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 219 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 when it comes to guest engagement — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile App and Email to Chatbot Automation.
RUNNR.ai shines in ROI .
Side-by-side ratings based on 219 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $300/mo | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 185 | 34 |
After analyzing 219 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) ▾ | #8 28 reviews | #15 4 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #5 99 reviews | #14 17 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #5 24 reviews | #21 2 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #5 18 reviews | #13 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #6 81 reviews | #14 15 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #5 60 reviews | #13 12 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #5 48 reviews | #19 7 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #4 20 reviews | #15 2 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #14 17 reviews | #27 0 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #4 117 reviews | #7 29 reviews |
| Asia Pacific ▾ | #2 25 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #5 4 reviews | — |
Choosing the right guest messaging software can significantly impact your hotel’s operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Both HiJiffy and RUNNR.ai aim to automate communication, but they differ in maturity, review volume, features, and regional presence. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize proven scale, feature depth, and broader integration support, or if you seek a newer, streamlined solution with high flexibility. Which platform aligns best with your hotel’s specific needs?
HiJiffy, founded in 2016, offers a well-established platform with over 150 reviews and a recent surge of feedback in the last six months. Its 4.81/5 overall rating and extensive feature set—including 23 unique features—highlight its maturity and industry trust. Conversely, RUNNR.ai, launched in 2022, has a smaller review base with 31 reviews and a recent count of only five from the past six months. Its 4.7/5 value score and high 4.84/5 ease of use rating reflect its user-friendly approach, but its limited review volume suggests less proven scale. Do you prefer a platform with proven reliability, or one still building its reputation?
If your hotel needs a mature platform with extensive integrations, advanced AI capabilities, and proven results across large portfolios, HiJiffy is the clear choice. Its 59 verified partners, including major PMS integrations like Mews and Cloudbeds, and its proven success at brands like Leonardo Hotels and PortoBay, make it suitable for mid-to-large properties. On the other hand, if you’re a smaller hotel or boutique property seeking a straightforward, easy-to-implement solution with strong automation and high ease of use, RUNNR.ai fits those needs better. Its focus on simplicity and automation makes it ideal for properties prioritizing operational efficiency without complex customization.
HiJiffy boasts a 4.62/5 ease of use rating, supported by its intuitive interface, comprehensive onboarding, and widespread user satisfaction. Many reviews highlight its quick setup and minimal downtime, although some note a learning curve with its advanced features. RUNNR.ai, with a slightly higher 4.84/5 score, emphasizes simplicity, requiring less training and offering a straightforward onboarding process, especially for small teams. Its minimal feature set and streamlined design translate into faster adoption for properties that want rapid results. Edge: RUNNR.ai.
HiJiffy delivers 23 features exclusive to its platform, including booking engine integration, message routing, live inventory, multilingual chatbot, and upsell marketplace, providing a broad suite of capabilities tailored for larger operations. Conversely, RUNNR.ai offers a focused, AI-driven communication service with core automation for inquiries, upsells, and task management, lacking many of HiJiffy’s advanced integrations. While both support multichannel messaging, HiJiffy’s extensive feature set makes it more adaptable for complex needs. Edge: HiJiffy.
HiJiffy’s support scores 4.58/5, with reviews praising quick response times, proactive problem-solving, and dedicated onboarding assistance. Many users mention their support team’s responsiveness as critical to a smooth implementation. RUNNR.ai scores slightly higher at 4.81/5, with testimonials emphasizing personalized, attentive service from a small team, despite fewer reviews. Given the larger review base and more established support infrastructure, HiJiffy’s support is more proven at scale. Edge: RUNNR.ai.
HiJiffy boasts 59 verified partners, including leading PMS, channel managers, and marketing platforms, with nine shared partners with RUNNR.ai. Notable integrations include WebRezPro, Profitroom, and GuestCentric, supporting extensive customization. RUNNR.ai, with just 17 verified partners, has fewer options but still connects with major booking channels like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb. For properties seeking broad system interoperability, HiJiffy’s larger integration network provides greater flexibility. Edge: HiJiffy.
HiJiffy’s reviews, especially recent ones, consistently rate it highly at 4.81/5, with users across various segments—resorts, city hotels, and brands—highlighting its effectiveness and support. The platform’s 32 recent reviews in the last six months add to its credibility. RUNNR.ai’s smaller review count and a few recent high ratings (notably 4.8/5 on ease of use) suggest strong satisfaction among early adopters but less overall confidence. Given the review volume and recency, HiJiffy is more trusted. Edge: HiJiffy.
HiJiffy charges a base price of $300 per month, with no freemium or trial options listed, indicating a straightforward subscription model. RUNNR.ai’s base price is $400 per month, similarly without trial or freemium tiers. Both platforms are priced similarly, but HiJiffy’s lower starting cost makes it more accessible, especially for larger portfolios seeking proven value. Do keep in mind that additional features or integrations may incur extra costs.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
HiJiffy stands out as the more mature, feature-rich platform with a proven track record across diverse hotel types and regions. Its extensive integrations, high review volume, and proven ROI make it ideal for larger or more complex operations.
RUNNR.ai offers a straightforward, easy-to-use platform with high automation and rapid deployment, making it attractive for small to mid-sized properties prioritizing operational efficiency. Its smaller scale and focus on core communication automation suit properties seeking simplicity and speed.
If your hotel values extensive features, proven reliability, and a broad integration network, choose HiJiffy. For streamlined, easy-to-handle automation with high usability, go with RUNNR.ai. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize proven scale or lightweight simplicity.
According to HTR's product database, HiJiffy and RUNNR.ai share 50 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Automated Replies | ||
| Booking Engine Integration | ||
| Chatbot | ||
| Facebook Messenger Integration | ||
| Message Routing | ||
| Whatsapp Integration |
Showing top differences. 11 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"Integrating HiJiffy’s chatbot solution has transformed our customer service experience. Previously, managing inquiries was challenging, resulting in delays and dissatisfaction amon..."
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 62 verified integration partners, while RUNNR.ai offers 18. 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 86 and RUNNR.ai has 76. 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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