freetobook vs. Stayntouch:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between freetobook and Stayntouch ultimately hinges on your hotel's size, operational complexity, and the features most critical to your team. Both systems aim to streamline reservations and improve guest experiences, but they diverge significantly in scope, pricing, and target use cases.

freetobook caters primarily to small, independent properties like B&Bs and boutique hotels, emphasizing affordability and ease of use. Conversely, Stayntouch targets mid-sized to large properties, chains, and resorts with its extensive integrations and multi-property management features. Which system aligns better with your current needs and future growth plans?

Is freetobook or Stayntouch Better for Hotels?

freetobook is designed for small to medium-sized independent hotels and B&Bs, offering a straightforward platform with essential tools for reservation management, channel distribution, and guest communication. Stayntouch, however, provides a comprehensive cloud-based PMS suitable for larger operations, including group and multi-property management, with a broader feature set.

While freetobook boasts a user-friendly interface and excellent value for money, Stayntouch’s advanced automation, mobile capabilities, and extensive third-party integrations make it better suited for hotels seeking to scale and automate complex operations. Which of these profiles matches your hotel's current structure and ambitions?

freetobook vs Stayntouch: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel is a small independent property, such as a guesthouse, B&B, or boutique hotel with limited staff, go with freetobook. Its simplicity, affordability ($200 base price), and strong review scores (87.2 HTR score; 129 reviews, 27 recent) make it a dependable choice.

If your hotel is part of a larger chain, resort, or has multiple properties, Stayntouch is the better fit. Its robust multi-property management, 188 verified integrations, and a higher overall rating (91 HTR score; 317 reviews, 26 recent) support more complex operations and growth. When scaling, this system offers advanced automation and integration features that freetobook cannot match.

Is freetobook or Stayntouch Easier to Use?

freetobook receives near-perfect ease of use ratings (4.91/5), confirmed by reviews highlighting its intuitive interface and fast onboarding suited for staff with varying tech skills. Users praise its straightforward reservation process and channel management, with comments like, “Even less tech-savvy staff can manage it easily.”

Stayntouch also scores highly for usability (4.7/5), with many reviewers emphasizing its mobile-friendly screens and efficient training. However, some note that complex features may require initial guidance, and speed can be slightly slower when switching between modules. Edge: freetobook.

Which Has Better Features: freetobook or Stayntouch?

freetobook offers 35 shared features with its competitors, plus 3 unique capabilities: automated reminders, gift vouchers, and employee messaging, emphasizing direct communication and guest engagement. Stayntouch, on the other hand, includes 14 features exclusive to its platform, such as group functionality, automated night audit, integrated ID & passport scanners, and online checkout, supporting advanced automation and security.

While freetobook’s features suffice for small properties, Stayntouch's offerings cater to larger, more complex operations requiring multi-lingual support, task management, and integrated CRS. Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Has Better Customer Support: freetobook or Stayntouch?

freetobook boasts a customer support rating of 4.91/5, with positive reviews describing their team as knowledgeable and responsive, especially for small property needs. Clients mention, “Support is great with one-to-one help, making sure we get the most out of the PMS,” indicating strong satisfaction.

Stayntouch's support rating is slightly lower at 4.68/5, with reviews praising onboarding and training but noting occasional delays in issue resolution. Many users highlight personalized onboarding and proactive support, yet freetobook's higher recent review count suggests more current positive feedback. Edge: freetobook.

Which Has More Integrations: freetobook or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch offers a vast ecosystem, with 188 verified integrations, including popular partners like RoomPriceGenie, STAAH, and RevControl, supporting extensive automation and data flow. freetobook has 4 verified partners, including Stripe, Pitchup.com, and Sweeply, focusing on essential channels and payment providers.

If your property relies on a broad network of integrations and automation, Stayntouch’s ecosystem provides greater flexibility. For simpler needs, freetobook’s limited but effective integrations may suffice. Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: freetobook or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch enjoys a higher average rating (4.56/5) based on 317 reviews, with recent feedback from mid-sized and large properties emphasizing its scalability and multi-property management. Hoteliers in these segments praise its ease of use and automation.

freetobook's overall rating is 0/5 in the review score, but it holds a 87.2 HTR score based on 129 reviews, with recent feedback highlighting its simplicity and affordability. Given the more recent reviews and higher overall rating, Stayntouch is the more highly rated system for larger or growing hotels. Edge: Stayntouch.

How Much Do freetobook and Stayntouch Cost?

freetobook charges a flat $200 monthly fee without a trial, making it an accessible option for small properties with limited budgets. Stayntouch costs $800 monthly, reflecting its extensive features and multi-property capabilities, with no trial or implementation fees mentioned.

Cost-wise, freetobook is more affordable upfront, but whether it offers sufficient value depends on your hotel’s size and operational needs. Larger hotels or chains will find Stayntouch’s higher price justified by its scalability and automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use freetobook?

• Hotels that prioritize affordability and simplicity, such as small B&Bs, inns, or boutique hotels with limited staff.
• Properties that mainly need reservation management, basic channel distribution, and guest communication.
• Teams that want to manage bookings without complex automation or multi-property features.
• Hotels with a focus on direct bookings and limited third-party integrations.

Not ideal if your property:

• Has multiple locations or complex group management needs.
• Requires extensive automation or advanced revenue management.
• Needs multi-lingual support or integrated contactless check-in.
• Operates at a scale where automation and extensive integrations are critical.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Stayntouch?

• Hotels with multiple properties or large resorts requiring centralized management.
• Chains looking for extensive automation, including group functions and online checkouts.
• Hotels aiming to enhance guest experience with mobile check-in and contactless solutions.
• Properties that need comprehensive reporting, task management, and third-party integrations.

Not ideal if your hotel:

• Is a small independent B&B or guesthouse with basic needs.
• Prefers a budget-oriented, straightforward platform.
• Has limited staff and does not require multi-property management.
• Needs a system that emphasizes low-cost, simple reservation tools over automation.

Stayntouch vs freetobook: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference lies in scope: freetobook is a budget-friendly, user-friendly system tailored for small properties, while Stayntouch offers a scalable, multi-feature platform designed for larger, complex operations.

If your hotel is small, with minimal automation needs, and budget is a priority, freetobook’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it the logical choice. If your property aims to grow, automate extensively, and manage multiple locations efficiently, Stayntouch’s advanced features and integrations justify its higher price point.

For small independent hotels seeking a straightforward solution, freetobook wins. For larger operations or those planning to scale, Stayntouch provides the tools to support that growth confidently.