The Top 7 Free and Open Source Hotel Booking Engine Software Solutions Compared

Update 2/22/2018: We’ve added another free and open source hotel booking engine option, bringing the total number of options to seven from the original six.

When you first look through our hotel management software directory in search of a booking engine that will work for your hotel, it’s probably a lot like going through the buffet. There’s so many tempting options, but it’s hard to figure out what to choose.

And it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Your booking engine is at the forefront of your business—it’s the way that customers actually do business with you. Without it, you’re stuck asking customers to call you up and manually set up a reservation. And most guests just aren’t going to do that these days.

Although booking engine software is essential for your business, you don’t need to pay a lot of money for it. For example, if you run a four-room bed and breakfast, maybe all you need is a basic platform that will allow your customers to make reservations and enable you to take payments. In that case, free software may be for you.

But how do you know which free software to choose? I’ve scoured the buffet for you, and gathered the best free and open source hotel booking engine software solutions for your hotel so you can acquire more guests and maximize your RevPAR. They are listed below in alphabetical order.

1. freetobook

freetobook’s dashboard

Based in Glasgow (with a very international customer base), freetobook not only has online booking features, but also some nice extras such as special offers, customer reviews, and tools for SEO optimization. Add-on features such as integration with Booking.com and a mobile website will cost you, however.

What makes this software stand out

Through freetobook, you can offer specials and promo codes to your guests to increase reservations. And you can choose the booking channels that work best for you. Freetobook also offers payment systems that get you paid quickly and securely.

Have you used freetobook? Leave a review!

2. KWHotel

KWHotel’s booking process

KWHotel is hotel management software that offers three versions: pro, standard, and free. KWHotel Free can only be used on a single workstation and is intended for small operations. In February 2017, the company announced that they had released the new KWHotel Booking Engine, which applies to all versions.

What makes this software stand out

The booking engine allows guests to book via mobile phone and tablets, and it is “highly customizable,” so you can change colors, themes, and images to get the biggest “wow” response from your customers. In addition, guests receive customized email messages with the status of their reservation.

Have you used KWHotel? Leave a review!

3. Qlo

An example of Qlo’s customizable booking page

This free and open source booking engine enables you to create your own booking site with a variety of customizable features to help differentiate your hotel from the rest of the pack.

What makes this software stand out

Qlo allows you to manage both online and offline booking in one place. Other notable features include a search engine optimization (SEO) tool to boost your web presence, partial-payment booking and integrated-payment gateways for transactions, and a tax-management component to automatically add taxes to your room rates so customers pay the actual amount during the booking process. Furthermore, Qlo allows for an unlimited number of rooms and room types so you can manage unique properties or even hotel chains.

This solution can translate your booking site into multiple languages so you can advertise your property to international guests. Qlo also includes a testimonial feature, which allows you to highlight positive reviews on your landing page to reaffirm your hotel’s excellent service.

Have you used Qlo? Leave a review!

4. Sagenda

The calendar view of Sagenda’s booking engine

Sagenda is a free WordPress plugin for small hospitality businesses that also ties in with a suite of optional low-cost products. The developers make their profit off of customizable versions of the plugin for larger businesses, so the plugin itself is guaranteed to be completely free.

What makes this software stand out

Sagenda includes a bookings dashboard and can generate personalized emails for guests. The software is optimized for mobile. There are no ads and the company will not send you any spam.

Have you used Sagenda? Leave a review!

5. Skedda

Skedda’s calendar view on tablet and mobile

For absolutely no cost, you can integrate the free version of Skedda with your website and manage up to 10 rooms, which makes it ideal for small hospitality businesses. Support is offered through their online collected knowledge base and through email.

What makes this software stand out

Skedda aims to be easy to pick up and use, and it allows customers to log in with their social media accounts. The software optimizes booking workflows to make managing them easier and stress free. The booking calendar interface lets you get to bookings in a few clicks, and also get a full visual overview of your situation so you always feel in control.

However, Skedda does not offer free online payment features. You’ll have to upgrade for a monthly fee for that.

Have you used Skedda? Leave a review!

6. Solidres

Solidres’ reservation layouts

This 100% free and open source hotel booking software is designed for Joomla and WordPress users, and promises the advantages of customizability, interoperability, and flexibility.

What makes this software stand out

Benefits vary depending on if you are using Joomla or WordPress, but across the board, Solidres enables users to set tariffs for every day of the week if desired. It also allows for coupon and reward packages so you can reward frequent and loyal guests. Other standout features of Solidres include the ability to support multiple currencies, Google maps integration so guests can be easily directed to your location, and free MySQL support for any issues that may arise.

Have you used Solidres? Leave a review!

7. UpBooking

UpBooking’s booking engine data chart

UpBooking is a sub-brand of MA-NO Web Design & Development, a website design, development, and internet marketing agency with 15 years of experience in the industry.

What makes this software stand out

UpBooking’s free standard booking engine provides users with a branded layout so you can design your own unique template using HTML and CSS for up to three different hotel properties and up to three different types of rooms.

You can create your own terms and conditions for your guests’ stays, and define conditions for room cancellations and view site-visit stats and reservations made with conversion rates. This solution also has a multilingual customer interface so you can reach customers across the globe as well as a map application to show your location and provide directions to incoming guests.

Free updates and upgrades are also included in this free edition.

Have you used Upbooking? Leave a review!

Still want to see other booking options?

Don’t quite see what you’re looking for? Check out our free and open source hotel management software guide or visit Capterra’s reservation software listings to find the right match for your hotel.

copyright by Capterra.