Simple Host vs Yelp Waitlist (Guest Manager): 2025 Comparison
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right waitlist and reservation system for your restaurant.
Simple Host Team
December 5, 2025
Yelp Guest Manager (formerly Yelp Waitlist) is a popular choice for restaurants already using Yelp for marketing. But is it the best option for your waitlist and reservation needs? Let's compare it side-by-side with Simple Host.
Yelp Guest Manager
Part of Yelp ecosystem
- • Integrated with Yelp platform
- • Per-cover fees for reservations
- • Yelp controls guest data
- • Requires Yelp advertising commitment
Simple Host
Independent solution
- • No platform dependency
- • Flat monthly fee, no per-cover costs
- • You own all guest data
- • No advertising requirements
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Factor | Simple Host | Yelp Guest Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Base Fee | $69.99 (Pro) | $249-$699/month* |
| Per-Cover Fee (Reservations) | $0 | $1-$3 per cover* |
| Per-Cover Fee (Waitlist) | $0 | $0 |
| Setup Fee | $0 | Varies |
| Contract Required | No | Usually yes |
| Advertising Commitment | No | Often bundled |
*Yelp pricing varies and often includes bundled advertising. Contact Yelp for current rates.
The Yelp Ecosystem Challenge
What You Should Know About Yelp Guest Manager
- Bundled with advertising: Yelp often requires or strongly encourages advertising commitments alongside Guest Manager.
- Platform dependency: Your reservation visibility depends on your Yelp page performance and advertising spend.
- Yelp owns your guests: Guest data collected through Yelp stays in Yelp's ecosystem.
- Competitor visibility: Yelp may show competitor restaurants alongside your listing.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Simple Host | Yelp Guest Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Waitlist | ||
| Online Reservations | ||
| SMS Text Notifications | ||
| Floor Plan Editor | ||
| Server Sections | ||
| Guest Database/CRM | ||
| Two-Way Texting | ||
| Own Your Guest Data | ||
| No Platform Dependency | ||
| Flat Monthly Pricing |
Who Should Use What?
Yelp Guest Manager might work if you...
- Already heavily invested in Yelp advertising
- Get most of your new customers from Yelp
- Don't mind per-cover fees
- Want all tools in the Yelp ecosystem
Simple Host is better if you...
- Want predictable, flat monthly costs
- Don't want to be tied to Yelp's ecosystem
- Want to own your guest data
- Prefer a simple, focused tool
- Are a small or medium-sized restaurant
The Bottom Line
Yelp Guest Manager works well if you're already committed to Yelp's ecosystem and getting good ROI from Yelp advertising. However, for restaurants who want independence, predictable costs, and ownership of their guest data, Simple Host offers a more straightforward solution.
The features are comparable — the main difference is the business model. With Simple Host, you pay a flat fee and own everything. With Yelp, you're part of their platform with ongoing variable costs.
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