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 219 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 ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (0.0/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile App.
Zaplox shines , with exclusive features like Mobile App and Mobile Checkin.
Side-by-side ratings based on 219 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $300/mo | Contact sales |
| Verified Reviews | 215 | 4 |
After analyzing 219 verified reviews, STAY users most value its guest experience optimization, mobile and user experience, operational efficiency, while Zaplox 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
| Segment |
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #9 10 reviews | #34 0 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #4 83 reviews | #18 4 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #2 89 reviews | #26 0 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #2 24 reviews | #22 0 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #2 77 reviews | #20 2 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #2 88 reviews | #20 2 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #3 91 reviews | #30 0 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #6 7 reviews | — |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #5 27 reviews | #12 2 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #3 112 reviews | #20 2 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | #6 3 reviews | #17 0 reviews |
| Middle East | #7 2 reviews | — |
Choosing the right guest app can transform your hotel’s operations and guest satisfaction. Both STAY Guest App by STAY and Zaplox Premium Guest App aim to digitize and enhance the guest experience, but they serve different hotel profiles and operational needs. Your decision hinges on the scale of your hotel, regional presence, and priorities like ease of use versus feature depth.
While STAY boasts a larger user base, more recent reviews, and a stronger global presence, Zaplox emphasizes contactless features and mobile convenience. Which solution aligns better with your hotel’s strategic goals?
Both products aim to digitize hotel services, reducing front desk queues, and fostering guest engagement. STAY focuses on streamlining internal operations through a comprehensive guest experience OS, providing features like multi-lingual support, extensive integrations, and analytics. Zaplox, on the other hand, centers on contactless check-in, mobile keys, and minimal staff interaction, emphasizing safety and speed.
STAY’s 206 reviews—many recent—give it a clear edge in credibility and user confidence. Zaplox’s three reviews are outdated and less diverse, making it harder to gauge current performance. Given the recent data, STAY’s solutions are more proven and trusted across a broader range of hotel types.
Your choice depends on your hotel’s size, location, and service model. If you operate a large, international chain or independent property seeking a flexible, feature-rich platform with extensive integrations, STAY is the better pick. Its high ratings for ease of use (4.78/5), support (4.83/5), and value (4.61/5) reflect strong user satisfaction.
If your hotel prioritizes contactless check-in, mobile keys, and safety during the pandemic, Zaplox’s mobile-centric approach might appeal. But with only three reviews—none recent—its credibility is limited. For most hotels, especially those in need of a robust, well-supported solution, STAY is the more reliable choice.
STAY’s user interface scores 4.78/5, and reviewers praise its intuitive CMS, simple implementation, and straightforward content management. The onboarding process is rated 4.63/5, with many users citing minimal training needs and quick adoption. Support responsiveness is high, though some wish for more phone support options.
Zaplox’s usability ratings are less clear, with reviews highlighting its simplicity but also citing issues like limited integration and older feedback about complex manual processes. Given the explicit praise for STAY’s UI and onboarding, edge: STAY.
STAY offers six exclusive features, including a chatbot, automated replies, message routing, web-app access, and multi-lingual translations—tools that enhance operational automation and guest engagement. Zaplox provides seven unique features, like mobile check-in, mobile key, and mobile payments, focusing on contactless convenience.
Both platforms share eight features, but STAY’s broader suite supports more comprehensive guest experience management. For hotels looking to digitize multiple services beyond check-in and keys, STAY’s feature set is more robust. Edge: STAY.
Reviews for STAY highlight a support team rated at 4.83/5, with many hoteliers praising quick response times and dedicated service. Customers appreciate the detailed onboarding and ongoing assistance, despite some feedback about limited phone support hours.
Zaplox support scores 4/5, with users noting quick responses but also mentioning integration issues and challenges with complex PMS systems. Given the higher ratings and more recent positive reviews, edge: STAY.
STAY integrates with 20 verified partners, including major players like Hotelkit, SiteMinder, Amadeus, and Hapi. Zaplox connects with 17 verified partners, including notable integrations like Stayntouch, SALTO, and Protel, but fewer overall.
Both platforms support key PMS and property management systems, though STAY’s broader partner network provides more flexibility. For extensive integration needs, edge: STAY.
In recent reviews, STAY’s overall rating is 3/5, with a high likelihood to recommend (96%) and more recent feedback. Its diverse user base includes large chains like NH Hotels, Riu, and AMR Collection, which praise its operational impact and user-friendliness.
Zaplox’s rating is 3.33/5, with only three reviews, all older, and mixed feedback. Its hotel segments skew towards boutique and city center hotels, but the limited review data weakens its credibility. Edge: STAY.
STAY’s pricing is straightforward at $300 per month, with no implementation or trial fees. Pricing details for Zaplox are not publicly disclosed, which may suggest a customized quote based on hotel size and needs.
Given the transparent, predictable pricing, STAY offers better cost clarity. Without clear data on Zaplox, edge: STAY.
Not ideal if your hotel relies heavily on personal service, or if your property is very small and prefers simple solutions.
Not ideal if you need a comprehensive guest experience OS or extensive multi-language support.
Core Difference:
STAY offers a broad, feature-rich guest experience platform proven across many markets. Zaplox emphasizes contactless, mobile key solutions for quick, safe guest access.
When to Choose STAY:
If your hotel needs a scalable, versatile system with deep integrations, extensive features, and proven support, STAY is the clear winner. Its large review base and recent positive feedback demonstrate reliability and user satisfaction.
When to Choose Zaplox:
If your priority is a contactless, mobile-centric guest journey focusing on speed and safety, and your property is smaller or boutique-style, Zaplox might suit your needs. However, its limited recent reviews and narrower regional presence are drawbacks.
Final Verdict:
For most hotels looking to improve operational efficiency, guest engagement, and future-proof their property, STAY Guest App is the more dependable choice. Zaplox is more niche-focused and better suited for boutique hotels with a specific emphasis on mobile keys and contactless check-in.
According to HTR's product database, STAY Guest App and Zaplox Premium Guest App share 8 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
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| Automated Replies | ||
| Automatic Translations (Multi-Lingual) | ||
| Chatbot | ||
| Keyless Entry | ||
| Message Routing | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Mobile Checkin | ||
| Notifications | ||
| Remote Checkin | ||
| Web-app | ||
| Whitelabel Capability |
Showing top differences. 1 more features differ between these products.
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
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. STAY Guest App and Zaplox Premium Guest App share many core Hotel Guest Apps features, but each has unique capabilities. STAY Guest App offers 20 verified integration partners, while Zaplox Premium Guest App offers 17. 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 3.8/5. 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. Zaplox Premium 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.
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 Zaplox 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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