In the dynamic world of hospitality technology, staying updated with the best tools is crucial. While GuestView Guide has been a notable player, offering a digital concierge display for vacation homes, its discontinuation has left many seeking a worthy alternative. Enso Connect is a platform that’s not just an alternative but a step ahead. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the features of both platforms. It will explain why Enso Connect is the best alternative to GuestView Guide and a great choice for forward-thinking hospitality professionals.
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.
Personalized Local Experience
Welcome Screen
A personalized welcome screen greets guests upon arrival.
Check-in Survey
Collects guests’ first impressions of the property, allowing for immediate feedback and issue resolution.
Home Screen
Provides guests with weather updates, how-to videos on amenities (e.g., home entertainment system), and local area suggestions.
Delighted Guests
Local Recommendations
Curated list of recommended local restaurants and businesses, complemented by personalized comments.
Local Activities
Suggestions for local activities to offer guests a genuine local experience.
Slideshows
When not in use, the GuestView Guide displays local art and images, serving as a digital gallery that complements the property’s décor.
Reduced Questions Asked
How-To Property Information
Videos that provide basic information, such as WiFi code access, TV usage, or hot tub unlocking procedures.
Just-in-Time Guest Communication
Enables real-time communication or scheduled guest messages, such as trash day reminders.
Interactive Guest Checkout
Provides guests with a checkout checklist and notifies the property manager and team upon guest checkout.
Revenue Generation
Add-on Services
Upsell services like late checkout or mid-stay cleaning directly through the display.
Digital Billboard
Promote services, activities, and even cross-promote other properties to enhance the guest experience and generate additional revenue.
Rebooking
Promotes and facilitates direct bookings in-stay, with the option to use promotional codes as incentives.
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 for guests, allowing them to feel welcomed and appreciated. For instance, the tablet can cycle through images, including a slide that says “Welcome” with a picture of the host’s family.
Local Insights
The guide provides insights into local experiences, helping guests decide what to do during their stay. It can highlight local events, restaurants, attractions, and unique activities tailored to the property’s location.
Upsell Opportunities
The guide offers various additional services opportunities, from promoting local experiences to encouraging guests to rebook for their next vacation. This can be done seamlessly without being intrusive.
Just-in-Time Communication
The guide allows for just-in-time communication, where property managers can send announcements or promotions directly to guests during their stay. For example, if there’s a local event or concert, the guide can notify guests and even offer exclusive rates on tickets.
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.
The best alternative to GuestView Guide: Enso Connect
Guest-centric hospitality professionals, using or considering GuestView Guide for their businesses will benefit from Enso Connect. It is a dynamic guest experience platform empowering vacation rentals and boutique hotels to connect, configure and monetize their guest interactions. Beyond digital guidebooks and upselling features, Enso-connected users benefit from a plethora of capabilities, streamlining interactions throughout the guest journey:
An AI-powered Unified Inbox with email, SMS messages, WhatsApp and Airbnb guest messaging;
The Boarding Pass guest web app, that serves as your property’s virtual boarding pass, reminiscent of airline flight passes;
Custom workflows and automations;
Guest data collection and guest verification;
Configuration capabilities with “if this then that” conditions throughout the entire platform;
Custom upsells, affiliate marketing and local partnerships tools;
Online check-in and checkout with step-by-step instructions;
Smart home connectivity: contactless access with smart locks and noise control with sensors;
and more.
Enso Connect VS GuestView: Pros and cons comparison summary
GuestView Guide
Enso Connect
Personalized Experience
Welcome Screen
Check-in Survey
Home Screen
Happy Guests
Local Recommendations
Local Activities
Slideshows
Reduced Questions Asked - Operational Efficiency
How-To Property Information
Just-in-Time Guest Communication
Interactive Guest Check-in
Interactive Guest Checkout
Revenue Generation
Add-on Services
Digital Billboard
Rebooking
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.
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