GuestSpace vs. STAY Guest App:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Drop.in Guest App by Drop.in and STAY Guest App by STAY hinges on what your hotel needs most. Both platforms aim to enhance guest experience and streamline operations, but they differ significantly in features, market presence, and review momentum. Your decision will be shaped by whether you prioritize more comprehensive features and recent user feedback (Drop.in) or broader integration options and global reach (STAY). Which product aligns better with your hotel’s current priorities?

Is Drop.in or STAY Better for Hotels?

Drop.in and STAY both serve the hotel guest app category but approach guest interaction differently. Drop.in focuses on automating the front desk with digital check-in, mobile keys, and upsell tools, targeting hotels looking to reduce operational overhead. STAY emphasizes a full guest experience platform that digitizes services from room access to dining reservations, ideal for hotels aiming for a holistic guest engagement solution.

Drop.in boasts a higher overall rating (0/5 vs. 3/5) based on recent reviews and a significantly larger number of recent reviews (26 versus 0 in the last six months). Its core strength lies in automating check-in and payments, making it ideal for tech-forward hotels seeking operational efficiency. Conversely, STAY’s broader service integrations and global hotel chain adoption make it suitable if your hotel prioritizes seamless system integration and scalability.

Given the latest data, Drop.in’s recent review activity and higher rating suggest it is the more actively validated platform. Does your hotel prefer a specialized, check-in-focused solution (Drop.in) or a broader guest experience system (STAY)?

Drop.in vs STAY: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs to streamline front desk operations, reduce manual tasks, and focus on contactless check-in and upselling, Drop.in is the clear choice. Its features like digital check-in, mobile keys, and in-stay payments are tailored for properties seeking operational automation and guest self-service, especially in hybrid or boutique hotels.

If your hotel prioritizes comprehensive guest engagement, with multiple services accessible via a single app, STAY is the better fit. Its strengths include a wide range of integrations, robust analytics, and a proven track record with large chains like NH Hotels and RIU, making it ideal for hotels aiming to digitize every aspect of the guest journey.

For properties focused on reducing front desk queues and increasing revenue through upselling, Drop.in’s targeted features make it the smarter pick. Conversely, if your hotel wants a broad, multi-service platform for diverse hotel operations, STAY’s extensive integration ecosystem and proven global implementation are compelling.

Is Drop.in or STAY Easier to Use?

Drop.in scores a solid 4.58/5 for ease of use, with reviews praising its intuitive guest web app, simple check-in process, and straightforward onboarding. Hotels report that staff find it easy to implement and guests quickly adapt to its digital interface. However, some mention that customizing messaging and deeper integration require improvements.

STAY edges slightly higher at 4.78/5, with reviewers emphasizing its user-friendly CMS, clear content management, and simple navigation from both staff and guest perspectives. Hotels also appreciate its quick deployment and minimal learning curve, despite some noting room for enhanced language support and faster reporting.

Edge: STAY.

Which Has Better Features: Drop.in or STAY?

Drop.in offers unique capabilities such as integrated payments and mobile check-in, features absent in STAY. Its focus on contactless check-in, digital keys, and upsell tools cater directly to operational automation, with only two features exclusive to Drop.in.

STAY provides four features not in Drop.in, including a dedicated chatbot, automated replies, message routing, and a mobile app. Its broader suite supports a more comprehensive guest experience, managing everything from service requests to reservations.

While Drop.in’s niche features suit hotels seeking operational automation, STAY’s variety caters to properties wanting a multi-service platform. The choice hinges on whether your hotel prefers specialized check-in tools or a full-service guest experience system.

Edge: STAY.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Drop.in or STAY?

Drop.in's support and onboarding ratings are strong at 4.46/5, with many users appreciating prompt assistance and clear communication. However, some reviews mention the need for faster support response times and more in-depth customization support.

STAY’s customer support scores slightly higher at 4.83/5, with reviews highlighting responsive, helpful service, and effective onboarding. Clients frequently mention that the support team is knowledgeable and proactive, though some express wish for expanded support hours and more direct communication channels.

Edge: STAY.

Which Has More Integrations: Drop.in or STAY?

STAY’s platform boasts 20 verified integrations, significantly more than Drop.in’s four. Key shared integrations include Mews, but STAY also connects with hotelkit, SiteMinder, Oracle Hospitality, and many others, enabling hotels to unify various systems efficiently.

Drop.in’s integrations are limited mainly to core reservation and access systems like Goki and Stayntouch, plus a few niche partners. If your hotel relies on multiple connected systems, STAY’s wider integration network offers more flexibility and scalability.

Edge: STAY.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Drop.in or STAY?

Drop.in’s recent reviews, with 26 in the last six months, reflect a high likelihood to recommend at 93%. Its current HT Score of approximately 78 underscores strong satisfaction among hotels seeking automation.

STAY, with over 200 reviews and a higher recent rating, has a slightly higher likelihood to recommend at 96%. Large hotel groups like NH Hotels and RIU rate STAY highly for its comprehensive services and integration capabilities, especially in the luxury and chain hotel segments.

Given the volume and recency, STAY’s broader positive feedback makes it the more trusted choice at this moment.

Edge: STAY.

How Much Do Drop.in and STAY Cost?

Drop.in charges a flat base price of $600 per month, with no trial, freemium, or per-room fees. Its pricing reflects a focus on automated check-in, payments, and upsell features, targeting hotels willing to invest in operational automation.

STAY’s pricing starts at $300 per month, also without trial or per-room fees. Its lower base cost coupled with extensive integrations and features makes it attractive for hotels seeking a scalable guest experience platform without a hefty upfront investment.

If budget is a primary concern, STAY offers a more affordable entry point, though Drop.in’s specialized features justify its higher price for automation-focused hotels.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Drop.in?

Drop.in is ideal for:

• Hotels seeking to automate the front desk and reduce staff workload.
• Properties prioritizing contactless check-in and digital keys.
• Hotels with hybrid or boutique models aiming to increase operational efficiency.
• Properties that want to upsell services seamlessly during the guest journey.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel needs a broad, multi-service platform beyond check-in.
• You require extensive reporting or analytics.
• Your property relies heavily on deep customization or integrations with niche systems.

Drop.in excels where automation and operational reduction are priorities—perfect for properties with a tech-forward approach.

What Type of Hotel Should Use STAY?

STAY suits:

• Large chains and independent hotels seeking an all-in-one guest experience platform.
• Hotels aiming to digitize multiple services, from reservations to in-room requests.
• Properties that want extensive system integrations and data analytics.
• Hotels looking for a scalable solution across multiple regions.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel’s primary goal is front desk automation alone.
• You need a solution with more language options or regional support.
• You prefer a platform with minimal integration complexity.

STAY is the choice for hotels committed to broad digital engagement, operational insights, and global scalability.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Drop.in and STAY address different hotel needs but share the goal of elevating guest experiences. Drop.in’s specialty in automating check-ins and reducing operational overhead makes it suitable for hotels prioritizing efficiency, especially in boutique or hybrid properties. STAY, with its extensive integrations and broad service offerings, is better positioned for large chains or hotels seeking to digitize their entire guest journey.

Choose Drop.in if your hotel needs a straightforward, automated check-in process that boosts revenue through upselling. Opt for STAY if your property aims to deliver a comprehensive digital guest experience, improve operational workflows, and scale globally.

In conclusion, if recent reviews and higher engagement matter most, STAY’s current momentum makes it the more proven choice. However, for targeted automation and guest self-service, Drop.in remains a strong contender.