Counter vs. Stayntouch:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Deciding between Counter by Counter and Stayntouch by Stayntouch hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational scope. Both systems aim to streamline property management, but they target different hotel types and offer distinct features. If your property is a hostel or small guesthouse seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution, Counter might be appealing. Conversely, for hotels that require extensive integrations, multi-property management, and advanced automation, Stayntouch is likely the better fit.

Counter and Stayntouch both address core PMS functions like reservations, check-in/out, and guest management, but they diverge significantly in feature depth and scalability. Do you need a simple, dedicated hostel PMS, or a robust platform capable of supporting a growing hotel chain?

Is Counter or Stayntouch Better for Hotels?

Counter is designed primarily for hostels, inns, and small hotels that prioritize ease of use and quick setup. Its free, mobile-friendly interface simplifies daily operations like check-ins, reservations, and POS integration, making it ideal for budget-conscious or small-scale properties. Stayntouch, on the other hand, offers a cloud-based platform with extensive automation, revenue management, and multi-property capabilities, suitable for mid-sized and large hotels aiming for operational efficiency and scalability.

Counter’s review count (54 reviews) is significantly lower than Stayntouch’s (317 reviews), but recent reviews are more robust for Stayntouch—26 in the last six months versus zero for Counter—giving Stayntouch a stronger, more current data set. Which platform aligns better with your property’s growth plans and operational complexity?

Counter vs Stayntouch: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a simple, fast-to-deploy PMS with a focus on hostel or small property management, go with Counter. Its easy interface and POS integration make it an excellent choice for small owners with limited technical resources. If your hotel requires extensive automation, multi-property oversight, and integration with third-party systems like revenue management tools, Stayntouch is the more comprehensive option, especially given its larger user base and recent positive reviews.

Counter’s primary strengths lie in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for properties with straightforward needs. Conversely, Stayntouch’s broader feature set and proven scalability make it ideal for brands or chains looking to grow without changing systems later.

Is Counter or Stayntouch Easier to Use?

Counter scores 4.6/5 for ease of use and has a reputation for its intuitive, mobile-friendly interface, ideal for staff training and quick onboarding. Users highlight its straightforward setup, especially for hostel operations, with many describing it as “clear,” “simple,” and “easy to understand,” which minimizes training time.

Stayntouch, with a 4.7/5 rating, is also praised for its user-friendliness, particularly its mobile interface and smooth onboarding process. Reviewers mention that its screens are “the most user-friendly out there,” and training is described as “easy” with consistent support.

Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Has Better Features: Counter or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch offers 31 features exclusive to its platform, including revenue management, online check-in/out, guest app, shift planning, integrated CRS, and real-time reporting. These tools support a broad range of hotel operations and automation, making it suitable for larger or more complex properties.

Counter has only 1 exclusive feature: Guest CRM, but shares 18 features with Stayntouch, such as reservations and POS. While it covers core hostel needs well, it lacks the advanced modules found in Stayntouch.

Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Counter or Stayntouch?

Counter’s reviews consistently praise its support team, with a 4.96/5 rating, and mention specific staff members like Evelyn and Max for their responsiveness and professionalism. Users appreciate quick responses, especially during onboarding and troubleshooting, though some note support can slow in certain time zones.

Stayntouch’s support is strong with a 4.68/5 rating, and users commend its onboarding process and ongoing assistance. However, some reviews mention delays in addressing complex issues as the company expands rapidly.

Edge: Counter.

Which Has More Integrations: Counter or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch boasts 188 verified integrations, including popular systems like RoomPriceGenie, STAAH, and various channel managers, giving you flexibility to connect with numerous third-party tools. Its open API approach supports extensive customization and automation.

Counter’s 7 verified integrations are limited but include essential partners like Stripe, Cloudbeds, and Goki. Its integrations focus on core hostel needs, but it offers fewer options for scaling or expanding connectivity.

Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Counter or Stayntouch?

Counter’s user reviews, though fewer, are highly positive, especially among hostel operators—averaging 4.75/5 across 52 reviews. It is praised for its simplicity, speed, and customer support, making it ideal for budget or small-scale properties.

Stayntouch, with 280 reviews averaging 4.51/5 and many recent five-star ratings, is highly rated across various hotel segments, including boutique and independent hotels. Larger properties and chains tend to rate it more favorably for its extensive features and scalability.

Edge: Stayntouch.

How Much Do Counter and Stayntouch Cost?

Counter is offered without a clear pricing structure; it appears to be free, which is appealing for small operations or those with tight budgets. Its free model may include limitations, but details are scarce.

Stayntouch charges a base fee of $800 per month, with no additional implementation or recurring charges. Its pricing reflects its comprehensive feature set and enterprise-level capabilities, making it more suitable for hotels that see value in extensive automation and integrations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Counter?

• Hotels that operate as hostels, inns, or small guesthouses with simple operational needs.
• Teams seeking an intuitive, mobile PMS to manage check-ins, reservations, and POS.
• Properties with limited staff training resources looking for quick onboarding.
• Small properties on a tight budget that prefer a no-cost solution.
• Hotels with a focus on guest experience through streamlined check-in/out.

Not ideal if:

• Your property requires advanced automation features like revenue management, online check-in, or guest apps.
• You operate multiple properties or need extensive integrations.
• Overbooking or detailed reporting is crucial for your business.

Edge: Counter.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Stayntouch?

• Mid-sized to large hotels and hotel chains with multi-property management needs.
• Hotels seeking extensive automation, revenue management, and contactless check-in.
• Properties looking for seamless integration with third-party systems and open APIs.
• Hotels with a focus on enhancing guest experiences through mobile check-in and digital services.
• Operators who prioritize scalability, security, and real-time reporting.

Not ideal if:

• You need a low-cost, simple PMS solution.
• Your property is a small hostel or boutique with minimal operational complexity.
• Your team prefers a system with fewer features for ease of use.

Edge: Stayntouch.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Counter by Counter is a straightforward, hostel-focused PMS that excels in ease of use, quick setup, and responsive support. Its core feature set supports daily hostel operations but falls short of the advanced automation and integrations that larger hotels require.

Stayntouch by Stayntouch is a scalable, feature-rich platform suited for larger properties or chains. Its extensive integrations, automation tools, and multi-property management capabilities make it a go-to choice for hotels aiming to grow and optimize operations.

If your property is a small hostel or inn, Counter is the clear winner for simplicity and cost. For hotels looking to expand, automate, and connect with a broad ecosystem of systems, Stayntouch is the more appropriate investment.

In conclusion, choose Counter if you prioritize a free, easy-to-use system tailored for hostels and small properties. Opt for Stayntouch if your hotel needs comprehensive features, scalability, and extensive third-party integrations to support ongoing growth.