In 2024, cloud-based property management system provider Mews acquired HS3 Hotelsoftware, a German-founded, on-premises property management vendor. HS3 was a strong solution in its day, trusted by more than 1,000 hotels across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. But times change, and hotel operations evolve with them. What is the reason behind such an acquisition? Why are hotels considering switching HS3 hotel software in 2026? This guide will spell everything out.
Why Hotels are Seeking an HS/3 Alternative in 2026
With HS3 end of support (April 2027) concerns growing following the acquisition, many properties have started evaluating their options. Hotels are increasingly moving away from traditional on-premises property management systems (PMS), as operational, financial, and technological pressures continue to grow.
Hotels are turning to agile, cloud-based alternatives that streamline operations, reduce manual work, and ensure seamless regulatory compliance. Migrating from HS3 to cloud PMS has become one of the most discussed topics among German hoteliers looking to stay ahead.
Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Hotel Software
Whether you manage a chain of hospitality facilities or an independent inn, switching HS3 hotel software is a decision that carries long-term operational consequences. The hotel software switching checklist below applies to all types of hotel software, including CRM, PMS, RMS, and beyond.
Understanding what switching HS3 hotel software actually involves is the first step toward making a confident, well-informed decision.
Understand Your Business Goals
All properties have their own needs shaped by operational setup, target audience, and size. Choosing hotel software without clear goals is like upgrading to a suite when all you needed was a quiet room and reliable Wi-Fi. You should define a list of technical must-have features along with additional functionalities for future expansion.
Consider the following questions:
- ● Is the system suitable for your type of property?
- ● Can the software scale alongside your business?
- ● How can it enhance your team’s productivity and streamline daily workflows?
Select Cloud-Based Hotel Solution
Cloud-based hotel solution is hosted on remote servers and accessed over the internet. It offers flexibility, scalability, and real-time management across multiple devices. Cloud migration for hotels is no longer optional for properties that want to remain competitive in today's regulatory and operational environment.
Put Guest Experience First
Guest expectations have shifted. Modern hotel systems are built to reflect that. Key capabilities to look for include:
- ● Detailed stay history and guest profiles
- ● Built-in CRM tools for guest communication
- ● The ability to create personalized offers
These capabilities not only enhance the overall guest journey but also help build stronger relationships.
Consider Payment Features
A modern hotel payment system does much more than handle transactions. It supports smoother operations, stronger security, and a better guest experience. When payment tools are built into the PMS and combined with automation features, hotels can reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and make everyday processes more efficient.
Key capabilities to look for include:
- ● Support for a wide range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, online payments, and bank transfers.
- ● Built-in payment processing that automatically posts charges to guest folios.
- ● Real-time synchronization between payments, reservations, and billing
- ● Pre-authorization and automated charging at booking, check-in, or check-out
- ● Support for deposits, refunds, and no-show fees
- ● Operational automation for check-in/out, housekeeping coordination, and invoicing
These features help hotels lower the risk of errors, boost staff efficiency, and provide faster, more dependable service.
How to Export Sensitive Data from the Current Version of HS3
Exporting data from HS3 is one of the first practical steps in any successful migration. Skipping this step is a bit like checking out without settling the bill. Of course, it feels fine until someone comes looking. Before switching systems, it is essential to understand what data you have, where it resides, and how to retrieve it.
1. Test Access Rights
Steps:
- ● Confirm if your account has admin or reporting permissions.
- ● If your access is limited, request that your system administrator grant the following:
- ● Report access: The ability to view and generate reports within the system. Without this, the export process stops before it starts.
- ● Data export rights: Permission to download data for analysis or backup purposes. This is the specific access level that enables the actual export.
Getting these permissions confirmed upfront keeps the process moving. It also ensures compliance with internal policy and data protection requirements.
2. Use Built-in Reports
Use your system’s built-in reporting tools to export data in the safest way.
Steps:
- ● Navigate to Reports / Statistics in your PMS.
- ● Select the type of report you need, for example:
- ● Guest lists
- ● Reservations
- ● Revenue or financial performance
- ● Apply relevant filters to narrow down data:
- ● Date ranges
- ● Customer segments (VIP, nationality, booking source)
- ● Click Export or Output to get the file.
The built-in reporting tools are there for a reason. Exporting through them keeps the data consistent and avoids the kind of unnecessary database exposure that quietly creates security and compliance risks.
3. Export via Guest Database / CRM
The CRM module or guest database allows access to detailed customer information.
What to do:
- ● Open Guest Management / CRM
- ● Apply filters such as:
- ● Date of stay or booking
- ● Nationality or region
- ● VIP status or loyalty program tier
- ● Select the Export or Print → Excel option
- ● Store the exported file in a secure and protected location.
This method is useful for customer segmentation, personalized campaigns, or guest experience analysis.
4. Use Interfaces / API
Transferring Sensitive Data Using API or Database Connections
Demands:
- ● PMS API Setup and Knowledge: Make sure the system is correctly configured and that you understand how to use your PMS’s API.
- ● API Credentials: Provided by your system administrator to ensure secure system access.
Typical uses:
- ● Feeding data into business intelligence tools
- ● Populating data hubs
This approach supports automated, real-time data transfer.
5. Compliance & Security (Essential)
GDPR and data protection regulations are not optional considerations. Every hotel handling guest data is legally required to comply, and the systems used to manage that data need to reflect that requirement from the ground up.
Recommendations:
- ● Export only the data necessary for your specific tasks.
- ● Do not store files on unsecured devices or shared drives.
- ● Encrypt files if you need to share them externally.
- ● Remove personal identifiers where possible for anonymized reporting.
Maintaining strict compliance reduces legal risks and protects guest trust.
How to Prepare Hotel Staff for Switching to a New Platform
Preparing hotel staff for a new system is a quite complicated task. Introduction of a new system significantly reshapes daily routine. When switching HS3 hotel software, the human factor is just as critical as the technical migration.
One of the most practical tips for changing a PMS provider is to start by documenting your current workflows before the transition begins, so nothing gets lost in the handover. Proper hotel software data migration planning begins months before the go-live date — treating it like a same-day decision is a bit like trying to check in fifty guests with one front desk agent and no system access.
The following practical framework will help you prepare your staff for the process:
1. Pre-Implementation Phase (Foundation Stage)
🔹 Define Clear Objectives
Before involving staff, hotel leadership must outline the purpose and goals of the new system. Identify the problems the software is meant to solve, such as reducing overbookings and lowering manual errors. Set clear, quantifiable success metrics, for example:
- ● Cutting check-in time from 5 minutes to 2 minutes
- ● Reducing errors in bookings and invoicing
- ● Enhancing accuracy of financial and operational reports
🔹 Internal Communication Strategy
Transparent, ongoing communication is key to a smooth transition. Communicate:
- ● Why is the system change necessary now?
- ● How will each department benefit?
- ● What support is available during implementation?
Effective channels include team meetings, internal memos or chat updates.
🔹 Early Risk Identification
Common risks may include:
- ● Staff resistance, particularly among long-term employees
- ● Apprehension or hesitation toward using new technology
Data Mitigation Strategies:
- ● Offer additional training sessions and practical, hands-on exercises.
- ● Opt for a phased rollout instead of implementing a full-scale switch all at once.
2. Design Training Based on Roles
Connect Training to Real Daily Tasks
Training should be built around the tasks employees actually perform, not around general system navigation. For example:
- ● Front Desk:
- ● Task: Check in a guest
- ● System steps: Open the reservation, assign a room, take payment, and issue the key
- ● Housekeeping:
- ● Task: Update room status
- ● System steps: Change the room status and add cleaning notes
This makes training easier to understand and more relevant to everyday work.
Customize Training for Each Department
Each department should be trained only on the tools and functions they use regularly.
- ● Front Office:
- ● Managing reservations
- ● Handling check-ins and check-outs
- ● Processing payments
- ● Dealing with cancellations and walk-ins
- ● Housekeeping:
- ● Updating room status
- ● Managing cleaning schedules
- ● Reporting maintenance problems
- ● Management:
- ● Running reports such as occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR
- ● Overseeing revenue controls
- ● Setting and managing user permissions
By keeping training specific to each department, hotels can make the learning process more manageable and avoid overloading staff with features they do not need.
3. Training Execution (Hands-On Learning)
🔹 Use a Sandbox Environment
Always train in a non-live environment using:
- ● Test accounts
- ● Sample reservations
- ● Simulated guest data
🔹 Scenario-Based Training
Train Staff with Real-Life Scenarios:
- ● Early arrivals
- ● Overbooking situations
- ● Split payments (cash + card)
- ● Handling no-shows
This builds confidence for handling pressure situations.
4. Super User Strategy
🔹 Who Are Super Users?
Select tech-savvy staff who are respected by colleagues and capable of problem-solving.
🔹 Their Role
- ● Provide first-level support during shifts
- ● Help onboard new employees
They act as internal experts.
5. Documentation & SOP Development
🔹 Develop Practical SOPs
Emphasize Task-Oriented Instructions:
- ● Open reservation
- ● Verify guest details and extra information
🔹 Format Matters
- ● Use step-by-step bullets and screenshots
- ● Avoid technical jargon or long PDFs
Hotel team should find answers quickly.
6. Testing & Soft Launch
🔹 Internal Testing
Run parallel operations to test:
- ● Peak check-in periods
- ● Group bookings
- ● Payment failures
🔹 Soft Launch Approach
Start with limited functionality or selected staff and gradually expand usage to minimize disruption.
7. Feedback & Continuous Improvement
🔹 Collect Structured Feedback
General feedback tends to produce general answers that are hard to act on. Asking targeted questions yields more useful information from the team. Focus on:
- ● Top tasks to be resolved
- ● Parts of the system to be improved
- ● Errors to be fixed
🔹 Act Immediately
- ● Adjust workflows when the current setup adds more steps than the task actually requires.
- ● Simplify SOPs that have become overly detailed and no longer useful when things get busy.
Rapid response boosts trust and engagement.
8. Change Management
🔹 Understand Resistance
Resistance usually comes down because of fear of mistakes, comfort with the old system, and uncertainty about what the change actually delivers.
🔹 How to Address It
- ● Point to quick, tangible improvements early on.
- ● Recognize when staff are making progress.
- ● Create space for questions.
- ● Push for adoption through results.
9. Go-Live Strategy
🔹 Be Fully Prepared
- ● All staff trained
- ● Super users available
- ● Backup procedures ready
🔹 Provide On-Site Support
- ● Extra staff during the first days
- ● Vendor or IT support available
🔹 Expect Temporary Slowdowns
Initial errors and slower operations are normal—plan accordingly.
10. Post-Implementation Optimization
🔹 Monitor KPIs
Track:
- ● Check-in/out times
- ● Error rates
- ● Staff productivity
🔹 Continuous Training
- ● Refresher courses
- ● Advanced feature training
- ● New employee onboarding
🔹 Unlock Advanced Features
- ● Automation workflows
- ● Reporting dashboards
- ● Integrations with POS, CRM, and OTAs
Many hotels only use 30–50% of their system’s features—maximizing utilization drives ROI.
Summary:
Successful hotel software implementation depends on:
- ● Thorough preparation
- ● Engaged, trained staff
- ● Aligned processes
Checking Critical Integration Between Hotel Management Software and DATEV
Connecting your hotel management system to DATEV is one of the more significant steps toward cleaner financial workflows, more reliable accounting, and full compliance with German reporting requirements. If there is one thing Germany takes as seriously as a perfectly made bed, it is correctly filed financial records. In the German market, a reliable DATEV interface for hotels is the foundation of running a hospitality business. It keeps financial reporting compliant and accounting workflows functional. And like any foundation, it needs to be tested thoroughly before the building goes up and inspected regularly once it does.
Review Account Mapping
Critical for correct financial posting:
- ● Check that the PMS revenue categories, covering room revenue, F&B, extras, taxes, and commissions, line up correctly with the corresponding accounts in your DATEV chart of accounts.
- ● Confirm that every PMS account code points to the right DATEV general ledger account rather than a close approximation that will cause discrepancies later.
- ● Verify whether the system can handle multiple account mappings for operations that don't fit a single template, such as group bookings versus corporate billing.
If account mapping is incorrect, financial reports and tax filings will be inaccurate.
Test Export Formats and Requirements
DATEV accepts specific file standards.
- ● Ensure exported files comply with DATEV format requirements
- ● Required fields are correctly formatted
- ● Special characters don’t corrupt exports
Incorrectly formatted files may be rejected or misread by DATEV.
Check VAT Handling and Tax Code
German Tax (MwSt) Compliance:
- ● Make sure the revenue categories in the PMS, room revenue, F&B, extras, taxes, and commissions, actually match what your DATEV chart of accounts expects. A mismatch here tends to show up in the worst possible place: the tax return.
- ● Go through each PMS account code and confirm it maps to the correct DATEV general ledger account.
- ● Check whether the system can support multiple account mappings for more complex billing scenarios.
Reconcile Financial Reports
Following a test integration run:
- ● Compare PMS revenue reports with the corresponding entries in the DATEV ledger.
- ● Review trial balances, tax liability accounts, and revenue accounts.
- ● Investigate any discrepancies immediately.
Reconciliation helps confirm that every transaction is transferred accurately from hotel operations to the accounting system.
Check error handling and notifications
A reliable integration should:
- ● Provide detailed explanations
- ● Log failed exports and mismatched fields
Without proper alerts, financial data gaps can go unnoticed.
Maintain compliance and data security
Because the integration involves both financial and guest data:
- ● Use encrypted transfer protocols
- ● Limit DATEV export access
- ● Maintain logs for audit
DATEV is used for tax reporting and compliance.
A properly verified DATEV interface for hotels reduces manual accounting work, improves accuracy, and ensures that your hotel's financial data flows seamlessly into Germany's standard bookkeeping and tax reporting framework. Rigorous testing is essential to avoid costly errors and compliance issues.
Testing the New System Before Launch
Hotel software testing is essential for keeping daily operations running smoothly and catching issues before they affect staff or guests. PMS implementation costs can increase dramatically when problems are found after launch instead of during the testing phase. That is why tips for changing PMS provider almost always emphasize the importance of thorough testing.
Do the following to test the platform:
Testing Hotel Management Software Before Launch
- ● Create a clear testing plan that covers all key workflows before the system goes live.
- ● Test core front desk functions, including reservations, check-in, check-out, room assignment, and guest billing.
- ● Check payment processing to make sure transactions, refunds, and invoices work correctly.
- ● Review housekeeping workflows to ensure room status updates, cleaning schedules, and maintenance reporting work properly.
- ● Verify that reports and dashboards display accurate operational and financial data.
- ● Test integrations with booking engines, channel managers, POS systems, accounting software, and other connected tools to ensure they work properly together.
- ● Ensure user roles and permissions are configured correctly so each employee only sees the functions relevant to their job.
- ● Run tests using real-life hotel scenarios to see how the system performs in everyday operations.
- ● Look for errors in data synchronization, duplicate entries, missing information, or formatting issues.
- ● Involve staff from different departments in testing so they can identify practical problems early.
- ● Keep track of issues found during testing and resolve them before launch.
- ● Repeat key tests after fixes are made to confirm that everything works as expected.
Thorough testing helps reduce disruptions, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure the hotel management software is ready for daily use from day one.
Pre-launch testing helps reduce risks, gives staff more confidence in using the system, and makes sure everything works properly from day one.
Top 20 HS/3 Alternatives at a Glance
Switching HS3 hotel software does not mean starting from scratch. There are established, proven platforms ready to serve as your HS3 successor, each with distinct strengths depending on your property type and operational requirements. Each of the platforms below has been evaluated as a potential HS3 successor for German and European hotel operations.
- ● HotelFriend: A cloud-native, all-in-one solution for hotel management
- ● Mews: A modern PMS built to support complex hotel operations
- ● Cloudbeds: A global platform tailored for independent hotels
- ● apaleo: Maximum freedom via API-first approach
- ● ibelsa: Easy operation for small properties
- ● WebRezPro: A robust PMS that supports both accounting operations and front-desk management.
- ● ResNexus: Cloud PMS emphasizing reservations and guest management
- ● Little Hotelier: Simple, all-in-one PMS for small hotels and B&Bs
- ● RoomRaccoon: A PMS that combines property management with an integrated booking engine and channel manager.
- ● eZee Absolute: A cloud-based PMS with a wide range of features and support for multiple modules.
- ● StayNTouch: Mobile-first PMS built for flexibility and enhanced guest experience
- ● RMS Cloud: Powerful PMS for medium to large hotels with advanced management tools
- ● SiteMinder: A global hotel commerce platform that provides distribution, booking, and revenue management tools.
- ● Oracle OPERA Cloud: An enterprise-grade PMS built for large hotels and hotel chains.
- ● RoomKeyPMS: Cloud-based PMS focused on guest experience and revenue optimization
- ● Hop PMS: A cloud-based PMS optimized for mobile use, with a user-friendly interface.
- ● SIHOT: Scalable PMS with analytics and event management capabilities.
- ● ASA HOTEL: Comprehensive hospitality solution including PMS and POS.
- ● Easy2Res: User-friendly PMS covering essential reservation functions.
- ● Hotelkit: A collaboration and operations platform that supports internal workflows, though it is not a full property management system.
Below is a table with a detailed overview of the features and pricing of the top five solutions.
Comparison of Top 5 Providers: Features and Pricing
A precise analysis of features and pricing of the top five solutions is presented in the table below. When choosing an HS3 successor, understanding the pricing model and full feature scope is just as important as comparing individual functions.
Top 5 Providers: Features and Pricing
| Vendor | Core Features | Integrations / API | Best For | Pricing Model | Estimated Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HotelFriend | All-in-one PMS, Booking Engine, Channel Manager, POS, automation, guest communication | Integrated ecosystem + API | Hotels of any size, hotel chains | Fixed price, 3 packages (CORE/FLEX/Signature) | ~€10/room (≈€310 for 30 rooms) |
| Mews | Cloud PMS, automation, contactless check-in, revenue tools, multi-property | Open API + multiple integrations | Boutique & tech-driven hotels | Subscription / tiered | From ~$200/month; ~$300+ typical |
| Cloudbeds | PMS, Channel Manager, Booking Engine, payments, reporting, marketplace | Multiple integrations, open API | Hotels of all sizes | Custom subscription (quote-based) | ~€365–€440 + add-ons |
| Apaleo | API-first PMS, modular apps, payments, analytics, automation | Highly open API, app marketplace | Tech-driven hotels, groups | Per room/month (min fee) | From €8/room (min €400/month) |
| ibelsa | Cloud PMS, booking engine, channel manager (via integrations), reporting | Integrations available | Small hotels, guesthouses | Per room/month | From €1–€4.5/room (~€193–223 |
HotelFriend stands out as a comprehensive all-in-one platform that combines PMS, POS, a booking engine, and automation in a single ecosystem with transparent pricing. HotelFriend is the only international-scale cloud PMS with BOTH ISO 27001 AND GoBD compliance AND German hosting. For German hotels, this triple combination (German hosting + GoBD + ISO 27001) is unmatched.
Mews is ideal for modern, tech-driven properties that prioritize automation, seamless guest journeys, and a highly intuitive interface.
Cloudbeds provides strong scalability and an extensive integration marketplace. It is a great fit for growing hotels and properties that require flexibility across multiple systems.
Apaleo is ideal for API-first, highly customizable setups. It is suited for hotel groups with complex technical needs.
ibelsa provides a budget-friendly, straightforward solution well-suited for small hotels and guesthouses with basic operational needs.
Advantages of Cloud-Based Hotel Software Over Desktop Solutions
Hotels that have completed switching HS3 hotel software consistently find that cloud-based platforms offer superior performance. The main reasons for this recommendation include:
- ● Remote Access & Mobility: Cloud-based solutions provide access from any location with an internet connection.
- ● Automatic Updates & Maintenance: Updates are applied automatically in cloud-based systems.
- ● Scalability: Cloud platforms can effortlessly grow with your hotel.
- ● Seamless integrations: Cloud-based platforms typically offer APIs and prebuilt integrations with booking engines, POS systems, DATEV accounting software, and other modules.
- ● Multi-Property Management: Allow centralized management of multiple locations from a single platform.
- ● Enhanced Collaboration: Staff can work simultaneously on the same system.
Cloud-based platforms provide flexibility, efficiency, and security that traditional desktop solutions often cannot match. It makes them a strategic choice for modern hospitality operations.
Security and Data Protection (GDPR) with New PMS Providers
When looking for hotel software, focus on the following requirements:
- ● Legal Compliance: Hotels in Germany must comply with GDPR and the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) when handling guest data.
Data Security Measures:
- ● Encrypted data storage and secure transmission
- ● Staff-based access
- ● Audit logs and activity tracking.
- ● Guest Data Requests: Platforms must allow guests to view, correct, or delete their personal data.
- ● Third-party integrations: Any connected tools, including booking engines, channel managers, POS systems, and accounting software, should also be GDPR compliant.
- ● Data Processing Agreements (DPAs): Hotels should enter into DPAs with all PMS vendors to legally govern the handling of personal data.
- ● Trust and Reputation: Using GDPR-compliant PMS builds guest trust and protects the hotel’s reputation.
- ● Operational Security: Ensures that sensitive financial and sensitive data is safely handled.
How to Choose the Right Alternative for Your Hotel
The right hotel management software makes operations smoother, guest experiences better, and staff workflows less frustrating. The wrong one does the opposite. Whether you are switching HS3 hotel software or looking for an alternative to a system that has been showing its age, the evaluation needs to account for where the property is now and where it is headed.
1. Start with Compliance
In Germany, legal compliance comes first when choosing software. GoBD compliant hotel software is essentially the minimum requirement for operating lawfully in the German market.
Key regulations:
- ● GoBD (accounting principles)
- ● GDPR (data protection)
- ● KassenSichV / TSE (POS fiscal law)
- ● E-invoicing (XRechnung, ZUGFeRD)
Tip:
Many international PMS systems look attractive but fail here because they require additional integrations or manual work. Choosing GoBD compliant hotel software from the start saves time, money, and legal risk.
2. DATEV Integration Is a Critical Factor
DATEV is the standard accounting system used by the majority of German tax advisors and businesses.
This means your PMS must correctly export financial data to DATEV via a reliable DATEV interface for hotels.
What to check:
- ● Automatic export of invoices, payments, VAT
- ● Correct account mapping (SKR03 / SKR04)
- ● DATEV-compatible formats (CSV / API)
- ● No manual Excel conversions
Modern integrations:
- ● API-based (automatic transfer)
- ● Scheduled exports (daily/monthly)
- ● Error-free data mapping
Proper integration reduces manual work and eliminates accounting errors.
3. Evaluate Integration Ecosystem
A PMS in Germany must connect seamlessly with:
- ● Channel managers
- ● POS systems
- ● Payment providers
- ● Accounting (DATEV)
- ● CRM
- ● Marketing tools
Poor integrations = manual work + compliance risks
4. Automation & Operational Efficiency
Modern systems should reduce manual tasks:
- ● Automatic booking sync
- ● Auto-invoicing
- ● Payment reconciliation
- ● Accounting exports
Especially important in Germany, where labor costs are high.
5. Data Security & Hosting
German hotels often prefer:
- ● EU or Germany-based servers
- ● Strong data encryption
- ● Full GDPR compliance
Why HotelFriend Is Especially Strong for the German Market
While traditional systems like HS/3 require your hotel staff to handle setup, integrations, and daily management, HotelFriend goes beyond being just software. It serves as a full-service partner, taking your hand and guiding you through every step of hotel operations. As a proven HS3 successor, HotelFriend offers everything the German market demands: cloud flexibility, GoBD compliant hotel software architecture, native DATEV connectivity, and hands-on migration support.
Pricing & Trust
HotelFriend publishes pricing openly while most competitors require a sales call to get a number, which builds immediate credibility with buyers who are already skeptical of hidden costs.
Transparent pricing is a meaningful trust advantage in a market where most vendors make prospects jump through hoops before revealing the software's actual cost.
Simple Data Migration
The complexity of HotelFriend data migration is generally considered low to moderate. Much of the data migration process is handled by the vendor rather than the hotel.
- ● Full-service support: The migration does not land on the hotel's internal team. HotelFriend handles the heavy lifting, keeping the workload manageable on the property side and reducing the risk of things falling through the cracks.
- ● Structured onboarding process: The migration follows a clear, predefined sequence: data audit, mapping, import, and validation. Having a defined workflow at each stage means fewer surprises and a more predictable path to go-live.
- ● Experience with legacy systems: HotelFriend has worked with older platforms like HS/3 before, which means the team already knows where the compatibility issues tend to hide and how to address them before they become problems.
Reputation & Reviews
HotelFriend holds the highest G2 score in this comparison at 4.8/5 and the second-highest Trustpilot score at 4.4/5.
Review volume remains the primary weakness, and growing the number of published reviews should be treated as an active priority rather than a passive one.
Unique Market Segments
HotelFriend serves five property types that no competitor in this comparison addresses: Student Housing, Cruise Ships, Holiday Parks, Training Facilities, and White-Label operations.
These exclusive segments represent significant untapped potential for both content marketing and SEO positioning.
DATEV & Accounting
HotelFriend offers the most configurable native DATEV export in this comparison, covering four export types, including debtors.
HS/3's DATEV integration will be discontinued when the product reaches end of support in April 2027. This creates a direct market gap that HotelFriend is positioned to fill for German hotels that depend on DATEV for their accounting workflows.
Competitive Position Against HS/3 Customers
HotelFriend replicates everything HS/3 offers and adds cloud access, a guest app, a channel manager, and full GoBD compliance, starting at EUR 80 per month.
German-built, transparently priced, and compliance-ready from day one.
With HotelFriend, your team doesn't have to figure out complex workflows or integrations. The HotelFriend team actively supports you from day one.
Hotelfriend Team’s Hands-On Role in HS/3 → Hotelfriend Migration
Among the most important tips for changing PMS provider is choosing a vendor that manages the migration for you rather than leaving your team to figure it out alone. Here is how HotelFriend approaches hotel software data migration:
- ● Assessment & Planning: The Hotelfriend team evaluates your current HS/3 setup, reviews your hotel workflows, and designs a customized migration plan. They handle all the technical details so your team doesn’t have to worry.
- ● Data Mapping & Preparation: Experts map guest profiles, reservations, billing history, housekeeping schedules, and reporting data to HotelFriend's system. They prepare and clean the data to ensure a smooth transfer. Proper hotel software data migration at this stage prevents data loss and compliance issues down the line.
- ● Secure Migration Execution: The HotelFriend team performs the actual data transfer, ensuring security, GDPR compliance, and integrity of all information. Migrating from HS3 to cloud PMS has never been more structured or less disruptive than with this hands-on approach.
- ● Testing & Validation: Specialists check that all migrated data is accurate and functional. They run tests and correct any discrepancies to ensure nothing is lost or misaligned.
- ● System Configuration & Integration: Hotelfriend experts set up PMS, booking engine, POS, and other integrations, tailoring automation and workflows to your hotel’s needs.
- ● Staff Training & Guidance: The team trains your staff on the new system, showing them how to access and use migrated data efficiently. They provide ongoing support during the transition.
- ● Go-Live Support & Optimization: Once the hotel is fully operational on Hotelfriend, the team monitors the system, resolves issues in real time, and recommends improvements to ensure smooth operations.
Review the hotel software switching checklist ("Checkliste für den PMS-Wechsel"). Monitor this checklist to plan your actions and ensure whether your software meets all compliance and organizational requirements.
The Future of Hotel Management Beyond HS/3
Traditional desktop-based systems like HS/3 have served hotels for years, but the hospitality industry is rapidly evolving. Switching HS3 hotel software is a strategic step so make it using robust software.
Hotelfriend is redefining hotel management by offering:
- ● Full-Service Migration & Onboarding: The HotelFriend team oversees your entire transition from HS/3, including data transfer, system setup, and staff training. This allows your team to concentrate on guests rather than IT. For hotels migrating from HS3 to cloud PMS, this support eliminates the typical obstacles to a smooth and successful switch.
- ● Cloud-Based Efficiency: Allows you to navigate your solution from any location.
- ● Seamless Integrations: Channel managers, payments, accounting (e.g., DATEV), and CRM platforms are securely connected, removing the complexity of multiple systems.
- ● Automation & Optimization: Check-in/out, housekeeping, billing, and reporting processes are automated, reducing errors and freeing staff to focus on guest satisfaction.
- ● Proactive Team Support: Beyond software, Hotelfriend provides hands-on guidance, operational monitoring, and improvement recommendations to help your staff get the most out of the system.
- ● Scalable & Future-Proof: Hotelfriend grows with your hotel, ensuring long-term operational stability and growth.
With HotelFriend, hotels move beyond the limitations of HS/3 to a future where technology, automation, and expert support work together to elevate every aspect of hotel management. As a dedicated HS3 successor built for the demands of the German and European market, HotelFriend is the platform hotels can grow with rather than grow out of. Whether you are just beginning the process of switching HS3 hotel software or ready to make the move today, the right partner and the right plan make all the difference.






