HotelRunner PMS vs. Stayntouch:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between HotelRunner PMS and Stayntouch hinges on your hotel’s operational needs, budget, and growth plans. Both systems aim to streamline management and improve guest experiences, but they diverge in features, ease of use, and market presence. Your team must consider which aligns best with your current scale and future ambitions: a cost-effective solution with core functionalities or a comprehensive, feature-rich platform.

HotelRunner offers a budget-friendly, straightforward management system with a 5/5 overall rating backed by 16 reviews, primarily from boutique and B&B properties. Stayntouch, by comparison, boasts a 4.56/5 rating from over 317 recent reviews, making it the more reviewed and thus more reliable choice for larger or growing hotels. Which platform truly fits your hotel’s unique operations?

Is HotelRunner PMS or Stayntouch Better for Hotels?

Both HotelRunner and Stayntouch serve hotel management needs, but their focus and scope differ. HotelRunner provides a simple, easy-to-use PMS focusing on reservation control, channel management, and basic guest CRM, ideal for small to mid-sized properties. Stayntouch offers a broader, cloud-based solution with advanced functionalities such as online check-in, guest messaging, and extensive third-party integrations, catering to larger hotels and chains.

HotelRunner is praised for its affordability and ease of onboarding, making it suitable for boutique hotels and properties with limited IT resources. Stayntouch’s more extensive feature set and multi-property management tools make it a better choice if your hotel is scaling or managing multiple locations. Do you need a straightforward solution or a system with deep capabilities?

HotelRunner vs Stayntouch: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel primarily needs a cost-effective PMS that simplifies daily reservations, check-ins, and basic guest management, HotelRunner is the logical choice. Its simple interface and dedicated channel manager are ideal for boutique hotels and guesthouses seeking efficient operations without overwhelming complexity.

However, if your hotel requires a system that supports online check-in/out, guest messaging, task management, and multi-property oversight, Stayntouch is the better fit. Its user-friendly mobile interface and extensive third-party integrations are perfect for larger properties aiming to enhance guest experiences and staff productivity.

In summary, choose HotelRunner if your focus is core reservation management at an affordable price. Opt for Stayntouch if you want a scalable, feature-rich platform with strong multi-property and guest engagement capabilities.

Is HotelRunner PMS or Stayntouch Easier to Use?

HotelRunner’s UI scores a 4.81/5 with a simple, intuitive setup, making onboarding quick and staff adoption straightforward. Reviewers highlight its user-friendly interface, especially for smaller teams, and note few reports of training issues. However, some users mention the mobile app could be more functional, especially for reservations.

Stayntouch maintains a high ease-of-use score at 4.7/5, with reviews emphasizing its straightforward screens and quick staff onboarding. Users appreciate its cloud-based access and minimal learning curve, though some suggest additional training for advanced features like rate management. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: HotelRunner or Stayntouch?

HotelRunner offers 29 features, including native email marketing, guest CRM, gift vouchers, and mobile device notes—features tailored for smaller operations seeking core functionalities. Stayntouch provides 49 features, including task management, online check-in/out, guest messaging, real-time reporting, and GDPR compliance, catering to larger or multi-property hotels.

Stayntouch’s extensive feature set, especially in automation, guest engagement, and security, outpaces HotelRunner’s more basic offerings. If your hotel needs advanced guest communication, automated tasks, or multi-property management, Stayntouch is the clear winner. Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Has Better Customer Support: HotelRunner or Stayntouch?

HotelRunner scores a perfect 5/5 in support and onboarding, with reviewers praising ongoing training and quick assistance. Comments like "Great relationship with HotelRunner" highlight their proactive approach, although some mention support hours could be more flexible.

Stayntouch’s support rating is slightly lower at 4.68/5, but reviews emphasize excellent onboarding, training, and consistent upgrades. Users like the availability of support without ticket creation, though some note that speed in resolving complex issues could improve. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has More Integrations: HotelRunner or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch’s 188 verified integrations far surpass HotelRunner’s 17, including key third-party systems like RoomPriceGenie, RevControl, and Zaplox. Both systems share some partners, such as IDeaS and Pricepoint, but Stayntouch’s extensive API options and open architecture make it easier to connect with other hotel systems.

HotelRunner’s integrations are limited but include major OTAs like Airbnb, Expedia, and Agoda, suitable for properties seeking simple connectivity. For hotels requiring complex, multi-system setups, Stayntouch’s larger integration network is the better choice. Edge: Stayntouch.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: HotelRunner or Stayntouch?

HotelRunner has a small review base but receives perfect 5-star ratings from all 16 reviews, mainly from boutique properties valuing ease and affordability. Stayntouch, with over 317 recent reviews, averages 4.56/5, with high marks from both independent and branded hotels.

Larger, multi-property hotels tend to rate Stayntouch higher due to its advanced features and scalability. Smaller hotels prioritize HotelRunner’s simplicity and support. Given the review count and recent feedback, Stayntouch’s ratings are more representative of current user experience. Edge: Stayntouch.

How Much Do HotelRunner and Stayntouch Cost?

HotelRunner charges a flat $100 monthly fee, with no implementation fees or trial periods, making it an affordable option for small to mid-sized hotels. Stayntouch’s starting price is $800 per month, reflecting its broader feature set and scalability.

While HotelRunner’s pricing is straightforward and budget-friendly, Stayntouch’s higher cost corresponds to its extensive capabilities and multi-property management features. Your decision should factor in the value derived from advanced features versus initial affordability.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

• Hotels that need a simple, cost-effective PMS for reservations, channel management, and guest CRM.
• Boutique hotels, B&Bs, hostels, or small properties with limited IT staff.
• Teams seeking quick onboarding and straightforward daily operations.
• Hotels with a tight budget but still requiring reliable support.

Not ideal if your team needs extensive automation, multi-property oversight, or advanced guest engagement tools. Larger chains or properties with complex operations may find HotelRunner’s features limiting.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Stayntouch?

• Hotels that manage multiple properties or require advanced revenue and rate management.
• Properties seeking high levels of automation, online check-in/out, and guest messaging.
• Hotels prioritizing mobile access, contactless solutions, and security compliance.
• Large resorts or branded hotels that need extensive third-party integrations.

Not ideal if your hotel has a minimal operation focus, small size, or very limited technological needs. Budget-conscious boutique hotels with straightforward requirements may find Stayntouch’s pricing and feature set excessive.

HotelRunner vs Stayntouch: The Bottom Line for Hotels

HotelRunner excels as an affordable, easy-to-deploy PMS, ideal for boutique hotels, B&Bs, and properties seeking basic reservation and channel management functions. Its simple interface and strong support make it suitable for hotels with limited IT resources or those just starting their digital journey.

Stayntouch is the more comprehensive, scalable platform, suited for larger hotels or chains needing advanced automation, multi-property management, and extensive integrations. Its user-friendly interface, mobile capabilities, and real-time data make it the preferred choice for properties looking to grow and innovate.

In a nutshell, if your hotel’s focus is on affordability and simplicity, HotelRunner is the logical pick. If your hotel aims for growth, automation, and a broad feature set, Stayntouch offers more value despite its higher price.