Smart Host Messaging vs. Viqal Virtual Concierge:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

When choosing guest messaging software, your hotel needs a solution that boosts communication, enhances guest experience, and integrates smoothly with your existing systems. Both Smart Host Messaging and Viqal aim to streamline your guest interactions, but they approach this goal differently. Smart Host offers a comprehensive, multi-channel platform with advanced features, while Viqal focuses exclusively on automating WhatsApp communication. Which product is better suited to your hotel's specific needs?

Is Smart Host Messaging or Viqal Better for Hotels?

Smart Host Messaging provides a robust platform designed for hotels seeking extensive guest communication management. It supports multiple channels, detailed guest profiling, behavioral campaigns, and integrations with over 25 vendors, making it ideal for larger or multi-property hotels aiming for in-depth marketing and operational insights. Conversely, Viqal concentrates solely on automating WhatsApp messaging, offering a straightforward, cost-effective solution primarily suited for hotels that rely heavily on WhatsApp communication.

Smart Host's high user ratings—an average of 4.72/5 for ease of use and 4.86/5 for support—indicate a strong, positive reception, especially among hotels that prioritize detailed guest management and cross-channel campaigns. Viqal, with no available reviews, offers a limited but focused approach, primarily appealing to properties that want automated WhatsApp messaging without added complexity.

Both products aim to enhance guest engagement, but Smart Host’s breadth of features and recent review volume give it a clear edge. Are you looking for a versatile platform that covers multiple communication channels or a simple WhatsApp automation tool?

Smart Host Messaging vs Viqal: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a comprehensive guest messaging platform that manages multi-channel communication, personalized campaigns, and detailed analytics, go with Smart Host Messaging. It suits medium to large hotels, resorts, and properties looking for advanced marketing automation and guest profiling.

If your hotel primarily uses WhatsApp for guest communication and prefers a straightforward solution that automates messaging, Viqal might be enough. However, since Viqal has no recent reviews or measurable ratings, Smart Host currently offers a more proven, feature-rich choice for hotels seeking reliable, scalable guest messaging.

In summary, choose Smart Host if you need a unified, multi-channel communication system with extensive features. Opt for Viqal if your focus is strictly on WhatsApp automation with minimal complexity.

Is Smart Host Messaging or Viqal Easier to Use?

Smart Host Messaging scores 4.72/5 for ease of use, with reviewers describing its interface as intuitive and straightforward. Many users highlight how quickly staff can manage guest interactions without extensive training, and onboarding is rated 4.6/5, reflecting a smooth setup process.

Viqal, lacking any reviews, offers no user-rated feedback on usability. Its narrow focus on WhatsApp automation suggests a simpler setup, but without concrete ratings, we cannot compare its user experience effectively.

Edge: Smart Host.

Which Has Better Features: Smart Host Messaging or Viqal?

Smart Host offers 25 unique features, including behavioral marketing campaigns, guest reviews campaigns, upselling, automated workflows, multi-property management, SMS and WhatsApp integrations, detailed guest profiling, and a comprehensive analytics dashboard. These capabilities allow your team to run targeted marketing, automate guest communication, and analyze guest behaviors across multiple channels.

Viqal provides no listed features beyond basic WhatsApp automation. Its narrow scope means it lacks the extensive marketing, segmentation, or multi-channel capabilities found in Smart Host.

Edge: Smart Host.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Smart Host or Viqal?

Smart Host is rated 4.86/5 for customer support, with reviews emphasizing prompt, professional assistance and the platform’s responsiveness. Users appreciate the dedicated onboarding process and ongoing support, which help maximize the platform’s capabilities.

Viqal has no available support ratings or reviews, making it impossible to assess the quality of its customer service. Given the importance of reliable support in complex guest messaging, Smart Host’s high support score is a significant advantage.

Edge: Smart Host.

Which Has More Integrations: Smart Host or Viqal?

Smart Host integrates with 25 verified partners, including industry leaders like Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and protel. Its open API allows further customization and connects with a wide range of PMS and other hotel systems.

Viqal only connects with 4 partners, including SabeeApp and PYLON, offering limited integration options. For hotels needing a flexible, scalable system that works seamlessly with existing infrastructure, Smart Host has a clear advantage.

Edge: Smart Host.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Smart Host or Viqal?

Smart Host’s review count of 147, with 13 recent reviews, and an overall HT score of 81.9, reflect strong, current user satisfaction across diverse property types. Hotels ranging from boutique and city center to resorts and luxury properties rate it highly for ease of use, support, and value.

Viqal has no reviews or ratings, so we cannot gauge user satisfaction. Given the recent and numerous reviews for Smart Host, it is the better-rated choice among hoteliers.

Edge: Smart Host.

How Much Do Smart Host and Viqal Cost?

Smart Host does not publicly list pricing, which suggests a customized quote based on your property size and needs. It does not offer a free tier or trial, indicating a premium, enterprise-level service.

Viqal charges a flat $200 monthly fee, with no free trial or tiered options. For hotels seeking a flexible, scalable solution with advanced features, the higher, bespoke pricing of Smart Host may be justified by its broader capabilities.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Smart Host?

• Hotels that need a multi-channel guest communication platform to manage inquiries, offers, and campaigns.
• Teams that want detailed guest profiling and behavioral analysis for personalized marketing.
• Hotels with multiple properties seeking centralized management.
• Properties aiming to increase direct bookings through automated campaigns.
• Hotels prioritizing data-driven insights for operational improvements.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel relies solely on WhatsApp without plans for multi-channel communication.
• You prefer a simple, low-cost messaging tool.
• You have minimal staff resources for managing complex campaigns.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Viqal?

• Hotels that primarily communicate with guests via WhatsApp.
• Properties seeking an affordable, straightforward automation tool.
• Small hotels or boutique properties with limited communication channels.
• Hotels focusing on post-stay follow-ups and simple guest requests.

Not ideal if:

• You need a comprehensive guest messaging system across multiple channels.
• Your hotel plans to expand communication channels beyond WhatsApp.
• You require detailed analytics or marketing automation.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Smart Host Messaging stands out as the more complete guest communication platform, especially given its recent reviews, high user ratings, and extensive feature set. It suits hotels that need a scalable, multi-channel solution with in-depth marketing and guest management capabilities.

Viqal offers a focused, cost-effective WhatsApp automation tool, which may benefit smaller hotels or those already heavily reliant on WhatsApp. Its limited features and lack of recent reviews make it a less compelling option for larger or more complex operations.

If your hotel values a proven, feature-rich platform with strong support and integrations, Smart Host is the clear choice. For simple WhatsApp automation needs, Viqal could suffice, but with less confidence in support and scalability.

In conclusion, for most hotels actively seeking a robust and trusted guest messaging solution, Smart Host remains the superior option, driven by its comprehensive capabilities and high user satisfaction.