iQuota, PMS, booking engine or chatbot: how they differ
Updated November 2026
Hotel technology is full of tools with similar names. This page explains what each type does, what it does not do and where iQuota fits, so you can decide on facts, not promises.
PMS
The hotel's management system: bookings, rooms, check-in, housekeeping, invoicing and reports. It is the core of daily operations. iQuota is not a PMS and does not replace one.
Channel manager
Distributes availability and rates to Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and other channels, and collects their bookings so the same night is not sold twice. iQuota is not a channel manager: it only syncs calendars through iCal, which is simpler and not instant.
Booking engine
The direct booking system on your website: guests see availability and price, book and usually pay online. iQuota includes a direct booking page with payment at the property, but it does not sit inside your website or take payments online.
Website chatbot
Answers questions from visitors already on your website and sometimes helps them book. It only works with people who have already reached your website. It does not make ChatGPT or Gemini recommend you.
iQuota
Publishes your official details, rates and availability where AI assistants and search engines can read them: an official page with direct booking and a connector for compatible assistants. It is built for independent hotels, apartments and villas that lack these tools or do not want to rely on platforms alone.
When you need each one
A quick guide:
- If you run many rooms and staff, you need a PMS.
- If you sell on several platforms at volume, you need a channel manager.
- If your website gets plenty of visits, a booking engine converts better.
- If your website gets lots of questions, a chatbot can save time.
- If you want AI and search engines to have your official details and a way to book you direct, iQuota helps, whether or not you have the tools above.
What iQuota does not do
It does not run hotel operations, distribute rates to platforms, take payments from guests or guarantee that an AI will recommend you. If that is what you need, iQuota is not your main tool.
Is it a fit? The first 30 hotels join free until 30 June 2027.
See the Founding Hotels programmeFrequently asked questions
Can I use iQuota if I already have a PMS or booking engine?
Yes. iQuota replaces neither. You can load your rates into iQuota and keep your current system.
What if I have none of these tools?
iQuota works without them, from your contract or rates. For small properties it is often enough to start selling direct.
How much does it cost?
From €29 a month per property, excluding VAT, with no lock-in and 0% commission. The first 30 hotels join free until 30 June 2027.