As restaurants increasingly adopt AI to streamline guest communication, two platforms are emerging as frontrunners: Hostie and Slang. Both offer voice AI solutions that answer phone calls, handle reservations, and boost operational efficiency — but the similarities end there.

Whether you’re running a high-volume neighborhood spot or managing multiple concepts across cities, choosing the right platform can significantly impact your guest experience and bottom line. Here’s how Hostie stacks up against Slang.

💬 Call Quality & Guest Experience

Hostie is built with one goal in mind: make every guest feel like they’re talking to a real host. It answers in natural, conversational language, personalizes responses based on guest intent, and handles complex requests like seating preferences, large party inquiries, and even catering.

Slang, by contrast, is a general-purpose voice automation platform that works across industries — not just restaurants. While it can handle basic call routing and answer FAQs, its flows are typically more templated and less tuned for the complexities of hospitality. That can make it harder to manage nuanced guest interactions like large-party requests, seating preferences, or multi-language bookings without significant customization.

Winner: Hostie – for a more human-like guest experience across both reservations and general inquiries.

Matt Ho, owner of Bodega SF, saw firsthand how overwhelming call volume can get during service: “The phones would ring constantly throughout service,” he recalls. “We would receive calls for basic questions that can be found on our website.” After shopping around, Ho ultimately chose Hostie, because it’s built specifically for restaurants, adding, “This platform makes the job easier for the host and does not disturb guests while they’re enjoying their meal.”

🤝 Integrations That Actually Work

Hostie was designed to plug into the tools restaurants already use — from the most widely used reservation systems to event management tools. These integrations allow Hostie to book reservations in real time, pull in event data, and sync guest interactions across platforms.

Slang’s integrations are more limited, often requiring workarounds. For operators juggling multiple systems, this can mean more friction and fewer insights.

Winner: Hostie – deeper integrations with the platforms restaurants depend on.

📈 Impact on Revenue

Restaurants using Hostie report measurable ROI fast: more reservations booked, more walk-ins captured, and fewer missed calls — all while freeing up staff to focus on hospitality. One partner saw a 13% lift in reservations within the first month; another nearly tripled over-the-phone bookings.

Winner: Hostie – stronger, more direct revenue impact across service models.

🧠 Customization & Flexibility

With Hostie, restaurants can tailor guest interactions to their brand voice and needs — from custom greetings to multi-language support and unique workflows for events or private dining. It’s like having a well-trained front-of-house team member who never calls in sick.

Slang’s AI is more templated, and while it may work for basic use cases, it lacks the adaptability that full-service restaurants often require.

Winner: Hostie – unmatched customization for nuanced hospitality operations.

🏁 Final Verdict

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If you’re looking to answer every call, book more reservations, and deliver hospitality at scale, Hostie is purpose-built for your needs. Slang may work for simple ordering flows, but when it comes to real guest relationships — Hostie leads the way.

Interested in seeing Hostie in action?

Book a demo and discover how Hostie can transform your restaurant’s guest communication: www.hostie.ai/sign-up

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