The Hotel Communication Network (HCN) vs. STAY Guest App:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between The Hotel Communication Network (HCN) and STAY Guest App involves evaluating how each platform addresses your hotel’s guest communication needs. Both aim to improve guest experience through digital self-service, but they target different operational aspects and user experiences. HCN emphasizes mission-critical in-room automation under your brand, while STAY focuses on mobile access to hotel services and operational efficiency. Which solution aligns better with your hotel’s current priorities?

Your team needs to consider the core problem you want to solve—whether it's in-room automation, guest communication, or operational digitization—and how each platform fits into your existing technology ecosystem. Can both meet your needs equally well, or is one inherently more suitable for your hotel’s size and segment?

Is The Hotel Communication Network or STAY Guest App Better for Hotels?

HCN specializes in delivering mission-critical guest self-service, primarily through in-room voice and automation features, with a strong emphasis on self-service under your brand. Its focus on in-room automation might be ideal if your hotel prioritizes in-room guest interactions and real-time voice support.

STAY, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive mobile guest app that provides access to hotel services, reservations, and real-time updates, making it more versatile for hotels that want to digitize multiple touchpoints across the guest journey.

If your hotel needs to deploy in-room voice and automation under your brand, HCN could be the better fit; if you want a mobile-centric platform with broader service integration, STAY is the stronger choice. Are you seeking in-room automation or guest-facing mobile convenience?

STAY Guest App vs The Hotel Communication Network: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

For hotels that need a mobile app to improve guest communication, increase service efficiency, and reduce front desk queues, STAY is clearly the better choice with over 200 recent reviews and a 4/5 rating. Its user-friendly interface and extensive integration capabilities make it suitable for both large chains like NH Hotels and independent resorts.

If your hotel requires mission-critical, in-room automation with voice features and direct self-service controls, HCN's focus on in-room guest self-service might be more aligned. However, with no recent reviews and a 0/5 rating, HCN's support and usability are less proven.

In summary, choose STAY if your priority is a mobile-based guest experience platform, and consider HCN only if in-room automation under your brand is mission-critical. Which operational areas are your top priority?

Is STAY Guest App or The Hotel Communication Network Easier to Use?

STAY’s ease of use is evident with a 4.78/5 rating, praise from users for its intuitive design, simple content management, and quick onboarding. Its mobile app is designed for staff and guests, simplifying content updates and service requests.

HCN received a 0/5 score, with no recent reviews or feedback on usability. Its lack of recent data makes assessing its user experience challenging, but the absence of support and reviews suggests potential difficulty in staff adoption.

Edge: STAY.

Which Has Better Features: STAY Guest App or The Hotel Communication Network?

STAY offers 4 exclusive features—mobile app, chatbot, automated replies, and message routing—that support a flexible, multi-channel guest experience. Its 20 verified integrations with PMS, CRM, and other systems make it highly adaptable for various hotel tech stacks.

HCN provides only 2 features unique to its platform: mobile check-in and payments. With only 10 shared features, HCN's offerings seem limited compared to STAY’s broader functionality.

Edge: STAY.

Which Has Better Customer Support: STAY or HCN?

STAY’s customer support receives a 4.83/5 rating, with reviews emphasizing quick, helpful assistance, although some mention limited hours and no phone support. Its onboarding process is rated 4.63/5, indicating a smooth implementation.

HCN has no recent reviews or ratings, making support quality impossible to assess. Its lack of recent data suggests weaker customer support and user engagement.

Edge: STAY.

Which Has More Integrations: STAY or HCN?

STAY boasts 20 verified partners, including major systems like Hotelkit, SiteMinder, and Mews, allowing extensive integration options. Its ability to connect with current hotel management systems provides a seamless experience.

HCN has only 3 verified partners, with Stayntouch and Oracle Hospitality among them. Its limited integration options constrain its flexibility in complex hotel environments.

Edge: STAY.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: STAY or HCN?

STAY’s average rating of 3/5 is based on 206 reviews, mostly recent, with hoteliers praising operational improvements and guest satisfaction. Its reviews cover a range of hotel segments, from luxury to resorts, and emphasize ease of use and support.

HCN, with zero reviews and a 0/5 score, cannot be rated by hoteliers. The absence of recent feedback indicates less user satisfaction or market presence.

Edge: STAY.

How Much Do STAY Guest App and HCN Cost?

STAY charges a straightforward base price of $300 per month, with no implementation or hidden fees. Pricing details for HCN are unavailable, and no trial options are offered.

Given the transparent pricing and positive value ratings, STAY appears to be a predictable investment; HCN’s costs remain unclear.

What Type of Hotel Should Use STAY?

• Hotels that want to digitize guest services on smartphones.
• Hotels aiming to reduce front desk queues and increase revenue.
• Properties seeking detailed analytics and integration with existing systems.
• Hotels focused on operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Teams that prefer an intuitive, mobile-based platform.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel relies heavily on voice automation or in-room self-service.
• You need a system with extensive language support.
• Your property is very small or primarily focused on in-room automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use The Hotel Communication Network?

• Hotels prioritizing in-room automation with voice features.
• Properties seeking to deliver self-service under their brand at the room level.
• Hotels wanting to streamline guest requests via voice control.
• Hotels that prefer a self-service system integrated into guest rooms.

Not ideal if:

• You require a mobile app for broad guest engagement.
• You want a flexible, multi-channel platform.
• Your hotel needs extensive integrations or recent support and reviews.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

HCN primarily offers in-room automation, ideal for hotels seeking to enhance guest self-service at the room level with voice capabilities. However, with no recent reviews, support, or clear pricing, its market viability is questionable.

STAY delivers a mobile guest experience platform rated highly by users, with extensive integrations, proven support, and recent reviews. It’s better suited for hotels aiming to digitize their guest services across multiple touchpoints.

Choose HCN if your hotel’s focus is in-room automation and voice-controlled self-service under your brand, and you are willing to navigate limited recent data. Opt for STAY if your priority is a versatile, widely adopted mobile app that improves operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. For most hotels, STAY offers a safer, more proven path to enhancing guest experience.