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

Updated November 13, 2026  ·  672 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 672 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:

Duve shines in guest communication / messaging — especially for resort properties (4.9/5), with exclusive features like Mobile Friendly and SMS text messaging.

LIKE MAGIC shines in Value for Money — especially for extended-stay properties (5.0/5).

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Duve - Online Check-in Compare to LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?

Side-by-side ratings based on 672 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
96
71
Likelihood to Recommend
95%
99%
Ease of Use
4.7/5
4.9/5
Customer Support
4.6/5
4.8/5
Value for Money
4.6/5
4.9/5
Starting Price From $900/mo From $700/mo
Verified Reviews 643 29

What Are the Pros and Cons of Duve - Online Check-in vs LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?

After analyzing 672 verified reviews, Duve users most value its guest communication / messaging, operational efficiency / reduced front-desk workload, pre-arrival / online check-in, while LIKE MAGIC users highlight guest journey app, automation & integration, contactless check-in. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Duve Duve LIKE MAGIC LIKE MAGIC
Pros
+ Guest communication / messaging ▾
+ Guest Journey App ▾
+ Operational efficiency / reduced front-desk workload ▾
+ Automation & Integration ▾
+ Pre-arrival / online check-in ▾
+ Contactless Check-in ▾
+ Guest app / branded journey ▾
+ Design Flexibility ▾
Cons
− Reliability / bugs / delivery issues ▾
− Revenue Opportunities ▾
− PMS / system integration and sync reliability ▾
− Analytics & Reporting ▾
− Payment / folio / billing handling ▾
− Push Notification Delays ▾

Duve vs LIKE MAGIC: Rankings by Hotel Segment

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 Duve Duve LIKE MAGIC LIKE MAGIC
Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ #1 132 reviews #7 12 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ #2 204 reviews #7 11 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ #2 164 reviews #11 3 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) ▾ #2 48 reviews —

By Property Type

Segment Duve Duve LIKE MAGIC LIKE MAGIC
Boutique ▾ #2 231 reviews #9 8 reviews
Luxury ▾ #2 262 reviews #15 2 reviews
Branded / Chain ▾ #2 188 reviews #16 2 reviews
Extended Stay ▾ #2 92 reviews #5 12 reviews

By Region

Segment Duve Duve LIKE MAGIC LIKE MAGIC
North America ▾ #3 54 reviews #18 1 reviews
Europe ▾ #1 240 reviews #5 27 reviews
Asia Pacific ▾ #2 24 reviews —
Middle East ▾ #1 237 reviews —

Is Duve or LIKE MAGIC Better for Hotels?

Duve and LIKE MAGIC both target the contactless check-in market but diverge sharply in scope and maturity. Duve offers a comprehensive guest experience platform with advanced upselling, messaging, and PMS integration, serving a broad range of hotel types worldwide. LIKE MAGIC focuses primarily on contactless check-in and digital key management with a mobile-first, streamlined user interface, tailored to smaller or lean-staffed properties mainly in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Both solve the front desk bottleneck by enabling guests to check in without physical queues, speeding arrivals, and reducing manual workload. Duve extends this by integrating revenue-driving features like room upgrades and multi-channel messaging. LIKE MAGIC simplifies check-in and room access, emphasizing operational efficiency through automation and self-service for smaller teams.

Duve vs LIKE MAGIC: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your property is a medium to large hotel or a multi-property operator seeking a robust, feature-rich platform with proven upselling capabilities and deep PMS integration, Duve’s 639 reviews with an overall 4.8 rating and broad global presence make it the clear choice. Its 31 unique features, including document scanning, e-signatures, and multi-channel messaging, support complex workflows and diverse guest profiles.

If you operate a small or boutique hotel, serviced apartment, or vacation rental primarily in Europe or Asia Pacific and prioritize a simple, mobile-first check-in experience with digital key access, LIKE MAGIC’s perfect 5/5 rating across 29 reviews and lean operational focus may fit better. Its low staff training time and specialized automation help teams run efficiently with minimal personnel.

For segments with limited review data, such as luxury hotels or resorts for LIKE MAGIC, the evidence is thin. Duve’s 13% luxury and 4% resort users rate it consistently at 4.8-4.9/5, supporting its suitability for upscale properties. Conversely, LIKE MAGIC’s 28% extended stay segment rates it 5/5 over 12 reviews, indicating strong fit there.

Is Duve or LIKE MAGIC Easier to Use?

Duve scores 4.7 for ease of use and onboarding, supported by frequent reviewer praise for intuitive guest communication tools and automated workflows, though some mention initial setup complexity and PMS integration challenges. LIKE MAGIC rates slightly higher at 4.9 ease of use and 4.8 onboarding, with reviewers highlighting its straightforward guest interface and minimal staff training time of 1.5 days in a 168-room hotel case study.

However, LIKE MAGIC’s backend interface is noted by some users as less intuitive for staff, suggesting that while guest adoption is smooth, internal operations may require adjustment. Duve’s broader feature set adds complexity but provides more operational control once configured.

Edge: Even.

Which Has Better Features: Duve or LIKE MAGIC?

Duve offers 31 unique features not found in LIKE MAGIC, including PMS integration, WhatsApp messaging, automated replies, secured data protection, multiple payment options, document scanning, e-signatures, guest surveys, dynamic upgrade pricing, and a mobile guest app. These features support profile-driven experiences, upselling, and operational automation across the guest journey.

LIKE MAGIC, while strong in contactless check-in and digital key management, does not list any exclusive features beyond the shared 17 common to both platforms. Its focus remains on streamlined check-in, self-service, and task automation without deeper upsell or messaging capabilities.

These differences matter operationally: Duve’s automated opt-in consent collection and multi-channel messaging reduce front desk inquiries and increase ancillary revenue. LIKE MAGIC’s simplicity benefits teams with fewer resources but limits customization and revenue opportunities.

Edge: Duve.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Duve or LIKE MAGIC?

Duve’s customer support rates 4.6 with onboarding at 4.7, while LIKE MAGIC rates slightly higher at 4.8 and 4.8 respectively. Both products receive positive reviewer comments about responsive, professional support teams. Duve users praise quick issue resolution despite occasional bugs; LIKE MAGIC users report generally good response times but note variability in support staff familiarity.

With 639 reviews for Duve versus 29 for LIKE MAGIC, Duve’s support ratings are validated by a much larger sample and consistent recent feedback. LIKE MAGIC’s smaller review base limits confidence in its support rating stability.

Edge: Even.

Which Has More Integrations: Duve or LIKE MAGIC?

Duve boasts 72 verified integrations, including major PMS systems (Oracle Hospitality, Mews), door lock systems (SALTO Systems), payment gateways (Adyen), and many niche partners like RoomRaccoon and WebRezPro. LIKE MAGIC has 11 verified partners, overlapping on key PMS and lock providers but lacking the breadth of specialized integrations.

Duve’s wider integration ecosystem supports complex hotel environments requiring seamless data flow and operational automation. LIKE MAGIC’s smaller set fits leaner operations but may limit expansion or third-party enhancements.

Edge: Duve.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Duve or LIKE MAGIC?

Overall ratings are close: Duve at 4.8/5 from 639 reviews including 85 recent ones at 4.5/5; LIKE MAGIC at a perfect 5/5 from 29 reviews but no recent reviews in the last 6 months. This suggests Duve’s rating better reflects current product performance.

Segment analysis favors Duve for larger, luxury, and resort properties with 4.8-4.9 ratings across 200+ reviews per segment. LIKE MAGIC excels in extended stay with a 5/5 rating from 12 reviews and boutique hotels at 4.8/5 from 8 reviews. Limited data for LIKE MAGIC in luxury and vacation rentals suggests cautious interpretation.

Edge: Even.

How Much Do Duve and LIKE MAGIC Cost?

Duve charges a $900 base price with no freemium, monthly flat, or per-room fees, and no implementation fee. LIKE MAGIC is priced at a $700 base price with similar terms—no freemium, monthly, or implementation fees. Neither product offers a trial period.

While LIKE MAGIC is $200 cheaper upfront, total cost-effectiveness depends on property size and feature needs, especially given Duve’s broader capabilities and integrations.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Duve?

  • Hotels that need a full-featured guest experience platform including upselling, multi-channel messaging, and profile-driven personalization.
  • Teams managing medium to large properties with complex workflows requiring PMS and door lock integrations.
  • Properties aiming to automate pre-arrival communication, document scanning, and payment collection.
  • Hotels with diverse guest segments needing multi-lingual support and customizable guest apps.
  • Operators seeking proven ROI drivers, with case studies showing up to 1120% upsell ROI.

Not ideal if:

  • The property requires a simple, minimal check-in solution with no appetite for complex setup.
  • Internet connectivity is unreliable, given Duve’s dependence on stable connections.
  • A true native mobile app experience is mandatory, as Duve’s guest app is primarily web-based.
  • The budget cannot accommodate the $900 base price and potential integration costs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?

  • Small to medium-sized hotels or serviced apartments with lean teams seeking to automate check-in and digital key issuance.
  • Properties prioritizing a mobile-first, GDPR-compliant, contactless check-in process.
  • Hotels located in Europe or Asia Pacific focusing on quick staff onboarding and minimal training.
  • Operators valuing real-time task automation for housekeeping and payment processing.
  • Extended stay properties benefiting from streamlined guest management and operations.

Not ideal if:

  • The hotel requires extensive customization or design flexibility in guest-facing interfaces.
  • Advanced upselling and multi-channel guest communication are critical revenue drivers.
  • Robust analytics and reporting are needed for operational optimization.
  • The property operates outside LIKE MAGIC’s regional focus or requires deep PMS integration.

Duve vs LIKE MAGIC: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Duve and LIKE MAGIC both address contactless check-in but diverge fundamentally in scope and target market. Duve is a comprehensive guest experience platform that integrates deeply with PMS, upselling, guest messaging, and multiple communication channels, supporting a wide hotel segment from luxury to budget across 58 countries. LIKE MAGIC delivers a focused, mobile-first check-in and digital key solution with automation for smaller or lean-staffed properties mainly in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Choose Duve when your hotel requires a unified platform that enhances revenue through dynamic upselling, streamlines complex workflows with PMS and lock integrations, and supports diverse guest profiles with multi-lingual, multi-channel communication. Its large user base and extensive case studies demonstrate proven ROI and operational benefits for medium to large properties.

Choose LIKE MAGIC if your priority is a simple, GDPR-compliant contactless check-in and digital key system that can be deployed rapidly with minimal staff training. Its mobile-first design and automation suit small to mid-sized properties focused on operational efficiency and guest convenience, especially in regions where LIKE MAGIC has established presence.

Where Duve’s feature depth and integration breadth make it the best fit for complex operations, LIKE MAGIC’s streamlined approach appeals to hotels seeking ease of use and focused functionality without the overhead of broader guest experience management.

How Much Do Duve - Online Check-in and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) Cost?

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.

Duve Duve LIKE MAGIC LIKE MAGIC
Starting Price From $900/mo From $700/mo

Feature Comparison: Duve - Online Check-in vs LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)

These are the features each vendor has configured, organized by feature group — the same data shown in the vendor dashboard. Expand a group to compare features side by side.

Feature Duve Duve LIKE MAGIC LIKE MAGIC
▾ Pre-Arrival & Check-in
100%
84%
Hotel Website Check-in Portal
Lobby Kiosk
Self Service Checkout
Self Service Checkin
Device Agnostic
Easy Room Selection
▾ Information Collection
100%
100%
Custom Questions
Terms & Conditions Signing
Marketing Communications Opt-in
Pre-regisration info collection
Document & Passport Scanning
ID Verification
▾ Translations
100%
50%
Automatic Translations
Multi-lingual
▾ Payments & Authorization
100%
80%
Registration Card E-signature
Collect Deposits
Payment & Authorizations
ID Verification
PCI Compliant
▾ Mobile Key
100%
100%
Door Lock Integration
▾ Upgrades & Upselling
100%
50%
Pre-arrival Upselling & Upgrades
Easy Room Selection
▾ Other
100%
0%
PMS Integration

Real-World Results: Duve vs LIKE MAGIC by Business Goal

We analyzed 12 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.

Increase Operational Efficiency
Duve סטאי תל אביב - The Setai, Tel Aviv Large
+ With the online check-in customized to the hotel
+ �s needs, manual steps like scanning the guest passport, or having guests sign registration cards are all streamlined with efficient automated workflow.
+ The automation allowed the reception team to have a more personal interaction with guests, making more eye contact and enjoying a quality interaction.

"Duve was a game changer for our customer service. I knew the platform would help us connect with guests but I was amazed at how cleverly simple it all is, even guests who are not v..."

Dina Raxon
Dina Raxon
Organizational Consultant
LIKE MAGIC The Zipper Hotel & Apartments Small
+ 80% fewer staff while maintaining operational efficiency
+ 4.6/5 rating on Google, 8.8+ on Booking.com
+ Easy to understand and use - employees have fun to work with. Fully trained staff in just 1.5 days.

"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..."

Improve Guest Experience
Duve Brown Hotels Large
+ Over 70% of guests complete the check-in process before they arrive to the hotel
+ We can now offer all the content we have to offer in an easy and comfortable way to our guests. All knowledge is at the palm of our guest's hands.
+ Duve helps us enhance guest satisfaction and increase upsells.

"While scaling up and growing in terms of more hotel rooms and more hotels in different countries we found it difficult to communicate with our guests in a very personal way. Duve f..."

Leon Avigad
Leon Avigad
Founder and Co-owner
LIKE MAGIC Stay Kooook Small
+ Lean operations: Reduced staffing needs to 2.5 FTE for an 85-room property
+ Guest Journey adoption: Enabled 95% of guests to manage their entire stay digitally.
+ Decreased staff training time to under four hours for new employees.

"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."

Cedric Maderer
Cedric Maderer
Product Manager

Duve vs LIKE MAGIC: The Bottom Line

Duve
Duve
4.8/5 from 643 reviews

What hoteliers love

Guest communication / messaging 97% positive

Reviewers consistently highlight Duve as a central messaging hub for pre-arrival, in-stay, and post-stay communication. They say it helps hotels answe... Reviewers consistently highlight Duve as a central messaging hub for pre-arrival, in-stay, and post-stay communication. They say it helps hotels answer questions faster, keep guests informed, and reduce repetitive work for reception teams, though some want more natural messaging and better multilingual translation.

Operational efficiency / reduced front-desk workload 97% positive

Hotels say Duve reduces manual work by shifting registration, communication, and routine requests into digital workflows. Reviewers link this to faste... Hotels say Duve reduces manual work by shifting registration, communication, and routine requests into digital workflows. Reviewers link this to faster service, less reception congestion, and more time for staff to focus on guest-facing tasks.

Pre-arrival / online check-in 96% positive

Users repeatedly say Duve speeds arrivals by letting guests complete registration before reaching the hotel, reducing front-desk queues and duplicate... Users repeatedly say Duve speeds arrivals by letting guests complete registration before reaching the hotel, reducing front-desk queues and duplicate data entry. Hotels value the time savings and the smoother arrival flow, especially during busy periods or high occupancy.

Where hoteliers push back

Reliability / bugs / delivery issues 74% negative

A meaningful set of reviews flags reliability problems, including pages not loading, messages not sending, wrong guest data, cache issues, and inconsi... A meaningful set of reviews flags reliability problems, including pages not loading, messages not sending, wrong guest data, cache issues, and inconsistent behavior across devices. These issues matter because they can interrupt guest service and force staff back into manual work.

PMS / system integration and sync reliability 67% negative

A frequent concern is whether Duve synchronizes cleanly with PMS and other hotel systems. Reviewers mention manual re-entry, delayed updates, compatib... A frequent concern is whether Duve synchronizes cleanly with PMS and other hotel systems. Reviewers mention manual re-entry, delayed updates, compatibility issues, and failed syncs, showing that integration quality is critical to realizing the promised efficiency gains.

Ranks higher for

Large (75-199 rooms) #2 vs #11
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #2 vs #7
Small (10-24 rooms) #1 vs #7
X-Small (< 10 rooms) #1 vs #10

Unique capabilities

PMS Integration Mobile Friendly Whatsapp Integration Automated Replies Message Routing
4.7/5 ease of use 4.6/5 support 72 integrations
Visit Website
LIKE MAGIC
LIKE MAGIC
5.0/5 from 29 reviews

What hoteliers love

Guest Journey App 90% positive

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.

Automation & Integration 100% positive

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.

Contactless Check-in 100% positive

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

Revenue Opportunities 50% negative

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.

Analytics & Reporting 67% negative

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.

Ranks higher for

CH #1 vs #3
4.9/5 ease of use 4.8/5 support 11 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Value for Money LIKE MAGIC 4.9 vs 4.6 (+0.3)

Frequently Asked Questions About Duve - Online Check-in vs LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)

Can Duve - Online Check-in replace LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?

It depends on your requirements. Duve - Online Check-in and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. Duve - Online Check-in offers 72 verified integration partners, while LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offers 11. 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. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5. 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 Duve - Online Check-in or LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offer a free plan?

Duve - Online Check-in: 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.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Duve - Online Check-in and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?

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. Duve has an HT Score of 96 and LIKE MAGIC has 71. 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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