I am MAX vs. STAY Guest App: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 16, 2026  ·  215 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 215 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:

I am MAX shines , with exclusive features like Mobile Checkin.

STAY shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (0.0/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile App and Guest Messaging.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does I am MAX Compare to STAY Guest App?

Side-by-side ratings based on 215 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
0
47
Likelihood to Recommend
0%
96%
Ease of Use
0.0/5
4.8/5
Customer Support
0.0/5
4.8/5
Value for Money
0.0/5
4.6/5
Starting Price Contact sales From $300/mo
Verified Reviews 0 215

What Are the Pros and Cons of I am MAX vs STAY Guest App?

After analyzing 215 verified reviews, I am MAX users most value its , while STAY users highlight guest experience optimization, mobile and user experience, operational efficiency. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

I am MAX I am MAX STAY STAY
Pros
+ Guest Experience Optimization
+ Mobile and User Experience
+ Operational Efficiency
+ Support and Service
Cons
CMS and Customization
Integration Capabilities
Analytics and Reporting

I am MAX vs STAY: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Hotel Guest Apps vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment I am MAX I am MAX STAY STAY
Small (10-24 rooms) #9 10 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #4 83 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #2 89 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #2 24 reviews

By Property Type

Segment I am MAX I am MAX STAY STAY
Boutique #2 77 reviews
Luxury #2 88 reviews
Branded / Chain #3 91 reviews
Extended Stay #6 7 reviews

By Region

Segment I am MAX I am MAX STAY STAY
North America #5 27 reviews
Europe #3 112 reviews
Asia Pacific #6 3 reviews
Middle East #7 2 reviews

The Decision

Choosing the right guest app platform is crucial for your hotel’s operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Both I am MAX and STAY aim to digitize guest interactions, but they serve different needs and hotel profiles. I am MAX emphasizes AI-driven engagement and personalized assistance, whereas STAY offers a broader suite of features with proven success across large hotel chains. Your decision hinges on your hotel’s specific priorities: personalized AI support or comprehensive service digitization.

Which platform aligns better with your hotel’s size, segment, and digital strategy? To make an informed choice, let's compare them across key aspects.

Is I am MAX or STAY Better for Hotels?

Both I am MAX and STAY provide ways to improve guest engagement and streamline services, but they diverge significantly in scope and maturity. I am MAX is an AI-centric platform that offers a mobile app with a smart assistant, focusing on personalized guest interactions. STAY, on the other hand, delivers a full-fledged Guest Experience OS with extensive features aimed at large hotel chains, including real-time updates, service ordering, and analytics.

Given I am MAX’s lack of recent reviews and a very limited feature set—mainly its mobile check-in—it falls behind in market presence and proven usability. STAY boasts over 200 recent reviews, high overall ratings, and an extensive feature library. Are you prepared to prioritize AI-driven personalized support, or do you need a robust, multi-feature platform with a broad integration network?

Edge: STAY Guest App.

I am MAX vs STAY: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs simple, AI-powered guest interaction to enhance personalization and direct communication, I am MAX might seem appealing. However, with only 0/5 ratings and no recent reviews, it lacks the credibility and proven track record of STAY. Conversely, if your hotel is a mid-sized or large property seeking to digitize multiple services, reduce queues, and improve operational efficiency, STAY is the safer choice.

Hotels in large hotel chains, resorts, or properties prioritizing extensive integrations and analytics will benefit more from STAY’s proven success. Smaller boutique hotels or those exploring AI-driven engagement might consider I am MAX, but its limited features and review data make it a risky option.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Is I am MAX or STAY Easier to Use?

Ease of use is critical for staff adoption and guest satisfaction. I am MAX’s interface and onboarding are undocumented in reviews, but its minimal features suggest a straightforward, if limited, experience. STAY’s platform, rated 4.78/5 for ease of use with over 200 recent reviews, has a highly intuitive CMS, streamlined content management, and simple integration processes.

Customers highlight STAY’s user-friendly interface, making it easy for staff to manage content and for guests to navigate. Given the volume of recent, positive reviews and high support ratings, STAY clearly leads here.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Has Better Features: I am MAX or STAY?

I am MAX offers only one feature — Mobile Check-in — which is useful but limited. STAY provides 14 features, including Guest Messaging, Room Service Ordering, Local Recommendations, Hotel Directory, App Download, Automatic Translations, and Guest Profiles, covering nearly all guest interaction points.

No other guest app matches STAY’s feature breadth, especially its multilingual support, request management, and comprehensive guest profiles. For a hotel aiming to digitize full guest journeys and offer a broad range of services, STAY’s feature set is well ahead.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Has Better Customer Support: I am MAX or STAY?

Customer support quality heavily influences platform success. I am MAX has no documented support ratings or recent reviews, making assessment difficult. STAY, rated 4.83/5 for support with over 200 recent reviews, demonstrates strong, responsive customer service.

Users praise the STAY team for quick responses, helpful onboarding, and ongoing support. The high review count and recent feedback make STAY the clear winner here.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Has More Integrations: I am MAX or STAY?

Integration breadth significantly impacts platform flexibility. I am MAX features only one verified partner, Mews, limiting its connectivity. STAY boasts 20 verified partners, including Mews, hotelkit, SiteMinder, Oracle Hospitality, and more.

This extensive network allows STAY to connect with various PMS, CRM, and channel management systems, streamlining data flow and enhancing functionality. If integrations are vital, STAY’s network is the obvious advantage.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: I am MAX or STAY?

Based on recent reviews, STAY’s overall rating is 3/5, but with 206 reviews and a 96% likelihood to recommend, it indicates strong user satisfaction. I am MAX has no recent reviews or ratings, making it impossible to gauge current user sentiment.

STAY’s predominantly positive feedback from large hotel chains and independent hotels alike suggests higher guest and hotelier approval. Its proven track record and recent reviews affirm its superior reputation.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

How Much Do I am MAX and STAY Cost?

I am MAX’s pricing details are unavailable, which suggests it may be a custom or less transparent model. STAY charges $300 per month, with no implementation or setup fees, providing clarity for budgeting.

Given the extensive features and proven success, STAY’s pricing appears reasonable for mid-sized and large hotels seeking comprehensive digital solutions. The absence of transparent pricing for I am MAX complicates direct cost comparisons.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

What Type of Hotel Should Use I am MAX?

  • Hotels that prioritize AI-driven personalized guest support and digital concierge features.
  • Properties with a smaller or boutique profile seeking a simple, mobile check-in solution.
  • Teams willing to experiment with AI for guest engagement, especially if budget constraints limit extensive integrations.
  • Hotels that want to connect guests with local activities and hotel services through a smart assistant.

Not ideal if:

  • Your hotel needs a full-service platform with multiple guest interaction features.
  • You require proven, recent reviews or extensive integration capabilities.
  • You operate at a large scale and need a platform with extensive support and features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use STAY?

  • Large hotel chains and resorts seeking a comprehensive guest experience platform.
  • Properties wanting to digitize a broad range of services from check-in to local recommendations.
  • Hotels aiming for real-time updates, multilingual support, and detailed analytics.
  • Teams that want a proven, well-supported platform with extensive integrations.

Not ideal if:

  • Your hotel is small or boutique and only needs basic digital check-in.
  • You prefer a platform with minimal features or are testing digital guest engagement.
  • Budget is tight, and you need transparent, low-cost options.

STAY vs I am MAX: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference lies in scope: STAY is a full-featured, well-reviewed platform trusted by large hotel groups, while I am MAX offers a limited, AI-centric solution with no recent reviews. For most mid-to-large hotels, STAY’s proven effectiveness, extensive features, and support make it the better choice.

Choose I am MAX if your hotel’s focus is on AI-driven personalization and you’re willing to accept limited features and market data. Opt for STAY if you want a reliable, scalable platform with a track record of enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.

In conclusion, for hotels seeking a comprehensive guest app with proven results, STAY stands out as the superior choice. I am MAX may appeal to those exploring AI-driven guest engagement, but its limited recent feedback and features make it a riskier option.


This completes your guide to choosing between I am MAX and STAY. Consider your hotel’s size, priorities, and digital strategy to pick the platform that best aligns with your goals.

How Much Do I am MAX and STAY Guest App Cost?

Hotel Guest Apps pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.

I am MAX I am MAX STAY STAY
Starting Price From $300/mo

Which Features Does I am MAX Have That STAY Guest App Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, I am MAX and STAY Guest App share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature I am MAX I am MAX STAY STAY
Automated Replies
Chatbot
Guest Messaging
Message Routing
Mobile App
Mobile Checkin
Web-app

Showing top differences. 3 more features differ between these products.

Real-World Results: I am MAX vs STAY by Business Goal

We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.

Increase Operational Efficiency
I am MAX I am MAX

No published case study for this goal yet.

STAY Barceló Hoteles Large
+ Room Service is faster. It's more comfortable. For the guests. And for the staff too
+ Barceló can make better decisions in real time
+ Through live surveys, Barceló can detect pain points more easily and streamline processes

"Thanks to STAY, we offer our guests an interaction tool with our staff. We can make real-time decisions with it. This simplifies our staff's duties at the same time. The guest expe..."

Álvaro Montalvo
Álvaro Montalvo
Project Manager Innovation
Improve Guest Experience
I am MAX I am MAX

No published case study for this goal yet.

STAY AMR Collection Mid-Size
+ The app pays for itself according to AMR's Product Manager. "Spa services, gourmet dinners, wine sales, and other premium services have seen significant increases since we implemented the app.
+ The implementation of STAY skyrocketed the number of users of AMR's app. Increasing them by 50% was their goal. However, they "far exceeded that goal.
+ AMR's users rate the app 4.7 out of 5 on average. The app has been downloaded tens of thousands of times in 50 AMR hotels.

"Implementing STAY contributed to a significant increase in our revenue and customer satisfaction. The app pays for itself. We have seen significant increases in consumption for all..."

Yudy Mora
Yudy Mora
Product Owner Manager

I am MAX vs STAY: The Bottom Line

I am MAX
I am MAX
0.0/5 from 0 reviews

Unique capabilities

Mobile Checkin
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 1 integrations
Visit Profile
STAY
STAY
4.8/5 from 215 reviews

What hoteliers love

Guest Experience Optimization 97% positive

Multiple reviews highlight how STAY dramatically enhances guest experience by providing digital and sustainable ways for guests to access information... Multiple reviews highlight how STAY dramatically enhances guest experience by providing digital and sustainable ways for guests to access information and services. Features like real-time updates, mobile service ordering, and the ability to make restaurant reservations reduce wait times and provide convenience.

Mobile and User Experience 90% positive

The app's user interface and mobile experience are lauded for being intuitive and easy to navigate. Users find it simple to update information and man... The app's user interface and mobile experience are lauded for being intuitive and easy to navigate. Users find it simple to update information and manage content, whether they are hotel staff or guests.

Operational Efficiency 96% positive

STAY aids in improving hotel operational efficiency by allowing quicker handling of guest requests, optimized internal processes, and reduced front de... STAY aids in improving hotel operational efficiency by allowing quicker handling of guest requests, optimized internal processes, and reduced front desk lines. The tool facilitates sustainable practices by digitizing traditional paper-based services, aiding hotels in their sustainability goals.

Where hoteliers push back

CMS and Customization 41% negative

The CMS is highlighted for its ease of use and customization capabilities, though users have indicated some areas for improvement, particularly more f... The CMS is highlighted for its ease of use and customization capabilities, though users have indicated some areas for improvement, particularly more flexibility in design and functionality.

Integration Capabilities 50% negative

Users appreciate STAY's robust integration capabilities with various internal applications and systems, including PMS and CRM systems. These integrati... Users appreciate STAY's robust integration capabilities with various internal applications and systems, including PMS and CRM systems. These integrations streamline data management and help provide a seamless experience for both staff and guests.

Unique capabilities

Mobile App Chatbot Automated Replies Message Routing Guest Messaging
4.8/5 ease of use 4.8/5 support 20 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating STAY 3.0 vs 0.0 (+3)
Ease of Use STAY 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Customer Support STAY 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Value for Money STAY 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)
Onboarding STAY 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)

Frequently Asked Questions About I am MAX vs STAY Guest App

Can I am MAX replace STAY Guest App?

It depends on your requirements. I am MAX and STAY Guest App share many core Hotel Guest Apps features, but each has unique capabilities. I am MAX offers 1 verified integration partners, while STAY Guest App offers 20. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. STAY Guest App leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 0.0/5. 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.

Do I am MAX or STAY Guest App offer a free plan?

I am MAX: No. STAY Guest App: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Guest Apps vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank I am MAX and STAY Guest App?

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. I am MAX has an HT Score of 0 and STAY has 47. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

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

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

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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