STAYmyway

STAYmyway provides access control and property management systems for the hospitality industry, targeting clients such as hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. The company was established in 2014 by Faustino Fernandez, an industrial engineer who saw an opportunity to use smartphone technology to replace traditional keys. This idea stemmed from his own experiences with inefficient check-in processes at hotels and rental apartments. A significant milestone for the company was its international expansion into the USA to serve the North American and LATAM markets just two years after its inception. In November 2022, STAYmyway was acquired by Operto Guest Technologies, a Canadian company specializing in hotel and rental automation.

The core of STAYmyway's business is to digitize and automate hotel operations, particularly check-in and access. Its main offering is a cloud-based platform that transforms a guest's smartphone into a digital room key via Bluetooth. This system allows for a contactless check-in experience, enabling guests to bypass the front desk. A key feature is a proprietary hardware kit that upgrades existing door locks to be Bluetooth-enabled, which avoids the high cost of full lock replacement. The system can work in parallel with existing RFID card systems or completely replace them. For properties without their own app, STAYmyway offers a turnkey mobile application. This app also facilitates communication between the guest and hotel staff through a chat feature, provides information on local attractions, and allows guests to manage their booking details. The company's technology, post-acquisition, is now known as Operto Boost.

Revenue is generated by providing these technology solutions to accommodation providers. The business model focuses on making mobile key technology more affordable and easier to implement for hotels and property managers. By automating routine processes, the system helps operators reduce labor costs, streamline operations, and enhance guest satisfaction. The platform also supports multi-property management from a single dashboard and integrates with partners like Veridas for secure ID verification, processing over 5,000 user verifications per month. Following the acquisition by Operto, the company aims to accelerate the rollout of digital key programs, including a notable partnership with Accor Hotels. Keywords: digital key, access control, hotel technology, property management system, contactless check-in, mobile key, smart locks, vacation rental technology, hospitality automation, guest experience platform, Operto Boost, hotel operations, keyless entry, self check-in, guest management, smart hotel, digital check-in, property automation, hotel lock upgrade, Faustino Fernandez