The project dashboard is a free tool that is only available to verified hoteliers to make adopting new technology easier by streamlining their research and simplifying their communication workflow.
TLDR
We analyzed 29 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:
Check-in Scan shines .
LIKE MAGIC shines in ease of use and customer support , with exclusive features like Hotel Website Check-in Portal and Lobby Kiosk.
Side-by-side ratings based on 29 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $700/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 0 | 29 |
After analyzing 29 verified reviews, Check-in Scan users most value its , while LIKE MAGIC users highlight guest journey app, automation & integration, contactless check-in. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Guest Journey App
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Automation & Integration
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Contactless Check-in
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Design Flexibility
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Revenue Opportunities
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Analytics & Reporting
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Push Notification Delays
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How each product ranks among Contactless Check-in vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.
By Hotel Size
| Segment | Check-in Scan |
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|---|---|---|
| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | — | #7 12 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | — | #7 10 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | — | #8 3 reviews |
By Property Type
| Segment | Check-in Scan |
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| Boutique ▾ | — | #11 6 reviews |
| Luxury | — | #15 2 reviews |
| Branded / Chain | — | #15 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | — | #5 12 reviews |
By Region
| Segment | Check-in Scan |
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| North America | — | #17 1 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | — | #5 27 reviews |
Choosing the right contactless check-in platform is critical as your hotel aims to enhance guest convenience and operational efficiency. Both Check-in Scan and LIKE MAGIC address contactless check-in but diverge significantly in features, user experience, and market presence. Check-in Scan, with no recent reviews or ratings, appears dormant, while LIKE MAGIC boasts a strong recent review base and high user satisfaction. Which platform aligns with your hotel’s strategic goals?
Check-in Scan offers a bare-bones, no-frills contactless check-in solution, primarily lacking features, reviews, and market presence. In contrast, LIKE MAGIC is a feature-rich platform with 29 recent reviews, an average rating of 74 out of 100, and a 99% likelihood to recommend, indicating high hotel confidence. While Check-in Scan provides minimal data, LIKE MAGIC’s extensive feature set and positive feedback make it the more reliable option for hotels seeking a comprehensive guest journey.
If your hotel needs a fully integrated, feature-rich guest management system that supports contactless check-in, digital keys, and automated guest communication, go with LIKE MAGIC. It is suited for hotels aiming to boost operational efficiency, generate upsell opportunities, and enhance guest satisfaction. If, however, your hotel only requires a simple, no-cost solution with basic check-in capabilities—though none are confirmed—Check-in Scan might appeal, but its lack of recent reviews diminishes confidence.
Check-in Scan’s usability is unverified, as it has no reviews or ratings, raising questions about its interface or onboarding process. LIKE MAGIC, rated 4.9 out of 5 for ease of use with 29 reviews, is praised for its intuitive design and smooth onboarding, making staff adoption straightforward. Guests also report a simple, efficient check-in process that reduces front desk congestion. Edge: LIKE MAGIC.
Check-in Scan offers no documented features beyond basic contactless check-in. LIKE MAGIC, with 17 distinctive features, includes hotel website check-in portals, self-service checkouts, document scanning, digital key integration, multi-lingual support, and pre-arrival upselling, among others. These features support a seamless guest journey and operational automation. Edge: LIKE MAGIC.
Check-in Scan provides no data on support or onboarding, implying limited or unverified support services. LIKE MAGIC, rated 4.83 out of 5, receives consistent praise for customer support and onboarding, with reviews describing it as “responsive,” “helpful,” and “efficient.” This high support rating ensures your team can quickly resolve issues and maximize platform benefits. Edge: LIKE MAGIC.
Check-in Scan lacks any verified integrations, suggesting minimal connectivity with other hotel systems. LIKE MAGIC connects with ten verified partners, including major PMS and access control providers like apaleo, Mews, SALTO Systems, and Oracle Hospitality. This extensive integration capacity simplifies implementation and enhances operational workflows. Edge: LIKE MAGIC.
Check-in Scan has no recent reviews or ratings, making it impossible to gauge hoteliers’ satisfaction. LIKE MAGIC’s reviews are recent and highly positive, with an average NPS score of 9.86/10 and a 99% likelihood to recommend. Hotels across segments, especially in urban and extended-stay markets, praise its ease, features, and support. Edge: LIKE MAGIC.
Check-in Scan’s pricing is unspecified, and it appears to operate without charges or support details, which raises questions about viability. LIKE MAGIC charges $700 monthly, with no free tier or trial, offering a clear, predictable cost structure. For hotels considering long-term investment, LIKE MAGIC’s transparent pricing facilitates budget planning.
The core difference is that Check-in Scan appears inactive or untested, with no recent reviews, while LIKE MAGIC is a thriving platform supported by numerous recent hotel reviews. If your hotel needs a dependable, feature-rich system with proven support and integrations, go with LIKE MAGIC. Its broad functionality and positive hotel feedback demonstrate a clear advantage for modern, digitally-driven properties.
Choose LIKE MAGIC if you want a platform with recent, high-quality reviews, extensive features, and proven success across various hotel segments. It’s ideal for hotels looking to elevate guest experiences and streamline operations with a trusted partner. Check-in Scan, lacking recent data and reviews, only makes sense if your needs are minimal and budget constraints are tight; otherwise, it presents too much uncertainty to recommend confidently.
This comprehensive comparison underscores that LIKE MAGIC’s recent reviews, high ratings, and feature set make it the more reliable choice for your hotel’s digital check-in and guest journey needs.
Contactless Check-in pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.
| Check-in Scan |
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| Starting Price | — | From $700/mo |
According to HTR's product database, Check-in Scan and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) share 0 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature | Check-in Scan |
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| Custom Questions | ||
| Device Agnostic | ||
| Hotel Website Check-in Portal | ||
| Lobby Kiosk | ||
| Self Service Checkin | ||
| Self Service Checkout |
Showing top differences. 5 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 4 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
No published case study for this goal yet.
"Like Magic allowed us to operate with just six staff members, without compromising guest experience. The platform is easy to use, fun to work with, and has revolutionized how we ru..."
No published case study for this goal yet.
"LIKE MAGIC isn't just a tool for us, it's the backbone of our overall guest experience. If I ever worked somewhere else, I'd bring it with me."
What hoteliers love
The Guest Journey App serves as a centralized hub, integrating multiple communication channels and allowing guests to manage services digitally. Its i... The Guest Journey App serves as a centralized hub, integrating multiple communication channels and allowing guests to manage services digitally. Its intuitive design significantly reduces staffing needs while enhancing guest experience.
Users value LikeMagic for its seamless integration with existing systems like PMS and digital key systems. The automation of repetitive tasks, such as... Users value LikeMagic for its seamless integration with existing systems like PMS and digital key systems. The automation of repetitive tasks, such as housekeeping and payment processing, frees up hotel staff to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
LikeMagic's contactless check-in feature is highly praised for enhancing guest convenience and reducing front desk congestion. Guests can check in via... LikeMagic's contactless check-in feature is highly praised for enhancing guest convenience and reducing front desk congestion. Guests can check in via mobile, offering a quick and hygienic process, particularly appreciated by international visitors.
Where hoteliers push back
LikeMagic is noted for driving upsell revenue through features like room upgrades and package add-ons. The platform's capabilities in integrating addi... LikeMagic is noted for driving upsell revenue through features like room upgrades and package add-ons. The platform's capabilities in integrating additional services, such as late checkouts or in-room dining, provide valuable opportunities for increasing revenue.
The need for more comprehensive analytics and reporting features is frequently mentioned. Users express a desire for advanced modules that track guest... The need for more comprehensive analytics and reporting features is frequently mentioned. Users express a desire for advanced modules that track guest engagement and provide key performance metrics, potentially leading to better decision-making and service improvements.
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. Check-in Scan and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. Check-in Scan offers 0 verified integration partners, while LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offers 10. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 0.0/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.
Check-in Scan: No. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in): No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Contactless Check-in vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.
The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Check-in Scan has an HT Score of 0 and LIKE MAGIC has 74. Here is how the score is calculated.
| Criteria Group | Weight | What It Measures |
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| Customer Ratings & Reviews |
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How highly do users recommend this product? Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories ▾ The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias. |
| Partner Ecosystem |
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How highly do tech partners recommend this company? Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality ▾ Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack. |
| Customer Centricity |
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How customer-centric is this organization? Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness ▾ Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features. |
| Reach, Staying Power & Resources |
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How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing? Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score ▾ Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity. |
Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →
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