Duve - Online Check-in vs. Zaplox Self-service Kiosk:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Duve's Online Check-in and Zaplox's Self-service Kiosk centers on your hotel’s specific needs for contactless check-in. Both aim to minimize front desk workload and improve guest experience, but they solve this problem differently: Duve offers a comprehensive, app-based platform with extensive automation, while Zaplox provides a flexible, hardware-agnostic kiosk solution with integrated PMS and mobile key support. Which approach aligns better with your operational model?

Duve dominates in reviews, with 468 recent feedback entries and a high score of 4.83/5, indicating strong user satisfaction. Zaplox, with only 3 reviews and a 4/5 rating, has limited recent data, making Duve the more reliable choice based on current hotel experiences. Is your hotel ready for a full platform or a hardware-focused kiosk?

Duve vs Zaplox: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a broad, feature-rich platform that automates the entire guest journey—from pre-arrival to post-stay—and integrates with multiple PMS and lock systems, Duve is the clear winner. Its extensive suite of 31 unique features and 65 verified partners supports sophisticated upselling, guest profiling, and multi-channel communication, making it ideal for larger or tech-forward properties.

If your focus is on reducing front desk staffing with a simple, hardware-agnostic kiosk that can run on most tablets and supports mobile keys, Zaplox is better suited. Its core strengths lie in providing a quick, flexible self-service check-in and checkout experience, especially for properties with limited digital infrastructure or those prioritizing a hardware solution over comprehensive automation.

For most hotels looking to modernize their entire check-in process, Duve offers a more complete, scalable solution. But if your primary goal is to introduce a straightforward self-service kiosk to handle check-ins and check-outs, Zaplox delivers a quick setup with proven PMS and lock integrations.

Is Duve or Zaplox Easier to Use?

Duve’s user interface earns a 4.74/5 rating, praised for its intuitive guest app, onboarding process, and automation features. Reviewers highlight its smooth guest experience, with some noting that staff adoption is straightforward once initial setup is complete, though the onboarding process can be complex for larger integrations.

Zaplox scores 4.17/5, with praise for its stability and ease of use on various devices. However, some users report longer learning curves due to frequent developer changes and limited onboarding support, which can slow staff adoption.

Edge: Duve.

Which Has Better Features: Duve or Zaplox?

Duve boasts 31 features exclusive to its platform, including advanced guest messaging, segmentation, automatic translations, digital acceptance, payment capture, and open API support. Its capabilities extend into pre-arrival upselling, profile enrichment, and extensive multi-channel communication, setting it apart from Zaplox.

Zaplox offers 8 unique features, primarily focused on hardware integration, mobile keys, and basic self-service check-in/out, without the advanced automation and marketing tools Duve provides. Its features are sufficient for simple kiosk operations but lack the depth for full guest engagement.

Edge: Duve.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Duve or Zaplox?

Duve’s support scores a 4.65/5, with many reviews praising its responsive, professional team and quick resolution times. Users share that Duve’s customer service is instrumental in overcoming technical issues and optimizing the platform, although some note initial setup complexity.

Zaplox’s support score is lower at 3/5, with reviews indicating inconsistent support and difficulties due to frequent developer turnover. Some users mention delays and a lack of updated knowledge, which can hamper swift problem resolution.

Edge: Duve.

Which Has More Integrations: Duve or Zaplox?

Duve integrates with 65 verified partners, including leading PMS, lock, and payment systems, with shared integrations like SALTO, Mews, Oracle Hospitality, and Adyen. Its open API and extensive partner network allow for customized, scalable integrations.

Zaplox has 17 verified partners, with common integrations with PMS and lock systems like Salto, Dormakaba, and ALICE. Its narrower partner ecosystem limits flexibility compared to Duve’s broader integration landscape.

Edge: Duve.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Duve or Zaplox?

Duve’s recent reviews showcase an overall rating of 4.83/5, with hoteliers emphasizing its ability to automate processes, increase revenue, and improve guest satisfaction. Users from large chains and boutique hotels alike praise its extensive features and support.

Zaplox’s 4/5 rating reflects satisfaction with its stability and simplicity but is hampered by limited recent feedback and support issues. Given the volume and recency of reviews, Duve’s ratings provide a clearer picture of ongoing performance.

Edge: Duve.

How Much Do Duve and Zaplox Cost?

Duve charges a base price of $900 per month, with no freemium model or hidden fees, offering transparent value for its extensive feature set. Pricing details for Zaplox are not publicly available, potentially indicating a custom quote structure, but its simpler scope suggests lower costs.

While Duve’s pricing might be higher, it reflects the comprehensive nature of the platform, whereas Zaplox’s cost-effectiveness depends on your hotel’s specific kiosk needs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Duve?

• Hotels seeking a full guest experience platform, including online check-in, pre-arrival communication, upselling, and guest profiling.
• Properties aiming to automate their entire arrival, upsell, and post-stay processes.
• Hotels with a large volume of guests needing multi-channel engagement.
• Properties with the infrastructure to support complex integrations.
• Hotels in regions with reliable internet connectivity.

Not ideal if:

• Your hotel has minimal digital infrastructure.
• You prefer a simple, hardware-based solution without automation.
• You operate in an area with poor internet connectivity.
• Your staff are resistant to adopting new tech that requires significant setup.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Zaplox?

• Hotels that want a straightforward, hardware-agnostic kiosk for check-in and check-out.
• Properties with limited need for automation beyond basic self-service.
• Hotels that prioritize mobile keys and quick deployment over extensive guest profiling.
• Small properties or hostels seeking an easy-to-implement, low-maintenance solution.
• Hotels with existing PMS and lock systems compatible with Zaplox.

Not ideal if:

• You require advanced guest engagement or upselling features.
• Your hotel aims for a fully integrated, profile-driven guest experience.
• The hotel has complex operational needs beyond check-in/out.
• You prefer platform-wide automation and marketing tools.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Duve offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform that transforms guest interactions from pre-arrival to post-stay, making it ideal for hotels wanting a full automation suite. Its extensive integrations, high user ratings, and recent reviews demonstrate its effectiveness in elevating guest experience and operational efficiency.

Zaplox provides a reliable, easy-to-use self-service kiosk primarily suited for properties focused on reducing front desk workload with minimal need for automation or guest profiling. Its hardware-agnostic design and mobile key support make it a practical solution for straightforward check-in/out needs.

If your hotel aims for a sophisticated, scalable guest experience platform, Duve is the clear choice, especially given its more recent reviews and higher ratings. For simple, hardware-based solutions, Zaplox can be a practical, quick-to-deploy option.