10 Best Hotel Guest Apps Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
The right hotel guest app can change the way you connect with guests, making every step of their stay easier and more enjoyable. From check-in to check-out, these tools help your team respond faster, stay organized, and create a more personal experience for every guest.
I’ve carefully reviewed and tested different options to find the ones that truly make a difference. In this guide, you’ll see my top picks for hotel guest apps, with simple explanations of what they do best and how they can help your team work better together.
Let’s take a closer look at how these apps can help you give guests a smoother and more memorable stay.
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Best Hotel Guest Apps Summary
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for mobile check-in convenience | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for contactless guest experiences | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for integrated digital guest experiences | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for enhancing guest communication with AI chatbots | Not available | From $50/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for smart connectivity and automated guest entry | Not available | Website | ||
| 6 | Best for guest self-service options and instant messaging | Not available | From $5/user/month. | Website | |
| 7 | Best for unifying hotel operations in a single app | Not available | From $5/user/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for integrating hotel management systems and service requests | Not available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for enhancing room service experience | Not available | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for customizing a unique hotel app with brand identity | Not available | From $100/month per hotel | Website |
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roommaster
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Little Hotelier
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Roomstay Hotel Booking Engine
Visit Website
Best Hotel Guest Apps Reviews
Canary Technologies is a hospitality management platform designed to improve guest experiences for hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging types.
Why I Picked Canary Technologies: I like Canary's contactless check-in, which allows guests to securely check in via their mobile devices. This not only speeds up the check-in process but also aligns with modern guests' expectations for convenience and safety. The platform also offers a dynamic upsell feature, enabling you to offer personalized room upgrades and packages throughout the guest's stay.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Other features include guest messaging, which enables real-time communication between guests and hotel staff to promptly address concerns or requests. It also has digital tipping, which provides an option for guests to tip hotel staff directly through their mobile devices, offering convenience and potentially increasing gratuities. Integrations include Amadeus, Maestro, Skytouch, Choice Advantage, HiRUM, Shift4 Payments, IQware, Oracle Hospitality, InnQuest, RoomKey, innRoad, Booking.com, Cloudbeds, BookingCenter, and Alice.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Contactless check-in enhances guest convenience
- Dynamic, personalized upsells to increase additional revenue
- Digital tipping options on mobile
Cons:
- Occasional technical glitches
- Potential integration challenges with certain property management systems
roommaster is a comprehensive hotel management software designed to enhance your property's daily operations and the guest experience. With its suite of tools, roommaster assists in managing reservations, front desk tasks, housekeeping, and more, all from a centralized platform.
Why I Picked roommaster: roommaster offers a customizable mobile application called QuickInn. This branded app offers contactless check-in and check-out, allowing your guests to bypass the front desk and access their rooms right away. By integrating keyless entry, QuickInn enhances security and convenience, providing a modern experience that today's travelers appreciate.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include mobile bookings, allowing guests to reserve rooms directly through the app, providing a seamless reservation experience. The app also offers real-time notifications, keeping guests informed about special offers or important updates during their stay. Some integrations include Amadeus, Flip.to, Sage, Lightspeed, QuickBooks, Toast, Akia, EZ Links, Fedelta Point of Sale, Flexkeeping, GolfNow, and Telkonet.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized guest communication
- Easy integration with OTAs and direct website booking
- Mobile check-in and check-out
Cons:
- The interface may feel outdated to some users
- Limited offline functionality
New Product Updates from roommaster
Introducing the New Unified roommaster Platform
roommaster has rebranded to unify its offerings into one platform, emphasizing AI-powered hotel management. For more information, visit roommaster's official site.
Mews is a hospitality management platform built to modernize the guest journey and simplify hotel operations. Designed for hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments, it combines key management tools with digital guest services like contactless check-in, smart access, and mobile payments.
Why I Picked Mews: I picked Mews because it gives hotels a single platform to manage both operations and guest engagement. Guests can unlock rooms with their phones, check in digitally, and request services through a virtual concierge—all without needing to stop at the front desk. I also like that payments are processed securely within the app, helping you reduce manual billing tasks and enhance convenience for guests.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Other features include automated property management to reduce manual work, embedded payments for faster transactions, and event management tools to coordinate group bookings and meetings. The system also supports multi-property management, allowing you to oversee several locations from one dashboard. Integrations include SiteMinder, Lighthouse, Duetto, IDeaS, Event Temple, The Hotels Network, Atomize, TrustYou, D-Edge, SynXis, Amadeus, and Rentals United.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad integration ecosystem across hotel tech
- Supports digital key access and mobile check-in
- Combines PMS, payments, and concierge tools
Cons:
- Limited customization in certain modules
- Some users report a learning curve for advanced features
Akia is a hotel management software that utilizes AI chatbots to streamline and enhance guest communication. By automating this process, it provides a platform for improved efficiency and guest satisfaction, making it the best choice for enhancing guest communication with AI chatbots.
Why I Picked Akia: I selected Akia for its innovative approach to guest communication. When comparing various hotel management platforms, Akia's use of AI chatbots to interact with guests was a standout feature. This functionality makes it particularly effective for enhancing guest communication, aligning well with the unique selling point (USP) I identified.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Akia's main features include automated guest messaging, personalized communication, and a digital registration card. It integrates well with popular Property Management Systems (PMS), allowing for seamless data synchronization and efficient operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good integration with popular PMS platforms
- Allows for personalized, automated messaging
- Improves guest communication with AI chatbots
Cons:
- Smaller hotels may find the starting price somewhat high
- There may be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with AI technology
- More advanced features may require a higher-priced plan
Operto is a hotel management software that focuses on providing smart connectivity and automated guest entry solutions. Its commitment to simplifying guest entry and enhancing connectivity makes it ideal for hotels that value these aspects of their operations.
Why I Picked Operto: I selected Operto due to its strong focus on smart connectivity and automating guest entry. It's distinct from many others in the market with its focus on the smart integration of hotel management. The emphasis on streamlining guest entry through automation makes it a perfect fit for the unique selling proposition I chose.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Operto’s key features include automated keyless entry, smart device management, and guest communication tools. Its integrations with other hotel management software and smart devices help in coordinating operations smoothly across different platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates well with other hotel management software
- Facilitates automated guest entry
- Offers smart connectivity features
Cons:
- Advanced features require higher-priced plans
- Learning to use smart technology features might be challenging for some
- Could be cost-prohibitive for smaller establishments
Duve is a hotel management software that puts the power in the hands of guests through various self-service options. It also includes an instant messaging feature to foster efficient communication, relating closely to why I've chosen it as the best for guest self-service and instant messaging.
Why I Picked Duve: I selected Duve for its powerful ability to grant guests more autonomy and enhance their communication with the hotel. In comparing different hotel management platforms, Duve's self-service and instant messaging features really stood out, offering a balance between automation and personal communication. This aligns well with its determination as the best tool for guest self-service options and instant messaging.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Duve provides an array of useful features including mobile check-in and check-out, room upgrade options, and a digital concierge. Its integration capacity is impressive, offering compatibility with a range of Property Management Systems (PMS), enabling data synchronization and seamless operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good integration with various Property Management Systems
- Facilitates effective communication through instant messaging
- Empowers guests with self-service options
Cons:
- Advanced features require higher-priced plans
- May require a learning curve for less tech-savvy users
- The starting price may be relatively high for smaller establishments
Stay is a comprehensive hotel guest app solution that consolidates numerous hotel operations into one user-friendly platform. From managing reservations to accessing hotel services, this app addresses the multifaceted needs of both hoteliers and guests, truly shining in its ability to unify hotel operations.
Why I Picked Stay: In my evaluation, Stay stood out due to its comprehensive suite of features designed for both hotel management and guest convenience. I chose it for its holistic approach toward hospitality operations. It not only digitizes multiple aspects of hotel operations but also neatly compiles them in one place. It's this aspect that makes Stay the best tool for unifying hotel operations.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Stay offers a wide array of features including mobile check-in, room service, hotel information, city guides, and more. One of the key features is the ability to manage reservations within the app, providing a seamless experience for guests. Integrations with major PMS, POS, door-locking systems, and other hospitality tech make it a versatile tool adaptable to any hotel's needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable to align with hotel branding
- Integration with major hospitality tech
- Comprehensive feature set addressing all aspects of hotel operations
Cons:
- Lack of a free version for small-scale hotels
- Costs can rise with additional integrations
- Might require training for hotel staff to leverage fully
Intelity is a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate hotel management and streamline service requests. Its function as a central hub allows it to integrate various hotel systems and processes, making it an effective tool for managing service requests.
Why I Picked Intelity: I chose Intelity for this list based on its core strength: integrating disparate hotel management systems and facilitating service requests. In comparing it to other tools, I found that its integration capabilities were superior, with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency. Therefore, I concluded that Intelity is the best tool for this specific use case.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Intelity features include mobile and in-room solutions, dining reservations, spa bookings, and more. It also integrates with popular Property Management Systems (PMS), Point of Sale (POS), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, offering a comprehensive solution for hotel management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust feature set covering a wide range of hotel operations
- Comprehensive solution for managing service requests
- Provides integration with major PMS, POS, and CRM systems
Cons:
- The tool may be complex for users unfamiliar with integrated systems
- Pricing might be steep for some businesses
- Lack of a free plan may limit accessibility for smaller hotels
Hotel Friend offers a robust and dynamic solution for the hotel industry, aiming to improve the guest experience, especially when it comes to room service. The application enables hotel guests to order room service, request amenities, and much more, all from the comfort of their rooms.
Why I Picked Hotel Friend: My decision to select Hotel Friend came from its commitment to enhancing the room service experience. In my judgment, what sets it apart is its powerful room service functionality that allows for an efficient, comfortable, and touch-free service. For these reasons, I believe Hotel Friend stands as the best option for enriching the room service experience.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Hotel Friend boasts an impressive list of features designed to provide a better guest experience. The app offers digital room service ordering, digital concierge services, and the ability to request housekeeping or maintenance. It also integrates well with property management systems and other hotel technologies, ensuring the seamless flow of operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides a touch-free guest service experience
- Integrates seamlessly with other hotel technologies
- Robust room service functionality
Cons:
- Lack of a free tier for smaller establishments
- Might be over-complex for smaller properties
- Pricing is based on annual billing
Criton is a hospitality-focused platform that empowers hotels to design and build their unique apps encapsulating their brand identity. It emphasizes creating personalized guest experiences by offering a customizable interface and a variety of functions tailored to the specific needs of each hotel.
Why I Picked Criton: Criton was my selection for this list based on its standout feature: offering hotels the capability to construct a unique app that mirrors their brand identity. I judged its customization options as being noteworthy, allowing for a more personalized guest experience. For this reason, I deemed Criton to be the best tool for hotels looking to reflect their brand identity within a digital platform.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Criton offers a plethora of customizable features, such as mobile check-in/check-out, in-app messaging, and up-selling modules. It integrates with several leading Property Management Systems (PMS), providing a synchronized and efficient hotel management solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integration with leading PMS platforms
- A comprehensive set of features for guest services
- Highly customizable, reflecting the hotel’s brand identity
Cons:
- The annual billing cycle could be inconvenient for some
- A high starting price point might deter smaller hotels
- Lack of a free plan may limit accessibility
Other Hotel Guest Apps
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.
- Nonius
For digitalizing the guest experience from A to Z
- Altitude
For real-time communication and service delivery
- GuestU
For personalizing the guest journey from pre-arrival to check-out
- GuestBell
For increasing guest engagement with digital concierge services
- Hotelcore
For simplifying booking and check-in processes
- Iris
Good for creating a cohesive hotel app experience
- GuestService
Good for consolidating guest services in one platform
- DigitalGuest
Good for integrating multiple communication channels
- Hotefy
Good for creating a personalized guest experience
- Generous
Good for efficient room service management
Hotel Guest App Selection Criteria
When selecting the best hotel guest apps to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like enhancing guest communication and improving operational efficiency. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Facilitate mobile check-in and check-out
- Provide digital room service requests
- Enable direct communication with staff
- Offer access to hotel information and services
- Support guest feedback and reviews
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Multilingual support for international guests
- Integration with smart room controls
- Personalized guest itineraries
- Real-time analytics on guest behavior
- Automated messaging for guest engagement
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive navigation and interface
- Minimal learning curve for staff
- Clear and concise layout
- Responsive design for mobile devices
- Customizable settings and preferences
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Step-by-step interactive product tours
- Access to templates for quick setup
- Live webinars for user training
- Chatbots for instant assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels (chat, email, phone)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive online help center
- Quick response times to inquiries
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing compared to peers
- Transparent pricing structure
- Flexibility in subscription plans
- Discounts for long-term commitments
- Features offered at each pricing tier
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency in positive feedback
- Commonly cited strengths and weaknesses
- Frequency of updates and improvements
- Responsiveness to customer feedback
- Overall satisfaction and recommendation rates
How to Choose Hotel Guest App
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:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the app grow with your business? Ensure it supports your expected increase in guest volume and additional properties. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your existing systems like PMS or CRM? Check for native integrations to avoid costly custom solutions. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the app to fit your brand and workflows? Look for options to adjust settings and features without needing a developer. |
| Ease of use | Is the interface intuitive for both staff and guests? Consider demos or trials to see if users can navigate it without frustration. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will it take to get up and running? Ask about support during setup and availability of training resources like videos or guides. |
| Cost | Are there hidden fees or tiered pricing? Compare the total cost of ownership across vendors, including setup fees and potential savings from bundled services. |
| Security safeguards | Does the app protect guest data with encryption and comply with regulations like GDPR? Verify the vendor's security certifications and protocols. |
| Support availability | Can you reach support when needed? Confirm the availability of customer service, including response times and whether they offer live chat, email, or phone support. |
What Are Hotel Guest Apps?
Hotel guest apps are platforms that help hotels connect more closely with their guests throughout their stay. They make it easier for guests to communicate, share feedback, and feel cared for, while giving hotel teams a clearer picture of each guest’s needs. These apps bridge the gap between hospitality and convenience, helping hotels build stronger relationships and create a more personal experience for every visitor.
Features
When selecting hotel guest apps, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Mobile check-in: Allows guests to check in using their smartphones, reducing wait times at the front desk and enhancing convenience.
- Room service requests: Enables guests to order room service directly from their devices, improving service efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Real-time messaging: Facilitates instant communication between guests and hotel staff, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and requests.
- Digital concierge: Provides guests with access to hotel information, local recommendations, and services, enhancing their overall stay experience.
- Multilingual support: Offers content and communication in multiple languages, catering to international guests and improving accessibility.
- Keyless entry: Allows guests to access their rooms using their smartphones, enhancing security and convenience.
- Feedback system: Collects guest feedback during and after their stay, helping hotels to improve services and address any issues.
- Customizable branding: Lets hotels tailor the app’s appearance and features to match their brand, providing a consistent guest experience.
- Analytics and insights: Provides data on guest behavior and preferences, enabling hotels to tailor services and improve operational decisions.
- Automated messaging: Sends scheduled messages to guests about promotions, events, or updates, keeping them informed and engaged.
Benefits
Implementing hotel guest apps provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Enhanced guest satisfaction: By offering features like mobile check-in and room service requests, guests enjoy a more convenient and personalized experience.
- Improved communication: Real-time messaging and automated notifications keep guests informed and connected with hotel staff, leading to quicker service and happier guests.
- Operational efficiency: Automating tasks like check-in and room service requests reduces the workload on staff, allowing them to focus on other important duties.
- Increased security: Keyless entry provides guests with a secure way to access their rooms, enhancing their sense of safety and trust.
- Valuable insights: Analytics and feedback systems provide data on guest preferences and behavior, helping hotels tailor services and make informed decisions.
- Brand consistency: Customizable branding ensures that the app reflects your hotel’s unique identity, providing a cohesive experience for guests.
- Global reach: Multilingual support allows hotels to cater to international guests, broadening their appeal and accessibility.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting hotel guest apps 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 hotel guest apps solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Hotel Guest Apps
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic guest messaging, limited check-in features, and standard support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Mobile check-in, room service requests, and basic analytics. |
| Business Plan | $26-$50/user/month | Advanced messaging, customizable branding, and multilingual support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $51-$100/user/month | Full integration capabilities, comprehensive analytics, and dedicated account management. |
Hotel Guest Apps FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about hotel guest apps:
Are hotel guest apps secure for payments and personal data?
Most reputable hotel guest apps use strong encryption and secure servers to protect guest information. When choosing a platform, verify that it complies with international data protection standards and limits staff access to sensitive data.
Can these apps help increase hotel revenue?
Yes. Hotel guest apps make it easier to promote upgrades, in-room dining, spa services, or local experiences directly through the guest’s device. Subtle in-app offers and automated notifications can encourage spending without disrupting the guest experience.
What if guests prefer not to use the app?
Good hospitality means giving guests options. While a guest app enhances convenience, hotels should still provide traditional channels—like front desk support or phone assistance—for those who prefer a personal touch.
How can hotel guest apps enhance guest satisfaction?
Hotel guest apps enhance satisfaction by providing convenient features like mobile check-in, real-time messaging, and room service requests. These tools make interactions smoother and ensure guests have all the information they need at their fingertips, improving their overall experience.
What should hotels consider when implementing guest apps?
When implementing guest apps, consider factors like integration with existing systems, ease of use for both staff and guests, and customization options. Ensure the app aligns with your brand and enhances the guest experience without adding complexity to operations.
How do guest apps improve operational efficiency?
Guest apps improve efficiency by automating routine tasks such as check-ins and service requests. This reduces the workload on staff, allowing them to focus on more personalized guest interactions and other critical aspects of hotel operations.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching hotel guest apps, 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.
