (HotelTime).