How STAY Hotels & GuestCentric brought Design and Conversion Together

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When you think of a city-hotel brand that nails both simplicity and local pulse, STAY HOTELS stands out. From Porto to Lisbon, Évora to Faro, each of the group’s 13 properties offers “just what you need” — central locations, comfortable rooms, free bikes, and 24/7 bars — all wrapped in a modern Portuguese hospitality concept.

With a clearly defined concept and ambitious expansion plans, STAY HOTELS partnered with GuestCentric to translate its strong brand into a fully optimized digital experience. The goal: ensure every online touchpoint — from discovery to booking — reflects the same urban ease, connection, and city energy guests feel when they walk through the door.

Building a Strong Brand Online

STAY HOTELS’ vision is to be the reference brand for urban travelers looking for reliability, smart design, and genuine comfort. The STAY Hotels team live this ethos every day — from “beds that make a difference” to “just-connect” Wi-Fi and free bikes that let guests explore at their own pace.

GuestCentric’s role was to bring this well-defined brand identity online and connect it with conversion-focused tools that guide guests effortlessly from inspiration to booking. The result is a digital presence that’s as intuitive, modern, and inviting as the hotels themselves.

Key features that bring this vision to life include:

🏨 Multi-property booking engine: allows guests to seamlessly explore and book across 13 destinations.
🌐 Corporate website hub: presents the brand’s full portfolio with unified storytelling, consistent design, and direct booking access.
💳 Integrated eCommerce capabilities: empower the brand to centrally manage offers, rates, and real-time availability while maintaining brand cohesion.
📱 Mobile-optimized guest experience: ensures convenience and clarity at every step of the guest journey.
🖼️ Visual storytelling and intuitive navigation: strengthen the connection between brand identity and conversion.

STAY Hotels worked closely with GuestCentric to create an online experience that not only looks and feels right but also builds stronger connections with guests by making their online journey simple, direct, and authentic.

Recognized for Design & User Experience Excellence

The success of this collaboration didn’t go unnoticed. In 2025, STAY HOTELS and GuestCentric were jointly recognized by the Summit International Awards, celebrating excellence in web design, brand storytelling, and user experience. This recognition underscores how a clear brand vision, when paired with powerful conversion technology, can create an award-winning digital experience that drives real results.

Why This Matters for Independent Hotel Brands

Brand matters: A strong, distinctive identity is the foundation for lasting guest loyalty.
Digital expression matters: When your website reflects your brand’s personality and values, it builds authenticity and trust.
Integration matters: Brand identity, user experience, and booking technology must work hand-in-hand to drive direct success.

In short, STAY HOTELS knew who they were — and with GuestCentric, made sure everyone else knew it too. Together, they’ve built a digital journey that’s not just about booking rooms, but about experiencing the spirit of STAY from the very first click.