Criton vs. LIKE MAGIC:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between Criton and LIKE MAGIC hinges on your hotel's specific needs for guest engagement and operational automation. Both products aim to enhance the guest experience, but they approach this goal differently—Criton offers a flexible, branded mobile app, while LIKE MAGIC provides a comprehensive digital guest journey driven by AI and automation.

Criton has a longer track record with 21 reviews, though recent activity has slowed, while LIKE MAGIC has 26 reviews with more recent feedback in the last six months. Which platform aligns better with your hotel’s digital ambitions?

Is Criton or LIKE MAGIC Better for Hotels?

Both Criton and LIKE MAGIC focus on streamlining guest interactions and boosting in-stay revenue, but their core strengths differ. Criton excels in branding and content flexibility, allowing hotels to create a tailored app experience that replaces printed materials, while LIKE MAGIC emphasizes automating the entire guest journey with AI-powered features.

Criton’s platform is more established in the market, with a notable presence across Europe, North America, and beyond, while LIKE MAGIC is newer and primarily active in Europe. Do you prefer a customizable guest app or an all-in-one automated system?

Criton vs LIKE MAGIC: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a highly customizable, branded mobile app that acts as a digital concierge, Criton is the clear choice. Its flexible content management and local recommendation features make it ideal for boutique, independent, or luxury hotels seeking a tailored guest experience.

Conversely, if your hotel requires a platform that automates check-in, offers AI-driven guest interactions, and reduces operational complexity, LIKE MAGIC is better suited. It’s especially compelling for hotels with lean staff or those aiming to improve operational efficiency through automation.

In summary, choose Criton for branding control and rich content, or LIKE MAGIC for automation and guest engagement. Your hotel’s operational style and branding priorities should dictate the pick.

Is Criton or LIKE MAGIC Easier to Use?

Criton’s platform is rated 4.5/5 for ease of use, with a straightforward content management system that makes creating and updating apps accessible even for smaller teams. The onboarding process is rated 4.36/5, and users describe the platform as user-friendly and intuitive, with quick support resolution during issues.

LIKE MAGIC scores slightly higher at 4.96/5, with a browser-based, AI-integrated interface that guests and staff find modern and simple to navigate. Its support team is praised for responsiveness, and onboarding is rated 4.8/5, making it easy for hotels to implement and adopt.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has Better Features: Criton or LIKE MAGIC?

Criton offers 9 shared features plus one unique—local recommendations—that enhance guest personalization. Its customizability allows for branding, content updates, and integrations like in-room messaging and digital check-in.

LIKE MAGIC also provides 9 shared features, with the addition of a web-app for broader access and AI-powered guest interactions, including digital keys and a smart concierge. Its automation features streamline operations and guest communication more deeply.

While Criton’s features focus on content and branding flexibility, LIKE MAGIC emphasizes automation and AI-driven engagement. Edge: LIKE MAGIC, due to its AI and automation capabilities that extend beyond basic guest communication.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Criton or LIKE MAGIC?

Criton’s support team is rated 4.62/5, with praise for quick responses and committed service, though some users note support can occasionally be inconsistent. Its onboarding experience is rated 4.36/5, indicating a generally positive, if sometimes cautious, experience.

LIKE MAGIC stands slightly ahead at 4.85/5, with recent positive reviews highlighting its responsive and knowledgeable support team. Users say support is prompt and helpful, making onboarding smooth and ongoing assistance reliable.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has More Integrations: Criton or LIKE MAGIC?

Criton connects with 16 verified partners, including major systems like Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and GuestRevu. Its extensive partner list supports a range of integrations, from PMS to marketing tools, giving hotels flexibility in building their tech stack.

LIKE MAGIC has 10 verified integrations, sharing partnerships with Oracle Hospitality and Mews but fewer overall. Its integrations focus on automation tools, booking engines, and digital access systems, with some notable partners like SALTO and Adyen.

Criton’s broader partner network gives it the edge for hotels seeking extensive connectivity. Edge: Criton.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Criton or LIKE MAGIC?

Criton’s reviews are more numerous, with a high overall rating of 4.71/5 and recent reviews in the last six months. Hoteliers praise its ease of creation and ongoing support, especially for boutique and independent properties.

LIKE MAGIC has a perfect 5/5 score based on 26 reviews, with recent feedback emphasizing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Hotels that value automation and AI-driven features tend to rate LIKE MAGIC higher, especially in terms of reducing staff workload.

Given the larger and more current review base, Criton’s ratings are more reliable. Edge: Criton.

How Much Do Criton and LIKE MAGIC Cost?

Criton does not publicly list its pricing, but it operates on a bespoke quote basis, which can be costly depending on customization needs. It does not offer a freemium model or trial, making initial investment less transparent.

LIKE MAGIC charges a flat rate of $700 per month, with no mention of implementation fees or trial options. Its straightforward pricing makes budgeting easier, though it might be higher for larger hotels or multi-property groups.

If you prefer transparency and predictable costs, LIKE MAGIC’s model is advantageous. Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Criton?

• Hotels seeking a fully branded, customizable guest app that replaces printed materials.
• Properties aiming to offer localized recommendations and rich content.
• Boutique, independent, or luxury hotels that want to control their digital guest experience.
• Hotels prioritizing content flexibility and ongoing content updates without additional costs.

Not ideal if your hotel needs rapid deployment or minimal customization, as Criton’s platform involves more setup and content management.

What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?

• Hotels focused on automation, AI-driven guest interactions, and operational efficiency.
• Properties with lean staff looking to reduce workload through self-service options.
• Hotels wanting a unified platform for booking, check-in, digital keys, and guest communication.
• Hotels willing to invest in a scalable, tech-heavy system that evolves with their needs.

Not ideal if your hotel requires extensive branding customization or prefers a more traditional, app-based approach.

Criton vs LIKE MAGIC: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Criton offers a customizable, content-rich guest app that excels in branding and localized content, making it ideal for boutique and independent hotels aiming for a tailored guest experience. Its extensive integrations and proven reliability have earned it a solid reputation among property types seeking control over digital touchpoints.

LIKE MAGIC is a highly automated, AI-powered platform that drives operational efficiency and guest engagement through seamless automation. Its fast development pace, strong support, and all-in-one approach make it suitable for hotels aiming to streamline operations and focus on guest satisfaction without extensive manual intervention.

If your hotel values branding, customization, and a flexible content platform, Criton is the better fit. If automation, operational efficiency, and AI-driven engagement are your priorities, LIKE MAGIC should be your choice.