Quick Overview
- 1#1: OpenTable - Comprehensive reservation platform that handles bookings, waitlists, table management, and guest notifications for restaurant hostesses.
- 2#2: Resy - Intelligent reservation system with virtual waitlists, table optimization, and real-time seating tools for efficient hostess operations.
- 3#3: SevenRooms - Guest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, floor plans, and automated table assignments for restaurant hostesses.
- 4#4: Toast - POS-integrated solution with reservation booking, waitlist management, and interactive floor maps for seamless hostess workflows.
- 5#5: Tock - Reservation and ticketing system that supports prepaid bookings, waitlists, and dynamic table management for high-volume restaurants.
- 6#6: ResDiary - Restaurant diary software providing online bookings, table optimization, and waitlist features to streamline hostess duties.
- 7#7: Eat App - Modern reservation platform with CRM, automated reminders, and seating charts designed for restaurant hostesses.
- 8#8: NoWait - Virtual waitlist app that manages guest queues, sends text alerts, and handles table turnovers without reservations.
- 9#9: TableIn - Online reservation and table management tool with drag-and-drop seating and waitlist integration for small to mid-sized restaurants.
- 10#10: Yelp Guest Manager - Free waitlist and reservation tool with text notifications and basic table tracking for independent restaurant hostesses.
Tools were chosen based on key metrics: robust feature sets (reservation management, waitlist optimization, guest communication), intuitive design for seamless daily use, and scalability to match restaurant size, with rankings reflecting overall performance and alignment with hostess operational requirements.
Comparison Table
Navigating restaurant hostess software is streamlined with this comparison table, featuring top tools like OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms, Toast, Tock, and more. Readers will discover key differences in features, usability, integration options, and pricing to identify the best fit for their establishment's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenTable Comprehensive reservation platform that handles bookings, waitlists, table management, and guest notifications for restaurant hostesses. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Resy Intelligent reservation system with virtual waitlists, table optimization, and real-time seating tools for efficient hostess operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | SevenRooms Guest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, floor plans, and automated table assignments for restaurant hostesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Toast POS-integrated solution with reservation booking, waitlist management, and interactive floor maps for seamless hostess workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Tock Reservation and ticketing system that supports prepaid bookings, waitlists, and dynamic table management for high-volume restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ResDiary Restaurant diary software providing online bookings, table optimization, and waitlist features to streamline hostess duties. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Eat App Modern reservation platform with CRM, automated reminders, and seating charts designed for restaurant hostesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | NoWait Virtual waitlist app that manages guest queues, sends text alerts, and handles table turnovers without reservations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | TableIn Online reservation and table management tool with drag-and-drop seating and waitlist integration for small to mid-sized restaurants. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Yelp Guest Manager Free waitlist and reservation tool with text notifications and basic table tracking for independent restaurant hostesses. | other | 7.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive reservation platform that handles bookings, waitlists, table management, and guest notifications for restaurant hostesses.
Intelligent reservation system with virtual waitlists, table optimization, and real-time seating tools for efficient hostess operations.
Guest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, floor plans, and automated table assignments for restaurant hostesses.
POS-integrated solution with reservation booking, waitlist management, and interactive floor maps for seamless hostess workflows.
Reservation and ticketing system that supports prepaid bookings, waitlists, and dynamic table management for high-volume restaurants.
Restaurant diary software providing online bookings, table optimization, and waitlist features to streamline hostess duties.
Modern reservation platform with CRM, automated reminders, and seating charts designed for restaurant hostesses.
Virtual waitlist app that manages guest queues, sends text alerts, and handles table turnovers without reservations.
Online reservation and table management tool with drag-and-drop seating and waitlist integration for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Free waitlist and reservation tool with text notifications and basic table tracking for independent restaurant hostesses.
OpenTable
enterpriseComprehensive reservation platform that handles bookings, waitlists, table management, and guest notifications for restaurant hostesses.
The vast integrated diner network that generates direct reservations and provides detailed guest preferences for personalized seating.
OpenTable is a premier restaurant reservation and management platform designed to empower hostesses with tools for seamless booking intake, real-time table assignments, and waitlist optimization. It features interactive floor plans, guest profiles for personalized service, and automated reminders to minimize no-shows. As the industry leader, it connects restaurants to millions of diners while providing robust front-of-house analytics for peak efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive diner network drives high-volume bookings automatically
- Intuitive mobile app and interactive seating maps for quick hostess decisions
- Advanced tools like AI waitlist prioritization and guest recognition enhance operations
Cons
- Commission-based pricing can add up for high-cover nights
- Initial setup and training required for full feature utilization
- Less ideal for very small or low-volume establishments due to cost
Best For
High-volume, upscale restaurants with busy host stands aiming to optimize table turnover and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Pricing
Monthly subscription starts at $249 per location, plus $1-2 commission per seated diner depending on plan.
Resy
enterpriseIntelligent reservation system with virtual waitlists, table optimization, and real-time seating tools for efficient hostess operations.
Smart Waitlist with AI-driven predictions for optimal table assignments and reduced wait times
Resy is a leading reservation and table management platform tailored for restaurants, enabling hostesses to handle online bookings, waitlists, and seating assignments seamlessly. It features a robust guest database with preferences, automated notifications, and real-time floor plans for efficient front-of-house operations. Additionally, it provides analytics on no-shows, table turnover, and revenue opportunities to optimize restaurant performance.
Pros
- Intelligent waitlist that auto-seats guests based on table turnover predictions
- Comprehensive guest profiles with dining history and preferences
- Seamless mobile app for on-the-go management by hostesses
Cons
- Premium pricing may strain smaller restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited free tier with core features behind paywall
Best For
Upscale or high-volume restaurants needing sophisticated reservation and guest management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month per location for core features, with tiered plans up to $999+/month plus revenue share options.
SevenRooms
enterpriseGuest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, floor plans, and automated table assignments for restaurant hostesses.
Unified guest profiles that track lifetime data, preferences, and spending for hyper-personalized hostess interactions
SevenRooms is a robust hospitality CRM platform designed for restaurants, focusing on reservation management, guest data collection, and operational efficiency. It enables hostesses to handle bookings, manage waitlists, optimize table turns, and deliver personalized guest experiences through detailed profiles and marketing tools. The software integrates with POS systems and offers analytics to improve front-of-house operations.
Pros
- Powerful guest CRM for personalized service and loyalty building
- Advanced reservation and table management with real-time waitlists
- Seamless integrations with major POS and delivery platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- High cost may not suit small independent restaurants
- Limited free tier or trial options
Best For
Upscale or high-volume restaurants seeking data-driven guest relationship management and operational optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $500-$1,000 per month per venue based on features and volume.
Toast
enterprisePOS-integrated solution with reservation booking, waitlist management, and interactive floor maps for seamless hostess workflows.
AI-driven seating recommendations that optimize table turns and party matching in real-time
Toast is a full-service restaurant management platform with dedicated hostess tools like Toast Tables for real-time floor mapping, table management, waitlists, and reservations. It enables hostesses to optimize seating, send guest alerts via text, and integrate seamlessly with POS for order visibility. While powerful for integrated operations, it's best suited for restaurants already using or planning to adopt the Toast ecosystem.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for real-time data syncing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop floor plans and auto-seating suggestions
- Robust waitlist and guest notification features
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing and hardware requirements
- Steep learning curve for full platform features
- Less flexible for restaurants not using Toast POS
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants needing an all-in-one POS and hostess solution with advanced table management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$165/month per location for core POS + Tables module, plus hardware (~$1,000+) and add-ons.
Tock
specializedReservation and ticketing system that supports prepaid bookings, waitlists, and dynamic table management for high-volume restaurants.
Prepaid reservation deposits that guarantee attendance and create a ticketing revenue stream
Tock is a premium reservation and table management platform tailored for restaurants, enabling hostesses to handle bookings, waitlists, seating charts, and prepaid deposits efficiently. It reduces no-shows through mandatory prepayments and offers tools for dynamic pricing, guest profiles, and operational analytics. Primarily used by upscale and Michelin-starred venues, it streamlines front-of-house operations while generating additional revenue from ticketing.
Pros
- Powerful prepaid deposit system minimizes no-shows and adds revenue
- Advanced table management with visual seating charts and waitlist optimization
- Strong integrations with POS systems and marketing tools for guest retention
Cons
- High cost structure with revenue share model may not suit small restaurants
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited flexibility for casual dining without prepayments
Best For
Upscale and fine-dining restaurants seeking to monetize reservations and optimize high-volume seating.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on revenue share (typically 2-3% of prepaid bookings) plus monthly fees starting around $200; no free plan.
ResDiary
specializedRestaurant diary software providing online bookings, table optimization, and waitlist features to streamline hostess duties.
Yield management system that dynamically adjusts pricing and table allocations to boost profitability
ResDiary is a robust restaurant reservation and table management software that streamlines online bookings, seating arrangements, and waitlist operations for hospitality businesses. It features interactive floor plans, yield management tools to optimize table turnover, and integrations with POS systems and marketing platforms. Primarily popular in the UK and Europe, it helps restaurants maximize revenue through data-driven insights and customer relationship management.
Pros
- Advanced yield management for revenue optimization
- Comprehensive table management with floor plans
- Strong integrations with POS and third-party apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small venues
- Interface feels dated in some areas
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants and chains seeking sophisticated reservation and revenue tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting from around £99/month based on covers and features; enterprise plans available.
Eat App
specializedModern reservation platform with CRM, automated reminders, and seating charts designed for restaurant hostesses.
Smart drag-and-drop interactive floor plans that visualize table availability in real-time for optimal seating.
Eat App is a robust restaurant reservation and table management platform designed to optimize front-of-house operations for hospitality businesses. It provides tools for online bookings, real-time seating charts with drag-and-drop functionality, automated waitlists, and guest profiling to enhance the dining experience. The software integrates with POS systems and delivery platforms, helping restaurants reduce no-shows and improve table turnover.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop seating maps for quick table assignments
- Automated waitlist and no-show deposit collection to maximize revenue
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go hostess management
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options for floor plans
- Reporting features lack depth compared to top competitors
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with moderate to high reservation volumes needing efficient table turnover and guest management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Basic), $99/month (Pro), $199/month (Plus); enterprise custom pricing with 14-day free trial.
NoWait
specializedVirtual waitlist app that manages guest queues, sends text alerts, and handles table turnovers without reservations.
Seamless text-based virtual waitlist allowing diners to wait remotely without an app download
NoWait is a virtual waitlist management platform that digitizes restaurant hostess operations by allowing customers to join waitlists via text, app, or kiosk without standing in line. It provides real-time wait time estimates, automated text notifications when tables are ready, and tools for hostesses to manage parties efficiently. The software helps reduce no-shows, improve table turnover, and enhance guest satisfaction by letting diners wait comfortably off-site.
Pros
- Eliminates long physical lines and improves guest experience
- Real-time text notifications and accurate wait time predictions
- Guest profiles and loyalty tracking for personalized service
Cons
- Requires customers to engage with app or text system
- Limited integrations with some POS systems
- Pricing can be steep for low-volume restaurants
Best For
High-volume restaurants with frequent wait times seeking to streamline hostess workflows and boost efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans, with premium tiers up to $299/month including advanced analytics; pay-per-party options available.
TableIn
specializedOnline reservation and table management tool with drag-and-drop seating and waitlist integration for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Interactive real-time floor maps that optimize table assignments and visualize occupancy instantly
TableIn is a cloud-based restaurant reservation and table management software tailored for hostesses, enabling seamless online bookings, waitlist handling, and real-time seating optimization. It features interactive floor plans for drag-and-drop table assignments and automated guest notifications to reduce no-shows and improve turnover. The platform integrates with popular POS systems and offers guest profiling for personalized service.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop floor planner for quick seating
- Robust waitlist and reservation management with SMS alerts
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go hostess operations
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small restaurants
- Initial floor plan setup requires time investment
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants with high reservation volumes needing visual table management and efficient waitlist handling.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for the Starter plan (up to 500 reservations), with Pro at $299/month and custom Enterprise pricing.
Yelp Guest Manager
otherFree waitlist and reservation tool with text notifications and basic table tracking for independent restaurant hostesses.
Direct access to Yelp guest reviews and profiles for informed seating decisions
Yelp Guest Manager is a free digital tool from Yelp designed specifically for restaurants to handle waitlists and basic reservation management. It enables hostesses to create real-time waitlists, send automated text notifications to guests when tables are ready, and access Yelp profiles and reviews for incoming parties. The platform integrates directly with Yelp for Business accounts, helping streamline front-of-house operations without the need for expensive software.
Pros
- Completely free for Yelp for Business users
- Intuitive tablet-friendly interface for quick setup
- Real-time text notifications reduce guest frustration
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like dynamic floor plans or party splitting
- Limited reporting and analytics capabilities
- Requires Yelp integration, which may not suit all restaurants
Best For
Small independent restaurants seeking a simple, no-cost solution for waitlist management without complex reservations.
Pricing
Free for verified Yelp for Business account holders; no paid tiers.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed offer robust solutions for restaurant hostesses, with OpenTable leading as the most comprehensive choice, combining reservation management and guest notifications seamlessly. Resy and SevenRooms stand out as strong alternatives, each bringing unique strengths like intelligent optimization and guest experience features to suit different operational needs.
Begin streamlining your hostess workflows by trying OpenTable—its proven capabilities make it the ideal starting point for efficient table management and better guest interactions.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison