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Alternatives Roundup

Best Touch Stay Alternatives (Compared)

Looking beyond Touch Stay? We review the top alternatives for creating digital guest guides, from purpose-built platforms to DIY approaches.

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How we evaluated these alternatives

We assessed each option on five criteria that matter most to property hosts:

  • Ease of setup: can a non-technical host get started quickly?
  • Guest experience: is the result polished, mobile-friendly, and useful?
  • Pricing transparency: are costs clear, predictable, and fair?
  • Scalability: does it work for one property and one hundred?
  • Automation: can it reduce repetitive guest communication?
1

CheckinGuide

Full-featured digital guide platform

Strengths

  • Free tier with full feature access
  • AI Concierge for automated guest support
  • Rich media embeds (videos, maps, buttons)
  • Multiple layout styles and full branding control
  • Volume pricing for larger portfolios

Considerations: Newer platform, so community forums are still growing.

Best overall alternative for hosts who want a modern, affordable guest guide with AI support.

2

Simple PDF guides

Manual document-based approach

Strengths

  • No subscription cost
  • Complete design control with tools like Canva
  • Works offline once downloaded

Considerations: Cannot update in real-time. Guests may not read long documents. No analytics, no interactivity, no AI support.

Suitable for hosts with one property who want zero recurring costs, but lacks scalability and guest engagement.

3

Airbnb built-in messaging

Platform-native communication

Strengths

  • Already included with your Airbnb listing
  • Guests receive messages in the Airbnb app
  • Scheduled messages for check-in instructions

Considerations: Only works for Airbnb bookings. No structure for comprehensive guides. Repetitive manual messaging. No AI automation.

Works as a supplement, but not a replacement for a standalone digital guide.

4

Custom website or Notion page

DIY web-based guide

Strengths

  • Full customisation if you have web skills
  • Free hosting options available
  • Can include any content format

Considerations: Requires technical setup and maintenance. No guest analytics. No AI features. No QR code integration. Time-intensive to maintain across multiple properties.

An option for tech-savvy hosts with a single property, but impractical for portfolio management.

Quick comparison

FeatureCheckinGuidePDF GuideAirbnb MessagesCustom SiteSetup timeUnder 5 minutes1-2 hours10 minutesSeveral hoursReal-time updatesYesNoManual onlyManual onlyAI guest supportIncludedNoNoNoMulti-property scalingVolume pricingDuplicate effortAirbnb onlyRebuild eachCost for 1 propertyFreeFreeFreeFree
Email me a reminderGet a sign-up link + 2-min setup guide. No spam.

CheckinGuide stands out as the strongest Touch Stay alternative. It matches or exceeds Touch Stay on every core feature while adding AI guest support, rich media, and volume pricing. The permanent free tier makes it risk-free to try.

FAQ

Touch Stay alternatives: FAQ

Common questions about choosing a guest guide platform

The best Touch Stay alternative is free to try

Build your first guide in 5 minutes. No credit card. No annual contract.

Create My Entry GuideView DemoFree forever for 1 propertyNo credit card required5-minute setup