Frontdesk Anywhere

Pros

Reasonably priced. Easy to use. Built for hoteliers by hoteliers. No need for costly hardware. Team is very passionate and a pleasure to deal with.

Cons

Not accepted by major brands yet. If internet goes down, this would be worrisome. Overall not many complaints.

Pros

I could work anywhere and anytime. Help to reduce human work and more productive.

Cons

Some functions not full and delays some of hotel required to changed

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Frontdesk Anywhere

Pros

User friendly, customer service is friendly and quick to respond, I can integrate it with all of the OTA's and manage rates from one site.

Cons

Many functions don't work. The Work Order, Lodging Statistics Report and Trial Balance Report. If I see the report or the function it should work.
Apparently updated version is not available to existing customers. Please allow for telephone integration for in room phones!!!!

Pros

It is intuitive easy to use and has everything I need.

Cons

The online booking engine is perfectly fine but it could be better

Pros

Easy to use and has a lot of features and integrations that more expensive PMS systems do not have.

Cons

They are working on the reporting system in a newer version of the platform.

Pros

I love that FDA is easy to use, and that I can make modifications to many things that I need to modify (plus can get in the backend and modify HTML, etc). I don't think there are very many options in this price point for small businesses like ours, and I have enjoyed growing with the company. Plus, I love [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN]. She has been a rock for my team since the beginning.

Cons

Some things that I think should be customizable / better designed simply are not and I wish for a Spanish language backend that was fully functional, as much of my team is in Mexico, where our business is located. That might be a niche comment though :) Customer service has been notoriously unavailable on weekends, holidays, and outside of 9-5 PST work hours. I think they're making an effort to combat this on email support at least. I haven't tried to call in a long while because of my frustration around availability.

Pros

Front Desk Anywhere is an efficient and user friendly software. I appreciate the technical support.
The more familiar one is with the software the easier it is to make adjustments. Your technicians are most appreciated for their depth of knowledge of how the software works.

Cons

I have no complaints to make. I look forward to the up-dated software.

Pros

Frontdesk Anywhere is a smart and easy software for Small to Mid-size property!

Cons

Frontdesk Anywhere is a smart and easy software for Small to Mid-size property!

Pros

-friendly, knowledgeable staff
-easy to use software
-specialized reports, catered to that specific property

Cons

I honestly cannot think of one con. FDA is more than happy to cater to the customer, and if there's a report that is not originally offered on the system, they will build one out especially for you. With that said, there's no way I can list a con. They always make sure to give the customer exactly what they want & need!

Pros

I used this software at a hotel I was working at over the summer. It was easy to learn, as I have used other hotel software and this was similar. The very best part of this software is that you can log into it anywhere from any computer. This was a benefit as the owners of the hotel had 3 hotels, so i could log into my account from any one of the hotels with the same log in and use the same software. Thanks!

Cons

Hopefully there will be a mobile app soon?!?! That would be great! Then I could be away from the computer and still log on.

Pros

The software is easy to learn and use, a most important feature when training new employees. It is comprehensive, unlike others we test drove, providing a depth of options and information to track. It's online accessibility from any computer is a must even for our small company.

Cons

While many pieces of information can be tracked, we do have a wish list of items that have not yet been included but may be in the future version.

Pros

Being that Frontdesk Anywhere can be accessed from anywhere :) it allows us to access, view, make changes quickly and easily. We are not limited to helping guest only during regular business hours and everything can be managed in house. As General Manager I can access report, check the daily transactions and pretty much anything else I need to from anywhere in the world.

Cons

We have been using Frontdesk anywhere since 2013 and I am totally pleased with the software and customer service. I would not change a thing.

Pros

Frontdesk Anywhere is easy, convenient and reliable software. We are using it for more than 4 years. The most thing I like in this PMS is payment system and reporting system.

Cons

There are many areas of improvement like there should be one report that include all four reports: Manager's report, Trial Balance, check inhouse, and CC payments.

Pros

The availability of using it from your PC, phone, and tablet is a big help to user. The new app. (chat box) makes your inquiry much faster than calling the call center as all support team is very attentive.

Cons

If only the guest message is easy to edit and don’t need to use a html, I hope that FDA do something about it.

Pros

I have been using FDA for 2 years. It’s super functional, user friendly and effective for us as Small hotel.
Reports are well organised and helpful for analysis. Yield function in PMS is also help us with better ADR and revenue.

Support team is also helpful.

Cons

Some reports are too complex for front end user.

Pros

Ease of use. Works well on mobile platforms. Very quick and responsive tech support. Always there for you.Visual tape make its easy get snapshot of week or month.

Cons

Product needs some enhancements in the housekeeping module. The auto e-mail module needs work. It would be nice to be able to package other product .

Pros

Manager report and details of the report including figures shown are very details, only one report can tell almost cover

Cons

Complicated of name of the report which are difference from others so sometime it difficult for new staff

Pros

available in anywhere, anytime its cloud PMS , able to adjustment or modification of customer detail, can manage hotel in a real-time

Cons

payment method too complicated to handle would be good if payment and invoice are in the same function and also payment transfer bill hard to make payment .

Pros

good visual, easy to use, has many functional features, can be customized, easy to set up and make changes.

Cons

some customization is limited. My staff will be able to elaborate. Reports (revenue, acruel, time period) still contains errors.

Pros

The backend functionality is incredible and the product support is amazing. FDA truly cares about my business and has been such a responsive, key partner in all ways. It's been a true pleasure working with them.

Cons

The Booking Engine needs a little updating on showing available vs booked inventory so the guest has more insight into potential alternative dates that may work for them if their preferred date is unavailable. Otherwise, it is fantastic.

Pros

Clean user interface, cloud-based software (but an app for smartphone access would be appreciated) and outstanding customer service.

Cons

Lack of app for smartphone access, inability to stack yield management premiums and inability to drag-and-drop room assignments.

Pros

Awaiting implimentattion from Hilton(Hampton Inn) to SoftHotel (Baymont) ran into some delays and I needed a PMS to keep the hotel open without going to a pencil type check in/out process. I foudn Frontdesk Anywhere in Hotel Magizine, made a couple of phone calls to hotels that were using the system and spoke with Thomas Lyle asbout impementing it as soon as possible in the Hampton. We were due to change flags Dec 31, 2010 and we received the softwhere Dec 30, 2010. Started using the system immediately, Hampton shut their system off the next day. Few kinks starting out but support was very helpful. The system is very user friendly, even the GM could pick it up.

Cons

The system can generate a lot of reports, but not a complete audit where all areas balance out. If I had kept it longer then the two months, maybe I could have figured out the audit.

Pros

- no install
- easy to use
- cloud software
- multiply user
- many function
- good service support

Cons

- many step for log in
- no mobile app
- don't support thai unicode tis 620 , windows 874 for template

Pros

- internet based system, can be accessed from numerous devices
- itemized nightly invoices
- unlimited auto emails (pre/post dated from check-in/check-out date) which integrate with external email system
- IBE integrates with Wix created websites
- rate manager is extremely easy to use
- create trouble tickets online, response time is satisfactory
- integrates with channel managers and 3rd party software

Cons

- no mobile app, only mobile website (can be a pain to login/logout on phone)
- 24/7 support exists, but difficult to get ahold of tech support by phone at any given time (typically will get a call back within 24 hrs.)
- cannot highlight rooms to create blocks/reservations (must open new reservation tab in either case)
- customized emails require coding experience (not user friendly)
- inability to email ALL guests with custom email (for alerts, temporary hazards, etc.)

Pros

I've been using Frontdesk Anywhere as our PMS software for 3 years now. As a Sales and Marketing manager of an independent hotel, this cloud based software is a gem. Their support team gives us a comfort with 24 hours support service, and immediate hands on to resolve the glitch that we encountered.

With this software, our team can review the occupancy forecast, plan our promotions, as well as monitor and manage our rate via the rate manager or booking suite tab to keep an eye on our competitors price. This allows us to adjust the our rate within a few second.

The software is upgraded regularly which, often times, added a new and exciting features on to their software. Recently, we are thrilled with reputation tab which allows us to track all online reviews and see our current rating. It's great for us to quickly respond to reviews from OTAs and Tripadvisor, as well as to recover the hotel reputation through Frontdesk Anywhere software. In short, we're incredibly happy with the report analytics, reservation system, and online reputation channels which save us a heap amount of time on complicated stuff and spare us more time to focus on the real hospitality service with our hotel guests.

Cons

We are looking forward to be using their full function of POS software. At the moment, we use the lite version that comes with the package but the result is great anyway.

Pros

Visually, look and layout are very simple and chic. It's eye-catching. It is fairly easy to use and intuitive. Whoever made the product does have an understanding of user interface. My staff, of varying computer knowledge, was able to pick it up very easily.

Cons

There are many things wrong with this system and company that I have experienced in the last 3-4 months. First I will tell you that they are poorly staffed. In all my experience with them, I only dealt with 4 staff members. There was never a time that someone different, outside of these 4 people, answered the phone. Tech support is staffed by 3 of these 4 people, all very nice and accommodating to their best ability, but they cannot keep up with demand. It's not their fault, but a fault of company planning.

Beyond this, I have had many glitches with the system itself. Failed credit card transactions for no reason and then I went to our back up manual credit card machine and it went through (both dependent on same ethernet connection). The major issue I have with this program is faulty reporting and functionality. Nothing comes across as you want it to. The housekeeping report, in print mode, has a horrible inefficient layout that takes up the whole page and more. Finally, after many complaints, I started talking to management and they attempted software updates to "fix the bugs", however, I'm still unhappy. I have had several bugs even after the update. Most recently, bookings were coming from channel management either in duplicates or not in exact quantity. We had to relocate a guest Memorial Day Weekend because they were supposed to have 5 bookings but came across as 3. Housekeeping status was showing a room that had been checked in as "clean". Many glitches that still continue, very disappointed.

I believe this company has a true lack of real hotel industry advisors. It is more of an IT company that attempted to go into hospitality and are not hitting the mark. They are very much in the "start up" "tweaking" phase and using their current customer base as guinea pigs in hopes to finally get to the product they wanted. But if you are like me, you need a product that works now, not in trial mode. Unfortunately I would recommend another company and save your time, even if you are a small 10 room Inn, keep looking elsewhere.

Pros

Easy to set up, quick to learn. Visually very clear and pleasant. Easy to run different reports. Use of different colors for different status of the bookings.

Cons

Not able to scroll horizontally so it is hard to see bookings more than a month. No CVV pre-authorisation (CVV can be hidden after pre-authorisation but the system should allow pre-authorisation with CVV checked). Payment between group folio and individual folios should be transferable. Report involving group accounts not always accurate. All emails sent to guest include price information and cannot be omitted - very often guest would think we are sending the same email though the information underneath the price information are different. We are not able to change the subject (Guest Confirmation xxxxx) when sending manual email through the system. No line break or font changes (bold, underline) for additional message under option.
More flexible and customized user levels - we try to put add on rate changes and changes in check-in messages at the basic level but not possible.

Pros

It's very simple and intuitive to use. The reservation layout is easy to read and I like the ability to quickly look at reservations for a few days ahead or up to a month in advance. We serve cancer patients undergoing treatment, family members of critical care patients, medical students and medical staff. The program gives us the ability to distinguish different types of rooms for our various guests and quickly change schedules as needed.

Cons

There are so many options for generating reports that I sometimes have trouble deciphering the titles and finding what I need. Once I figure out what it is it's simple....

Pros

It has a friendly support team. Night Audit functionality is a breeze.

Cons

It lacks even the most basic functions of a PMS: Early check out is not possible. You can't check out a room the same day it has been checked in. This forces you to "hold" until it can be checked out. It has almost no options for reports that a front desk agent can print unless they have management access. Housekeeping room status is on a separate tab. This makes it difficult to quickly change a room status and often confuses the housekeeping department. Changing a room number is nearly impossible if the hotel is sold out. The system forces you to slot rooms like a puzzle. If no slots are open it is extremely difficult to change the assigned room number. You can make them unassigned but will receive a "sold out warning" and will still not be able to change the assigned number. The billing and creation of invoices is overly complicated and not intuitive. There is also no way to refund a charge processed via the POS.
The software also contains many glitches-housekeeping room status seems to change for no apparent reason despite the set rules. Invoices sent as an email fail to be delivered.

Pros

The software is easy to use. The team members learn how to use it quickly thus it saves time. Screen set up clear and it has all the features we need.

Cons

These are some reports I miss like lead time of bookings. Over all it does have be basics needed.

Alternatives Considered

Pros

As a web based system, I have access to all of my hotel properties from anywhere in the world, including my smart phone. The grid view of our hotel rooms is a great visualization of hotel occupancy and available rooms. The system is very easy to use and makes training new employees very simple and cost effective.

Cons

All software programs can have glitches and FDA is no exception. The customer service & support team has always been responsive to challenges.

Pros

Frontdesk Anywhere Support Team is the best! They have been there since I started my position in September of 2017. Especially India Metz. She is so supportive and helpful and patient with my blunders. So thankful for all her help and if she is not available others have been there as well. Overall, Frontdesk Anywhere has been a huge asset to the daily runnings of the business and I couldn't ask for a better program or team. Thank you India and to your Team of helpful, patient, friendly and professional reps. Sincerely, Cynthia Brier, Property Manager, Tequesta Palms Inn, Tequesta, Florida

Cons

None at this time. I have not had any negative experiences to date.

Pros

What I really like about this software is that it can be used anywhere, as it's a cloud based program. I also like that I can manage all of the OTAs from this software. Not only that this software is user friendly but also it's staffs in Thailand are super friendly. When there're some problems, the staffs are willing to help and solve the problems. They also keep on improving the software to serve customers needs.

Cons

Even though I'm satisfied with its booking function, when it comes to Point of Sale, Revenues and Report functions, they still have room for improvement. The "analytics" function could be more user friendly and more accurate. Now I still have to make my own reports to double check with reports from the system.

I must say that the main reason I still use this software is that it has a great customer support team!!!

Pros

What I like most about Frontdesk Anywhere is that, its cloudbased so you can litterally pull this up on your phone and check in a guest or charge them for a retail item. I also like how easy it is to learn, this will be very helpful when training as that will take up most of your time. However with FDA, its so easy to pick this up quickly, even if you havent used a PMS system before you will be able to understand this software.

Cons

I wish there was a how to guide book, not all PMS systems have it and ive had to make some for other PMS in the past, however FDA does have a vast variety of help pages for each specific function. Just saying would be nice to have a welcome to FDA guide book and start from the basics.

Pros

Front Desk Anywhere (FDA) is simple, easy to use, and has all the pro features you are looking for to manage a vacation rental business of any size or shape. Features are extensive; reports will give you everything you are looking for and then some. FDA seamlessly and easily integrates with other booking platforms. Access can be granted in various capacities for employees, etc. FDA simply revolutionized our business, pulling everything together in a single platform. Customer service is impeccable, reliable and relatively immediate. Highly recommended!

Cons

Set up can be a little cumbersome, but that was simply due to now knowing what to ask. Our personal contact was available to assist with every step of setup, and any questions ongoing. There is a bit of a learning curve with all the features, but lots of resources are provided.

Pros

I like the fact that it has a 30 day tape chart so you may see the whole month and the software is easy to use that comes with many features.

Cons

I would like to see a signature pad implemented in the future versions so we all can go paperless.

Pros

Great with online reservations and payment processing options.

Cons

Nothing really because it is very easy to use software.

Pros

The best thing about FDA is how user friendly it is.

Cons

The only thing would be the loading issue on rooms that have been in the system for multiple months. Really nothing else.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Frontdesk Anywhere

Reasons for Switching to Frontdesk Anywhere

Pros

The software works well, was relatively easy to integrate with our website for online bookings and also with Expedia for direct bookings from them and Tripadvisor. It's easy to make multiple prices for various dates, Christmas, summer, rainy season, etc.

Cons

It would be nice to have different language support in the admin section. We operate in Costa Rica where the local language is Spanish, and some of our employees struggle with it a bit.

Pros

Ease of use
Agents very responsive and knowledgeable
Good reporting system

Cons

Does not yet integrate/require all information from guests or online travel agencies

Pros

We've been using Frontdesk Anywhere for several years and we are extremely satisfied.
We've made our choice after trying several alternatives and FDA was the best option.
The ease of use is very important and reduces the training time for new recruits and the possibility of mistakes.

Cons

Truly, all the features we need are there and easy to find and use.

Pros

The software has a very small learning curve, so you'll have your team up and running in a breeze. Great adaptation to channel manager witch facilitates any hotel operations job. There customer service is awesome every one in the department (India, Mary Anne , etc) have been there to help on every opportunity that we have required there service. In conclusion, we at Oasis Hotel are very happy with software and customer service.

Cons

Minor glitches with communication with channel manager that can cause every once an a while discrepancy on a reservation, I'm sure it's something that can be easily addressed by the FDA technical team. But like I said very minor, nothing to loose sleep over.

Pros

I'm truly impressed on how user friendly the system is.

Cons

Not credit card protected and had to get outside vendor for CC Security. No tier rates available. Only 1 rate per type instead of making rates by length of stay. Big loss in revenue capabilities for everyone.

Pros

Simple to use. Easy to set rate. Cloud based system. Customer support usually responds within 48 hours.

Cons

Credit card processing can not process as credit card present. Therefore must be charged a higher processing fee.
Channel manager inventory update overhead is usually 5-10 minutes.
No revenue management interface - Their website says they have it, but when I talked with Duetto, they said not available with Frontdesk.

Pros

FDA is good for a property of our size. Cost is reasonable and serves its purpose.

Cons

revenue tools are limited and require a lot of manual data entry versus be able upload large batches of data or rate adjustments. can be glitchy at times. would really like to have adhoc reporting functions.

Pros

The ease of use and customer support is the best features of this software

Cons

Like in any other softwares, you may encounter some lagging or difficulties. Nothing big though

Pros

I adore the fact that it can be adapted to our specific regional needs. Even in a developing country like the Kingdom of Cambodia it felt like all the time in the world would be dedicated to us

Cons

The fact thats its technology: I am not very tech-savvy. Add to this that Cambodia is developing and perhaps less trained staff could have made all rather difficult