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 235 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:
HiJiffy shines in guest engagement — especially for city-center properties (4.6/5), with exclusive features like Mobile App and Email to Chatbot Automation.
RUNNR.ai shines in Customer Support and Value for Money — especially for branded chain properties (5.0/5).
Side-by-side ratings based on 235 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $300/mo | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 195 | 40 |
After analyzing 235 verified reviews, HiJiffy users most value its guest engagement, automation and operational efficiency, multi-channel communication, while RUNNR.ai users highlight automation of guest inquiries, improvement in guest satisfaction, multichannel communication. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Guest Engagement
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Automation of Guest Inquiries
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Automation and Operational Efficiency
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Improvement in Guest Satisfaction
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Multi-Channel Communication
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Multichannel Communication
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Integration with Booking Systems
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Cost Efficiency
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Chatbot Tone and Interaction Challenges
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Integration with PMS/CRM
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Real-Time App Updates
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Potential Technology Improvements
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Customization and Flexibility
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Flexibility and Customization
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How each product ranks among Guest Messaging Software 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) ▾ | #7 32 reviews | #12 9 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #5 99 reviews | #13 20 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #5 33 reviews | #18 5 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #5 16 reviews | #15 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #6 87 reviews | #11 21 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #5 66 reviews | #13 16 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #5 52 reviews | #21 7 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #5 21 reviews | #15 3 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #15 17 reviews | #30 0 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #4 126 reviews | #6 40 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #3 25 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #5 4 reviews | — |
HiJiffy and RUNNR.ai both automate guest messaging, but their approaches differ sharply in scale and sophistication. HiJiffy, with over 2,500 hotels across 35 countries and 195 reviews, offers a comprehensive AI-driven guest communications hub supporting 73 features unique or shared, including deep integrations and multi-channel outreach. RUNNR.ai, smaller with 40 reviews from mostly European and North American hotels, focuses on a virtual concierge experience automating 95% of inquiries mainly via WhatsApp and SMS with fewer integrations and features.
Both products address the core hotel challenge of reducing front desk workload while providing personalized, timely guest communications that increase satisfaction and revenue. HiJiffy targets hotels seeking an all-in-one platform with extensive feature breadth and global reach, whereas RUNNR.ai suits properties favoring a streamlined, WhatsApp-centric solution with a higher user-rated ease of use and support.
If your hotel is mid-size or larger with complex operational needs and multiple booking channels, HiJiffy’s broader feature set, 64 verified integrations including booking engine and OTA price comparison, and proven case studies with up to 93% automation and 7.9x ROI make it the better choice. This is supported by 195 reviews averaging 4.4/5, demonstrating reliability across boutique, branded, resort, and luxury segments.
If you run a small to medium hotel in Europe or North America prioritizing ease of use, quick onboarding, and excellent customer support, RUNNR.ai’s 4.7/5 rating from 40 reviews and high scores in these areas make it attractive. It fits properties focused on WhatsApp and SMS guest engagement without needing extensive integrations or feature complexity. However, RUNNR.ai’s limited global presence and lack of case studies suggest less validation for large or multi-property groups.
Review volume and recency favor HiJiffy for scale and global applicability, while RUNNR.ai’s higher scores in ease and support reflect a more boutique user experience.
RUNNR.ai leads in ease of use with a 4.8/5 rating compared to HiJiffy’s 4.6/5, paired with 4.7/5 onboarding versus HiJiffy’s 4.4/5. Reviewers praise RUNNR.ai’s intuitive interface and rapid adoption by front desk teams, noting its straightforward setup and minimal training requirements. One user said the platform is “incredibly easy to use,” reducing front desk workload immediately.
HiJiffy’s higher feature density and customization options require more training, and some users mention occasional challenges with chatbot tone and desktop notification delays. However, its mobile app’s real-time updates improve usability on the go.
Edge: RUNNR.ai.
HiJiffy offers 73 total features (50 shared, 23 unique), including booking engine integration, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger integration, message routing, automated replies, real-time two-way translations supporting over 130 languages, upsell marketplace, booking recovery campaigns, and user profile customization. These directly impact operations by enabling multi-channel guest engagement, automated upselling, and detailed guest profiling, reducing manual front desk tasks and increasing revenue.
RUNNR.ai has no unique features beyond the shared 50, focusing on core messaging and virtual concierge functions. Its lack of booking engine integration or social media messaging limits its ability to manage the full guest journey or support upsells natively.
Edge: HiJiffy.
RUNNR.ai scores 4.8/5 in customer support and onboarding, surpassing HiJiffy’s 4.5/5 and 4.4/5 respectively. Reviewers highlight RUNNR.ai’s fast, efficient communication and ongoing innovation, with one saying, “The communication with the RUNNR.ai team has been fast and efficient from day one.” This responsiveness supports smooth adoption and continuous improvements.
HiJiffy also receives praise for effective and fast support, but some reviews mention long wait times and less helpful solutions during complex issues, indicating inconsistency in service quality.
Edge: RUNNR.ai.
HiJiffy offers 64 verified integrations, more than three times RUNNR.ai’s 19. Both share 11 partners including apaleo, RMS, Mews, Oracle Hospitality, and Stayntouch, ensuring compatibility with popular PMS and distribution systems. HiJiffy’s unique integrations with Omnibees, RoomRaccoon, Profitroom, and ROIBACK extend reach into booking engines and revenue management, enabling automated upselling and booking recovery workflows.
RUNNR.ai’s fewer integrations focus on operational tools like Great Stay App, Flexkeeping, and Shiji Group platforms, which may suit hotels with simpler tech stacks prioritizing guest communications.
Edge: HiJiffy.
RUNNR.ai’s overall rating is 4.7/5 with 40 reviews, higher than HiJiffy’s 4.4/5 across 195 reviews. However, HiJiffy’s larger review volume spanning diverse segments including luxury, resorts, and city center hotels provides a broader performance sample. HiJiffy’s last six months rating dropped to 4.0/5 from 4.4/5 overall, indicating some recent user dissatisfaction. RUNNR.ai’s last six months rating is unavailable due to limited reviews but maintains a high overall score.
Segment ratings show RUNNR.ai excels in boutique (4.8/5), branded (5/5), and city center hotels (4.7/5), while HiJiffy is stronger in resorts (4.4/5) and luxury hotels (4.6/5). RUNNR.ai users report higher satisfaction with ease and support, while HiJiffy users appreciate feature depth and automation scale.
Edge: RUNNR.ai.
HiJiffy charges a base price of $300.00 with no trial, freemium, flat monthly, or per-room pricing published. RUNNR.ai starts at $400.00 base price, also without trial or room-based pricing. Neither vendor discloses implementation fees.
HiJiffy offers a lower entry price, which combined with broader integrations and features, potentially yields better ROI for larger or more complex properties. RUNNR.ai’s higher base price reflects its boutique positioning and premium rated support.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
HiJiffy and RUNNR.ai both automate hotel guest communication but differ fundamentally in scale and sophistication. HiJiffy offers a comprehensive, AI-powered guest communications hub with extensive integrations and advanced features supporting complex workflows and large guest volumes. RUNNR.ai delivers a simpler, highly rated virtual concierge focused on WhatsApp and SMS with superior ease of use and support.
Choose HiJiffy if your hotel needs a robust omnichannel platform that automates over 80% of guest queries, integrates deeply with booking engines and OTAs, and supports a global multilingual guest base. The 195 reviews and multiple case studies confirm its effectiveness for upscale and branded hotels seeking revenue uplift through automated upselling and direct bookings.
Choose RUNNR.ai if your property prioritizes rapid adoption, top-tier support, and straightforward WhatsApp/SMS guest interactions without the need for extensive system integrations. Its 4.8/5 ease-of-use rating and 94% likelihood to recommend underscore its appeal for smaller, boutique hotels mainly in Europe and North America.
The choice hinges on operational complexity and channel diversity: HiJiffy for feature breadth and integration depth; RUNNR.ai for user experience and support quality.
These are the features each vendor has configured, organized by feature group — the same data shown in the vendor dashboard. Expand a group to compare features side by side.
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Unified Inbox
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| Team Messaging | ||
| Broadcast Messaging | ||
| Desktop App (non-web based) | ||
| Photo Sharing | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Mobile Friendly | ||
| Live Translations | ||
| Website Livechat | ||
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Multi-Channel
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| Whatsapp Integration | ||
| Facebook Messenger Integration | ||
| SMS text messaging | ||
| Website Livechat | ||
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Automation
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| Message Routing | ||
| Automated Replies | ||
| Chatbot Booking Agent | ||
| Broadcast Messaging | ||
| Upsell Fulfillment Tracking | ||
| Open API | ||
| Automated Workflows | ||
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Upselling & Ancillaries
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| Upsell Marketplace | ||
| Offer Campaigns | ||
| Upsell Fulfillment Tracking | ||
| Purchase Links | ||
| Charge to Folio | ||
| Room Upgrades Campaigns | ||
| Upselling Campaigns | ||
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Task & Request Management
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| Ticketing System | ||
| Tasks & Checklists | ||
| Inspections | ||
| Recurring Tasks | ||
| Upsell Fulfillment Tracking | ||
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Surveys & Feedback
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| Messaging Guest Surveys | ||
| TripAdvisor Review Partner | ||
| Guest Reviews Campaigns | ||
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Reporting & Analytics
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| Analytics dashboard | ||
| Guest History | ||
| Upsell Fulfillment Tracking | ||
| Team KPIs Dashboard | ||
| Custom Goal Setting | ||
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Compliance & Privacy
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| Automated Opt-In/Consent Collection | ||
| Secured Data Protection | ||
| Open API | ||
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Digital Registration & Check-in
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| Document & Passport Scanning | ||
| Credit Card Authorization | ||
| Mobile Keys | ||
| Custom Fields | ||
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Pre-Stay
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| Chatbot Booking Agent | ||
| Booking Recovery Campaigns | ||
| Behavioral Marketing Campaigns | ||
| Email to Chatbot Automation | ||
| Smooth Handover to Human Agents | ||
| Click to Call | ||
| Lead Qualification | ||
| OTA Price Comparison | ||
| Interface Personalization | ||
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In-Stay & Post Stay
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| Digital Check-in | ||
| Room Upgrades Campaigns | ||
| Upselling Campaigns | ||
| Automated Workflows | ||
| Custom Routing and Escalations | ||
| Pre-programmed Guest Notifications | ||
| Guest Reviews Campaigns | ||
| Retention Campaigns | ||
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Back-Office
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| Unified Omnichannel Inbox | ||
| Status Tabs in Inbox Navigation | ||
| Assigning Agents | ||
| Canned Responses | ||
| User Profile Customizations | ||
| Multi Property Management | ||
| Customizable Working Hours | ||
| Unlimited Users | ||
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Artificial Intelligence
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| Chatbot Booking Agent | ||
| Sentiment Analysis | ||
| Self-Learning NLP | ||
| Syntax & Semantic Analysis | ||
| Behavioral Analysis | ||
| Customer Profiling | ||
| Prediction & Forecasting |
We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"Typically, answers to customer queries are given quickly between tasks, but with HiJiffy, there's a real time to think about how to deal with a query in a clear and organised way."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"HiJiffy has enabled us to optimise the reception staff at Kora Green City. We are a hotel where we rely on technology to automate many of our processes, but we are very clear that..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
The tool significantly improves guest engagement by providing instant messaging capabilities, which results in higher guest satisfaction and improved... The tool significantly improves guest engagement by providing instant messaging capabilities, which results in higher guest satisfaction and improved overall service quality.
Users appreciate HiJiffy's automation features, which save countless hours by responding to routine inquiries and engaging with guests across multiple... Users appreciate HiJiffy's automation features, which save countless hours by responding to routine inquiries and engaging with guests across multiple channels. This allows hotel staff to focus on more complex tasks and significantly enhances guest satisfaction.
HiJiffy supports effective multi-channel guest communication, especially through platforms like WhatsApp, which users highlight as crucial for broader... HiJiffy supports effective multi-channel guest communication, especially through platforms like WhatsApp, which users highlight as crucial for broader reach and enhanced customer engagement.
Where hoteliers push back
Some reviews mention the chatbot's tone as robotic, occasionally causing frustration in handling guest questions. Improvements in personalization and... Some reviews mention the chatbot's tone as robotic, occasionally causing frustration in handling guest questions. Improvements in personalization and natural interaction could enhance effectiveness.
Users praise the tool’s mobile app for delivering real-time updates, which is particularly effective in maintaining a smooth flow of communication and... Users praise the tool’s mobile app for delivering real-time updates, which is particularly effective in maintaining a smooth flow of communication and ensuring timely responses.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
RUNNR.ai automates the majority of guest inquiries, significantly reducing the workload on reception staff. The system provides instant, human-like re... RUNNR.ai automates the majority of guest inquiries, significantly reducing the workload on reception staff. The system provides instant, human-like responses, often without guests realizing they are interacting with AI, thereby enhancing both efficiency and guest experiences.
RUNNR.ai significantly improves guest satisfaction by enabling more efficient communication, allowing guests to receive quick responses and personal a... RUNNR.ai significantly improves guest satisfaction by enabling more efficient communication, allowing guests to receive quick responses and personal attention, which boosts their overall experience.
While RUNNR.ai supports WhatsApp and online platforms, suggestions include diversifying communication channels to include options like SMS, broadening... While RUNNR.ai supports WhatsApp and online platforms, suggestions include diversifying communication channels to include options like SMS, broadening reach especially in regions where WhatsApp is less common.
Where hoteliers push back
Users desire more seamless integration with Property Management Systems. While some progress has been made, expanding integration options would free u... Users desire more seamless integration with Property Management Systems. While some progress has been made, expanding integration options would free up additional staff time and improve system usability.
Users suggest enhancements such as Gmail integration, as well as more robust connectivity and communication options to further leverage the system's p... Users suggest enhancements such as Gmail integration, as well as more robust connectivity and communication options to further leverage the system's potential.
Ranks higher for
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. HiJiffy and RUNNR.ai share many core Guest Messaging Software features, but each has unique capabilities. HiJiffy offers 64 verified integration partners, while RUNNR.ai offers 19. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. RUNNR.ai leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5. 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.
HiJiffy: No. RUNNR.ai: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Guest Messaging Software 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. HiJiffy has an HT Score of 88 and RUNNR.ai has 78. 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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