protel PMS (by Planet) vs. Stayntouch:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between protel PMS by Planet and Stayntouch can significantly influence your hotel's operations and guest experience. Both systems aim to streamline hotel management, but they approach this goal differently. While protel offers extensive integrations and customization suited for complex properties, Stayntouch emphasizes ease of use and mobile functionality for efficient management. Your decision hinges on your property’s size, complexity, and your team's technical comfort.

Protel’s longstanding presence and broad integration ecosystem make it a versatile choice for diverse hotel types, whereas Stayntouch's recent rapid growth and high user satisfaction point to a more intuitive, user-friendly platform. But which truly fits your hotel’s needs?

Is protel PMS or Stayntouch Better for Hotels?

Protel PMS provides a comprehensive, flexible platform that supports both on-premise and cloud setups, integrating over 1,200 hospitality systems. It’s designed for hotels seeking detailed customization and extensive backend tools, but its interface can seem complex, and recent reviews highlight slow support response times.

Stayntouch, on the other hand, is a cloud-native PMS lauded for its intuitive, mobile-friendly interface and seamless third-party integrations. Its ease of use translates into quicker onboarding, and recent reviews underscore a higher likelihood of recommendation and more current feedback.

The core difference is that protel excels in customization and broad integration, making it suitable for complex, multi-property operations. Stayntouch wins in simplicity and rapid deployment, ideal for hotels prioritizing operational efficiency with minimal training. Is your hotel better served by deep customization or straightforward usability?

Stayntouch vs protel: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel requires a highly customizable platform with extensive integration options, protel is the logical choice. Its large ecosystem of over 1,200 integrations and features like multi-currency, guest CRM, and native email marketing make it suitable for complex or multi-property operations.

Conversely, if your team values ease of use, quick onboarding, and mobile functionalities, Stayntouch should be your pick. It boasts a high review score (4.56/5), over 300 reviews, and a 94% likelihood to recommend, indicating strong recent user satisfaction and a focus on guest-centric features.

Hotels managing small to mid-sized portfolios or seeking rapid deployment will benefit most from Stayntouch. Larger, multi-property hotels needing extensive customization and integration are better suited to protel. Which features align more closely with your hotel’s operational priorities?

Is protel PMS or Stayntouch Easier to Use?

Stayntouch’s rated ease of use is 4.7/5, with over 317 reviews highlighting its intuitive, mobile-optimized design and straightforward onboarding. Users frequently commend its friendly interface, quick staff training, and real-time cloud access, making daily management less burdensome.

Protel scores slightly lower at 4.12/5, with some reviews citing a user interface that can be overly complex and integration delays. While familiar to many experienced hoteliers, it has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive customization options.

Edge: Stayntouch. Its modern, simple design and recent positive reviews make it the easier system for hotels seeking quick, hassle-free adoption.

Which Has Better Features: protel PMS or Stayntouch?

Protel offers 37 shared features plus 9 unique to it, including multi-lingual support, guest CRM, gift vouchers, and native email marketing. Its features support complex operations like multi-currency management and full-stack payments, making it a robust solution for diverse hotel types.

Stayntouch has 37 shared features and 12 unique functionalities, such as integrated contactless check-in, online check-in/out, guest app, and housekeeping mobile app. Its focus on mobile and contactless features makes it ideal for guest experience innovation.

In terms of feature count, Stayntouch edges out slightly, especially in guest-facing tools. If your hotel values extensive contactless and mobile features, stay with Stayntouch. For deep customization and multi-lingual support, protel is preferable.

Edge: Stayntouch, given its broader suite of guest-centric, mobile features that enhance daily operations.

Which Has Better Customer Support: protel PMS or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch’s support and onboarding ratings (4.68/5) are significantly higher than protel’s (3.95/5). Recent reviews praise its friendly, responsive team, with comments like “their training team is excellent” and “support is always happy to assist,” reflecting ongoing commitment.

Protel’s support is described as slow and sometimes unresponsive, with reviews citing long wait times and frustration, especially post-Planet acquisition. Support responsiveness directly impacts daily operations, especially during critical system issues.

Edge: Stayntouch. Its recent reviews and higher ratings demonstrate a more reliable, hotel-focused support team.

Which Has More Integrations: protel PMS or Stayntouch?

Protel boasts 195 verified partners, including major systems like Right Revenue and Omnibees, with 76 shared integrations with Stayntouch. It’s known for its extensive ecosystem, supporting complex tech stacks.

Stayntouch has 188 verified partners, including RoomPriceGenie and STAAH, with some unique integrations. Its open API approach and unlimited interfaces appeal to hotels needing flexible connection to third-party systems.

While protel has a slight edge in total integrations, Stayntouch’s focus on open APIs and mobile integrations makes it more adaptable for rapid tech stack expansion. Which ecosystem aligns better with your current and future systems?

Edge: protel, due to its larger verified partner network and extensive integration options.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: protel PMS or Stayntouch?

Stayntouch enjoys a 4.56/5 overall rating based on 317 reviews, with recent feedback emphasizing its ease of use and support. Hotels in various segments, especially independent properties and boutique hotels, frequently praise its intuitive interface and rapid onboarding.

Protel’s score is 4.11/5 from 105 reviews, with some users expressing satisfaction but also highlighting system bugs and support delays. Its reviews tend to be more mixed, reflecting ongoing issues with complex multi-property management.

Given the recent surge in Stayntouch’s review volume and higher rating, it’s the stronger choice for current user satisfaction. Hotels valuing modern usability tend to rate Stayntouch higher.

Edge: Stayntouch. Its higher, more recent review score and predominantly positive feedback favor it.

How Much Do protel PMS and Stayntouch Cost?

Protel’s base price is $500/month, with no trial or implementation fees mentioned. Its pricing reflects its extensive features and customization options, suited for larger or complex properties willing to invest.

Stayntouch’s base price is $800/month, also without trial or setup fees. Its higher cost aligns with its focus on ease of use, mobile capabilities, and rapid onboarding, making it attractive for hotels prioritizing quick deployment.

Pricing differences suggest that Stayntouch might be more accessible for smaller properties or those seeking faster ROI, while protel’s higher investment is justified by its depth and customization.

What Type of Hotel Should Use protel PMS?

• Hotels that require a versatile, highly customizable system, such as chains, resorts, or properties with complex revenue and multi-currency needs.
• Teams that benefit from extensive integration options, including third-party systems like guest CRM, email marketing, and on-premise solutions.
• Hotels with multiple locations needing centralized management and detailed reporting.
• Properties that value a mix of cloud and on-premise options for flexibility.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, needs quick deployment, or prefers a straightforward, mobile-focused platform.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Stayntouch?

• Boutique, independent, or small-to-mid-sized hotels seeking user-friendly, mobile-enabled management.
• Hotel chains or groups that need robust multi-property support with simplified interfaces.
• Properties prioritizing contactless check-in, guest engagement, and real-time cloud access.
• Hotels that want minimal IT burden and fast onboarding processes.

Not ideal if your hotel relies heavily on deep customization, complex integrations, or legacy systems that require extensive backend modifications.

protel vs Stayntouch: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Protel and Stayntouch target different hotel needs. Protel’s core strength is its extensive customization, integration ecosystem, and multi-property management suited for larger, complex operations. stayntouch’s focus is on ease of use, speed, and mobile functionality, making it ideal for hotels that prioritize guest experience and operational simplicity.

If your hotel requires advanced features, multi-lingual support, and a flexible infrastructure, protel provides a comprehensive platform. For properties looking for quick deployment, intuitive design, and mobile engagement, Stayntouch offers a compelling, modern alternative.

Choose protel if your operations demand extensive customization and integration; opt for Stayntouch if your focus is on simplicity, rapid onboarding, and guest-centric features. Your decision should align with your hotel’s size, complexity, and growth plans.