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 41 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:
Dgstay shines in ROI and onboarding , with exclusive features like Curbside Pickup.
DOWHAT shines , with exclusive features like Cross Venue Payment Splitting and Credit Card Payments.
Side-by-side ratings based on 41 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 28 | 13 |
After analyzing 41 verified reviews, Dgstay users most value its user-friendliness, efficiency and operation, instant updates and support, while DOWHAT users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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User-friendliness
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Efficiency and operation
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Instant updates and support
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Customization and flexibility
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How each product ranks among Mobile Ordering & Room Service 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) | #10 1 reviews | #11 1 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #5 16 reviews | #15 0 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #6 8 reviews | #11 0 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #6 3 reviews | #3 12 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #8 7 reviews | #7 10 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #10 3 reviews | #6 13 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #5 19 reviews | #10 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay | — | #6 2 reviews |
By Region
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| North America | #8 2 reviews | #15 0 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #2 23 reviews | — |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #7 1 reviews | #10 13 reviews |
| Middle East | #5 2 reviews | — |
Choosing between Dgstay by Dgstay and Smart Order by DOWHAT hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Both aim to elevate guest service through mobile ordering and digital communication, but they approach this goal differently. Dgstay specializes in streamlining guest requests and reducing operational costs, while DOWHAT emphasizes contactless interactions and PMS integration. Which solution aligns better with your hotel’s strategy?
Dgstay boasts a strong track record with more reviews and recent customer feedback, giving it a significant edge in reliability and user confidence. As of now, Dgstay has 27 reviews with recent feedback in the last six months, compared to only 12 reviews for DOWHAT. This makes Dgstay’s ratings more current and trustworthy. Does your hotel require a proven, well-reviewed platform to support your digital transformation?
Both platforms aim to improve guest communication and service delivery but diverge in their core features and deployment strategies. Dgstay offers a comprehensive guest communication platform that centralizes all hotel services, including QR code-based ordering, service requests, and environmental benefits like paper savings. Its ease of use and rapid onboarding (rated 4.96/5) make it a strong contender for hotels looking for a quick, broad digital upgrade.
DOWHAT, on the other hand, is built around contactless service and PMS integration, offering features like Smart Order and seamless request handling. It provides more specific functionalities, such as contactless check-in and multi-language support, but only has 12 reviews and a lower overall support rating (4.67/5). Do you need a broad communication tool or a specialized contactless service enhancer?
Both products aim to reduce staff workload and enhance guest satisfaction, but Dgstay’s extensive feature set and active user base give it more recent validation. Are you prioritizing a platform with proven market presence and multiple integrations?
If your hotel needs a versatile guest communication platform that improves operational efficiency and supports eco-friendly initiatives, go with Dgstay. It’s ideal for properties seeking a broad digital solution, especially given its higher review count, recent positive feedback, and wide regional presence.
If your primary goal is minimizing contact points, streamlining check-in/out, and leveraging PMS integrations for faster service, DOWHAT might be suitable. It’s more focused on contactless and AI-driven features, though it has fewer reviews and a smaller regional footprint.
For hotels prioritizing established reviews and comprehensive services, Dgstay’s larger and more recent review base makes it the safer choice. If advanced PMS integration and contactless features are critical, DOWHAT can still deliver but with less proven market traction.
Dgstay scores slightly higher with a 4.93/5 rating for ease of use, supported by its intuitive interface and quick onboarding process rated 4.96/5. Multiple reviews praise its user-friendly design, quick setup, and ease of updating content, making staff adoption straightforward.
DOWHAT follows closely with a 4.83/5 rating, also emphasizing ease of use and quick implementation, rated 4.5/5. Reviewers mention smooth operation and simple request sharing, but some note system errors that occasionally slow down usage.
Edge: Dgstay.
Dgstay offers 11 shared features plus one unique feature—curbside pickup—focused on elevating guest experience and operational efficiency. Its exclusive features support sustainability and quick content updates, with a total feature count of 12.
DOWHAT provides 10 unique features, including white-label apps, NFC, POS, and loyalty integrations, alongside 1 shared feature with Dgstay. Its focus on advanced contactless options and PMS integration makes it more suitable for hotels emphasizing seamless, contactless service.
Edge: Dgstay for broader hotel service management; DOWHAT for contactless, PMS-integrated services.
Dgstay’s customer support scores a near-perfect 4.96/5, with reviews highlighting rapid responses and support team responsiveness. Hoteliers appreciate the quick implementation and ongoing assistance, which minimizes operational disruptions.
DOWHAT’s support rating is 4.67/5, with reviewers mentioning generally good service but occasional system bugs that sometimes hinder usage. While still strong, Dgstay’s support reputation is more consistent and recent.
Edge: Dgstay.
Dgstay integrates with 3 verified partners, including hotelkit, Mews, and Oracle Hospitality, providing a wider range of operational connections. Its partnerships support a diverse set of hotel types and regional markets, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
DOWHAT has 2 verified integrations, sharing Oracle Hospitality but lacking others like hotelkit or Mews. Its integrations are more limited and regionally concentrated.
Edge: Dgstay.
Dgstay’s review score of 77.87/100 reflects strong satisfaction, especially among branded hotels and city center properties, which rate it highly due to its ease of use and operational impact. Its recent reviews reinforce high confidence in the platform.
DOWHAT, with no available overall rating, has fewer reviews and less recent feedback, making it harder to gauge overall hotel satisfaction. Currently, Dgstay’s ratings give it the lead in hotel confidence.
Edge: Dgstay.
Dgstay does not publicly list its pricing model, but it does not offer a freemium plan or trial, indicating a likely custom quote based on hotel size and needs.
DOWHAT charges a flat $400 monthly fee, with no free tier or trial available. The platform’s straightforward pricing may appeal to hotels with budget clarity but limits flexibility.
Both options require direct inquiries for precise quotes; Dgstay’s lack of public pricing suggests it may be more customizable.
Not ideal if you only need contactless check-in/out or PMS-specific features, as Dgstay’s focus is broader.
Not ideal if you require a comprehensive guest communication platform with extensive regional support.
Dgstay offers a well-rounded, highly rated guest communication platform that centralizes services, saves costs, and supports sustainability. Its broader feature set and recent positive reviews make it suitable for most hotels looking to modernize guest interactions.
DOWHAT focuses on contactless, PMS-integrated service enhancements, particularly beneficial for hotels prioritizing seamless check-in/out and smart ordering, but with less proven market presence.
If your hotel values a proven platform with extensive integrations and global reach, Dgstay is the clear choice. For properties seeking specific contactless features and tight PMS integration, DOWHAT can still serve well but carries less recent validation.
This comprehensive comparison should help you make a confident decision based on your hotel’s operational needs, guest experience goals, and regional considerations.
According to HTR's product database, Dgstay and Smart Order by DOWHAT share 11 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Credit Card Payments | ||
| Cross Venue Payment Splitting | ||
| Curbside Pickup | ||
| Google Pay | ||
| Near Field Contact (NFC) | ||
| POS Integration | ||
| White-label App |
What hoteliers love
2ROOMZ is praised for its intuitive, user-friendly design that simplifies operation for both hotel staff and guests. It allows for easy setup, smooth... 2ROOMZ is praised for its intuitive, user-friendly design that simplifies operation for both hotel staff and guests. It allows for easy setup, smooth training, and instant updates, making it an efficient tool in various hotel departments like front desk, housekeeping, and restaurants.
The tool is appreciated for its role in improving operational efficiency and facilitating brand standard compliance. By reducing the need for physical... The tool is appreciated for its role in improving operational efficiency and facilitating brand standard compliance. By reducing the need for physical documentation and centralizing information, it allows staff to focus on delivering better guest experiences.
Users commend the 2ROOMZ team for their responsiveness and quick implementation of updates and support. This feature ensures that any issues or reques... Users commend the 2ROOMZ team for their responsiveness and quick implementation of updates and support. This feature ensures that any issues or requested changes by the hotel staff are addressed immediately, maintaining smooth operations and high service standards.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Dgstay and Smart Order by DOWHAT share many core Mobile Ordering & Room Service features, but each has unique capabilities. Dgstay offers 3 verified integration partners, while Smart Order by DOWHAT offers 2. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Dgstay leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 4.8/5. 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.
Dgstay: No. Smart Order by DOWHAT: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Mobile Ordering & Room Service 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. Dgstay has an HT Score of 25 and DOWHAT 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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