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 217 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:
STAY shines in customer support and ROI — especially for brand properties (0.0/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile App and Mobile Checkout.
The Digital Hotelier shines .
Side-by-side ratings based on 217 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Value for Money |
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| Starting Price | From $300/mo | From $100/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 215 | 2 |
After analyzing 217 verified reviews, STAY users most value its guest experience optimization, mobile and user experience, operational efficiency, while The Digital Hotelier users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Guest Experience Optimization
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Mobile and User Experience
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Operational Efficiency
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Support and Service
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CMS and Customization
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Integration Capabilities
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Analytics and Reporting
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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
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #9 10 reviews | — |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #4 83 reviews | #33 1 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #2 89 reviews | — |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #2 24 reviews | #18 1 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #2 77 reviews | — |
| Luxury ▾ | #2 88 reviews | — |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #3 91 reviews | #28 1 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #6 7 reviews | — |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #5 27 reviews | — |
| Europe ▾ | #3 112 reviews | #27 1 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | #6 3 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #7 2 reviews | #10 1 reviews |
Choosing between STAY Guest App by STAY and The Digital Hotelier hinges on your hotel’s specific needs for guest engagement and operational integration. Both platforms aim to enhance guest experience via digital solutions, but they diverge significantly in scope, user interface, and market focus. Your decision should prioritize which product aligns best with your hotel’s size, target market, and existing systems.
While STAY boasts a larger user base, more recent reviews, and a broader regional presence, The Digital Hotelier offers a web-based platform with a strong focus on external service monetization and multilingual support. Which one will truly serve your hotel’s long-term goals?
Both products are designed to digitize guest interactions, but STAY Guest App has a more established reputation, with 206 reviews and a high 4.83/5 customer support rating. It offers a comprehensive guest experience OS that covers in-room services, real-time updates, and integrations with major hotel systems, making it a robust solution for large or chain hotels.
The Digital Hotelier, with only 2 reviews and a support rating of 3.5/5, is newer and less proven at scale. Its web-first approach simplifies guest access through QR codes and offers multilingual support, but its limited review data makes it less reliable for large or complex properties. Are you comfortable with a more nascent platform, or do you prefer a proven leader?
If your hotel needs a highly rated, feature-rich guest app with extensive integrations—especially if you operate in multiple regions or property types—STAY is the clear choice. It’s trusted by over 1,000 hotels worldwide, including major chains like NH Hotels, RIU, and Meliá, and supports a variety of hotel segments, from luxury to resorts.
Conversely, if your hotel is a smaller, independent property seeking a simple, web-based QR solution for contactless ordering and requests, The Digital Hotelier’s lower price point and multilingual support could suffice. It’s better suited for hotels prioritizing quick implementation over extensive feature sets. Which profile fits your property?
STAY’s user experience is highly rated at 4.78/5, with reviews noting its intuitive interface and straightforward onboarding process. Hotels find the system simple for staff and guests alike, with a well-designed CMS that offers customization but could improve in flexibility.
The Digital Hotelier scores 4.5/5, with positive comments on its web-based access and straightforward QR code scanning. However, reviews mention that its implementation and management need further refinement, especially in process workflows and support responsiveness.
Edge: STAY.
STAY offers 7 unique features that are absent from The Digital Hotelier, including a mobile app, chatbot, automated responses, message routing, mobile checkout, guest profiles, and app downloads. These features allow for deeper engagement, personalization, and operational control.
The Digital Hotelier primarily provides a web-based platform with basic ordering and request functions via QR codes, lacking the advanced interactive features of STAY. Its core strengths are simplicity and multilingual accessibility rather than feature depth.
Edge: STAY.
STAY’s customer support scores 4.83/5, with reviews praising prompt, helpful assistance and efficient onboarding. Users frequently mention the support team’s responsiveness and clarity, though some wish for more phone support options.
The Digital Hotelier, with a 3.5/5 support rating, receives mixed reviews. Users report frustrations with management and reporting delays, and fewer comments highlight support responsiveness or helpfulness.
Edge: STAY.
STAY integrates with 20 verified partners, including major hotel systems like Oracle Hospitality, SiteMinder, and Mews, providing extensive connectivity for large, complex operations. This broad integration ecosystem supports data flow, automation, and operational efficiencies.
The Digital Hotelier has only 3 verified partners, with Shiji Group being the most notable. Its limited integrations could restrict scalability or customization for larger properties.
Edge: STAY.
Based on review volume and recency, hoteliers rate STAY significantly higher, with a 3/5 overall rating and a 96% likelihood to recommend. In contrast, The Digital Hotelier’s reviews are sparse, with only 2 reviews and a 55% likelihood to recommend, making it less reliable for decision-making.
Segment ratings also favor STAY across luxury, resort, and boutique hotels, reflecting its proven performance in diverse property types. The Digital Hotelier’s user base is smaller and more concentrated in vacation rentals and city hotels.
Edge: STAY.
STAY’s pricing is $300 per month with no free tier or trial offers, reflecting its broader feature set and regional reach.
The Digital Hotelier charges $100 per month, offering a more budget-friendly option but with fewer features and integrations. Both lack free trials, so your choice depends on whether your hotel values features and support over initial cost savings.
Not ideal if your hotel:
Not ideal if your hotel:
Core Difference:
STAY is a comprehensive, feature-rich guest experience platform with extensive integrations, proven scalability, and a large user base. The Digital Hotelier is a newer, web-based, QR-driven solution optimized for simplicity, multilingual support, and quick deployment.
When to Choose STAY:
Select STAY if your hotel needs a proven, customizable system capable of supporting complex operations across multiple regions. Its diverse features and integrations make it ideal for larger properties, chains, or those focused on operational efficiency and guest personalization.
When to Choose The Digital Hotelier:
Opt for The Digital Hotelier if your hotel is small, independent, and primarily seeking a straightforward contactless ordering and request platform. Its lower cost, quick setup, and multilingual interface suit properties with limited technical infrastructure or those experimenting with digital guest services.
Final Verdict:
For hotels prioritizing stability, depth of features, and proven success, STAY is the stronger choice, backed by more reviews, higher ratings, and greater regional coverage. If your hotel’s needs are basic, budget-conscious, and centered around web-based QR solutions, The Digital Hotelier offers a simpler alternative—though with less proven reliability and fewer integrations.
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.
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| Starting Price | From $300/mo | From $100/mo |
According to HTR's product database, STAY Guest App and The Digital Hotelier share 7 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| App download | ||
| Automated Replies | ||
| Chatbot | ||
| Message Routing | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Mobile Checkout |
We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"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..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"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..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
What hoteliers love
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. STAY Guest App and The Digital Hotelier share many core Hotel Guest Apps features, but each has unique capabilities. STAY Guest App offers 20 verified integration partners, while The Digital Hotelier offers 3. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. STAY Guest App leads in ease of use at 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5. 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.
STAY Guest App: No. The Digital Hotelier: 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.
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. STAY has an HT Score of 47 and The Digital Hotelier has 0. 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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