In this article
Like Hostme, we handle table reservations, waitlists, table management, and guest communication on a flat monthly fee with no commission. Both of us publish our prices, which is rarer in this category than it should be. Where we differ is what that price is, and how well each system fits a European restaurant.
Where Hostme shines
Let’s be fair, because Hostme gets several things right that we’d happily copy.
Their pricing is fully public with no sales gate below the enterprise tier. You can read the plans, see the numbers, and decide. That deserves credit.
Their messaging allowance is genuinely generous. Unlimited SMS and WhatsApp are bundled into every plan rather than metered per message. Plenty of systems, including ours, treat SMS as a paid add-on billed by volume, so for a restaurant sending a lot of reminders that bundling is a real advantage worth pricing out.
Every tier also includes unlimited parties, unlimited users, and unlimited devices, so you’re not counting logins or paying for a second tablet at the host stand. They’ve been operating since 2012, claim over three million bookings a month, and have built in multi-channel distribution across Google, Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor, and the Michelin Guide without needing separate contracts. Their event and ticketing tools are more developed than ours.
What makes Resos different
Price, straightforwardly. Hostme starts at $109 per month for Mezzo, or $98 on annual billing, with Grande at $169. There is no free plan, only a two-week trial. Resos has a permanent free plan for up to 25 bookings a month, then $47 for 350 bookings, $98 for 750, and $149 for unlimited, with 20% off annual billing. Our entry paid tier is well under half Hostme’s cheapest plan.
Built for European restaurants. Hostme advertises around nine languages, and German, Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian aren’t among those listed. Resos supports 17 languages including all four, in both the back office and the guest-facing booking flow. If you run a restaurant in Berlin, Amsterdam, Stockholm, or Oslo, your staff and your guests can each use the system in their own language.
Priced and billed in your currency. Hostme publishes prices only in US dollars, with no VAT-inclusive pricing shown, which means currency exposure and awkward accounting for a European business. Resos prices in euros, and pounds, kroner, and other local currencies.
No cover fees at all. Hostme’s flat-fee model is real, but a couple of channels carry per-cover charges: TripAdvisor events and Michelin Guide listings are both $2.50 per cover, and Facebook and Instagram integration is a $15 monthly add-on. With Resos, bookings from Google, Facebook, and Instagram carry no per-cover fee and no channel surcharge.
How Resos and Hostme compare
| Feature | Resos | Hostme |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free plan, then $47/month ($37 annually) | $109/month, or $98 annually |
| Free plan | Yes, 25 bookings/month | No – two-week trial only |
| Currency | Euros, pounds, kroner, and more | US dollars only |
| Languages | 17, including German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian | Around 9; those four not listed |
| SMS and WhatsApp | Paid add-on, billed per message | Unlimited, included on every plan |
| Cover fees | None on any channel | $2.50/cover on TripAdvisor events and Michelin Guide |
| Social channel integration | Included | $15/month add-on |
| Minimum contract | None – pause or cancel anytime | Not published; annual billing saves 10% |
| Support base | Europe | Washington DC |
| Guest marketplace | No – guests book through your own channels | No – pure restaurant-side software |
When Resos might be the better fit
Resos tends to work well for restaurants that:
- Are based in Europe and want the system in their own language
- Would rather pay $47 than $109 a month for table reservations
- Want a free plan to start on rather than a two-week trial
- Bill and budget in euros, pounds, or kroner
- Want support in a European time zone during service
Hostme may be the better choice if you send a very high volume of SMS and WhatsApp messages, since unlimited messaging on every plan can outweigh a higher base price. It’s also a reasonable fit if you’re US-based or run a lot of ticketed events. Worth doing the arithmetic on your own message volume before deciding.
Switching is easier than you think
Worried about losing your booking history and guest data? Our import tool brings your existing reservations and guest information across, so your regulars keep their profiles, notes, and preferences and your team keeps the context it needs.
Most restaurants complete the migration in a single session. If you’re mid-term on an annual Hostme plan, check your renewal date, since that usually sets the cleanest moment to move. Our support team will help you plan it at no extra charge.
Try both and see what fits
The best way to choose is to run them on real service. Resos has a free plan with 25 bookings a month, so you can build your floor plan and take live bookings before paying anything, with no two-week clock running. Hostme’s trial gives you a fortnight. Run them side by side and see which one your team prefers mid-service.
New restaurants currently get 50% off paid monthly plans for the first three months.
Frequently asked questions about switching from Hostme
How does Resos compare to Hostme on price?
Hostme’s published plans are Mezzo at $109 per month, or $98 billed annually, and Grande at $169, with a custom enterprise tier for ten or more locations and no free plan. Resos has a free plan for up to 25 bookings a month, then $47 for 350 bookings, $98 for 750, and $149 for unlimited, with 20% off annual billing. New restaurants currently get 50% off monthly plans for the first three months.
Does Resos support German, Dutch, Swedish, or Norwegian?
Yes. Resos supports 17 languages including all four, in the back office and the guest booking flow. Hostme’s advertised language list doesn’t include them.
Can I import my bookings and guest data from Hostme?
Yes. Our import tool brings over your existing reservations and guest information so you keep your booking history and guest profiles.
Does Resos charge commission or per-cover fees?
No. Resos never charges commission or per-cover fees on any plan or any booking channel.
Does Resos include SMS the way Hostme does?
That’s accurate and worth weighing. Hostme bundles unlimited SMS and WhatsApp into every plan. On Resos, SMS notifications are a paid add-on billed per message, available on paid plans with a 30-day free trial. If you send a very high volume of reminders, price both properly. If your volume is moderate, Resos usually still works out lower overall given the difference in base price.
Can I pay in euros?
Yes. Resos prices in euros, pounds, kroner, and other local currencies. Hostme publishes prices in US dollars only.
Am I locked into a contract with Resos?
No. No binding period and no minimum term. Pause or cancel at any time.
Does Resos have a waitlist and floor plan?
Yes. Waitlist management and a drag-and-drop visual floor plan are part of the core booking features on every plan, including the free one.
Does Resos integrate with Google, Facebook, and Instagram?
Yes, and at no extra charge. Reserve with Google lets guests book from Search and Maps, and Facebook and Instagram bookings are included rather than sold as an add-on.
How quickly can I be live?
Most restaurants are running within an hour: add tables and a floor plan, set booking rules, and embed the widget on your website. No sales call needed.
How do I get started?
Sign up at resos.com and add your first tables. A few minutes, no credit card on the free plan.
