The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 57 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:
AeroGuest shines .
ChargeAutomation shines when it comes to payment processing , with exclusive features like GlobalPayments (Credit Card Processing) and Lobby Kiosk.
Side-by-side ratings based on 57 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $400/mo | From $200/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 13 | 44 |
After analyzing 57 verified reviews, AeroGuest users most value its , while ChargeAutomation users highlight payment processing, contactless check-in, customer support. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Payment Processing
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Contactless Check-in
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Customer Support
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Upselling Features
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Customization Limitations
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PMS Integration
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Customer Reviews
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How each product ranks among Contactless Check-in vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #15 1 reviews | #6 13 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #8 9 reviews | #5 16 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #17 1 reviews | #6 5 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #11 2 reviews | #13 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #7 10 reviews | #6 9 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #11 5 reviews | #10 6 reviews |
| Branded / Chain | #19 1 reviews | #9 4 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #16 0 reviews | #3 18 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #12 0 reviews | #4 19 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #8 12 reviews | #6 20 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #5 2 reviews |
| Middle East | #8 1 reviews | — |
Choosing between AeroGuest Check-in and ChargeAutomation Online Check-in hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational focus. Both platforms aim to streamline contactless check-in, but they differ significantly in scope, features, and market presence. AeroGuest emphasizes guest self-service with extensive integrations and a user-friendly interface, while ChargeAutomation excels in automation, upselling, and security deposit management. Which platform aligns better with your hotel's priorities?
Both AeroGuest and ChargeAutomation tackle contactless check-in, but AeroGuest primarily offers a self-service platform that allows guests to complete check-in tasks remotely before arrival. ChargeAutomation, meanwhile, automates the entire pre-arrival process, including ID verification, payments, and upselling, with a strong focus on operational automation. Given the more recent and numerous reviews—ChargeAutomation has 42 reviews in contrast to AeroGuest’s 11—ChargeAutomation’s current user feedback provides a clearer picture of its strengths and weaknesses. Are you prioritizing guest self-service or comprehensive operational automation?
If your hotel needs a guest-facing self-service platform that simplifies check-in and enhances guest experience, AeroGuest is the better fit. It’s favored by luxury, boutique, and city center hotels, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on recent reviews. Conversely, if your focus is on automating pre-arrival tasks, increasing revenue through upselling, and managing security deposits efficiently, ChargeAutomation is the stronger choice—especially given its 42 recent reviews and 4.74/5 rating. Consider your property type and operational priorities when deciding.
Both platforms boast high usability scores—AeroGuest at 4.77/5 and ChargeAutomation at 4.71/5—and reviews commend their intuitive interfaces. AeroGuest’s onboarding score of 4.6/5 reflects a smooth setup, with users praising its straightforward mobile experience. ChargeAutomation’s slightly higher support score of 4.9/5 indicates excellent customer service, which eases staff adoption. Overall, AeroGuest’s more recent reviews suggest a slightly more user-friendly experience, especially for front-line staff. Edge: AeroGuest.
ChargeAutomation offers 11 features exclusive to it, including PCI compliance, multiple credit card processors (e.g., Chase, Heartland), lobby kiosks, automatic translations, and more extensive payment options. AeroGuest, by comparison, provides a streamlined set of 19 shared features, focusing on guest check-in and personalization but lacks the advanced payment and security features ChargeAutomation offers. If your hotel requires robust payment processing and multiple integrations, ChargeAutomation’s feature set is more comprehensive. Edge: ChargeAutomation.
AeroGuest receives a 4.77/5 support rating, with reviews emphasizing ease of communication and rapid assistance. One user noted, “AeroGuest makes hotel stay complete,” highlighting reliable support. ChargeAutomation even slightly surpasses this with a 4.9/5 rating, with reviewers describing the support as “speedy,” “friendly,” and “responsive,” and emphasizing their willingness to implement custom features at no extra cost. For ongoing support and responsiveness, ChargeAutomation’s recent reviews suggest a marginal edge. Edge: ChargeAutomation.
AeroGuest integrates with 26 verified partners, including major PMS providers like Opera, Stayntouch, and SALTO, and has unique integrations with apaleo and Infor systems. ChargeAutomation offers fewer verified integrations—18—though it includes notable partners like Stripe, Guesty, and Beds24. Both platforms support key industry solutions, but AeroGuest’s broader range of verified partners, especially in property management, makes it more versatile for diverse hotel environments. Edge: AeroGuest.
Recent reviews strongly favor ChargeAutomation, which has a 98% likelihood to recommend, compared to AeroGuest’s 94%. Hotels rated highly for ChargeAutomation include vacation rentals and extended stays, with reviews praising its automation and upselling capabilities. AeroGuest is primarily rated by luxury and boutique hotels, with perfect scores, but its smaller review base makes it harder to gauge current satisfaction. The larger, more recent data pool supports ChargeAutomation’s higher rating. Edge: ChargeAutomation.
AeroGuest charges a flat $400 monthly fee without a free tier or trial. ChargeAutomation’s base price is $200, also without a free trial, but offers no mention of additional fees. Both are subscription-based, but ChargeAutomation’s lower starting price and transparent pricing make it more accessible for smaller properties or those seeking cost-effective automation.
Not ideal if your hotel prioritizes automated payment processing, upselling, or requires extensive security deposit handling.
Not ideal if your property is small, with minimal need for extensive automation, or if your guests prefer in-person check-in.
AeroGuest and ChargeAutomation serve different hotel needs. AeroGuest is a top choice for properties emphasizing guest self-service, personalization, and broad integrations. ChargeAutomation excels at automating operational workflows, increasing revenue through upselling, and managing security deposits.
If your hotel prioritizes guest experience and seamless check-in, AeroGuest provides an intuitive platform with strong support and integrations. For properties focused on automation, revenue growth, and operational efficiency, ChargeAutomation’s comprehensive feature set and recent reviews make it the more compelling option.
In summary, choose AeroGuest if you want a guest-facing platform with excellent user ratings and integrations. Opt for ChargeAutomation if automation, upselling, and security deposit management are your top priorities. The more recent and numerous reviews for ChargeAutomation bolster confidence in its ongoing performance and support.
Contactless Check-in pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.
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| Starting Price | From $400/mo | From $200/mo |
According to HTR's product database, AeroGuest Check-in and ChargeAutomation Online Check-in share 19 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Chase (Credit Card Processing) | ||
| First Data (Credit Card Processing) | ||
| Heartland (Credit Card Processing) | ||
| Multi-Processor Gateway | ||
| PCI Compliance | ||
| Vantiv (Credit Card Processing) |
Ranks higher for
What hoteliers love
The software's automated payment processing feature is praised for handling payments, security deposits, and chargebacks. Users appreciate how it mini... The software's automated payment processing feature is praised for handling payments, security deposits, and chargebacks. Users appreciate how it minimizes fraud and error, saving time and reducing labor costs. Payment automation facilitates smoother operations and enhances financial security for both hotels and guests.
ChargeAutomation simplifies the check-in process with its robust contactless solution. Reviews frequently highlight how the system allows guests to co... ChargeAutomation simplifies the check-in process with its robust contactless solution. Reviews frequently highlight how the system allows guests to complete check-in remotely, reducing front desk traffic and wait times. This feature is especially beneficial in minimizing manual work, improving operational efficiency, and creating a better guest experience.
While support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful, a few reviews noted the need for improvements in response time and additional sup... While support is generally praised for being responsive and helpful, a few reviews noted the need for improvements in response time and additional support personnel. Good support is crucial for resolving issues quickly, thereby affecting the overall experience.
Where hoteliers push back
A critical point raised by some users is the need for more customization options. Reviews mention limitations in the ability to customize the guest po... A critical point raised by some users is the need for more customization options. Reviews mention limitations in the ability to customize the guest portal, email formats, and other interfaces. This lack of flexibility can impact how well the software meets specific needs of different properties.
Although several reviews highlight how ChargeAutomation seamlessly integrates with Property Management Systems (PMS), there are also some criticisms a... Although several reviews highlight how ChargeAutomation seamlessly integrates with Property Management Systems (PMS), there are also some criticisms about its PMS connectivity. Users report issues like synchrony problems and the need for more flexible information transfer capabilities.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. AeroGuest Check-in and ChargeAutomation Online Check-in share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. AeroGuest Check-in offers 26 verified integration partners, while ChargeAutomation Online Check-in offers 18. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. AeroGuest Check-in leads in ease of use at 4.7/5 vs 4.7/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.
AeroGuest Check-in: No. ChargeAutomation Online Check-in: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Contactless Check-in vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. AeroGuest has an HT Score of 0 and ChargeAutomation has 24. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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How highly do users recommend this product? Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories ▾ The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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How highly do tech partners recommend this company? Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality ▾ Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack. |
| Customer Centricity |
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How customer-centric is this organization? Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness ▾ Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features. |
| Reach, Staying Power & Resources |
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How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing? Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score ▾ Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity. |
Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →
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