Both Platforms Offer Guidebooks: Here’s How They Differ
SmoothStay and Hostfully both create professional digital guidebooks that reduce guest inquiries. SmoothStay is the newer platform, built by hosts: a mobile-first design, an AI Concierge and frequent updates. Hostfully is an established platform with a longer track record, a broader product suite that includes its own PMS, and a free plan that shows sponsored recommendations.
The bigger picture: the right choice depends on your setup. If you already run Hostfully’s PMS, staying in one ecosystem has real advantages. If you want a guidebook that works with Airbnb, Hospitable or OwnerRez and leans on AI, SmoothStay is built for that.
Quick Decision Summary
Choose SmoothStay if:
You want a modern, fast, mobile-first guidebook design
An AI Concierge answering guest questions 24/7
You prefer a platform that ships new features frequently
You want your reservations synced from Airbnb (no PMS needed), Hospitable or OwnerRez, without being locked into one ecosystem
Fair, predictable pricing matters to you
You want an ad-free experience (no sponsored content anywhere)
You like working with a platform built by active hosts
Choose Hostfully if:
You’re already using Hostfully’s full PMS and want tight ecosystem integration
You need mature features like PDF export and upselling marketplace today
Feature breadth matters more to you than a refreshed design
You value an established platform with years of track record
You prefer one suite that covers more of your operation
You prefer a platform that changes less often
So How Do SmoothStay and Hostfully Compare Today?
Feature | SmoothStay | Hostfully |
|---|---|---|
Digital guidebook platform | ✓ Modern, clean. | ✓ Mature, established. |
AI Concierge (24/7 guest answers) | ✓ Yes. | — No. |
AI content writing assistant | ✓ Yes. | — No. |
AI itinerary planner | — No. | ✓ Yes. |
Printable PDFs | — Not yet. | ✓ Yes. |
Map-based local recommendations | ✓ Yes. | ✓ Yes. |
Sync content across guidebooks | ✓ Yes. | ✓ Yes. |
Integrated upselling marketplace | — Not integrated yet, but you can add external links to Viator.com or other affiliate platform of your choice to earn revenue. | ✓ Yes, via platform. |
Multi-language translations | ✓ Yes, 100+ languages. | ✓ Yes, 16+ languages. |
Custom branding options | ✓ Yes. | ✓ Yes. |
Modern, smooth design | ✓ Yes. | — More traditional design. |
Guest registration and collect emails | ✓ Yes. | ✓ Yes. |
Invitation-only links | ✓ Yes, plus a reservation card with the guest’s dates and door code (paid plans). | ✓ Yes. |
See who’s reading & when | ✓ Yes. | ✓ Yes. |
Quick QR code creation | ✓ Yes. | ✓ Yes. |
Custom domain | — Not yet. | ✓ Yes. |
Integrations | ✓ Yes. Connect Airbnb (no PMS needed), Hospitable or OwnerRez, plus webhooks. Airbnb and OwnerRez are in beta. | ✓ Via Zapier, no direct PMS integrations. |
Free option available without strings attached | ✓ Yes, good for one property: AI guidebook builder, OTA compliance and no ads. The AI Concierge is on paid plans. | — Free plan for one property but with sponsored recommendations. |
Monthly pricing | Check the provider’s website for current pricing. See SmoothStay plans. | |
Cost example at 10 guidebooks | Check the provider’s website for current pricing. See SmoothStay plans. |
Disclaimer: We strive to review and keep this page updated every quarter for any changes that may occur in platform offerings. We can make mistakes. If you notice outdated pricing, incorrect features, or inaccurate information, please reach out to hello@smoothstay.io so we can correct it.
