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 141 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:
Zingle shines when it comes to communication — especially for independent properties (4.8/5) , with exclusive features like Guest History and SMS text messaging.
RUNNR.ai shines when it comes to automation of guest inquiries , with exclusive features like Broadcast Messaging and Pre-programmed Guest Notifications.
Side-by-side ratings based on 141 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 107 | 34 |
After analyzing 141 verified reviews, Zingle users most value its communication, ease of use, auto messages, 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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Communication
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Automation of Guest Inquiries
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Ease of use
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Improvement in Guest Satisfaction
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Auto messages
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Multichannel Communication
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Response time
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Cost Efficiency
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Customization
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Integration with PMS/CRM
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Technical glitches
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Potential Technology Improvements
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Platform integration
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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) ▾ | #12 8 reviews | #15 4 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #11 25 reviews | #14 17 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #3 42 reviews | #21 2 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #4 25 reviews | #13 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #10 44 reviews | #14 15 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #8 47 reviews | #13 12 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #8 48 reviews | #19 7 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #11 7 reviews | #15 2 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #5 103 reviews | #27 0 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #18 1 reviews | #7 29 reviews |
Choosing the right guest messaging software can significantly impact your hotel's guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue. Both Medallia Zingle and RUNNR.ai aim to enhance communication, but they approach this goal differently. Zingle has a more established presence with more reviews, especially recent ones, making it a safer choice for most hotels. RUNNR.ai, while newer, offers a broader feature set with a focus on automation and AI-driven interactions. Which platform aligns better with your hotel’s needs?
Both Zingle and RUNNR.ai focus on improving guest communication but diverge in their approach and maturity. Zingle emphasizes multi-channel messaging, including SMS, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, with a strong focus on real-time engagement and integrations with PMS systems like Opera. RUNNR.ai, on the other hand, leans heavily on automation and AI to handle inquiries proactively on WhatsApp and SMS, with integrations covering OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb.
Zingle’s platform is renowned for its ease of use, high customer support ratings, and long-standing industry presence, with a review count of 107, most recent in the last six months. Conversely, RUNNR.ai has only 31 reviews, with five recent ones, but scores highly on automation features and AI capabilities, aiming for operational cost reduction and guest satisfaction.
Both solutions aim to reduce staff workload and improve communication; however, Zingle’s broader regional reach and more extensive integration options make it more suitable for hotels seeking a proven, reliable engagement platform. Will your hotel prioritize trusted excellence or cutting-edge automation?
If your hotel needs a comprehensive, multi-channel messaging platform with proven reliability and extensive integrations, go with Zingle. Its 4.68/5 overall rating from over 100 reviews and a high NPS score of 9.46/10 reflect strong user satisfaction, especially among independent and branded hotels.
If your hotel’s focus is on automating guest inquiries, upselling, and reducing operational costs with AI-driven interactions, RUNNR.ai is the better fit. Its recent reviews highlight its capacity to automate 95% of guest inquiries and provide instant, human-like responses, making it ideal for hotels prioritizing operational efficiency and digital guest engagement.
For hotels that want a straightforward, dependable messaging system with a long track record, choose Zingle. For hotels aiming to innovate with automation and AI to cut costs and boost guest satisfaction, RUNNR.ai offers a compelling alternative.
Zingle scores a 4.73/5 for ease of use, with many users praising its intuitive interface and straightforward onboarding process. Reviewers highlight that staff can quickly adopt the platform, managing all conversations from one screen, with minimal training required.
RUNNR.ai edges slightly higher at 4.84/5, with recent users emphasizing its simple setup and clean interface. The platform’s automation features, such as canned responses and workflows, are praised for reducing manual effort without complicating daily operations.
Overall, both platforms are user-friendly, but Zingle’s longer presence and extensive customer support make it slightly more accessible for hotels with less technical staff. Edge: RUNNR.ai.
Zingle offers 13 shared features, including SMS texting, Facebook Messenger, Guest History, API access, and analytics dashboards. It provides essential messaging capabilities and integration with PMS systems like Opera, but lacks many of the automation features found in RUNNR.ai.
RUNNR.ai boasts 37 features, including broadcast messaging, upsell campaigns, automation workflows, customer profiling, sentiment analysis, and a ticketing system. It also offers unique features like digital check-in, live translations, and a unified omnichannel inbox, enabling more sophisticated automation and personalization.
While Zingle covers core messaging needs, RUNNR.ai’s extensive feature set makes it more adaptable for hotels looking for automation and AI-powered guest interactions. Edge: RUNNR.ai.
Zingle is highly rated for customer support, with a 4.58/5 rating based on over 100 reviews. Many users praise its quick response times and dedicated customer success teams, often citing their legendary support and ease of onboarding.
RUNNR.ai surpasses with a 4.81/5 support rating from fewer reviews, but recent feedback underscores its responsive, proactive support and user-friendly onboarding. Since it's a newer platform, its support team appears highly engaged and attentive to user needs.
Given the larger review base and longer track record, Zingle’s support is slightly more proven. However, for newer, more automated solutions, RUNNR.ai’s support is equally commendable. Edge: RUNNR.ai.
Zingle’s overall rating of 4.68/5 from 107 reviews, primarily from independent and branded hotels, indicates strong satisfaction across segments, especially resorts (rated 4.75/5). Recent reviews emphasize its ease of use, reliability, and positive guest engagement.
RUNNR.ai, despite fewer reviews, has a perfect 0/5 rating in some segments, reflecting the limited data and early adoption. However, the recent reviews highlight a 96% likelihood to recommend and strong satisfaction with automation features.
Considering the higher number of recent reviews and overall ratings, Zingle’s reputation remains more established among hoteliers. Edge: Zingle.
Zingle does not publicly list its pricing, implying a custom quote based on hotel size and needs, with no freemium or flat monthly fees. This model suggests premium pricing aligned with enterprise hotel chains and resorts.
RUNNR.ai charges a flat $400/month, with no free tier or trial, making it transparent but potentially costly for smaller hotels. Its pricing reflects its focus on automation and AI features, suitable for hotels seeking advanced digital engagement.
If predictable costs and transparent pricing matter, RUNNR.ai provides clarity. For custom solutions with high scalability, Zingle’s pricing is tailored but less transparent.
Hotels that benefit most from Zingle tend to be:
Not ideal if your hotel is a small boutique or vacation rental seeking a simple, AI-driven automation system. Also, if you require extensive automation workflows or AI features, Zingle’s core offering may fall short.
Hotels that should consider RUNNR.ai include:
Not ideal if your hotel prefers a traditional, multi-channel messaging platform without heavy automation or AI. Smaller properties or those requiring simple communication tools might find RUNNR.ai’s extensive features overwhelming or unnecessary.
Zingle is a mature, well-rounded guest messaging platform, trusted by many hotels for its reliability, integrations, and clear focus on human engagement. Its established reputation, extensive regional presence, and broad compatibility make it suitable for hotels seeking proven, dependable communication.
RUNNR.ai is a newer but highly capable platform that emphasizes automation, AI, and operational efficiency. Its rich feature set makes it ideal for hotels looking to innovate their guest interactions, automate inquiries, and drive revenue through upselling.
Choose Zingle if your priority is a reliable, multi-channel messaging platform with a proven track record. Opt for RUNNR.ai if your hotel’s strategy revolves around automation, AI-driven guest service, and reducing staff workload for future growth.
Note: The above comparison integrates the data into a comprehensive, objective analysis, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of each platform based on recent reviews, features, and hotel needs.
According to HTR's product database, Medallia Zingle and RUNNR.ai share 13 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Analytics dashboard | ||
| Automated Workflows | ||
| Broadcast Messaging | ||
| Facebook Messenger Integration | ||
| Guest History | ||
| Offer Campaigns | ||
| Open API | ||
| Room Upgrades Campaigns | ||
| SMS text messaging | ||
| Secured Data Protection | ||
| Tasks & Checklists | ||
| Upsell Fulfillment Tracking |
Showing top differences. 33 more features differ between these products.
What hoteliers love
Users find Zingle excels in facilitating easy and quick communication with guests, allowing issues to be resolved before escalating. This adaptability... Users find Zingle excels in facilitating easy and quick communication with guests, allowing issues to be resolved before escalating. This adaptability has led to elevated guest satisfaction and lessened workload on staff. The ability to handle multiple guest inquiries simultaneously and send mass messages is viewed as a significant strength.
Zingle's user-friendly interface is frequently praised, making it easy for hotel staff to learn and efficiently handle guest messages. This ease of us... Zingle's user-friendly interface is frequently praised, making it easy for hotel staff to learn and efficiently handle guest messages. This ease of use extends to both the web platform and mobile application.
Auto messaging is appreciated for handling routine communications and improving response times. However, there were critiques about auto responses not... Auto messaging is appreciated for handling routine communications and improving response times. However, there were critiques about auto responses not always reflecting the current status accurately, which could lead to guest confusion.
Where hoteliers push back
Users generally appreciate Zingle's customization options for both messages and the platform itself. However, some new users found it challenging to c... Users generally appreciate Zingle's customization options for both messages and the platform itself. However, some new users found it challenging to customize certain features to fit their specific needs, suggesting room for improvement in flexibility.
Although most users are satisfied with Zingle, some have pointed out technical issues such as system crashes, message delays, and synchronization prob... Although most users are satisfied with Zingle, some have pointed out technical issues such as system crashes, message delays, and synchronization problems with PMS, affecting overall efficiency and user experience.
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
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Medallia Zingle and RUNNR.ai share many core Guest Messaging Software features, but each has unique capabilities. Medallia Zingle offers 16 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 4.7/5. 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.
Medallia Zingle: 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. Zingle has an HT Score of 19 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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