Guest Services by SmartStay vs. STAY Guest App: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 16, 2026  ·  222 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 222 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:

Liverton shines , with exclusive features like Hotel Website Check-in Portal and Lobby Kiosk.

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

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Guest Services by SmartStay Compare to STAY Guest App?

Side-by-side ratings based on 222 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
0
47
Likelihood to Recommend
93%
96%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
4.8/5
Customer Support
4.3/5
4.8/5
Value for Money
4.3/5
4.6/5
Starting Price From $500/mo From $300/mo
Verified Reviews 7 215

What Are the Pros and Cons of Guest Services by SmartStay vs STAY Guest App?

After analyzing 222 verified reviews, Liverton 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.

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

Liverton 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 Liverton Liverton STAY STAY
Small (10-24 rooms) #9 10 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #22 4 reviews #4 83 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #15 2 reviews #2 89 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #14 1 reviews #2 24 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Liverton Liverton STAY STAY
Boutique #24 2 reviews #2 77 reviews
Luxury #19 3 reviews #2 88 reviews
Branded / Chain #19 2 reviews #3 91 reviews
Extended Stay #6 7 reviews

By Region

Segment Liverton Liverton STAY STAY
North America #21 0 reviews #5 27 reviews
Europe #3 112 reviews
Asia Pacific #6 3 reviews
Middle East #7 2 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Guest Services by SmartStay (Liverton) and STAY Guest App hinges on your hotel’s specific needs, operational goals, and guest experience vision. Both products aim to streamline guest interactions, but they diverge in features, ease of use, and market presence. Your decision should reflect which platform aligns best with your hotel's size, guest profile, and digital maturity.

Liverton’s Guest Services emphasizes digital check-in, upselling, and in-room service interactions primarily through QR codes and integrations with PMS. STAY’s Guest App offers a broader range of guest-centric features, from real-time updates to extensive service digitization, supporting larger hotel networks and multi-property operations.

Are you prioritizing a comprehensive guest app with extensive service options or a tailored digital check-in and upsell platform? Let's explore how they compare across key factors.

Is Guest Services by Liverton or STAY Guest App Better for Hotels?

Both Liverton and STAY address the core challenge of elevating guest engagement and operational efficiency. Liverton’s platform specifically centers on digital check-in, room selection, and in-room requests, integrating with property systems to facilitate upselling and contactless access. Conversely, STAY offers a complete guest experience OS that digitizes nearly all hotel services, from reservations to amenities, with a focus on reducing front desk queues and maximizing revenue.

Liverton shines with its emphasis on digital check-in and key issuance, ideal for hotels seeking to enhance arrivals and departures. STAY excels at providing a broad, integrated guest engagement ecosystem suitable for properties aiming to digitize their entire service spectrum.

Which features matter most to your hotel’s digital transformation journey?

Liverton vs STAY: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a digital check-in system that handles room selection, pre-arrival upselling, and mobile key issuance, Liverton is your partner. It’s especially suited for hotels wanting to modernize check-in processes and enable in-room service requests via QR codes, with a focus on integration with PMS and POS systems.

If you require a broader guest experience platform that offers real-time updates, service ordering, guest messaging, and detailed analytics, STAY is the better choice. Its extensive feature set, proven in large chains and resorts, supports hotels looking for a full-service digital guest experience.

Hotels focused on frontline check-in efficiency and mobile key solutions should lean toward Liverton, while those aiming for comprehensive guest engagement and service digitization should opt for STAY.

Is Guest Services by Liverton or STAY Guest App Easier to Use?

Both platforms are designed with user-friendliness in mind, but STAY’s interface garners higher praise with a 4.78/5 ease-of-use rating, compared to Liverton’s 4.57/5. Overall, STAY’s mobile app and CMS are recognized for their intuitive navigation, easy content updates, and straightforward guest interactions. Liverton’s platform also scores well but may require more technical onboarding due to its specialized features like digital check-in portals and device-agnostic options.

Based on recent reviews and user feedback, STAY offers a slightly simpler, smoother experience for staff and guests alike.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Has Better Features: Guest Services by Liverton or STAY Guest App?

Liverton provides 20 unique features, including hotel website check-in portals, lobby kiosks, self-service check-in/out, device agnosticism, document scanning, ID verification, and door lock integration. Its focus is on streamlining arrival, check-in, and in-room requests, with capabilities for pre-arrival upselling and contactless access.

STAY offers 14 features but covers a broader spectrum: mobile app access, chatbot, automated replies, request management, room service ordering, hotel directory, local recommendations, and guest profiles. Its features aim for a comprehensive digital guest experience beyond just check-in.

While Liverton excels in check-in and access features, STAY’s broader feature set supports end-to-end guest engagement.

Edge: Liverton — thanks to its extensive suite of check-in, security, and upsell features.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Guest Services by Liverton or STAY Guest App?

STAY’s support ratings are slightly higher, with a 4.83/5 score versus Liverton’s 4.29/5. Review comments highlight STAY’s quick issue resolution, helpful onboarding, and ongoing support, though some users mention limited phone support and regional hours. Liverton’s technical support is recognized as knowledgeable, but some users experienced delays or difficulties during trial phases.

Given the recent review volume and support ratings, STAY provides more responsive and reliable support for hotel teams.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Has More Integrations: Guest Services by Liverton or STAY Guest App?

STAY’s platform integrates with 20 verified partners, including major PMS and reservation systems like Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and SiteMinder. It offers extensive native integrations, enabling seamless data flow and operational automation.

Liverton supports 8 integrations, including Shiji Group, RMS, and Cloudbeds, but with fewer options. The limited partner network may restrict integration flexibility for larger or more complex tech stacks.

STAY’s broader integration network makes it a more adaptable choice for hotels with diverse systems.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Guest Services by Liverton or STAY Guest App?

STAY’s reviews are significantly more recent—over 200 in the past six months—offering fresh insights into user satisfaction. Its 3/5 rating is based on large, diverse properties, with praise for operational efficiency and guest experience improvements.

Liverton’s 7 reviews are older and less recent, with consistent but limited feedback. Given the volume and recency, STAY enjoys higher confidence in current user satisfaction.

Edge: STAY Guest App.

How Much Do Guest Services by Liverton and STAY Guest App Cost?

Liverton charges a base fee of $500, with no freemium or monthly per-room charges, and no implementation fees. Its pricing may be suitable for smaller hotels or those seeking a straightforward, fixed-cost solution.

STAY’s pricing starts at $300, with no additional implementation fees or monthly charges, making it slightly more affordable. Pricing details suggest a simple flat-rate model, advantageous for mid-sized hotels.

Pricing is competitive, but STAY offers a more flexible, transparent price point.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Guest Services by Liverton?

  • Hotels that prioritize digital check-in, keyless access, and pre-arrival upselling.
  • Properties seeking to improve guest arrivals and departures with mobile keys.
  • Hotels with PMS and POS systems that Liverton supports well.
  • Chains or resorts looking for a dedicated in-room service interface.

Not ideal if your hotel needs a full-service guest app beyond check-in and access, or if you require broad digital communication features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use STAY Guest App?

  • Hotels aiming for a comprehensive digital guest experience, from check-in to local recommendations.
  • Large properties or chains that need extensive integrations and analytics.
  • Resorts and properties wanting to digitize multiple services, reduce front desk queues, and boost revenue.
  • Hotels seeking a flexible, user-friendly platform with ongoing support.

Not ideal if your focus is solely on digital check-in or you operate a small boutique hotel with minimal service digitization needs.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Core difference: Liverton’s Guest Services centers on digital check-in, keyless entry, and upselling, while STAY provides a broad, all-in-one guest experience platform.

When to choose Liverton: If your hotel’s priority is modernizing arrivals, automating check-in/out, and improving in-room service with QR codes and mobile keys, Liverton is the right fit. Its suite of check-in, documentation, and security features make it ideal for properties focused on operational efficiency at arrival and departure.

When to choose STAY: If your goal is a full-service guest app that enhances overall guest satisfaction through real-time updates, service requests, messaging, and content management, STAY offers a more expansive, flexible solution. Its proven track record in large chains and resorts confirms its ability to scale and support diverse guest needs.

Final recommendation: For hotels seeking a dedicated check-in and access solution, Liverton’s Guest Services is suitable. For those wanting a comprehensive, multi-feature guest engagement platform, STAY Guest App is the clearer choice.

In terms of recent reviews, STAY’s higher volume and freshness of feedback make it the more reliable indicator of current performance and user satisfaction.

How Much Do Guest Services by SmartStay 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.

Liverton Liverton STAY STAY
Starting Price From $500/mo From $300/mo

Which Features Does Guest Services by SmartStay Have That STAY Guest App Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

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

Feature Liverton Liverton STAY STAY
Automated Replies
Chatbot
Device Agnostic
Easy Room Selection
Guest Messaging
Hotel Website Check-in Portal
Lobby Kiosk
Message Routing
Mobile App
Self Service Checkin
Self Service Checkout
Web-app

Showing top differences. 22 more features differ between these products.

Real-World Results: Liverton 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
Liverton Liverton

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
Liverton Liverton

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

Liverton vs STAY: The Bottom Line

Liverton
Liverton
4.7/5 from 7 reviews

Unique capabilities

Hotel Website Check-in Portal Lobby Kiosk Self Service Checkin Self Service Checkout Device Agnostic
4.6/5 ease of use 4.3/5 support 8 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.

Ranks higher for

Large (75-199 rooms) #2 vs #15
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #4 vs #22
X-Large (200+ rooms) #2 vs #14
Bed & Breakfast & Inns #4 vs #23

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)
Customer Support STAY 4.8 vs 4.3 (+0.5)
Value for Money STAY 4.6 vs 4.3 (+0.3)

Frequently Asked Questions About Guest Services by SmartStay vs STAY Guest App

Can Guest Services by SmartStay replace STAY Guest App?

It depends on your requirements. Guest Services by SmartStay and STAY Guest App share many core Hotel Guest Apps features, but each has unique capabilities. Guest Services by SmartStay offers 8 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 4.6/5. 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 Guest Services by SmartStay or STAY Guest App offer a free plan?

Guest Services by SmartStay: 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 Guest Services by SmartStay 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. Liverton 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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