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 31 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:
Hoteza stands out with exclusive features like Automatic Translations and PCI Compliant.
LIKE MAGIC shines in b2b and corporate booking functionality — especially for extended-stay properties (5.0/5).
Side-by-side ratings based on 31 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $600/mo | From $700/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 2 | 29 |
After analyzing 31 verified reviews, Hoteza users most value its , while LIKE MAGIC users highlight b2b and corporate booking functionality, all-in-one guest journey platform, integration savings and reduced complexity. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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B2B and corporate booking functionality
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All-in-one guest journey platform
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Integration savings and reduced complexity
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Operational overviews and staff efficiency
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Customization gaps and branding limitations
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Self-service upgrades and room selection
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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
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| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #21 0 reviews | #7 12 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #11 2 reviews | #7 11 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #21 0 reviews | #11 3 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #8 0 reviews | — |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #12 2 reviews | #9 8 reviews |
| Luxury | #12 1 reviews | #15 2 reviews |
| Branded / Chain | #15 0 reviews | #16 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #17 0 reviews | #5 12 reviews |
By Region
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| North America | — | #18 1 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #11 1 reviews | #5 27 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | #8 0 reviews | — |
| Middle East | #5 0 reviews | — |
Hoteza Check-In and LIKE MAGIC both provide contactless check-in solutions that reduce front desk congestion and improve guest arrival workflows. They share core capabilities like digital check-in, online payments, and integration with property management systems (PMS). Both aim to streamline guest arrivals and departures, cutting wait times and freeing staff for higher-value tasks.
The key divergence lies in scale and operational scope. Hoteza offers unique features like PCI compliance and automated translations, which benefit hotels handling international guests or complex payment scenarios. It has a modest review base (2 reviews, no recent feedback) but perfect ease of use and support ratings. LIKE MAGIC is a newer, mobile-first platform with a broader feature set integrated into guest communication and room access, backed by 29 reviews though none recent. It targets properties prioritizing automation and digital keys, supporting more extensive operational workflows.
Both solve the need for fast, contactless guest processing, but Hoteza fits smaller or internationally diverse hotels seeking compliance and language support, while LIKE MAGIC suits hotels wanting a seamless digital key and task automation experience.
If your hotel is a boutique or luxury property with complex billing or multiple languages, Hoteza's PCI compliance and automatic translation features make it the better choice, supported by its 4.8/5 rating across 2 reviews including boutique hotels. However, note its limited recent review activity which may affect confidence in current product quality.
If you operate an extended stay, serviced apartment, or city center hotel in Europe or Asia Pacific, LIKE MAGIC's 5/5 rating from 29 reviews, including 12 extended stay properties, and its integrated digital key access and automation capabilities provide operational scale and guest experience benefits. Its limited offline functionality and occasional push notification delays should be considered, especially if your property faces connectivity challenges.
Data for budget or airport hotels is thinner, but LIKE MAGIC's presence across multiple segments and regions suggests it is more versatile for diverse portfolios. Hoteza's global reach contrasts with LIKE MAGIC's regional focus, which may influence integration and support.
Hoteza and LIKE MAGIC have nearly identical ease of use ratings: Hoteza scores 5/5 and LIKE MAGIC 4.9/5, with onboarding at 5/5 and 4.8/5 respectively. Despite the small sample size for Hoteza, reviewers praise its straightforward online check-in and messaging workflows that reduce front desk interaction. LIKE MAGIC users commend the mobile-first design and intuitive guest interface but note some backend complexity that can challenge staff initially.
Both products enable quick staff adoption, but LIKE MAGIC’s broader operational features require more training, reflected in slightly lower onboarding scores and reviewer comments about backend navigation. Hoteza’s simpler, more focused feature set supports faster staff ramp-up in smaller teams.
Edge: Even.
Hoteza offers three features absent in LIKE MAGIC: automatic translations, PCI compliance, and easy room selection. Automatic translations enhance guest experience at internationally diverse hotels by localizing digital check-in steps. PCI compliance is critical for properties processing payments onsite, reducing PCI scope and regulatory risk. Easy room selection allows guests to upgrade or select rooms during check-in, boosting upsell potential.
LIKE MAGIC lacks unique features but integrates check-in with digital key access, guest messaging, and automated task management within one platform. These capabilities add operational value beyond check-in, such as automating housekeeping notifications and streamlining guest communication, which Hoteza does not offer.
Hoteza's 20 integrations surpass LIKE MAGIC's 11, including critical partners like hotelkit and Vingcard, supporting broader operational systems and access control. LIKE MAGIC focuses on guest management and payment providers like Adyen and TrustYou.
Edge: Hoteza Check-In.
Customer support ratings are very close: Hoteza at 5/5 and LIKE MAGIC at 4.8/5, with onboarding similarly rated (5/5 vs 4.8/5). Hoteza reviewers emphasize prompt and reliable technical support that enhances internet and system performance. LIKE MAGIC users report generally good support response times but note variability in staff familiarity with the platform, occasionally limiting issue resolution speed.
Both products provide timely onboarding and ongoing support. The larger review base for LIKE MAGIC shows some inconsistencies in support experience, whereas Hoteza's limited reviews uniformly commend support quality.
Edge: Even.
Hoteza leads with 20 verified integrations compared to LIKE MAGIC's 11, a near doubling that includes essential hospitality and access control systems. Both support Oracle Hospitality and Mews PMS, but Hoteza uniquely integrates with hotelkit, Clock, Vingcard, Flexkeeping, and Amadeus, critical for hotels requiring property operations, electronic locks, and global distribution system connections.
LIKE MAGIC integrates with Adyen for payments, Triptease for direct bookings, SALTO Systems for access, and TrustYou for reputation management, emphasizing guest experience and revenue tools.
Hotels needing a broad ecosystem to connect front desk, housekeeping, access control, and payment systems will find Hoteza's integrations more comprehensive. Properties focused on guest engagement and payment flexibility may prefer LIKE MAGIC.
Edge: Hoteza Check-In.
Overall ratings are nearly identical: Hoteza at 4.8/5 (2 reviews), LIKE MAGIC at 5/5 (29 reviews). Both have no recent reviews in the last six months, limiting confidence in current user sentiment. Likelihood to recommend is 95% for Hoteza and 99% for LIKE MAGIC.
By segment, Hoteza's limited data shows boutique hotels rating it 4.8/5, airport and luxury hotels at 4.5/5. LIKE MAGIC has broader segment coverage with extended stay & serviced apartments rated 5/5 across 12 reviews, boutique and city center hotels at 4.8/5, and limited service hotels at 4.9/5. This indicates stronger and more representative satisfaction among diverse hotel types for LIKE MAGIC.
Despite fewer reviews, Hoteza ratings are high but insufficiently representative. LIKE MAGIC’s larger sample provides a more reliable gauge of quality and user satisfaction.
Edge: Even.
Hoteza's base price is $600, while LIKE MAGIC's base price is $700, both without freemium, monthly flat, or per-room pricing, and no implementation fees. Neither offers a trial period.
The $100 price difference is modest relative to the feature and integration differences. Hotels should weigh this against operational benefits and integration needs rather than cost alone.
Not ideal if:
Not ideal if:
Hoteza Check-In and LIKE MAGIC both deliver robust contactless check-in solutions that reduce front desk queues and enhance guest arrival experiences. Hoteza’s strengths lie in compliance, automatic translations, and extensive integrations with property and access management systems, serving internationally diverse and operationally complex hotels. LIKE MAGIC emphasizes mobile-first check-in, digital key access, and automation of operations beyond check-in, favoring extended stay and city center hotels focused on staff efficiency.
Choose Hoteza if your hotel processes payments onsite with compliance concerns, needs multi-language support, or requires broad integration with property operations and access control. Its perfect ease of use ratings and reliable support make it a solid choice for boutique or luxury properties with those needs.
Choose LIKE MAGIC if your property prioritizes a fully digital guest journey from check-in to room access, wants to automate housekeeping and other tasks, or operates extended stay or serviced apartments in Europe or Asia Pacific. The platform’s strong user ratings across multiple segments and integrated guest communication tools support scaling operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
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.
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| Starting Price | From $600/mo | From $700/mo |
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.
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Pre-Arrival & Check-in
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| Hotel Website Check-in Portal | ||
| Lobby Kiosk | ||
| Self Service Checkout | ||
| Self Service Checkin | ||
| Device Agnostic | ||
| Easy Room Selection | ||
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Information Collection
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| Custom Questions | ||
| Terms & Conditions Signing | ||
| Marketing Communications Opt-in | ||
| Pre-regisration info collection | ||
| Document & Passport Scanning | ||
| ID Verification | ||
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Translations
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| Automatic Translations | ||
| Multi-lingual | ||
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Payments & Authorization
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| Registration Card E-signature | ||
| Collect Deposits | ||
| Payment & Authorizations | ||
| ID Verification | ||
| PCI Compliant | ||
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Mobile Key
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| Door Lock Integration | ||
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Upgrades & Upselling
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| Pre-arrival Upselling & Upgrades | ||
| Easy Room Selection |
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."
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
One review notes that LikeMagic is tailored toward B2B use cases such as corporate clients, TMCs, and partners. This suggests the product is especiall... One review notes that LikeMagic is tailored toward B2B use cases such as corporate clients, TMCs, and partners. This suggests the product is especially useful for hotels that need structured booking workflows beyond standard leisure guest needs.
Reviewers consistently describe LikeMagic as a single platform that combines online check-in, guest portal, and IBE into one flow. This reduces the ne... Reviewers consistently describe LikeMagic as a single platform that combines online check-in, guest portal, and IBE into one flow. This reduces the need for multiple tools and creates a smoother, more unified pre-arrival and in-stay guest experience.
The reviews highlight that LikeMagic reduces the need for third-party interfaces and saves significant time through integrations. Hotels value the low... The reviews highlight that LikeMagic reduces the need for third-party interfaces and saves significant time through integrations. Hotels value the lower operational complexity, fewer moving parts, and the ability to focus staff time on higher-value guest service.
Where hoteliers push back
A key negative theme is the lack of flexibility in branding and guest-facing customization. One reviewer says custom branding for the back office was... A key negative theme is the lack of flexibility in branding and guest-facing customization. One reviewer says custom branding for the back office was removed after being promised, and also wants more UX customization for the guest portal.
Reviewers want LikeMagic to support self-service room upgrades so guests can buy higher room categories during the digital journey. This is seen as an... Reviewers want LikeMagic to support self-service room upgrades so guests can buy higher room categories during the digital journey. This is seen as an opportunity to improve personalization and add incremental revenue, but it is currently missing.
Ranks higher for
It depends on your requirements. Hoteza Check-In and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. Hoteza Check-In offers 21 verified integration partners, while LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offers 11. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Hoteza Check-In leads in ease of use at 5.0/5 vs 4.9/5. 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.
Hoteza 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.
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. Hoteza has an HT Score of 0 and LIKE MAGIC has 71. 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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