What is GuestView Guide?

GuestView Guide offers digital concierge services, a display that can be mounted on walls within vacation rental properties.

This display provides guests with an easy way to communicate and obtain additional information about the property and its location.

The goal of the GuestView Guide is to personalize the experience for guests, making their stay more informative and convenient.

Why Consider an Alternative to GuestView?

Main reasons users seek alternatives to software solutions are cost, features, user experience or support. In this case the reason is different. GuestView Guide have customers who are advocating for the company and their solution. However, the company is discontinuing service next year, with no new subscribers to Guest Guide.

If you are a user of this product, looking for the best alternative to GuestView Guide, consider Enso Connect. In this article we will explain why Enso Connect stands out as the best alternative to GuestView Guide you can find.

Why GuestViewGuide is being discontinued?

GuestView Guide’s parent company, Sharp NEC Display Solutions has announced that the product will be discontinued in October, 2024. They explain closure of the business by the need to align with Sharp NEC’s broader vision for the future.

Sharp NEC Display Solutions is a well known manufacturer of computer monitors and large-screen public-information displays. The company is a leader in interactive display technology with over 100 years of innovation and experience. We didn’t find any official clarifications from the company about this change.

GuestView Guide Features

Here are the main features of GuestView Guide, aimed to enhance guest experience, streamline operations, and boost revenue through upselling and promotions.

How much does GuestView Guide Cost?

The cost of GuestView Guide starts from $39.99 per month for one guide, with a minimum commitment of one year.

GuestView Guide, offered by SHARP NEC, operates on a subscription basis with both initial and recurring payment features. The subscription entails a 1-year initial contract, after which it defaults to a month-to-month basis. Payments can be made monthly or annually, and the subscription auto-renews unless canceled with a 5-day notice. SHARP NEC retains ownership of the GuestView Guide Display, which is leased to users during the subscription period. If canceled, the display must be returned, and failure to do so incurs charges. The device collects anonymized guest interaction data, which SHARP NEC owns but licenses to subscribers. In case of device malfunction, users must report within 14 days, and any breaches in the agreement can lead to termination and associated penalties.

Why users love GuestView Guide?

Julia Rossi from Grey Domain/McKenzie Corner, using GuestView Guide in her vacation rental business shared why she loves it. GuestView Guide offers a comprehensive, interactive, and personalized experience, enhancing guest stay, provides local insights, offers upselling and rebooking opportunities.

Personalized Experience

GuestView Guide offers a tailored experience designed to make guests feel welcomed and appreciated throughout their stay. One notable feature is the customizable tablet display, which can cycle through a variety of images and messages to create a personalized touch. For instance, the tablet can prominently feature a slide that says “Welcome” along with a warm photo of the host’s family. This personal touch helps to create a friendly, inviting atmosphere right from the moment guests arrive.

Additionally, GuestView Guide allows property managers to showcase personalized messages, local recommendations, and custom content that reflects the unique character of the property. This level of customization not only enhances the guest experience but also reinforces the host’s commitment to providing a memorable and engaging stay.

By incorporating such personalized elements, GuestView Guide helps to foster a sense of connection and hospitality, making guests feel valued and cared for. This personalized approach can lead to higher guest satisfaction, positive reviews, and repeat bookings, ultimately contributing to the overall success and reputation of the rental property.

Local Insights

The guide provides valuable insights into local experiences, offering guests a curated view of what to do during their stay. It serves as a comprehensive resource, highlighting various local events, restaurants, attractions, and unique activities tailored specifically to the property’s location.

For instance, guests can easily access information about upcoming festivals, farmers’ markets, or cultural events happening in the area. Recommendations for popular dining spots, hidden gem restaurants, and must-visit attractions are prominently featured, helping guests make informed decisions about how to spend their time.

The guide can also include personalized suggestions based on the property’s location and the guest’s preferences, such as outdoor adventures, historical sites, or family-friendly activities. By providing this curated content, the guide enhances the guest experience by offering a local perspective and making it easier for visitors to explore and enjoy the destination.

Additionally, the ability to update and refresh the guide’s content ensures that guests receive the most current information, which can be particularly valuable for new or seasonal attractions. This dynamic approach not only enriches the guest experience but also helps property managers showcase their knowledge and passion for the local area.

Upsell Opportunities

The guide offers a range of additional service opportunities, providing a platform to promote local experiences and encourage guests to rebook for their next vacation. Through its user-friendly interface, the guide can seamlessly highlight local tours, special events, and exclusive activities, enhancing the overall guest experience without being intrusive.

For example, property managers can feature tailored recommendations for local attractions, such as guided city tours, cooking classes, or outdoor adventures, directly on the guide. This not only adds value to the guest’s stay but also creates additional revenue streams through potential partnerships with local businesses.

Furthermore, the guide can subtly encourage guests to consider future stays by showcasing promotions, special offers, or loyalty programs. By integrating a gentle call-to-action or offering a special discount for repeat bookings, property managers can effectively promote future reservations while maintaining a respectful and non-intrusive approach.

This strategic use of the guide ensures that promotional efforts are well-integrated into the guest experience, providing relevant information at the right moments and fostering a sense of appreciation and connection. As a result, guests are more likely to leave with positive impressions and consider rebooking or recommending the property to others.

Just-in-Time Communication

The guide facilitates just-in-time communication, enabling property managers to send timely announcements and promotions directly to guests during their stay. This feature enhances the guest experience by keeping them informed about real-time opportunities and events that they might otherwise miss.

For instance, if a local event, concert, or festival is taking place, the guide can promptly notify guests, ensuring they’re aware of exciting happenings in the area. This real-time information allows guests to make spontaneous plans and fully enjoy their destination.

Additionally, the guide can offer exclusive rates or special access to tickets for these local events, creating added value for guests and enhancing their overall experience. Property managers can leverage this feature to form partnerships with local event organizers or businesses, potentially earning commissions or fostering goodwill within the community.

By utilizing just-in-time communication, property managers can also provide essential updates or changes, such as adjustments to check-out times or maintenance schedules, ensuring that guests are always in the loop. This proactive approach not only improves guest satisfaction but also streamlines property management, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable stay for everyone involved.

Affiliate Marketing with Local Businesses

GuestView Guide excels in affiliate marketing, allowing property managers to broker deals with local businesses and promote them on the guide. This not only enhances the guest experience but also provides additional revenue opportunities for hospitality operators.

Rebooking Incentives

One of the most loved capabilities is the ability to encourage guests to rebook while they are still at the property. By offering incentives or discounts for future stays, property managers can secure future bookings and enhance guest loyalty.

Interactive and Engaging

The tablet is more than just a static display. It’s interactive, allowing guests to explore, make bookings, and engage with the content. This makes their stay more enjoyable and informative.

Promotional Real Estate

The guide offers valuable promotional real estate. Between slides showcasing the property or welcoming guests, there’s room for advertisements from local businesses or partners. This not only provides additional revenue opportunities but also enhances the guest experience by offering them curated recommendations.

Alternatives to GuestView Guide: guest apps and digital guides

While GuestView Guide has made a significant mark in the rental industry, digital alternatives are gaining popularity among hospitality professionals. Digital guides and guidebook apps have emerged as essential tools for property managers. While there’re options like Hostfully guidebooks, Touch Stay and Hellohere app, for advanced functionality and seamless tech integration, consider Enso Connect.

What is a digital guidebook?

The digital welcome book or guidebook serves as a one-stop-shop for guests, providing them with essential information and recommendations. They include everything from house rules, property and amenity manuals, check-in and checkout instructions to neighbourhood guides and local attractions. The globally renowned guest experience innovator, Airbnb, defines Airbnb guidebook in this manner: “Can’t be there to give your guests the local tour? Take a few minutes to create a guidebook—it’s a great way to win over travelers. You can suggest your favorite restaurants, stores, parks, and attractions.”

What is a guest app?

A guest app is a specialized digital tool used in hospitality, offering guests a single platform to access essential accommodation details, local guides, and service requests. It facilitates direct communication with property management, enables digital check-in/check-out processes, and often includes features for booking, promotions, and loyalty program tracking. By integrating various functionalities, the app significantly enhances the guest experience, streamlines property operations, and fosters a stronger guest-property relationship.

Enso Connect VS GuestView: Pros and cons comparison summary

Pricing and available plans

Enso Connect’s pricing is available on the website. Visitors are asked to provide information about their location, number of properties managed and Property Management Software used. After including these details, hospitality professionals get instant price quote that is tailored for their needs.

Factors to Consider When Switching

Data migration and integration capabilities

Enso Connect seamlessly integrates with leading property management systems for short-term rentals and boutique hotels. While each integration offers varying degrees of two-way synchronization, all maintain high-quality API connections. See the full list of available PMS integrations here.

Set up and onboarding process

We pride ourselves on having one of the swiftest onboarding processes in the sector. Our Guest Journey Editor facilitates a speedy setup, without compromising quality. All new customers have at least two onboarding sessions with our team, that is also available for following questions.

Customer support

Our customer testimonials frequently highlight the Enso Connect support team. This recognition is well-deserved, as we prioritize providing attentive, human-centric support, ensuring timely and optimal solutions for our users.

Compatibility with existing systems and tools

Enso Connect has many partnerships and third-party integrations with best-in-class hospitality tech tools. This is why we are known to be the “Zapier of hospitality” and will help you connect any powerful tool that you already use. Check the details with the Enso Connect team to receive the exact plan for compatibility.

Conclusion

While the discontinuation of GuestView Guide is unfortunate, it opens doors to explore more advanced platforms like Enso Connect. With its plethora of features, integrations, and top-notch support, Enso Connect is set to redefine the hospitality tech landscape. If you’re considering making the switch, now is the time. Elevate your overall guest experience, boost revenue and reduce operational costs to grow your business efficiently with Enso Connect.

Research for Operto vs Enso Connect Covers the Following Topics:

1. Enso Connect VS Operto comparison overview

2. An overview of Operto

3. Feature comparison: Enso Connect VS Operto

4. Pricing comparison: Enso Connect VS Operto
5. Operto reviews and user feedback

6. Alternatives to Operto that offer better value for your money

Selecting a Guest Experience Platform

Terry Whyte, the Vacation Rental Software Guy, named guest experience tech to be the next rapidly growing sector after PMS.

“Guest experience tech – the next hot thing in the industry.

Property Management Systems (PMS) play a vital role in the hospitality industry’s technology landscape. When integrated with guest experience tools, it creates a robust platform. The winners will be those who can leverage the full functionality of a unified platform. However, the guest experience tech sector is also highly competitive and rapidly growing. There will be fierce competition, and innovative solutions and sophisticated technology will emerge.”

The abundance of hospitality technology companies providing guest experience solutions can complicate your search for the right one.

While everyone offers an all-in-one solution, intelligent automations, and seamless integrations, it’s up to the operators to determine what is best for them. They must comprehend what each vendor is offering and how it can benefit their unique business.

Operto vs Enso Connect – Comparison Overview

At a glance, here’s how Enso Connect compares to Operto. The main differences lie in configurability, messaging capabilities, monetization opportunities and set up speed.

What is Operto?

According to the website, Operto is the all-in-one hospitality platform for vacation rentals, hotels and multifamily properties.

The company was founded by Michael Driedger, who is no longer with the company. The new Operto CEO Steve Davis, who comes from Google and Apple background.

Initially, Operto specialized in smart lock technology before branching out into the broader hospitality guest experience market.

Operto Product & Solutions

The product is divided into four solutions: Operto Tech, Operto Connect, Operto Guest, and Operto Teams (formerly known as VR Scheduler).

Access, Noise and Energy – Operto Tech

It is the original product of Operto. It enables the automation of access and helps in reducing property damage and operational costs by using smart devices.

The Hospitality Operating Platform – Operto Connect

A platform that enables the integration of various Operto solutions. It is provided with every Operto product.

Digital Check-in, Guides, Messaging – Operto Guest

This is a mobile web application that provides digital guidebooks, enabling guests to easily and quickly learn about vacation rental properties.

Automate Cleaning Schedules – Operto Teams

Here is the product description on Capterra.

Top Rated Operations and Housekeeping Management for 10-100+ vacation rental, short term and long term properties. Operto Teams (formerly VRScheduler) is a software platform for scheduling and tracking cleaners, inspectors and maintenance staff. Operto Teams works with your booking software to improve workflow. Save time, optimize labor and minimize costly mistakes.

Operto acquired VRScheduler in 2021. The technology automates back-of-house scheduling workflows for housekeeping and maintenance.

Operto VS Enso Connect Feature Comparison

Both companies offer a variety of solutions to help short-term rental businesses automate their operations and enhance guest experience. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at the features of each of the products to help you understand the difference.

Both companies have comparable features such as contactless check-in and access control, guidebooks, and guest portal. However, when evaluating all features, there are several areas where Operto falls short.

Enso Connect Flexibility Over Operto

The main Enso Connect advantage is flexibility and full customization of all features. No other platform offers such detailed granular control. It allows for the fine-tuning of processes to match the unique requirements of each individual hospitality business.

Enso connect’s operating system functions on “If this, then that” principle making it the ultimate dynamic guest experience platform.

Moreover, Enso Connect offers an added advantage. When integrating these essential services into your automated workflows, you can set up conditions for the verification process. For instance, if the booking is made through Airbnb, third-party verification may not be necessary. This allows for cost savings without compromising on the security aspect.

Flexible property protection procedures

Enabling in-app security deposits allows Enso-connected operators to provide their guests with utmost convenience and protection.

Users have the flexibility to maximize revenue by providing guests with the option of non-refundable damage waivers. They can add a condition that this offer be extended only to guests deemed to be of low risk.

Repeat guests and direct bookings

Enso Connect’s Hospitality CRM allows you efficiently handle data, facilitating direct bookings, personalized conversations, guest engagement, repeat business and more. Collecting guest preferences, travel reasons and other data throughout the entire journey helps create great experience and attract return customers.

Seamless digital guest experience

Even though Operto facilitates digital portals for guests, Enso Connect’s Boarding Pass is hard to compete with.

Boarding Pass is a branded web app that has everything travelers need for a great stay in one link. This highly customizable super app allows creating a clear digital path for guests from booking to check-out and beyond. It provides guests with a personalized and convenient experience at every moment of their stay, helping build loyalty.

Operto vs Enso Connect – Pricing Comparison

One of the main factors in choosing a guest management software provider is the price. And with lack of transparency in pricing understanding packages and subscriptions offered by vendors can be a challenge.

Let’s examine how Operto presents and prices its products and services.

Operto does not publicly disclose their complete pricing. Each of its four products has its own pricing, which can accumulate and affect the total cost.

Here is a breakdown of the publicly available pricing information.

How much does Operto cost?

In order to find out the cost there is a need to connect to the Operto sales team.

How much does Enso Connect cost?

Enso Connect pricing varies depending on the total number of listings and features. The immediate pricing estimate calculator is available on the website.

Airbnb hosts and property managers with up to 5 listings are required to commit to $100 per month. Enso Connect’s focus on scaling hospitality businesses allows smaller players to experience the advantages of a larger portfolio shortly after implementing the software.

Why users switch from Operto to Enso Connect?

There are a number of Enso-connected operators who moved from Operto due to various frustrations. The following are the most prevalent reasons we have observed.

1. Quality of the API connection with PMS

2. Poor customer support

3. Overpromise on features that aren’t available yet

Here are some of Capterra reviews

However, while these may be a few examples of disappointed clients, Operto continues to have strong reviews for their recent acquisition of VRScheduler.

Alternatives to Operto

The Enso Connect Difference

The leading alternative to Operto, that checkmarks all your guest experience needs is Enso Connect. It is a comprehensive platform that not only streamlines operations but also personalizes and monetizes guest interactions.

Enso Connect integrates with property management software to offer smart lock-connected contactless check-ins, white-label guest verification, upsells, AI messaging, guidebooks and more.

The Boarding Pass web app creates a digital guest journey, guiding guests through their stay with a single link.

With “If this then that” capabilities, Enso Connect is like Zapier of guest experiences for hospitality. It connects property operators’ favorite tools and simplifies business management while boosting profits.

Watch Enso Connect reviews and case studies. Discover how hospitality professionals scale without increasing the workload, drive more revenue and earn 5-star reviews.

Touch Stay

A viable alternative to Operto’s guidebooks is Touch Stay. It is a platform that allows property managers to create and share digital guest welcome books. It enables hosts to provide comprehensive information about their property, house rules, local attractions, all in a user-friendly digital format.

With Touch Stay, property managers can create visually appealing and customizable guest welcome books that can be accessed by guests on their smartphones, tablets, or computers.

By using Touch Stay, property managers can enhance the guest experience by providing a convenient and engaging way to access important information about their property and the surrounding area.

Point Central

For property managers seeking tech solutions like monitoring and controlling smart home devices, PointCentral can be a suitable choice. Being able to manage smart devices, such as smart locks, noise and heat sensors, from a single key data dashboard is invaluable.

PointCentral offers robust features for property managers, including remote monitoring and control of smart home devices, such as locks, sensors, and thermostats, through a centralized dashboard.

Unlike many lock brands that require downloading separate apps for granting access, with Enso Connect integrations, you can connect any available locks on the platform and remotely manage access without the need to download additional apps.