Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT vs. STAY Guest App:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between DOWHAT’s Smart Check-in/Out and STAY’s Guest App hinges on your hotel’s specific needs. Both platforms aim to enhance guest experience and streamline operations, but they approach these goals differently. DOWHAT focuses primarily on contactless check-in/out and room access, while STAY offers a broader suite of guest services and operational tools. Which one aligns better with your current priorities?

DOWHAT has a very limited review base, with just three reviews and no recent feedback, making it difficult to gauge ongoing performance. Conversely, STAY boasts over 200 recent reviews, with a 4/5 overall rating and a high likelihood of recommendation at 96%. This indicates a more proven track record in the field. Are you prepared to rely on a platform with limited public feedback, or do you prefer a solution backed by extensive, recent user experiences?

Is DOWHAT or STAY Better for Hotels?

DOWHAT’s core strength lies in its contactless check-in/out capabilities, enabling guests to check in via app, web, or kiosks, and access rooms with digital keys. This reduces queues and physical touchpoints, making it ideal for hotels prioritizing operational efficiency and safety. STAY, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive guest experience OS that digitizes a variety of hotel services, from reservations to amenity requests, all accessible via a mobile app.

If your hotel needs to minimize front desk queues and improve operational flow, DOWHAT is a strong choice. If you aim to elevate the guest experience through multiple digital services—such as restaurant bookings, spa appointments, and real-time updates—STAY provides a broader set of features. Do you want to focus on streamlined check-in/out or a full-service guest platform?

DOWHAT vs STAY: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel predominantly serves hostels, inns, or budget accommodations, DOWHAT's straightforward check-in/out system might meet your needs, especially given its simplicity and contactless approach. Its low review count makes it less risky if you’re seeking a focused solution for queue reduction and room access.

STAY is better suited for hotels of all sizes, especially those in chains or with a desire to digitize multiple guest touchpoints. Its user-friendly interface, extensive features, and proven track record with over 200 recent reviews make it a more reliable choice for large, complex operations. If your goal is to enhance operational efficiency and guest engagement simultaneously, STAY is the more comprehensive option.

Is DOWHAT or STAY Easier to Use?

DOWHAT's ease of use is rated at 4.33/5, but with limited feedback, it's unclear how quickly staff adapt or how intuitive the onboarding process is in practice. Its interface appears straightforward, but the onboarding process scored only 3.33/5, indicating potential challenges for new users.

STAY excels in usability, with a 4.78/5 ease of use rating and an onboarding score of 4.63/5. Many reviews praise how intuitive the platform is for staff and guests alike, aided by a simple CMS and clear content management features. Its widespread adoption among large hotel chains indicates a smoother implementation process. Edge: STAY.

Which Has Better Features: DOWHAT or STAY?

DOWHAT offers two unique features: Payments and Mobile Check-in, directly supporting contactless arrivals and checkouts. These features are essential for queue reduction but are limited in scope.

STAY provides four exclusive features: Mobile App, Chatbot, Automated Replies, and Message Routing. These enable personalized guest communication, real-time support, and streamlined internal messaging—features that significantly boost operational responsiveness. With 10 shared features, STAY's additional capabilities give it a clear edge in feature richness. Edge: STAY.

Which Has Better Customer Support: DOWHAT or STAY?

DOWHAT’s support ratings sit at 4/5, but with only three reviews, feedback on actual support quality is limited. Review quotes suggest satisfaction but lack detail on responsiveness or problem resolution.

STAY outperforms with a support rating of 4.83/5 based on over 200 reviews, with many users praising the team’s quick, helpful responses. Clients highlight how support helps them customize and troubleshoot effectively. Given the larger, more recent feedback pool, STAY’s support is more reliably trusted. Edge: STAY.

Which Has More Integrations: DOWHAT or STAY?

DOWHAT integrates with only two verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, limiting its connectivity. Its minimal integrations may restrict customization or data sharing with other systems.

STAY boasts 20 verified integrations, including industry leaders like hotelkit, SiteMinder, Mews, and Unifocus, plus a shared partner with DOWHAT (Oracle Hospitality). This broad ecosystem facilitates seamless data flow and operational flexibility. If extensive integrations are vital for your hotel’s tech stack, STAY is the clear winner. Edge: STAY.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: DOWHAT or STAY?

DOWHAT’s reviews are scarce, with only three, all highly positive but outdated. No recent data suggests strong, ongoing user satisfaction.

STAY has over 200 reviews in the past six months, with a 4/5 overall rating and a 96% likelihood of recommendation. Hotels across segments—luxury, resorts, chains—report significant improvements in guest experience and operational efficiency. This recent volume of feedback underscores STAY’s trusted position in the market. Edge: STAY.

How Much Do DOWHAT and STAY Cost?

DOWHAT’s pricing starts at $400 monthly, with no free tier or trial available. The cost may be justified if you only need check-in/out features.

STAY charges $300 monthly, also without a free trial. Its lower price point and broader feature set can offer more value for hotels seeking a full guest experience platform. Exact ROI depends on your hotel’s scale and feature needs—consider your priorities carefully.

What Type of Hotel Should Use DOWHAT?

• Hotels that prioritize contactless check-in/out and room access.
• Properties seeking to reduce queues and physical contact at arrival/departure.
• Small hotels, hostels, or inns with limited service models.
• Hotels with a focus on operational efficiency and safety.
• Teams looking for a straightforward, easy-to-deploy solution for check-in/out.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel needs a comprehensive guest experience platform.
• You require extensive integrations or additional features like messaging or bookings.
• Your property serves luxury or full-service segments demanding more guest engagement tools.

What Type of Hotel Should Use STAY?

• Hotels aiming to digitize multiple guest services, from reservations to amenities.
• Large properties, chains, or resorts seeking extensive integrations.
• Hotels wanting to improve operational efficiency and guest satisfaction simultaneously.
• Properties that value customizable, real-time guest communication.
• Hotels looking for a platform with proven user satisfaction and recent reviews.

Not ideal if:

• Your focus is solely on contactless check-in/out without additional services.
• Your hotel prefers a minimal, single-function system.
• You have budget constraints limiting subscription expenses.

DOWHAT vs STAY: The Bottom Line for Hotels

DOWHAT offers a focused, contactless check-in/out solution suited for hotels prioritizing queue reduction and operational safety. Its limited feature set and recent review scarcity make it less appealing for comprehensive guest experience enhancements.

STAY provides a broad, well-reviewed platform that digitizes a wide array of hotel services, backed by extensive integrations and proven market success. It’s a better choice for hotels seeking to elevate guest satisfaction and optimize staff workflows across multiple touchpoints.

If your hotel’s primary goal is to streamline arrivals and departures, DOWHAT may suffice. However, for most hotels aiming to modernize the guest journey and internal operations, STAY is the more reliable, feature-rich solution. The choice is clear: STAY is the stronger performer with more recent, substantial validation.