A Payments-Focused Guide to Integrating with SevenRooms (Post-DoorDash Acquisition)

SevenRooms CRM Overview

SevenRooms, a hospitality-focused CRM and guest experience platform, was recently acquired by DoorDash, signalling further innovation in the connected hospitality tech space. Known for combining reservations, waitlists, marketing, and guest profiles in a single platform, SevenRooms also offers robust payment integration options. This enables venues to streamline revenue collection, reduce friction in the booking process, and enhance guest satisfaction.

Although Stripe is often seen as the obvious choice for payment integration, businesses, particularly those operating at scale, may benefit from exploring other options. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of SevenRooms payment integration, while focusing on strategic, cost-saving alternatives to Stripe.

Why Payment Integration Matters for Hospitality Businesses

Modern hospitality venues need more than just a table management system. Payment integration ensures that guest experience and revenue operations are connected. Here’s why it matters:

• Secures bookings: Prepayments or card-on-file reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
• Unlocks upsell opportunities: Offer pre-paid menus, upgrades, or experiential packages.
• Streamlines operations: Automated payment collection eliminates manual processing errors.
• Improves guest satisfaction: A seamless payment experience builds trust and loyalty.
• Provides data: Connect payment history with CRM insights for smarter decision-making.

This is especially important for restaurants and venues looking for the best payment systems to use with SevenRooms.

How SevenRooms Payment Integration Works

SevenRooms supports native and API-based integrations with select payment gateways. The platform’s approach ensures PCI compliance and flexible functionality for venues of all sizes.

Key Components of Integration

1. Merchant account setup
   Venues must hold a merchant account with a supported payment provider.
2. Secure card capture
   Guests enter payment details during reservation or pre-payment processes. These are tokenised and stored securely.
3. Configurable triggers
   Payments can be taken at different stages:
   • At the time of booking (deposits or full payment)
   • After the visit (e.g., room charges or dining bills)
   • For no-show or cancellation penalties
4. Reconciliation and reporting
   Payments are recorded within SevenRooms and the payment provider’s system, allowing for detailed revenue reporting and reconciliation.
5. API and developer support
   SevenRooms offers an API for developers and POS integrators, enabling custom workflows and deeper automation.

These features make SevenRooms particularly effective for restaurants looking to collect prepayments and reduce no-shows.

Why Look Beyond Stripe?

Stripe is commonly chosen for its user-friendly API, global reach, and fast onboarding. However, it may not always be the most strategic fit, particularly for established or high-volume operators. Here are several reasons to consider other payment solutions:

1. Cost Savings at Scale

Stripe’s standard processing fees can become costly for businesses processing millions in transactions each month. Other providers may offer:

• Tiered or negotiated rates based on volume
• Interchange++ pricing models
• Lower international and currency conversion fees
• Reduced or no platform fees for high-volume clients

If you're wondering how to reduce Stripe fees in hospitality, switching providers is a proven strategy.

2. Greater Control and Customisation

Stripe operates as a closed system with a set suite of tools. Alternatives may offer:

• Flexible settlement cycles
• Custom reporting tools tailored to hospitality metrics
• More control over chargeback handling or dispute resolution

This can benefit venues needing customised payment solutions with SevenRooms integration.

3. Increased Local or Industry-Specific Support

While Stripe serves a wide range of industries globally, it may not always offer hospitality-specific support or regional expertise. Alternative providers may offer:

• Localised customer service
• Deep understanding of UK/EU regulatory requirements
• Built-in features for managing gratuities, deposits, and partial refunds

For UK businesses, finding SevenRooms payment integrations optimised for local regulation is key.

4. Stronger Compliance and Security Standards

Certain providers go beyond PCI DSS compliance to offer:

• Point-to-point encryption (P2PE)
• EMV and contactless compatibility for hybrid operations (e.g., online booking + in-person dining)
• Greater auditability and reporting for regulated environments

Ideal for operators who value secure card payments for restaurants using CRM platforms.

5. Avoiding Platform Lock-in

Stripe’s ecosystem is powerful, but it’s also tightly integrated with its own suite of tools. Using a more open or agnostic payment solution can:

• Offer better interoperability with existing POS or ERP systems
• Provide more flexible data access
• Make it easier to change systems in the future

This is particularly important for scaling brands needing future-proof payment integration strategies.

Comparing Payment Providers: Stripe vs Alternatives

These differences highlight why many businesses look for lower card processing fees with CRM platforms like SevenRooms.

Wrapping It Up

For hospitality businesses integrating with SevenRooms, payments are more than a transactional necessity—they’re a strategic lever for revenue, efficiency, and customer experience. Stripe may be the most accessible provider, but it isn’t always the best fit, particularly for businesses looking to scale, reduce costs, or improve operational flexibility.

By assessing alternatives that better match your business model, transaction volume, and regional needs, you can unlock significant cost savings and gain more control over the payment journey. Whether your focus is on how to integrate payments with SevenRooms, lowering card fees, or enhancing the pre-payment booking experience, choosing the right payment partner is critical to long-term success.