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As a seasoned hotelier, I know that managing guest communication can be quite a task. But imagine if you could streamline all guest messaging into a single platform that not only enhances the guest experience but also boosts your team's productivity. Well, that's precisely what guest messaging software does.

It transforms a complex network of customer interaction into a simplified, centralized hub. This software becomes your most efficient team member, always available to deliver fast and personalized guest service, regardless of the volume of guest queries.

I've curated a list of the best guest messaging software that I believe can make a significant difference in your hotel operations. Take a look, and see what feels right for your unique needs.

Best Guest Messaging Software Summary

Best Guest Messaging Software Reviews

Best for AI-powered concierge service

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.6/5

Medallia offers an advanced guest messaging platform that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance concierge services. By providing a virtual AI assistant, it empowers hotels to respond to guest inquiries promptly and efficiently, aligning with its 'best for' statement of being the ideal solution for AI-powered concierge services.

Why I Picked Medallia: In selecting from a pool of excellent tools, Medallia stood out to me because of its integration of artificial intelligence in providing concierge services. Its AI-driven virtual assistant goes beyond traditional messaging platforms by facilitating efficient and immediate guest responses. Thus, I believe Medallia is the best option for those seeking to utilize AI in enhancing their guest communication.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Medallia's AI concierge is a feature that distinguishes it. It also offers features like sentiment analysis and real-time analytics. The software integrates seamlessly with popular CRM and property management systems, allowing for an efficient flow of guest data.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient integration with popular CRM and PMS systems
  • Provides sentiment analysis for better guest understanding
  • AI-powered concierge service enhances guest interaction

Cons:

  • Customer support can be improved
  • Might require some training to fully utilize AI features
  • High cost may not be suitable for smaller properties

Best for AI-assisted text messaging service

  • From $50/user/month

Akia is a digital tool that uses artificial intelligence to provide automated text messaging services. It enables hospitality businesses to efficiently manage guest communication and services, which aligns perfectly with its suitability for AI-assisted text messaging service.

Why I Picked Akia: I picked Akia because of its distinct combination of artificial intelligence and text messaging. The AI capabilities allow the tool to automate responses and streamline communication, a feature that makes it stand out from others. I firmly believe Akia is best for AI-assisted text messaging services due to its ability to handle high volumes of communication with minimal human intervention.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Akia’s main features include automated text messaging, guest profiling, and multi-language support, all of which greatly improve the efficiency of guest service communication. The platform also integrates with a range of property management systems like Oracle and Maestro to ensure smooth operation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multiple languages
  • Provides guest profiling for personalized service
  • Efficient AI-assisted text messaging

Cons:

  • Might require some training to fully utilize the features
  • AI responses may not always be accurate
  • Pricing can be high for small businesses

Best for personalized guest messaging strategies

  • From $200/user/month.

Fuel Travel provides a powerful guest messaging solution that aids hotels in tailoring unique, personal interactions with their guests. Its prowess in facilitating personalized communication makes it an exceptional choice for hoteliers seeking to elevate their guest’s stay experience with a touch of personalization.

Why I Picked Fuel Travel: While evaluating numerous tools, I picked Fuel Travel for its outstanding ability to tailor personalized messaging strategies. It distinguished itself by providing the means to create unique, personal communications, a factor I consider vital in the modern hospitality industry. Therefore, I deem Fuel Travel to be the best for hoteliers aiming for a personal touch in their guest interactions.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Fuel Travel offers unique features such as guest profile building, personalized messaging, and feedback collection. It integrates smoothly with various hotel management systems, facilitating seamless data transfer and ensuring guests receive the most relevant and personalized messages.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Features like feedback collection and guest profile building
  • Smooth integration with hotel management systems
  • Enables personalized guest messaging strategies

Cons:

  • User interface could be more intuitive
  • Lack of a native mobile app for hotel staff
  • Can be costly for smaller hotels

Best for enhancing guest journey from pre to post-stay

  • From $5/user/month.

Duve is a comprehensive hospitality tool that focuses on improving the entire guest journey, from pre-arrival to post-stay. It allows hoteliers to manage communications and services efficiently, which directly relates to its tag as the best for enhancing the guest experience throughout their stay.

Why I Picked Duve: In my selection process, I chose Duve for its comprehensive approach to managing the guest journey. It stands out for its ability to cover all stages of the stay, from pre-arrival to post-stay, which makes it particularly effective for improving the overall guest experience - a key factor in my decision to tag it as best for this purpose.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Duve offers features like automated communication, mobile check-in/out, upselling opportunities, and guest services management. Moreover, it integrates with various Property Management Systems (PMS) and other key hospitality technology solutions, which helps streamline operations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides opportunities for upselling
  • Integrates with multiple PMS for efficient operations
  • Covers the entire guest journey, enhancing guest experience

Cons:

  • Lack of offline functionality could be limiting
  • Pricing can be steep for larger teams
  • Smaller operations may not fully utilize all features

Best for tailored mobile marketing in hospitality

  • Pricing upon request.

Vibes is a mobile marketing platform that empowers hospitality businesses to create personalized mobile experiences. By providing the tools to design and execute customized mobile marketing campaigns, Vibes aligns with the 'best for' statement for its ability to cater to the unique marketing needs of the hospitality sector.

Why I Picked Vibes: After comparing various mobile marketing platforms, I chose Vibes because of its unique focus on personalization, allowing for a tailored approach to each mobile marketing campaign. This aspect sets it apart from other options and fits the "best for" use case I had determined, i.e., tailored mobile marketing in hospitality.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Vibes offers a wide array of useful features, including mobile wallet and push notifications capabilities, alongside a rich analytics suite that aids in tracking campaign performance. It also integrates seamlessly with various CRM and data management platforms, providing a holistic mobile marketing solution.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive analytics suite for effective tracking
  • Seamless integration with various CRM and data management platforms
  • Tailored mobile marketing campaigns boost customer engagement

Cons:

  • Could be expensive for small businesses
  • May require a learning curve for new users
  • Pricing is not transparent

Best for a mobile-centric guest experience

  • From $20/user/month.

Alice is a hospitality software that enables hotels to streamline their operations while providing a superior, mobile-centric guest experience. It shines in this era of increased mobile usage, making it the go-to choice for hoteliers seeking to leverage this trend to improve their service delivery.

Why I Picked Alice: While reviewing numerous tools, Alice caught my attention due to its strong focus on mobile. I judged it to be a cut above the rest because of how it tailors the guest experience around mobile interactions, a factor that's increasingly important in today's digital landscape. I determined Alice to be the best for those who are keen on providing a mobile-centric guest experience.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Alice offers features such as mobile check-in and check-out, a digital concierge, and a mobile chat function, all of which help provide a superior mobile experience for guests. It also provides integrations with popular Property Management Systems (PMS), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, which further boosts its efficacy in providing a seamless guest experience.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with popular PMS and CRM tools
  • Features mobile check-in and check-out capabilities
  • Provides a mobile-centric guest experience

Cons:

  • Interface can be challenging for less tech-savvy users
  • No native application for hotel staff
  • Pricing can be expensive for small hotels

Best for seamless integration with popular hotel systems

  • From $100/user/month.

Whistle is a guest messaging software designed to enhance communication between hotel staff and guests. Its core strength lies in its ability to integrate flawlessly with numerous popular hotel management systems, thereby making it an ideal choice for hotels that utilize multiple software solutions.

Why I Picked Whistle: In the process of comparing various tools, I selected Whistle for its unmatched ability to integrate with an array of hotel systems. It stood out for its adaptability and ease of implementation. Given the range of software a hotelier uses, I judged Whistle to be best for those looking for a messaging solution that can fit right into their existing tech stack without any hiccups.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Whistle shines with features such as automated messaging, real-time guest messaging, and survey management. However, its main highlight is the seamless integration with popular hotel systems. Whistle integrates with numerous Property Management Systems (PMS), including but not limited to Oracle OPERA, RoomKeyPMS, and RMS. This ensures a seamless data flow and enables efficient management of guest communication.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time guest messaging support
  • Offers automated messaging features
  • Seamless integration with numerous Property Management Systems

Cons:

  • The interface could be more user-friendly
  • Lacks a dedicated mobile application
  • Can be pricey for smaller establishments

Best for real-time, direct guest engagement

  • From $80/user/month.

Kipsu is a digital communication platform that enables real-time, direct guest engagement for hospitality businesses. With its ability to facilitate instant messaging through various channels, it significantly enhances guest service experience, making it best for real-time, direct guest engagement.

Why I Picked Kipsu: I chose Kipsu because its approach to guest engagement is both unique and effective. Kipsu excels at providing a platform for real-time communication with guests, setting it apart from others. It's this immediate, direct engagement functionality that made me conclude Kipsu as the best tool for real-time, direct guest engagement.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Kipsu offers a range of impressive features like multi-channel messaging, real-time guest engagement, and an intuitive interface. These features help businesses to streamline their guest communication. In terms of integrations, Kipsu integrates well with property management systems like Oracle and Maestro to manage guest profiles and preferences efficiently.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Integration with popular property management systems
  • Enables real-time, direct guest communication

Cons:

  • May require a stable internet connection for optimal functionality
  • Learning curve to maximize the use of features
  • Could be pricey for small hospitality businesses

Best for transforming reviews into revenue

  • From $20/user/month.

GuestTouch is a hospitality tool designed to manage and leverage customer reviews, ultimately helping to drive revenue. Its focus on utilizing reviews as a source of revenue is the main reason it is best for transforming reviews into profit.

Why I Picked GuestTouch: GuestTouch piqued my interest due to its unique focus on customer reviews as a revenue source. In the hospitality landscape, where reputation can directly impact revenue, a tool like GuestTouch can make a real difference. It's different in the sense that it not only manages reviews but also uses them to drive revenue, making it the best tool for this purpose.

Standout Features & Integrations:

GuestTouch offers key features like review management, response automation, and sentiment analysis, all aimed at maximizing the potential of customer feedback. It integrates with major Property Management Systems (PMS), which allows for a smooth operational workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Sentiment analysis helps understand customer feedback
  • Integrates with major PMS for operational efficiency
  • Utilizes reviews to drive revenue

Cons:

  • Lack of offline functionality might be limiting
  • Relies heavily on customer reviews
  • Might be expensive for smaller operations

Best for comprehensive guest relations management

  • From $7/user/month

HelloShift is a robust platform that centralizes all guest communications, offering an all-in-one solution for hotel guest management. It lives up to its promise of comprehensive guest relations management by offering tools for tasks beyond just messaging, such as task management and staff collaboration.

Why I Picked HelloShift: In my search for the best tools, HelloShift emerged due to its extensive feature set and its capability to bring all aspects of guest relations management under one roof. I found that it's not just about messaging; it also excels at facilitating staff communication and managing daily operations. For its comprehensive approach to guest relations management, I judged HelloShift to be an optimal choice.

Standout Features & Integrations:

HelloShift boasts a range of features, including a centralized messaging inbox, task management tools, and detailed analytics for performance tracking. Furthermore, it offers a unique staff collaboration tool that helps keep everyone on the same page, which is essential in the hospitality industry.

For integrations, HelloShift synchronizes well with several Property Management Systems (PMS) such as OPERA, RoomMaster, and RMS, thereby ensuring a smooth data flow between different systems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides integration with various Property Management Systems
  • Supports staff collaboration
  • Offers comprehensive guest relations management tools

Cons:

  • Lacks a free trial option
  • The user interface could be more intuitive
  • The pricing might be steep for small hotels

Other Guest Messaging Software

Below is a list of additional legal practice management software that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. ThinkSimplicity

    For streamlining hotel operations via communication

  2. Canary Technologies

    For app-free guest messaging

  3. Front

    For collaborative guest service teams

  4. Trumpia

    Good for advanced SMS marketing automation

  5. Amadeus

    Good for central reservation management with messaging functionality

  6. Okkami

    Good for seamless integration with popular hotel management systems

  7. Hotefy

    Good for engaging guests through AI chatbots

  8. amadeus

    Good for central reservation management with messaging functionality

  9. Jet Hotel Solutions

    Good for offering multilingual guest communication

Selection Criteria For Guest Messaging Software

Choosing the right guest messaging software can be quite challenging given the variety of options available in the market. As a professional who has tried and tested dozens of these tools, I've outlined some key criteria to guide your decision-making process. When evaluating these tools, I was particularly interested in their ability to automate responses, integrate with other systems, and offer intuitive user interfaces, among other things.

Core Functionality

  • Ability to automate responses: The software should be able to automate responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs), freeing up your team's time for more complex queries.
  • Guest profiling: The tool should help you gather and analyze guest data to provide personalized experiences.
  • Multichannel support: It should allow communication across multiple channels like SMS, email, TripAdvisor, social media, and the company's own platform.

Key Features

  • Integration: The software should seamlessly integrate with your existing hotel management or customer relationship management systems.
  • Reporting and analytics: The tool should offer detailed reports and analytics to help you track the engagement and effectiveness of your communication efforts.
  • AI assistance: AI assistance in the form of chatbots can significantly enhance response time and engagement.

Usability

  • User-friendly interface: The interface of the software should be intuitive, making it easy for your team to manage and navigate through different functionalities.
  • Easy onboarding and customer support: The software provider should offer comprehensive onboarding guides and resources. Round-the-clock customer support is crucial to promptly resolve any issues.
  • Customization: The software should allow for customization to match your brand identity and specific guest interaction style.

Remember, the best tool for you will depend on your specific needs, the size of your establishment, and your budget among other factors.

How to Choose Guest Messaging Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityCan the software grow with your business? Consider if it can handle an increase in guest volume or additional locations without significant cost increases.
IntegrationsDoes it work with your existing systems like PMS or CRM? Check for native integrations to avoid custom development costs.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor the software to fit your specific needs? Evaluate if you can adjust settings or workflows without needing extensive technical help.
Ease of useIs the interface intuitive for your team? Look for a clean design and straightforward navigation to minimize training time.
Implementation and onboardingHow quickly can you get up and running? Consider the availability of onboarding resources like tutorials, and whether there's a dedicated support team to assist during the setup phase.
CostDoes the pricing fit your budget? Compare the features included in each pricing tier and watch out for hidden fees. Consider long-term costs as your business scales.
Security safeguardsAre your guests' data protected? Ensure the software complies with data protection regulations and offers encryption and regular security updates.
Support availabilityWhen can you reach support if you need help? Consider the hours and channels available for customer support, as well as any premium support options that might be necessary for critical operations.

What Is Guest Messaging Software?


Guest messaging software is a tool that enables businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, to communicate directly with their guests through various messaging channels. Hotel managers, front desk staff, and customer service teams generally use these tools to enhance guest engagement and improve communication efficiency. Automated responses, real-time messaging, and integration capabilities help with managing guest inquiries, providing timely updates, and maintaining a smooth operation. Overall, these tools enhance the guest experience by fostering clear and efficient communication.

Features

When selecting guest messaging software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Automated messaging: Sends pre-scheduled messages to guests to confirm bookings or provide important information.
  • Real-time chat: Allows instant communication between guests and staff to quickly address inquiries and requests.
  • Contactless check-in: Enables guests to check in using their mobile devices, reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.
  • Multi-channel communication: Supports communication via SMS, email, and other messaging platforms to reach guests through their preferred channels.
  • Customizable templates: Provides ready-made message templates that can be tailored to suit different situations and branding needs.
  • Sentiment analysis: Analyzes guest feedback to gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects seamlessly with existing systems like PMS and CRMs to ensure data consistency and streamline operations.
  • Analytics and reporting: Offers insights into communication effectiveness and guest engagement through detailed reports.
  • Multilingual support: Allows communication in multiple languages to cater to a diverse guest base.
  • Upselling tools: Provides options to promote additional services and offers to guests, enhancing revenue opportunities.

Benefits

Implementing guest messaging software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved communication: Real-time chat and multi-channel capabilities ensure quick and effective communication with guests.
  • Enhanced guest experience: Features like contactless check-in and automated messaging provide convenience and reduce wait times for guests.
  • Increased efficiency: Automated messaging and customizable templates help your team manage communications without repetitive manual effort.
  • Better guest insights: Analytics and sentiment analysis offer valuable insights into guest preferences and satisfaction.
  • Revenue opportunities: Upselling tools enable you to promote additional services, increasing revenue potential.
  • Diverse guest accommodation: Multilingual support allows you to communicate effectively with guests from various linguistic backgrounds.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting guest messaging software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in guest messaging software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Guest Messaging Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic messaging capabilities, limited support, and essential integrations.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthAutomated messaging, real-time chat, and customizable templates.
Business Plan$30-$75/user/monthMulti-channel communication, analytics and reporting, and upselling tools.
Enterprise Plan$80-$150/user/monthAdvanced integrations, multilingual support, and dedicated account management.

Most Common Questions Regarding Guest Survey Software (FAQ's)

How does guest messaging software integrate with existing hotel systems?

Guest messaging software often integrates with Property Management Systems (PMS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. This integration allows you to access guest information and preferences, ensuring personalized communication. Check if the software supports the systems you currently use.

Can guest messaging software improve guest satisfaction?

Yes, by providing timely and personalized communication, guest messaging software can significantly enhance guest satisfaction. It allows your team to address inquiries quickly and offer personalized services, which can lead to better reviews and increased guest loyalty.

What kind of automation does guest messaging software offer?

Guest messaging software can automate tasks like sending booking confirmations, pre-arrival messages, and feedback requests. This automation reduces manual workload and ensures consistent communication with guests, freeing up your team to focus on more complex tasks.

Is guest messaging software secure?

Most guest messaging software solutions offer encryption and secure access controls to protect guest data. Ensure the software complies with relevant data protection regulations to safeguard sensitive information and maintain guest trust.

How customizable is guest messaging software?

Many guest messaging tools offer customizable templates and workflows. This allows you to tailor communications to fit your brand and operational needs, providing a personalized experience for your guests while maintaining consistency in messaging.

What support options are available for guest messaging software?

Support options can include 24/7 customer service, live chat, and a comprehensive knowledge base. Before choosing a tool, evaluate the support services offered to ensure your team can get help when needed, minimizing downtime and potential disruptions.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching guest messaging software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

Tim Fisher
By Tim Fisher

Tim brings over two decades of experience leading at the crossroads of tech, editorial, and AI innovation. From launching and scaling Lifewire into a top-ranked tech site, to spearheading AI operations at People Inc., he’s spent his career building systems that connect people with smarter solutions. His favorite problems are the ones that unlock new possibilities when properly solved. For Tim, problems are just undiscovered opportunities, and AI has opened the door to solving challenges once thought immovable. When he’s not tinkering with large language models, Tim is either re-reading Project Hail Mary, or eating Mexican food.