If you're in the hotel business, you already know your PMS (Property Management System) is basically the brain of your operations. But in 2025, it's not just about checking guests in or assigning rooms. The best hotel PMS software now plays a major role in shaping guest experience, driving direct bookings, and syncing seamlessly with your marketing tools.
So, how do you choose the right one? Let’s take a look at the best hotel PMS platforms for 2025, with a focus on how they support both daily operations and long-term growth.
What Makes a Hotel PMS the "Best" in 2025?
Not all PMS platforms are created equal. Some are perfect for large chains with complex needs. Others are designed for boutique properties or budget-friendly independents. But the best cloud-based PMS platforms today all have a few things in common:
- They're cloud-native (not just cloud-hosted)
- They support direct bookings and connect with key OTAs
- They integrate with your CRM, POS, RMS, and other tools
- They help automate guest communication, upsells, and reviews
- They give you real-time insights into what's working
And most importantly, they make your life easier without locking you into outdated tech or long onboarding cycles.
The Best Hotel PMS Software by Hotel Type
We’re skipping the usual ranked list and instead highlighting what’s best depending on your hotel’s size, needs, and tech ambition.
Best for Independent Hotels: Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds has built a strong reputation for being simple to use, all-in-one, and well-suited for small-to-mid-sized hotels. It combines a PMS, channel manager, booking engine, and revenue tools all under one clean dashboard.
What we like:
- Fast, intuitive setup
- Automated emails, payments, and guest messaging
- Great integrations with tools like Google Hotel Ads and Revinate
- Real-time rate management across OTAs
If you’re a smaller hotel looking for something powerful but not overwhelming, Cloudbeds is one of the best hotel PMS software options out there. It’s also an excellent starting point for growing independents.
Best for Resorts & Large Chains: Oracle OPERA Cloud
For big operations, Oracle’s OPERA PMS remains a top contender, especially now that it’s cloud-based. It supports everything from central reservations to advanced reporting, and it scales easily across properties.
What we like:
- Powerful enterprise-level capabilities
- Deep integrations with loyalty, POS, and CRM platforms
- Supports multiple languages, currencies, and brand-level reporting
Yes, there’s a learning curve, and yes, it’s not the cheapest—but for enterprise hotels, it delivers the depth and reliability that operations and marketing teams alike can depend on.
According to Oracle, 40,000 properties use OPERA PMS—a signal of its widespread trust and support in the industry.
Best for Tech-Savvy Brands: Mews
If your hotel is future-focused and values design and automation, Mews might be the PMS you’ve been waiting for. Built for the modern guest experience, it puts mobile, self-service, and integrations front and center.
What we like:
- Sleek UX and fully cloud-native architecture
- Self check-in/out, mobile key, and kiosk support
- Over 1,000 plug-and-play integrations
- Open API for developers
Marketing teams love Mews because it helps create a seamless digital experience from booking to checkout. Pair it with your CRM or email platform, and you can easily automate follow-ups, upsells, and loyalty campaigns.
Best for Mobile-First Operations: StayNTouch
StayNTouch is all about mobility. Think tablet-based check-in, mobile room assignment, and real-time housekeeping updates. It’s especially great for lifestyle hotels and boutique brands that want to keep operations lean and guest interactions tech-enabled.
What we like:
- Mobile-first platform design
- Easy integration with guest messaging tools
- Kiosk and tablet check-in/check-out
- Owned by Shiji Group, which provides global support
If you’re trying to ditch the front desk and empower your staff with handheld tech, StayNTouch is a strong fit. It’s also great for hotels that need PMS software that enhances the brand experience.
Best Budget-Friendly PMS with Power: RoomRaccoon
Don’t let the playful name fool you—RoomRaccoon packs a serious punch for smaller hotels. It includes a PMS, booking engine, and channel manager right out of the box.
What we like:
- Smart upselling and email automation tools
- Affordable pricing with strong support
- Built-in accounting module
- Easy integrations with tools like Pxier for events and POS
RoomRaccoon is ideal for hotels looking to scale without overspending on software. It’s also been growing fast in Europe and Africa, with strong global customer reviews.
Why Cloud-Based PMS Platforms Are Now Essential
Legacy systems still exist, but let’s be honest: they’re slowing down hotels that want to stay agile. Cloud-based PMS solutions update automatically, let your team access data from anywhere, and scale as you grow.
They also tend to offer better security, performance, and integration potential than on-premise software. In 2025, a cloud-based PMS isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must if you want to keep up with guest expectations and digital marketing demands.
Read more on this shift from Skift’s hotel tech trend report.
How to Choose the Right PMS for Your Hotel
There’s no one-size-fits-all PMS. Instead, ask yourself:
- What’s your top priority: guest experience, automation, or revenue?
- Do you need to connect with a CRM or marketing tool?
- Are you managing a single property or multiple locations?
- How tech-comfortable is your staff?
Make a short list of what matters most. Then look at live demos and talk to PMS providers who speak your language, not just in features, but in support and strategy.
Choosing the Best Hotel PMS Software
The best hotel PMS software in 2025 isn’t just about managing rooms. It’s about growing your brand, automating the boring stuff, and freeing up your team to focus on what matters: guests.
Cloud-based platforms like Cloudbeds, OPERA, Mews, StayNTouch, and RoomRaccoon offer different strengths, but all deliver the flexibility and intelligence today’s hoteliers need.
Need help choosing a PMS that supports your marketing strategy? Let the team at Gourmet Marketing help you connect the tech dots. We know the tools, but more importantly, we know how to make them work for your brand.