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 44 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:
ChargeAutomation shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like GlobalPayments (Credit Card Processing) and Lobby Kiosk.
ICG Software shines .
Side-by-side ratings based on 44 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $200/mo | Contact sales |
| Verified Reviews | 44 | 0 |
After analyzing 44 verified reviews, ChargeAutomation users most value its payment processing, contactless check-in, customer support, while ICG Software users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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ICG Software |
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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
| Segment |
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ICG Software |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #6 13 reviews | — |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #5 16 reviews | — |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #6 5 reviews | — |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #13 1 reviews | — |
By Property Type
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ICG Software |
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| Boutique ▾ | #6 9 reviews | — |
| Luxury ▾ | #10 6 reviews | — |
| Branded / Chain | #9 4 reviews | — |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #3 18 reviews | — |
By Region
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ICG Software |
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| North America ▾ | #4 19 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #6 20 reviews | — |
| Asia Pacific | #5 2 reviews | — |
Both ChargeAutomation Online Check-in and ICG Check-in Online aim to simplify contactless check-in for your hotel. While ChargeAutomation boasts a comprehensive feature set and a strong recent review presence, ICG offers a straightforward platform with no available recent review data. Given the current review landscape, ChargeAutomation appears to be the more reliable choice for hoteliers seeking proven results.
Are you looking for an established, highly-rated solution backed by recent customer feedback? Or are you open to exploring a less-reviewed platform? Let’s compare the two in detail.
ChargeAutomation and ICG Check-in both address the need for contactless, pre-arrival guest processing, including online ID verification, payments, and digital documentation. ChargeAutomation’s reviews highlight its ease of use, extensive features, and high customer satisfaction, while ICG has no recent reviews, making it difficult to assess its current performance or user experience.
ChargeAutomation’s 42 reviews in the last six months and a score of nearly 24 on the HTR scale give it a clear edge over ICG, which has zero recent reviews. This indicates ChargeAutomation’s platform is tested, trusted, and actively supported, whereas ICG’s current standing remains unverified. Do you want a proven solution with ongoing customer feedback, or are you comfortable exploring a platform with no recent data?
If your hotel needs a contactless check-in system that automates guest verification, payment processing, upselling, and offers a guest portal, ChargeAutomation is the clear choice. Its strong review count and recent ratings suggest it will deliver consistent performance and reliable support.
On the other hand, if your hotel prioritizes a simple, straightforward online check-in without extensive feature requirements, and you’re willing to accept unverified customer feedback, ICG might suffice. But note — the lack of recent reviews makes it risky to rely on ICG for operational needs. For most hotels, especially those valuing reliability, ChargeAutomation is the superior pick.
ChargeAutomation scores 4.71 out of 5 for ease of use, with reviews describing its interface as user-friendly, intuitive, and quick to implement. Support and onboarding ratings are similarly high, with 4.9/5 and 4.61/5, respectively.
ICG offers no available ratings or recent reviews, leaving its usability unverified. Without concrete user feedback, we can’t gauge how simple or complex the platform is for your staff to adopt. Based on current data, ChargeAutomation’s user experience is definitively superior.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation provides 30 unique features, including PCI compliance, multi-processor gateways, various credit card processing integrations, PMS integration, self-service check-in/out, ID verification, digital guidebooks, customizable questions, and upselling options. These features support a full suite of guest onboarding and revenue opportunities.
ICG offers no documented features or unique capabilities, making it impossible to compare feature breadth or depth. Given the extensive feature set of ChargeAutomation demonstrated through its positive reviews and high satisfaction, it clearly holds the advantage.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation’s support scores 4.9/5, with reviews praising its responsiveness, friendly staff, and quick issue resolution. Hoteliers highlight its support team as a key reason for confidence in the platform.
ICG has no recent reviews or documented support ratings, leaving its level of customer service unverified. In a critical area like guest check-in, proven support is essential. Currently, ChargeAutomation is the more dependable choice.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation integrates with 18 verified partners, including RoomRaccoon, HotelTime, Sirvoy, Guesty, and leading PMS providers. These integrations ensure smooth workflows across property management, booking engines, and payment gateways.
ICG offers no confirmed integrations or partner connections, raising concerns about compatibility and ease of use within existing systems. For seamless operation, ChargeAutomation’s robust integration network makes it the clear leader.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation’s review score of nearly 24 on the HTR scale, along with a 98% likelihood to recommend, underscores high user satisfaction. Its recent reviews praise ease of use, feature richness, and support across diverse hotel types, especially vacation rentals and boutique hotels.
In contrast, ICG has no recent review data, making it impossible to gauge hotel satisfaction. The proven positive feedback for ChargeAutomation makes it the more trusted option now.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation charges a flat $200/month fee, with no free tier or trial available. Its transparent pricing reflects a mature, full-featured solution.
ICG does not publish pricing details, which could indicate a customized quote or uncertain cost structure. For budgeting certainty, ChargeAutomation’s clear pricing offers more confidence.
Not ideal if you require a simple, minimal setup without extensive features or integrations. Smaller properties with limited budgets may find the full suite unnecessary.
Not ideal if you want a proven, feature-rich platform or rely on high-quality support and recent customer reviews. Larger or tech-driven hotels should be cautious.
ChargeAutomation stands out with its proven track record, extensive feature set, and highly positive recent reviews, making it a reliable choice for most hotels. Its high customer satisfaction, support ratings, and integration options mean your team can confidently adopt it today.
ICG Check-in offers a minimal or unverified alternative, lacking recent feedback and documented features, risking operational hiccups. If your priority is a trusted, well-rated platform, ChargeAutomation is the clear winner.
For properties seeking a comprehensive, supported, and proven contactless check-in solution, ChargeAutomation is the recommended choice. Its substantial review base and recent ratings confirm its standing as a dependable partner for your hotel’s digital transformation.
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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ICG Software | |
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| Starting Price | From $200/mo | — |
According to HTR's product database, ChargeAutomation Online Check-in and ICG Check-in Online share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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ICG Software |
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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) |
Showing top differences. 18 more features differ between these products.
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.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. ChargeAutomation Online Check-in and ICG Check-in Online share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. ChargeAutomation Online Check-in offers 18 verified integration partners, while ICG Check-in Online offers 0. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. ChargeAutomation Online Check-in leads in ease of use at 4.7/5 vs 0.0/5. 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.
ChargeAutomation Online Check-in: No. ICG Check-in Online: 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. ChargeAutomation has an HT Score of 24 and ICG Software has 0. 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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