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 402 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:
apaleo GmbH shines when it comes to frequent updates and community engagement .
Stayntouch shines when it comes to user-friendly interface — especially for brand properties (4.9/5) , with exclusive features like Revenue management module and Tablet/Kiosk Check-in.
Side-by-side ratings based on 402 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $900/mo | From $800/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 30 | 372 |
After analyzing 402 verified reviews, apaleo GmbH users most value its frequent updates and community engagement, customization and flexibility, open api and integration, while Stayntouch users highlight user-friendly interface, integration and onboarding, system performance and reliability. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Frequent Updates and Community Engagement
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User-Friendly Interface
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Customization and Flexibility
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Integration and Onboarding
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Open API and Integration
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System Performance and Reliability
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App Store and Third-Party Integrations
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Reservation Management
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Reporting Capabilities
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Reporting and Analytics
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Group and Booking Management
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Room Management and Housekeeping
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Reservation Management
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How each product ranks among Property Management Systems 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) ▾ | #42 7 reviews | #18 51 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #27 19 reviews | #5 208 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #41 1 reviews | #7 29 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ | #14 3 reviews | #2 58 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #34 14 reviews | #6 220 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #43 4 reviews | #6 180 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #40 4 reviews | #3 152 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #19 9 reviews | #14 17 reviews |
By Region
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| North America ▾ | #38 2 reviews | #4 262 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #18 26 reviews | #12 64 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #21 3 reviews |
Choosing the right property management system (PMS) is crucial for your hotel's operational success and guest experience. You’re deciding between Apaleo Open PMS and Stayntouch, both of which aim to streamline daily tasks, improve guest satisfaction, and facilitate growth. Apaleo offers an open API-first platform designed for flexibility and customization, while Stayntouch emphasizes ease of use, mobile management, and comprehensive features. Which system aligns better with your hotel’s needs?
Both Apaleo and Stayntouch aim to simplify hotel operations, but they approach this differently. Apaleo’s strength lies in its open API platform, allowing hotels to tailor integrations and workflows, whereas Stayntouch prioritizes an intuitive, user-friendly interface with a focus on mobile functionality. If your team needs the ability to customize and integrate extensively, Apaleo could be appealing; if quick onboarding and ease of use are your priorities, Stayntouch might be better. Do you want maximum flexibility or simplicity?
If your hotel is part of a chain, managing multiple properties, and values extensive integrations, Stayntouch’s proven multi-property management and 188 verified partners make it the clear choice. Conversely, if your hotel requires a highly customizable, API-driven platform for tailored workflows and future scalability, Apaleo’s open ecosystem with 120 verified partners is more suitable. For large chains, Stayntouch’s extensive third-party integrations and market presence favor it; for innovative, tech-forward properties, Apaleo’s flexibility wins.
Stayntouch holds a slight edge in user-friendliness, with an overall rating of 4.7/5 and praised for its intuitive screens, onboarding, and mobile capabilities. Apaleo scores a top 4.9/5 but is often noted for its complexity due to extensive customization options, which can steepen the learning curve. In reviews, Stayntouch's onboarding is described as quick and supportive, while Apaleo’s flexibility sometimes requires more technical setup. Edge: Stayntouch.
Stayntouch offers 12 features exclusive to its platform, including revenue management, guest app, booking engine, guest messaging, and kiosk check-in, providing a broader range of operational tools. Apaleo’s 37 shared features focus on reservation management and integrations but relies on third-party apps for advanced solutions. If comprehensive guest engagement tools and automation are priorities, Stayntouch leads; for integrations and core PMS functions, Apaleo’s open API is advantageous. Edge: Stayntouch.
Both platforms are highly rated for support, but Apaleo’s reviews frequently cite exceptional responsiveness, with a 4.83/5 rating and comments like “best support” and “friendly community.” Stayntouch’s support is strong at 4.68/5 but is often praised for its onboarding and training, though some mention slower issue resolution during rapid growth. If ongoing responsive support is essential, Apaleo’s recent reviews and high NPS (9.69/10) give it an edge. Edge: Apaleo.
Stayntouch boasts 188 verified partners, surpassing Apaleo’s 120, with shared integrations like HQ revenue and RevControl. Stayntouch’s wider partner network, including unique integrations such as Zaplox, Tripleseat, and IVvy, enables more comprehensive third-party connectivity. If extensive integration options are critical, Stayntouch’s larger ecosystem makes it the better choice. Edge: Stayntouch.
Stayntouch’s overall review score of 4.56/5 outperforms Apaleo’s 0/5, reflecting a significant difference in user satisfaction. Recent reviews highlight Stayntouch’s intuitive interface, quick onboarding, and mobile access, especially for independent, boutique, and resort properties. Apaleo’s reviews are limited but highly positive regarding community and API flexibility. Given the recent review volume, Stayntouch’s higher ratings and client feedback make it the more trusted option. Edge: Stayntouch.
Apaleo’s base price is $900/month, with no freemium or tiered options mentioned. Stayntouch charges $800/month, also without free or trial options available. While pricing is close, the slight difference may reflect the value of features and support; your decision may hinge on specific operational needs versus budget flexibility.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
At its core, Apaleo offers a flexible, open platform for hotels that want to craft a unique digital infrastructure, supported by a strong community and a broad set of integrations. Stayntouch emphasizes ease of use, mobile capabilities, and a feature set that suits independent and boutique hotels, with a larger user base and higher recent reviews.
Choose Apaleo if your hotel values customization, is tech-savvy, and plans to develop a tailored tech ecosystem that can evolve over time. Opt for Stayntouch if your focus is on quick deployment, operational simplicity, and excellent guest experiences, especially across multiple properties.
In summary, for hotels that want a customizable backbone, Apaleo's open API and community support are unmatched. For properties seeking a proven, user-friendly solution with a wide array of features and integrations, Stayntouch is the clear winner.
Property Management Systems 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 $900/mo | From $800/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Apaleo Open PMS and Stayntouch share 37 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Guest App | ||
| ID Scanning & Registration Pre-fill | ||
| Integrated ID & Passport Scanner | ||
| Lobby Kiosk | ||
| Revenue management module | ||
| Tablet/Kiosk Check-in |
We analyzed 9 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"One of the biggest impacts for us has been the vast array of implementation options available on Apaleo. We’re now able to think outside the box and customise solutions in ways we..."
"Before leveraging Stayntouch PMS and Owner Relations, much of our old accounting processes were completed manually, including printing and hand-delivering statements to units, and..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"As an independent hotel that runs above 100% occupancy on many nights, the TWA Hotel finds Stayntouch integral to our operations."
What hoteliers love
The platform's commitment to regular updates and community engagement is well-received, with users valuing the attention to feedback and ongoing impro... The platform's commitment to regular updates and community engagement is well-received, with users valuing the attention to feedback and ongoing improvements. The active community provides a support network that enhances the user experience.
Users highlight Apaleo's strength in customization, allowing tailored workflows and process automation. This flexibility helps hotels create systems t... Users highlight Apaleo's strength in customization, allowing tailored workflows and process automation. This flexibility helps hotels create systems that align perfectly with their operational needs, enhancing efficiency and improving guest services.
Apaleo's open API is uniquely praised for enabling custom tech stacks and seamless integration with various systems, greatly enhancing efficiency and... Apaleo's open API is uniquely praised for enabling custom tech stacks and seamless integration with various systems, greatly enhancing efficiency and flexibility in operations. Reviewers appreciate the ability to create their own applications and tech ecosystems, significantly setting Apaleo apart from its competitors.
Where hoteliers push back
While users value the basic reporting functionalities, there is a noticeable demand for advanced reporting features within Apaleo. Many find current o... While users value the basic reporting functionalities, there is a noticeable demand for advanced reporting features within Apaleo. Many find current options limited, leading to reliance on additional tools for deeper analytics.
Apaleo's group management features receive praise for user-friendliness, but some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly concerning comprehe... Apaleo's group management features receive praise for user-friendliness, but some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly concerning comprehensive functionality and intuitiveness.
Ranks higher for
What hoteliers love
The system's intuitive design allows for easy navigation, making it suitable for training new staff quickly. The visual and organizational elements ar... The system's intuitive design allows for easy navigation, making it suitable for training new staff quickly. The visual and organizational elements are highlighted as aiding faster task execution and enhancing staff capability, thus improving guest interactions.
Stayntouch is noted for its seamless integration and smooth onboarding processes, facilitated by individual support from staff like David and Julia. T... Stayntouch is noted for its seamless integration and smooth onboarding processes, facilitated by individual support from staff like David and Julia. The guidance provided by these individuals was deemed invaluable, particularly for system transition and setup.
Stayntouch is generally reliable without major outages, providing continuous support via the cloud. Although positive, some users express concerns ove... Stayntouch is generally reliable without major outages, providing continuous support via the cloud. Although positive, some users express concerns over the speed of addressing complex issues amidst rapid company growth.
Where hoteliers push back
While generally praised for accessible reports that support operations, users cite a need for more adaptive reporting features. Some reports lack deta... While generally praised for accessible reports that support operations, users cite a need for more adaptive reporting features. Some reports lack detail or are hard to manipulate, highlighting the need for customizable analytics solutions.
Room assignments and housekeeping functionalities receive positive feedback for enhancing operational efficiency. However, users request better functi... Room assignments and housekeeping functionalities receive positive feedback for enhancing operational efficiency. However, users request better functionality in room diary visibility and tasks scheduling to address specific management needs.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Apaleo Open PMS and Stayntouch share many core Property Management Systems features, but each has unique capabilities. Apaleo Open PMS offers 120 verified integration partners, while Stayntouch offers 189. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Apaleo Open PMS leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5. 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.
Apaleo Open PMS: No. Stayntouch: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Property Management Systems 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. apaleo GmbH has an HT Score of 77 and Stayntouch has 91. 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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