StayScan vs AskYourStay: AI Concierge + Guidebook vs Chat-Only
By StayScan Editorial Team · Published · Last updated
StayScan vs AskYourStay 2026. StayScan gives you guidebook + AI concierge. AskYourStay is chat-only. Compare features, pricing, languages, calendar sync.
AskYourStay has popularized the concept of an AI concierge for vacation rentals — and it is a good product for what it does. But there is a fundamental difference: AskYourStay is chat-only, while StayScan gives you both a complete visual guidebook AND an AI concierge. This comparison explains why that difference matters.
The Core Difference: Guidebook + AI vs AI Only
StayScan: Guests scan a QR code and see a full visual guidebook — Wi-Fi credentials, check-in steps, house rules, local recommendations with maps and photos, checkout instructions. They can browse visually. If they have a question, they can also ask Staya AI, which answers from the guidebook content in 30+ languages.
AskYourStay: Guests scan a QR code and enter a chat interface. They ask questions and the AI answers. There is no visual guidebook to browse — no maps, no photos, no structured sections. Everything is conversational.
Why Guests Need Both
Different guests prefer different interfaces. Some are browsers — they want to scroll through sections, look at maps, see photos. Others are askers — they want to type "what time is checkout?" and get an instant answer. A good guest experience serves both:
- Arrival: Guest browses the guidebook to find check-in instructions and Wi-Fi
- During stay: Guest asks Staya "how does the coffee machine work?"
- Exploring: Guest browses the local recommendations section with maps
- Late night: Guest asks Staya "what is the emergency contact number?"
With AskYourStay, the browsing experience does not exist. Every interaction requires the guest to formulate a question. With StayScan, guests can browse OR ask — whichever feels more natural in the moment.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | StayScan | AskYourStay |
|---|---|---|
| Visual guidebook | Yes | No |
| AI concierge | Yes (Staya, included) | Yes (core product) |
| AI guidebook generation | Yes (60 sec) | No |
| Languages | 30+ (guidebook + AI) | 50+ (AI chat only) |
| Calendar sync | Yes (5 min) | No |
| Book Direct | Yes | No |
| Free plan | No (30-day free trial, no card) | No |
| Price | $6/mo | ~£5/mo |
| Maps and photos | Yes | No |
| Offline access | Yes (PWA) | No |
Verdict
StayScan is the better choice for hosts who want a complete guest experience. The combination of a visual guidebook + AI concierge + calendar sync + Book Direct + 30+ languages from $6/month, with a 30-day free trial, is unmatched. AskYourStay is a good choice only if you specifically want a chat-only interface and do not need a visual guidebook, calendar sync, or Book Direct.
Get both a guidebook AND an AI concierge. Try it free for 30 days
Start your free trialFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use AskYourStay alongside a separate guidebook?
You could, but you would be paying for two tools and managing two QR codes. StayScan gives you both in one platform — one QR code, one dashboard, one subscription.
Does AskYourStay have a visual guidebook?
No. AskYourStay is a chat-only AI concierge. There is no visual guidebook with maps, photos, or structured sections. StayScan includes both.
Which is cheaper?
StayScan starts at $6/month, and every new account gets a 30-day free trial with full access, no credit card needed. AskYourStay starts at ~£5/month with no free plan. StayScan includes more features at a similar price.
StayScan is a digital guidebook for Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and Agoda hosts: one QR code gives guests Wi-Fi, check-in steps, house rules and local tips in 30+ languages. Create your guidebook with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required.