Chekin vs. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in):
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing a contactless check-in platform is about balancing ease of use, feature depth, support quality, and cost. Both Chekin by CheKin and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) aim to streamline guest onboarding, but they serve different hotel segments and have distinct strengths.

Chekin boasts a longer track record, with more verified integrations, a broader global presence, and a larger review base. LIKE MAGIC, however, has more recent reviews, higher user ratings, and a more extensive feature set focused on guest experience. Which platform aligns better with your hotel’s specific needs?

Is Chekin or LIKE MAGIC Better for Hotels?

Both Chekin and LIKE MAGIC address the core challenge of automating check-in processes, reducing front desk workload, and enhancing guest satisfaction. Chekin has a broader integration ecosystem, with 20 verified partners, including major PMS systems like Mews and Cloudbeds, while LIKE MAGIC has 10, with some unique integrations like SALTO Systems and Adyen.

In terms of user reviews, LIKE MAGIC's 29 recent reviews outshine Chekin’s 6, with the latter having no reviews in the past six months. LIKE MAGIC’s higher NPS score (9.86/10) and 99% likelihood to recommend indicate stronger recent customer satisfaction.

The core divergence lies in their target segments: Chekin is popular among vacation rentals, villas, and city hotels, whereas LIKE MAGIC mainly appeals to extended stays, serviced apartments, and limited-service hotels. Do you need a solution for a diverse property portfolio or a specific niche?

Chekin vs LIKE MAGIC: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel requires a robust, globally proven contactless check-in system with extensive PMS integrations, go with Chekin. Its broad regional presence, over 80,000 properties served, and proven ability to automate complex operations make it ideal for larger or more diverse hotel brands.

On the other hand, if your hotel prioritizes guest experience and digital engagement, and you're operating in Europe or Asia Pacific, LIKE MAGIC is the better fit. Its higher user ratings, more recent reviews, and a focus on seamless guest journeys—plus features like AI-powered responses and digital concierge—make it suited for hotels aiming to impress tech-savvy travelers.

Your decision hinges on whether you value established integrations and a broader global footprint (Chekin) or superior guest-centric features and recent positive feedback (LIKE MAGIC).

Is Chekin or LIKE MAGIC Easier to Use?

Both products are highly rated for ease of use, with Chekin scoring 4.67/5 and LIKE MAGIC slightly higher at 4.9/5. Chekin’s onboarding process is rated 4.33/5, and LIKE MAGIC’s is 4.78/5, reflecting their user-friendly interfaces.

However, LIKE MAGIC’s recent reviews emphasize its intuitive design, especially for staff unfamiliar with digital check-in systems, and its seamless guest experience. Chekin’s interface, while very functional, could benefit from improvements in the hotel interface and search filters.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has Better Features: Chekin or LIKE MAGIC?

Chekin offers four features unique to its platform, including PMS integration, automatic translations, PCI compliance, and easy room selection, which enhance operational automation and security. It also has 17 shared features with LIKE MAGIC, such as contactless check-in, digital keys, and guest registration.

LIKE MAGIC, although lacking some of Chekin’s specialized features, covers all essential elements for contactless check-in and offers integrated communication channels, digital keys, and automated tasks. It is praised for its guest journey management and upsell opportunities.

Edge: Chekin.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Chekin or LIKE MAGIC?

Chekin’s customer support is rated 4.5/5, with reviews highlighting their professionalism and availability. One reviewer called their support "ready to help," describing it as "rare quality" these days.

LIKE MAGIC’s support edges slightly higher at 4.83/5, with recent reviews specifically praising their responsiveness and support team’s effectiveness. This is reflected in their recent NPS score of 9.86/10, indicating very high customer satisfaction.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has More Integrations: Chekin or LIKE MAGIC?

Chekin’s ecosystem boasts 20 verified partners, including major players like RoomRaccoon, HotelTime, and SiteMinder, providing extensive options for PMS, channel management, and other integrations. It shares three partners with LIKE MAGIC (Mews, apaleo, Oracle).

LIKE MAGIC has 10 verified partners, including SALTO Systems and Adyen, which are less common in Chekin’s network. Its integrations are more focused on specific automation and payment services but are fewer overall.

Edge: Chekin.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Chekin or LIKE MAGIC?

LIKE MAGIC currently holds the edge with a 4.9/5 rating based on 29 recent reviews, while Chekin’s rating is 4.67/5 from just 6 reviews, with no recent feedback. Hoteliers in Europe and Asia Pacific tend to rate LIKE MAGIC higher, especially those focused on guest experience and automation.

Chekin’s reviews highlight its operational efficiency, especially in large or complex properties, but recent feedback is sparse, reducing confidence. Conversely, LIKE MAGIC’s high recent ratings signal strong ongoing performance.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

How Much Do Chekin and LIKE MAGIC Cost?

Chekin charges a base price of $400, with no freemium, monthly flat fee, or per-room charges, and no implementation fee. Pricing appears straightforward but is less flexible for scaling.

LIKE MAGIC’s base price is $700, also without freemium options or setup fees. Its higher cost may reflect its more extensive guest experience features and automation capabilities.

Both products lack detailed tiered pricing info, so your exact costs depend on your specific needs and property size.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Chekin?

• Hotels and vacation rentals seeking a verified, scalable automation solution with broad integrations.
• Properties with complex operations requiring deep PMS integration and compliance features.
• Large hotels or chains aiming for operational efficiency and automation.
• Hotels in regions where Chekin’s global presence and multilingual support are advantageous.

Not ideal if your hotel is small, localized, or highly focused on guest experience over operational automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?

• Hotels focused on elevating guest experience through digital engagement.
• Properties operating primarily in Europe and Asia Pacific.
• Hotels aiming for high guest satisfaction, self-service check-in, and upsell features.
• Boutique hotels or serviced apartments that want to streamline operations with minimal staffing.

Not ideal if you need extensive PMS integrations, complex operational automation, or are in regions outside LIKE MAGIC’s primary markets.

LIKE MAGIC vs Chekin: The Bottom Line for Hotels

The core difference lies in their focus: Chekin emphasizes operational automation, integrations, and compliance, making it suitable for larger or more complex properties. LIKE MAGIC centers on guest experience and automation, offering a more engaging, user-friendly journey especially valued in boutique or experience-driven hotels.

Choose Chekin if your priority is operational efficiency, compliance, and broad integrations—especially if you manage multiple properties or regions. Opt for LIKE MAGIC if your goal is to impress guests with a seamless, digital, and personalized stay, particularly if your hotel operates in Europe or Asia Pacific.

If your hotel needs dependable automation with extensive integrations and proven regional presence, Chekin is your choice. However, if enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction with a modern, intuitive platform is your goal, LIKE MAGIC provides a more recent, highly-rated solution.

This detailed comparison should help you align your choice with your hotel’s specific operational needs and guest experience goals. Whichever you select, ensure it fits your property size, target market, and regional presence for optimal results.