Simple Host vs OpenTable: Which Is Right for Your Restaurant?
Simple Host Team
December 3, 2025
Choosing the right reservation and table management system can make or break your front-of-house operations. Two popular options—Simple Host and OpenTable—take fundamentally different approaches. Let's break down the differences so you can make the right choice for your restaurant.
The Quick Overview
OpenTable is the industry giant, known for its massive diner network and brand recognition. It's been around since 1998 and processes millions of reservations monthly.
Simple Host is a modern, streamlined solution built specifically for independent restaurants who want powerful features without the complexity and per-cover fees of legacy platforms.
| Feature | Simple Host | OpenTable |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $49.99 - $99.99 | $149 - $499+ |
| Per-Cover Fees | None | $0.25 - $1.00+ |
| Waitlist Management | ||
| Reservations | ||
| Floor Plan Editor | ||
| Server Rotation | Limited | |
| SMS Notifications | Included | Extra cost |
| Guest Database | ||
| Contract Required | No | Yes (annual) |
| Diner Network | Your customers | |
| Setup Time | 5 minutes | Days/weeks |
The Real Cost Difference
This is where things get interesting. OpenTable's pricing model includes per-cover fees that can add up fast—especially for busy restaurants.
Annual Cost Comparison
Based on a restaurant seating 200 covers per day through reservations:
Simple Host
*OpenTable network cover fees are $1.00, direct/website covers are $0.25. Actual costs vary based on your mix.
That's not a typo. For a busy restaurant, the per-cover fees on OpenTable can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually. This is money that could go toward staff wages, better ingredients, or your bottom line.
The OpenTable Network: Is It Worth It?
OpenTable's biggest selling point is their diner network—millions of users who browse the app looking for places to eat. For some restaurants, this exposure is valuable. But let's look at it honestly:
Good for: New restaurants needing discovery
If you're new and need to build awareness, the network can bring in first-time guests.
Good for: Tourist-heavy locations
Visitors often use OpenTable to find restaurants in unfamiliar cities.
Not worth it: Established local restaurants
If most of your business is repeat customers and word-of-mouth, you're paying $1 per cover for people who would have booked anyway.
Not worth it: Waitlist-focused restaurants
If you primarily use walk-ins and waitlists, you're paying for a reservation network you don't need.
Feature Deep Dive
Waitlist Management
Simple Host was built waitlist-first. Add guests in seconds, send automatic SMS updates, let guests check their position online, and get accurate wait time estimates based on your actual table turn data.
OpenTable added waitlist features later, and it shows. The functionality is there, but it's designed around their reservation-centric model.
Server Sections & Rotation
Simple Host includes robust server rotation with three different modes, automatic cover tracking, and section management. Keep your team happy with fair distribution.
OpenTable has basic section assignment, but lacks the rotation intelligence that prevents server conflicts and ensures fairness.
Setup & Learning Curve
Simple Host is designed for simplicity. Download the app, create your floor plan, and you're ready in under 5 minutes. No training sessions required—works on iPad, Android, and web browsers.
OpenTable typically requires professional setup, training sessions, and often weeks to get fully operational. The interface has more features, but also more complexity.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Simple Host if:
- You want predictable, flat-rate pricing
- Waitlist management is a priority
- You have an established customer base
- You need strong server rotation tools
- You want to get started today, not next week
- You hate long-term contracts
OT
Choose OpenTable if:
- You need their diner network for discovery
- You're in a tourist-heavy market
- You're opening a new restaurant
- Marketing budget can absorb per-cover fees
- You need POS integrations
The Bottom Line
OpenTable is a powerful platform with unmatched reach, but that reach comes at a significant cost—both in dollars and complexity. For many independent restaurants, especially those with an established customer base or a focus on walk-ins and waitlists, it's overkill.
Simple Host offers a modern, streamlined alternative that does what most restaurants actually need: manage tables, handle waitlists, organize servers, and keep guests informed. All for a flat monthly fee with no surprises.
The best system is the one that fits your restaurant—not the one with the biggest name.
Try Simple Host Free for 7 Days
No credit card required. No contracts. See why restaurants are making the switch.
Simple Host Team
We're restaurant owners and hospitality veterans who built Simple Host to solve the problems we faced every day at the host stand. Our mission is to help restaurants run smoother and guests dine happier.
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