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.
SONAS Technologies shines .
Side-by-side ratings based on 44 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
| HTScore |
|
|
| Likelihood to Recommend |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Customer Support |
|
|
| Value for Money |
|
|
| 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 SONAS Technologies users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Pros | |
|
+
Payment Processing
▾
|
|
|
+
Contactless Check-in
▾
|
|
|
+
Customer Support
▾
|
|
|
+
Upselling Features
▾
|
|
| Cons | |
|
−
Customization Limitations
▾
|
|
|
−
PMS Integration
▾
|
|
|
−
Customer Reviews
▾
|
|
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 |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Boutique ▾ | #6 9 reviews | — |
| Luxury ▾ | #10 6 reviews | — |
| Branded / Chain | #9 4 reviews | — |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #3 18 reviews | — |
By Region
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| North America ▾ | #4 19 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #6 20 reviews | — |
| Asia Pacific | #5 2 reviews | — |
Choosing between ChargeAutomation’s Online Check-in and SONAS Technologies’ Kiosk Solution hinges on your hotel’s specific needs. Both aim to facilitate contactless check-in, but they differ significantly in functionality, support, and market presence. ChargeAutomation offers a dedicated, feature-rich platform with a proven track record, while SONAS provides a kiosk-based interface suited for varied customer interactions. Your decision should be based on operational priorities and guest experience goals.
ChargeAutomation excels as a comprehensive contactless check-in solution backed by extensive reviews, while SONAS’s kiosk solution remains unreviewed and less proven in recent data. Will your hotel benefit more from an all-in-one platform or a flexible kiosk system?
ChargeAutomation is designed specifically for hoteliers seeking an all-in-one contactless check-in platform that automates ID verification, payments, and upselling. Its robust feature set, including secure payment processing, digital guest portals, and integration with PMS systems, makes it highly suitable for hotels aiming to streamline operations and maximize revenue.
SONAS, on the other hand, offers a self-service kiosk software that can be employed across various industries, including hospitality. However, it lacks recent reviews, customer ratings, and detailed feature comparisons, leaving its suitability for hotels uncertain.
Given the clear market focus, ChargeAutomation’s comprehensive approach is better suited for hotels seeking proven contactless solutions. Does your property prioritize an all-in-one platform or a modular kiosk setup?
If your hotel needs a proven, fully integrated contactless check-in system that automates guest verification, payments, and upselling, go with ChargeAutomation. Its high review count (42 reviews) and recent positive feedback—especially its 4.9/5 customer support rating—make it the safer, more reliable choice.
If your hotel prefers a simple kiosk interface for self-service options, or if you need a solution that can be adapted across multiple service industries, SONAS might appeal. But with no recent reviews or ratings, its effectiveness in the hospitality context remains unverified.
For hoteliers focused on operational efficiency and revenue growth, ChargeAutomation's detailed feature set and positive user feedback make it the clear leader. Are you ready to implement a confident, tested solution?
ChargeAutomation scores a 4.71/5 for ease of use, supported by detailed onboarding processes and positive reviews praising its intuitive interface. Customers highlight its simple setup, quick staff adoption, and seamless PMS integration, which collectively reduce the learning curve.
SONAS, lacking recent reviews and detailed feedback, cannot confidently be rated, but kiosk systems generally involve initial setup and staff training. Given ChargeAutomation’s proven usability and extensive support, it clearly holds the advantage here.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation offers 30 exclusive features, including PCI compliance, multi-processor payment gateways, self-service check-in/out, ID verification, pre-arrival upselling, and a digital guest portal. These features directly target hotel operational needs and guest experience improvements.
SONAS provides no detailed feature list or exclusive functionalities in the available data, making it impossible to compare. Without a comparable feature set or recent user feedback, ChargeAutomation's feature depth makes it the better choice.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation’s customer support is rated 4.9/5 with 42 reviews, and users consistently praise its responsiveness, friendliness, and quick problem resolution. Review quotes emphasize their support team’s proactive approach and helpful knowledge base.
SONAS does not have any recent reviews or ratings, leaving critical questions about its support quality unanswered. In a technology implementation, reliable support is crucial, so ChargeAutomation’s proven track record gives it a decisive edge.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation connects with 18 verified partners, including major PMS providers like Oracle, Mews, and Little Hotelier, along with various payment gateways. Its broad ecosystem ensures easier integration with existing hotel systems and workflows.
SONAS has only a single verified partner, Planet, limiting its integration options. For hotels that rely on diverse systems, ChargeAutomation’s extensive partner network is a clear advantage.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation enjoys a strong rating profile, with a 23.9985/25 HTR Score, 4.74/5 value rating, and a 98% likelihood to recommend based on 42 recent reviews. Hoteliers in vacation rentals, extended stays, and boutique hotels rate it highly, noting its ease of use and support.
SONAS has no recent reviews or ratings, indicating a lack of verified user experiences. For property owners seeking reassurance from peer feedback, ChargeAutomation is the definitive choice.
Edge: ChargeAutomation.
ChargeAutomation’s pricing is straightforward at $200 per month, with no trial or implementation fees. Its flat monthly fee simplifies budgeting and provides a predictable cost structure.
SONAS’s pricing is not disclosed, making direct comparison impossible. Based on available data, ChargeAutomation’s transparent pricing favors decision-making for most hoteliers.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
ChargeAutomation provides a comprehensive, proven contactless check-in system with high user ratings, extensive integrations, and a broad feature set tailored for hotel operations. Its recent reviews, high support ratings, and positive feedback make it the safer, more effective choice for hotels seeking automation and revenue enhancement.
SONAS offers a kiosk-focused solution that might be suitable for non-hospitality industries or properties with high kiosk traffic, but its lack of recent hotel reviews and feature details limit its reliability for hotel-specific needs. Without verified customer feedback, it remains a less certain investment for hoteliers.
If you prioritize a tested, feature-rich platform with strong support and proven results, ChargeAutomation is the clear pick. Opt for SONAS only if your hotel’s needs are strictly kiosk-based and you’re prepared for unverified performance in the hospitality sector.
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.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $200/mo | — |
According to HTR's product database, ChargeAutomation Online Check-in and Sonas Kiosk Solution share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 Sonas Kiosk Solution share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. ChargeAutomation Online Check-in offers 18 verified integration partners, while Sonas Kiosk Solution offers 1. 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. Sonas Kiosk Solution: 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 SONAS Technologies has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 →
Product recommendations advisor