SmoothStay is a DBA of HelloBnB LLC. This page is an independent review for informational purposes only.

Comparison

CheckinGuide vs SmoothStay

A fair, factual review of SmoothStay's strengths and limitations, and why CheckinGuide is the cheaper, more feature-rich alternative for most hosts.

Create My Entry GuideView Demo GuideFree for 1 propertyNo credit card required5-minute setup

Built for hosts who list on

and much more

80%

Fewer guest messages

90%+

Guide open rate

5 min

Average setup time

60+

Ready-made templates

What SmoothStay does well

SmoothStay has built an AI-focused platform for short-term rental hosts. Here are its notable capabilities:

  • AI chatbot for automated guest communication
  • Auto-translation supporting 100+ languages
  • Analytics dashboard for tracking guide performance
  • QR code generation for easy guest access
  • Custom branding options for guide personalisation

Where SmoothStay falls short

Despite its AI capabilities, SmoothStay has several gaps compared to modern alternatives:

  • No permanent free tier: only a 14-day trial available
  • USD-only pricing creates currency variability for non-US hosts
  • No multiple layout styles: all guides use the same format
  • No guest issue reporting or maintenance request functionality
  • No rich media embeds (images, videos, buttons, maps in guide sections)
  • More expensive than CheckinGuide at every portfolio size
  • No GBP pricing option for UK-based hosts

Common SmoothStay frustrations, solved

Real gaps that hosts encounter with SmoothStay, and how CheckinGuide addresses each one.

Problem: No permanent free tier

CheckinGuide includes one property free forever. No trial countdown, no credit card required. Test everything at your own pace.

Problem: USD-only pricing

SmoothStay charges in USD, creating currency risk for UK and European hosts. CheckinGuide bills in GBP with predictable, transparent pricing.

Problem: Single layout style

Every SmoothStay guide looks the same. CheckinGuide offers multiple layout styles and 36+ theme presets so each property stands out.

Problem: No rich media embeds

SmoothStay cannot embed videos, buttons, or interactive maps within sections. CheckinGuide supports rich media throughout your guide.

Ready for a better guest guide platform?

Start free. No credit card. See why hosts are switching from SmoothStay.

Try CheckinGuide FreeView DemoFree forever for 1 propertyNo credit card required5-minute setup

SmoothStay vs CheckinGuide: Feature breakdown

FeatureSmoothStayCheckinGuideStarting price$6.90/month per guideFree tierAI ConciergeAuto-translation (100+)Multiple layout stylesCustom brandingQR codesRich media embedsGuest issue reporting with photosMobile-first designGBP pricingVolume discountsWelcome gate with custom brandingOne-tap WiFi copy36+ theme presetsPDF download for offline accessCo-host and team accessLocal recommendations with mapsPWA install prompt for guestsGuest usage analytics

Why hosts choose CheckinGuide over SmoothStay

CheckinGuide offers everything SmoothStay does, and more, at a lower price.

  • Cheaper than SmoothStay at every portfolio size
  • First property free forever: no 14-day trial countdown
  • Multiple layout styles for different property types
  • Embed images, videos, buttons, links and maps directly into your guide
  • Guest issue reporting with photo uploads and categorisation
  • Fast, responsive support from a real team
  • GBP pricing with no currency conversion fees
  • Volume discounts that reduce per-property cost as you grow
  • The most affordable guest guide platform on the market

AI Concierge: Built In, Not Bolted On

Both SmoothStay and CheckinGuide offer AI guest support. The difference is what comes alongside it. CheckinGuide pairs the AI Concierge with multiple layout styles, rich media embeds, and guest issue reporting, all at a lower cost.

Your AI Concierge answers guest questions 24/7 using your guide content, reduces repetitive messages by up to 80%, and escalates complex issues directly to you when needed.

Switching is easy: 3 steps, 5 minutes

No data migration tools needed. Most hosts are up and running in a single sitting.

Step 1

Create your guide

Pick from 60+ templates, add your property details, and customise the layout and branding.

Step 2

Customise and preview

Choose your theme, upload your logo, set your colours, and preview exactly what guests will see.

Step 3

Share with guests

Send your guide link or QR code to guests. Works with Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, and every other platform.

See CheckinGuide in action

Watch a quick walkthrough of how CheckinGuide works and why hosts prefer it over SmoothStay.

Related comparisons

Best SmoothStay Alternative →SmoothStay Pricing Breakdown →TouchStay Comparison →House Manual Comparison →Notion Comparison →All Comparisons →
FAQ

SmoothStay review: FAQ

Common questions about SmoothStay in 2026

SmoothStay offers AI features but at a higher price than CheckinGuide. For hosts who want AI plus a free tier, multiple layouts, rich media embeds, and responsive support, all at a lower cost, CheckinGuide is the clear choice.

More features. Lower price. Better support.

Start with a free property. No credit card. No commitment.

Try CheckinGuide FreeView DemoFree forever for 1 propertyNo credit card required5-minute setup