Maqami vs Sunhotels
Sunhotels is a European-focused B2B hotel distribution platform now operating as a brand under WebBeds (Webjet Limited). Originally founded in Scandinavia, Sunhotels built a reputation for strong leisure hotel inventory across European holiday destinations. Following its acquisition by WebBeds, the platform is being gradually integrated into the larger WebBeds ecosystem while maintaining its own booking interface and API for existing partners.
Detailed comparison between Maqami and Sunhotels (a WebBeds brand) including pricing, latency, features, onboarding, support, and migration guidance for travel agencies.
Maqami Wins
13
Sunhotels Wins
0
Ties
2
| Feature | Maqami | Sunhotels | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription / Pricing | Completely free — no monthly fees, no setup costs | Free registration; margin-based model with negotiated terms | Maqami |
| API Latency | Sub-150ms average response time (Rust-powered engine) | 800ms–1.5s average response time | Maqami |
| Technology Stack | Modern Next.js frontend, Rust search engine, edge-deployed | Established web platform being migrated into WebBeds infrastructure | Maqami |
| AI Integration | Q-Core AI for dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, and smart recommendations | No AI features; standard search and filtering tools | Maqami |
| Property Count | 180,000+ properties across 90+ countries | 80,000+ properties with strong European leisure inventory | Maqami |
| Country Coverage | 90+ countries with strong Middle East and Asia presence | 50+ countries focused on European and Mediterranean destinations | Maqami |
| Onboarding Time | Minutes — self-serve sign-up with instant API keys | Days — online registration with manual approval process | Maqami |
| Support | 24/7 multilingual support with dedicated account managers | European business-hours support via email and phone | Maqami |
| White Label Portal | Fully customizable white-label booking engine included at no extra cost | Basic booking interface; limited white-label options | Maqami |
| Markup Controls | Granular per-property, per-market, per-date markup rules | Simple markup rules on bookings | Maqami |
| Multi-currency | 65+ currencies with real-time FX conversion | 15+ currencies with EUR focus | Maqami |
| Real-time Availability | True real-time with sub-second cache invalidation | Real-time checks with standard response times | Tie |
| Cancellation Management | Automated cancellation engine with instant refund processing | Standard cancellation processing through the booking portal | Maqami |
| Payment Options | Credit line, prepaid, credit card, and virtual card support | Credit line and bank transfer for verified partners | Maqami |
| Minimum Commitment | None — scale up or down freely | No formal minimum commitment | Tie |
Where Maqami Has an Advantage
- Broader global coverage (90+ countries) compared to Sunhotels' European-centric inventory of around 50 countries.
- Independent, continuously innovating platform versus Sunhotels, which is being absorbed into the larger WebBeds ecosystem with uncertain roadmap.
- 65+ currencies supported versus Sunhotels' limited currency options centered on EUR and European settlement.
- Full-featured white-label portal included free, compared to Sunhotels' basic booking interface with minimal branding options.
Migration CTA
You can run Maqami in parallel with Sunhotels during migration and compare conversion, latency, and commercial margin before full cutover.
FAQ
Is Maqami better than Sunhotels?
Maqami offers broader coverage, faster technology, and more features than Sunhotels. While Sunhotels has solid European leisure hotel inventory built over many years, Maqami provides 180,000+ properties across 90+ countries with sub-150ms API speeds and AI-powered tools. Additionally, Sunhotels' future is tied to its integration into the larger WebBeds platform, creating uncertainty for existing partners.
How does Maqami compare to Sunhotels pricing?
Both platforms avoid monthly subscription fees, but Maqami offers more comprehensive free features including API access, white-label portals, and advanced markup controls. Sunhotels operates on a margin-based model with negotiated terms that can vary by partner. Maqami's transparent, fully free model ensures all agencies get the same powerful tools regardless of size.
Can I switch from Sunhotels to Maqami?
Yes, and many agencies find that Maqami provides comparable or better European rates alongside a much broader global inventory. Since Sunhotels is being merged into WebBeds, now is an ideal time to evaluate alternatives. Maqami's self-serve onboarding means you can start testing immediately without disrupting your current Sunhotels operations.