Crave Mobile Platform vs. Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 16, 2026  ·  70 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 70 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:

Crave Interactive shines in customer support and ROI — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Credit Card Payments and Payments Integrations.

DOWHAT shines , with exclusive features like Guest Profiles and Mobile Checkin.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Crave Mobile Platform Compare to Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT?

Side-by-side ratings based on 70 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
75
0
Likelihood to Recommend
93%
77%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
4.3/5
Customer Support
4.8/5
4.0/5
Value for Money
4.5/5
4.0/5
Starting Price From $400/mo From $400/mo
Verified Reviews 67 3

What Are the Pros and Cons of Crave Mobile Platform vs Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT?

After analyzing 70 verified reviews, Crave Interactive users most value its customer service, user interface, customization, while DOWHAT users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Crave Interactive Crave Interactive DOWHAT DOWHAT
Pros
+ Customer service
+ User interface
+ Customization
+ Guest communication
Cons
Hardware issues
Seamless system integration
Back-end system

Crave Interactive vs DOWHAT: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Hotel Guest Apps vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment Crave Interactive Crave Interactive DOWHAT DOWHAT
Small (10-24 rooms) #6 13 reviews #32 0 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #9 26 reviews #32 1 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #4 14 reviews #27 0 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #5 7 reviews #11 2 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Crave Interactive Crave Interactive DOWHAT DOWHAT
Boutique #6 26 reviews #32 1 reviews
Luxury #5 31 reviews #22 2 reviews
Branded / Chain #4 27 reviews #31 0 reviews
Extended Stay #10 2 reviews #20 0 reviews

By Region

Segment Crave Interactive Crave Interactive DOWHAT DOWHAT
North America #4 26 reviews #31 0 reviews
Europe #8 31 reviews
Asia Pacific #8 2 reviews #5 3 reviews
Middle East #8 1 reviews

The Decision

Both Crave Mobile Platform by Crave Interactive and DOWHAT’s Smart Check-in/Out aim to improve guest engagement and streamline hotel operations through guest-facing apps. Crave’s platform offers a comprehensive, feature-rich experience, while DOWHAT focuses primarily on contactless check-in and room access. Your choice hinges on whether you need an all-in-one guest engagement solution or a streamlined check-in/out system.

Crave’s platform is well-rated, with more recent reviews and a larger user base, making it the more reliable option for hotels seeking detailed guest service tools. DOWHAT, despite its simplicity, has fewer reviews and less market presence. Are you prioritizing guest engagement or operational efficiency?

Is Crave Mobile Platform or DOWHAT Better for Hotels?

Crave’s platform is designed to offer a broad range of guest services—like digital menus, in-venue ordering, contactless payments, and upselling—across multiple hotel types, including luxury and branded properties. DOWHAT, on the other hand, emphasizes quick, contactless check-in/out and room access, making it ideal for hotels that want to minimize front desk queues.

Crave’s recent reviews highlight its ability to increase sales and guest satisfaction through features like digital menus and in-venue ordering, with a 4.75/5 overall rating from 48 reviews. DOWHAT's reviews are limited, mostly praising its convenience, but with no detailed feature feedback and only 3 reviews, its overall reliability is less certain.

Do you want a comprehensive guest engagement platform or a specialized check-in/out solution?

Crave Interactive vs DOWHAT: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a versatile app that handles food and beverage ordering, guest communication, and marketing, go with Crave Interactive. Its 16 exclusive features—like Apple Pay, Google Pay, POS integration, and multi-menu ordering—support a wide range of guest services, suitable for mid to large hotels aiming to upsell.

If your hotel’s priority is quick, contactless check-in and room access, DOWHAT is the better fit. Its core strengths are guest convenience at arrival and departure, with features like app/web check-in and mobile room keys, ideal for budget hotels or properties focusing on operational flow.

Choose based on your hotel’s service scope: Crave for full-service engagement, DOWHAT for streamlined arrivals and departures.

Is Crave or DOWHAT Easier to Use?

Crave’s user interface scores 4.61/5, with reviews praising its intuitive design and helpful onboarding. Guests find it simple to order food or access services, and staff appreciate its straightforward menu updates, though some mention limited customization options.

DOWHAT scores 4.33/5 for ease of use, with reviews emphasizing its convenience and speed during check-in/out. Users note the app’s straightforward process, but some bugs and sync issues on mobile devices have been reported.

Edge: Crave.

Which Has Better Features: Crave or DOWHAT?

Crave offers 16 features, including digital menus, in-venue ordering, contactless payments, NFC, and POS integration, making it a comprehensive guest engagement tool. DOWHAT provides only 3 features—app download, guest profiles, and mobile check-in—focused mainly on contactless arrivals.

Crave’s extensive feature set enables upselling, personalized marketing, and detailed analytics, whereas DOWHAT’s simplicity supports fast check-in/out processes. If you need a full suite of guest services, Crave is clearly ahead.

Edge: Crave.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Crave or DOWHAT?

Crave’s customer support is rated 4.79/5, with reviews highlighting quick response times and proactive service, including 24/7 assistance. Clients mention its helpful support team addressing issues promptly, contributing to a high Net Promoter Score (9.15/5).

DOWHAT’s support scores 4/5, with fewer reviews and limited detail, but users appreciate its reliability. However, the small review base makes Crave’s support reputation more trustworthy.

Edge: Crave.

Which Has More Integrations: Crave or DOWHAT?

Crave integrates with 17 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, POS systems, and other hotel management tools, supporting complex hotel operations. DOWHAT only has 2 verified partners, with minimal integration options.

The higher number of integrations in Crave allows your team to connect seamlessly with existing systems, reducing manual work and errors. DOWHAT’s limited integrations may restrict scalability or future tech adoption.

Edge: Crave.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Crave or DOWHAT?

Crave’s overall rating of 4.75/5 is based on 48 reviews, with many hotel segments—luxury, branded, boutique—highlighting its positive impact. The recent review activity and a high likelihood to recommend (93%) reinforce its strong reputation.

DOWHAT’s reviews are limited and lack detailed ratings, with an overall score of 0/5 from 3 reviews, all praising its convenience but offering no comparative data. Crave’s extensive, recent review base makes it the more reliable choice.

Edge: Crave.

How Much Do Crave and DOWHAT Cost?

Both products are priced at a $400 base fee, with no monthly fees, implementation charges, or freemium options. This flat pricing model makes cost straightforward; however, the lack of ongoing costs means you should evaluate feature needs carefully.

Crave provides a more feature-rich experience, so its value depends on your hotel’s service ambitions. DOWHAT’s limited features may suit properties with simpler needs, offering a low-cost entry point.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Crave?

  • Hotels that aim to offer extensive guest services, including food ordering, digital menus, and contactless payments.
  • Teams focused on increasing revenue through upselling and personalized marketing.
  • Properties that value detailed analytics and reporting to optimize operations.
  • Hotels with the resources to manage and customize a feature-rich platform.
  • Not ideal if your hotel has minimal staff or lacks the infrastructure for digital service management.

What Type of Hotel Should Use DOWHAT?

  • Hotels that prioritize quick, contactless check-in and room access, especially during high-traffic periods.
  • Budget hotels or properties seeking to streamline arrivals and departures without complex service offerings.
  • Hotels aiming to reduce front desk queueing and manual check-in processes.
  • Hotels with minimal staff or limited technical support to manage a more straightforward system.
  • Not ideal if you require a broad guest engagement platform or advanced integrations.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

Crave’s platform is a comprehensive solution that boosts guest engagement with a wide array of features, making it suitable for hotels looking to increase revenue and guest satisfaction. Its larger review base, recent activity, and extensive integrations support its position as the more reliable choice.

If your hotel needs a full-service guest app capable of digital menus, upselling, and detailed analytics, Crave is the clear winner. It’s especially fitting for mid-size to large properties with resources to implement and manage a complex system.

Conversely, DOWHAT offers a streamlined, easy-to-use platform centered on contactless check-in/out, ideal for hotels seeking operational efficiency with minimal tech complexity. It suits properties focusing on quick arrivals, departures, and room access.

Choose Crave if your goal is a versatile, features-rich guest app that enhances multiple aspects of the guest journey. Opt for DOWHAT if your priority is fast, contactless check-in/out and simplified operations—especially if your hotel has fewer service needs or wants to minimize upfront costs.

How Much Do Crave Mobile Platform and Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT Cost?

Hotel Guest Apps 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.

Crave Interactive Crave Interactive DOWHAT DOWHAT
Starting Price From $400/mo From $400/mo

Which Features Does Crave Mobile Platform Have That Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Crave Mobile Platform and Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT share 9 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Crave Interactive Crave Interactive DOWHAT DOWHAT
App download
Apple Pay
Credit Card Payments
Digital Menu
Guest Profiles
In-Venue Ordering
Mobile Checkin
QR Codes
Web Based (Appless)

Showing top differences. 7 more features differ between these products.

Crave Interactive vs DOWHAT: The Bottom Line

Crave Interactive
Crave Interactive
4.7/5 from 67 reviews

What hoteliers love

Customer service 100% positive

Crave Interactive provides exceptional customer service with quick response times and helpful support staff. Hoteliers appreciate the efficient and pr... Crave Interactive provides exceptional customer service with quick response times and helpful support staff. Hoteliers appreciate the efficient and proactive support, which helps in resolving issues promptly.

User interface 68% positive

While the user interface is appreciated for being user-friendly and intuitive for guests, some feedback suggests it could be more modern and customiza... While the user interface is appreciated for being user-friendly and intuitive for guests, some feedback suggests it could be more modern and customizable to better fit individual hotel needs.

Customization 67% positive

Customization options, especially for menu updates and guest interfaces, are limited and often require support from Crave Interactive's team. Users ex... Customization options, especially for menu updates and guest interfaces, are limited and often require support from Crave Interactive's team. Users express a desire for more control over customizations.

Where hoteliers push back

Hardware issues 82% negative

Several reviews mentioned concerns with the hardware, specifically tablet durability and charging difficulties. These issues can affect overall effici... Several reviews mentioned concerns with the hardware, specifically tablet durability and charging difficulties. These issues can affect overall efficiency and guest satisfaction when using the system.

Seamless system integration 50% negative

The system's integration with other hotel management systems, such as Simphony and PMS, is highlighted for making operations smoother and reducing man... The system's integration with other hotel management systems, such as Simphony and PMS, is highlighted for making operations smoother and reducing manual entry. This has been particularly beneficial during large events and for managing room services efficiently.

Ranks higher for

Large (75-199 rooms) #4 vs #27
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #9 vs #32
Small (10-24 rooms) #6 vs #32
X-Large (200+ rooms) #5 vs #11

Unique capabilities

Web Based (Appless) QR Codes Apple Pay Digital Menu In-Venue Ordering
4.6/5 ease of use 4.8/5 support 17 integrations
Visit Profile
DOWHAT
DOWHAT
3.9/5 from 3 reviews

Ranks higher for

Asia Pacific #5 vs #8

Unique capabilities

App download Guest Profiles Mobile Checkin
4.3/5 ease of use 4.0/5 support 2 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Crave Interactive 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Customer Support Crave Interactive 4.8 vs 4.0 (+0.8)
Value for Money Crave Interactive 4.5 vs 4.0 (+0.5)
Onboarding Crave Interactive 4.6 vs 3.3 (+1.2)

Frequently Asked Questions About Crave Mobile Platform vs Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT

Can Crave Mobile Platform replace Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT?

It depends on your requirements. Crave Mobile Platform and Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT share many core Hotel Guest Apps features, but each has unique capabilities. Crave Mobile Platform offers 17 verified integration partners, while Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT offers 2. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Crave Mobile Platform leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5. 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.

Do Crave Mobile Platform or Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT offer a free plan?

Crave Mobile Platform: No. Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Guest Apps vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Crave Mobile Platform and Smart Check-in/Out by DOWHAT?

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. Crave Interactive has an HT Score of 75 and DOWHAT has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

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

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

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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