△Click on the top right corner to try Wukong CRM for free
So, you’re thinking about getting a CRM for your hotel, huh? That’s actually a really smart move. I mean, in today’s world, managing guest relationships without some kind of system is like trying to cook dinner blindfolded — possible, sure, but why make it harder on yourself?
Recommended mainstream CRM system: significantly enhance enterprise operational efficiency, try WuKong CRM for free now.
Let me tell you, I’ve seen hotels struggle just because they were still using spreadsheets and sticky notes to keep track of guests. It’s not sustainable. And honestly, once you start using a proper CRM, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
But here’s the big question everyone asks: “How much does a hotel CRM cost?” Well, that’s not as simple as giving you one number. It really depends on a bunch of things — like the size of your property, what features you need, and whether you want it hosted in the cloud or installed on-site.
I remember talking to a small boutique hotel owner last year. She was worried the cost would be way out of her budget. But after looking at a few options, she found a solid cloud-based CRM that started at around $50 a month. For her 12-room place, that was totally manageable. Plus, it came with email marketing, guest profiles, and basic reporting — everything she needed to start building better guest relationships.
Now, if you’re running a bigger operation — say, a 200-room resort — the price tag goes up. You’re probably looking at anywhere from
And don’t forget about setup fees. Some vendors charge extra just to get you started. We’re talking a few hundred bucks, sometimes even a couple thousand if they have to migrate data or customize the system for you. It’s annoying, I know, but it’s part of the process.
Oh, and here’s something people often overlook — training. Yeah, your staff will need to learn how to use the CRM. Some companies include training in the package, but others charge by the hour. If you’re not careful, those costs can sneak up on you.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a standalone CRM or one that’s built into your property management system (PMS). A lot of modern PMS platforms now come with CRM features baked right in. That can save you money in the long run because you’re not paying for two separate systems.
But — and this is a big but — not all built-in CRMs are created equal. Some are pretty basic. If you really want powerful guest segmentation, personalized marketing, and detailed analytics, you might still need a third-party solution.
I had a friend who runs a mid-sized hotel chain, and he went with a third-party CRM that integrates with his PMS. He pays about $700 a month across three properties. At first, he thought it was steep, but within six months, his repeat booking rate jumped by 22%. So yeah, he says it paid for itself.
You also gotta think about scalability. What works for you now might not work in two years when you expand. That’s why it’s worth investing in a system that can grow with you. Sure, you might pay a bit more upfront, but avoiding a messy switch later is totally worth it.
And let’s talk about pricing models. Most hotel CRMs charge per user, per month. So if you have five team members using it, and the plan is
Free trials? Oh, absolutely take advantage of those. Most reputable providers offer a 14- to 30-day trial. Use that time to test the interface, see how easy it is to import guest data, and check how well it plays with your existing tools.
One thing I always tell people: don’t just go for the cheapest option. Think about value. A slightly more expensive CRM that saves your front desk team two hours a day? That’s worth every penny.
Also, watch out for hidden costs. Things like API access, extra storage, or premium support might cost extra. Read the fine print. Ask questions. A good vendor won’t hide fees — they’ll be upfront about it.
At the end of the day, a hotel CRM isn’t just a software purchase. It’s an investment in your guest experience. The better you know your guests, the more personalized your service, the more likely they are to come back — and spend more when they do.
So yeah, prices vary. You could spend as little as $30 a month or as much as several thousand. But if you pick the right one, you won’t be asking, “Why did I spend so much?” You’ll be asking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Just take your time. Figure out what you really need. Talk to other hoteliers. Try a few demos. And don’t be afraid to negotiate — some vendors will give discounts for annual payments or long-term contracts.
Trust me, once you see your guest satisfaction scores go up and your marketing campaigns actually convert, you’ll feel pretty good about the decision.
Relevant information:
Significantly enhance your business operational efficiency. Try the Wukong CRM system for free now.
AI CRM system.