Smart Order by DOWHAT vs. IRIS:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between DOWHAT’s Smart Order and IRIS Systems hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Both products aim to streamline mobile ordering and room service, but they diverge significantly in features, integrations, and market presence. DOWHAT offers a straightforward platform with a focus on contactless service and collaboration, while IRIS provides a more extensive suite of digital tools with broader integration options. Which solution aligns better with your hotel’s current capabilities and growth plans?

Is DOWHAT or IRIS Better for Hotels?

DOWHAT’s Smart Order focuses primarily on contactless service, guest communication, and basic staff collaboration. It’s designed to replace in-house services that cannot be integrated directly with PMS, making it suitable for hotels prioritizing contactless and efficient communication.

IRIS, on the other hand, offers a far richer set of features, including digital menus, city guides, housekeeping requests, and POS integration. Its platform is tailored for hotels seeking to elevate guest experience through various digital touchpoints, especially those wanting to boost F&B revenues.

While DOWHAT’s simplicity benefits hotels needing quick deployment, IRIS’s comprehensive feature set appeals to properties aiming for a holistic digital guest journey. Do you need a leaner solution or a robust, multifunctional platform?

DOWHAT vs IRIS: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a user-friendly mobile ordering system primarily for contactless check-in, concierge, and staff collaboration, DOWHAT is a suitable fit. It’s particularly effective for hostels, mid-sized properties, or hotels in regions with limited tech infrastructure, given its high ease of use (4.83/5) and focus on core services.

If your hotel requires a broader digital experience—covering in-room dining, digital directories, multilingual support, PMS integration, and revenue-driving features—IRIS is the superior choice. With a 5/5 overall rating and 37 recent reviews, IRIS’s extensive feature list (16 exclusive features) and proven revenue impact make it ideal for independent hotels, resorts, and branded properties wanting to modernize their F&B and guest services.

In summary, choose DOWHAT if your priority is simple, contactless communication; pick IRIS if you’re investing in a comprehensive, multifunctional guest experience platform.

Is DOWHAT or IRIS Easier to Use?

DOWHAT’s ease of use is rated at 4.83/5, with reviews highlighting its intuitive interface and straightforward onboarding process. Users appreciate how staff can quickly adopt the system, and many mention that it simplifies communication for concierge, front desk, and housekeeping tasks.

IRIS scores 4.62/5 in ease of use, with reviewers praising its user-friendly interface and smooth learning curve, despite its broader feature set. Customers highlight the responsive onboarding support and accessible design, though some mention the need for better documentation.

Edge: DOWHAT.

Which Has Better Features: DOWHAT or IRIS?

IRIS boasts 16 features exclusive to its platform, including digital menus, city guides, POS integration, in-room dining, multi-currency, and digital concierge services. It also offers automation, scheduling, and multi-lingual support, making it a versatile solution for diverse hotel types.

DOWHAT offers 3 unique features: cross-venue payment splitting, Near Field Contact (NFC), and loyalty program integrations. Its core focus remains on contactless communication, concierge, and collaboration tools.

Given the broader scope, IRIS’s 16 exclusive features give it a decisive edge for hotels seeking a comprehensive guest experience platform.

Edge: IRIS.

Which Has Better Customer Support: DOWHAT or IRIS?

DOWHAT’s support scores 4.67/5, with reviews emphasizing consistent communication and ongoing service improvements. Users report that the team is helpful, though some wish for faster feature development.

IRIS’s support is rated slightly higher at 4.73/5, with reviews praising the onboarding process, responsiveness, and professionalism of staff like Catalina and Miguel. Some reviews mention that improved training materials could enhance the experience further.

Edge: IRIS.

Which Has More Integrations: DOWHAT or IRIS?

IRIS offers 17 verified integrations, including major POS, PMS, and payment providers like Oracle Hospitality, and additional unique partners such as Shiji Group and Amadeus. This extensive network supports smoother operations across F&B, PMS, and other hotel systems.

DOWHAT has only 2 verified partners, with a focus on basic integrations. Its limited connectivity could restrict automation and data sharing, making IRIS more suitable for hotels seeking an integrated tech environment.

Edge: IRIS.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: DOWHAT or IRIS?

IRIS’s recent reviews and high overall rating (5/5 with 37 reviews) indicate strong satisfaction among independent, resort, and branded hotels. Its recent feedback highlights increased revenue, improved guest experience, and ease of use.

DOWHAT’s reviews are limited (12 total, none in the last 6 months), and ratings are poor (0/5), reflecting outdated or limited feedback. Its niche use in hostels and small properties is noted, but overall, IRIS’s recent reviews give it a clear advantage.

Edge: IRIS.

How Much Do DOWHAT and IRIS Cost?

DOWHAT charges a flat $400 monthly fee without additional implementation costs, making its pricing transparent. In contrast, IRIS’s pricing is not publicly disclosed, though it is described as a subscription-based model without initial fees.

Given the detailed pricing, DOWHAT’s straightforward, predictable cost structure is advantageous for budget-conscious properties. IRIS’s pricing may vary depending on features and integrations, requiring direct inquiry for an accurate quote.

What Type of Hotel Should Use DOWHAT?

• Hotels that prioritize contactless check-in and check-out, such as boutique hotels, hostels, or properties in regions with limited infrastructure.
• Teams seeking a simple, fast-to-deploy solution for guest requests and communication.
• Hotels that want to improve staff collaboration and guest service without extensive integration needs.
• Properties with a focus on reducing in-person contact and language barriers.

Not ideal if your hotel requires a broad range of digital services, extensive integrations, or sophisticated revenue management features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use IRIS?

• Hotels aiming to maximize F&B revenue through digital menus, in-room dining, and contactless ordering.
• Resorts or independent properties seeking a full digital guest journey, including city guides, multilingual support, and automation.
• Hotels with existing POS and PMS systems that can benefit from IRIS’s extensive integrations.
• Properties looking to elevate guest satisfaction with personalized, contactless services and a digital concierge.

Not ideal if your hotel prefers a minimal system or has limited staff capacity to manage ongoing integration and customization.

IRIS vs DOWHAT: The Bottom Line for Hotels

DOWHAT offers a targeted platform optimized for contactless communication and collaboration, making it suitable for smaller, less complex properties. Its limited features and integrations mean it’s best for hotels that want quick, straightforward improvements in guest interaction without extensive digital services.

IRIS provides a comprehensive digital guest experience, with a broad feature set, multiple integrations, and proven revenue impact. Its higher review count and recent positive feedback highlight its effectiveness for independent hotels, resorts, and branded properties seeking to modernize F&B and guest services.

If you need a simple, reliable contactless solution, DOWHAT is a decent choice. But for hotels ready to invest in a full-scale digital transformation, IRIS is the more solid, future-proof option.