Sorry, this functionality is only available for verified hoteliers
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.
Akia Contactless Check-In vs. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in):
Which Is Right for You?
TLDR
We analyzed 71 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:
Akia shines when it comes to guest messaging — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile Friendly and Guest History.
LIKE MAGIC shines when it comes to guest journey app , with exclusive features like Hotel Website Check-in Portal.
How Does Akia Contactless Check-In Compare to LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?
Side-by-side ratings based on 71 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
| HTScore |
|
|
| Likelihood to Recommend |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Customer Support |
|
|
| Value for Money |
|
|
| Starting Price | Contact sales | From $700/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 42 | 29 |
What Are the Pros and Cons of Akia Contactless Check-In vs LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?
After analyzing 71 verified reviews, Akia users most value its guest messaging, team communication and task management, contactless check-in, while LIKE MAGIC users highlight guest journey app, automation & integration, contactless check-in. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Pros | |
|
+
Guest messaging
▾
|
+
Guest Journey App
▾
|
|
+
Team communication and task management
▾
|
+
Automation & Integration
▾
|
|
+
Contactless check-in
▾
|
+
Contactless Check-in
▾
|
|
+
Customer feedback and reputation management
▾
|
+
Design Flexibility
▾
|
| Cons | |
|
−
Automated responses
▾
|
−
Revenue Opportunities
▾
|
|
−
Integration and data synchronization
▾
|
−
Analytics & Reporting
▾
|
|
−
Guidebooks and digital tools
▾
|
−
Push Notification Delays
▾
|
Akia 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 |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Small (10-24 rooms) ▾ | #4 17 reviews | #7 12 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #4 18 reviews | #7 10 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) | #19 0 reviews | #8 3 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | #16 0 reviews | — |
By Property Type
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Boutique ▾ | #4 17 reviews | #11 6 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #6 7 reviews | #15 2 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #4 10 reviews | #15 2 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #7 6 reviews | #5 12 reviews |
By Region
| Segment |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| North America ▾ | #2 41 reviews | #17 1 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | — | #5 27 reviews |
The Decision
Choosing a contactless check-in platform for your hotel means balancing features, ease of use, support, and cost. Akia Contactless Check-In by Akia is a well-established solution with a robust feature set and a high overall rating, while LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) by LIKE MAGIC offers a newer, high-rated platform focused on digital guest journeys and operational automation. Both aim to streamline check-in and guest communication but diverge in capabilities and maturity.
Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize extensive integrations and established reliability or a more innovative, guest-centric experience. Which platform aligns better with your hotel’s operational needs and guest expectations?
Is Akia Contactless Check-In or LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) Better for Hotels?
Akia offers a comprehensive contactless check-in solution centered around SMS messaging, digital registration, and PMS integration, praised for its extensive feature set and high user ratings. LIKE MAGIC, on the other hand, emphasizes a full guest journey, combining check-in with digital keys, upselling, and personalized interactions, rated higher overall and lauded for elevating guest experience.
Akia’s strengths lie in its mature, feature-rich platform with 38 integrations and a 4.95/5 overall rating from 38 reviews, mostly recent. LIKE MAGIC is newer with 29 reviews, a 4/5 rating, and fewer integrations, but it excels in simplifying the guest experience and boosting operational efficiency. Which approach better suits your hotel’s priorities?
Akia Contactless Check-In vs LIKE MAGIC: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?
If your hotel needs a proven, feature-heavy solution with deep PMS integration, Akia is the better fit. Its extensive features—such as automated replies, secure messaging, and guest history—make it ideal for boutique and independent hotels looking to improve reputation and operational efficiency.
If your hotel prioritizes a seamless guest experience with options like digital keys and upselling, along with a focus on automation, LIKE MAGIC is preferable. Its platform supports high-efficiency operations, with a strong track record in small hotels and properties aiming to operate with fewer staff.
Is Akia Contactless Check-In or LIKE MAGIC Easier to Use?
Akia’s platform scores 4.82/5 for ease of use, with positive reviews highlighting its straightforward communication tools and simple onboarding, though some mention occasional app glitches and limited customization. LIKE MAGIC slightly edges out with a 4.9/5 rating, praised for its intuitive guest journey app and efficient workflows, despite some users noting limited flexibility in design.
Both platforms are user-friendly, but Akia’s more mature interface might require a slightly longer onboarding process due to its complexity. However, recent reviews favor LIKE MAGIC’s simpler, more engaging interface.
Edge: LIKE MAGIC
Which Has Better Features: Akia or LIKE MAGIC?
Akia boasts 19 features exclusive to its platform, including mobile-friendly messaging, photo sharing, chatbot booking, WhatsApp integration, and PMS synchronization. It also offers automated replies, secure data handling, analytics, and multi-channel messaging—features aimed at operational efficiency and guest engagement.
LIKE MAGIC provides only one unique feature: a hotel website check-in portal, but it excels in digital guest journey management, upselling, and personalized messaging. Its automation and guest communication tools are tailored to enhance guest satisfaction and operational fluidity.
Edge: Akia
Which Has Better Customer Support: Akia or LIKE MAGIC?
Akia’s support scores 4.86/5, with reviewers praising its knowledgeable, quick, and responsive team. Users describe Akia’s customer service as “the easiest and best experience,” especially noting the quick resolution of issues and helpful onboarding.
LIKE MAGIC’s support ranks at 4.83/5, with users appreciating their assistance and smooth onboarding, though some mention minor delays in support response times. Both platforms offer high-quality support, but Akia’s longer track record and larger user base give it a slight edge.
Edge: Akia
Which Has More Integrations: Akia or LIKE MAGIC?
Akia features 32 verified integrations, including major PMS systems like Mews and Opera, and additional integrations such as RoomRaccoon, WebRezPro, and Skyware. LIKE MAGIC offers 10 verified integrations, including Oracle Hospitality, Triptease, and TrustYou, with three shared partnerships.
For hotels relying on extensive third-party integrations, Akia’s broader ecosystem provides more flexibility and options. Smaller properties or those with simpler systems may find LIKE MAGIC sufficient.
Edge: Akia
Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Akia or LIKE MAGIC?
Akia’s overall rating of 4.95/5 is based on 38 reviews, with most recent feedback highlighting its automation, guest messaging, and reputation impact. Hotels across segments, especially boutique and independent properties, rate Akia highly, with a strong focus on contactless check-in efficiency.
LIKE MAGIC, with a rating of 0/5 (likely an error, but its review count and recent high praise suggest strong satisfaction), is favored by small hotels and vacation rentals that value guest experience and automation. Given Akia’s larger review base and recent feedback, it is the more trusted choice.
Edge: Akia
How Much Do Akia and LIKE MAGIC Cost?
Akia’s pricing details are not publicly disclosed, indicating a customized quote based on hotel size and needs. LIKE MAGIC offers a clear price of $700 per month, with no free tier or trial mentioned.
If budget transparency is a priority, LIKE MAGIC’s straightforward pricing may appeal, but Akia’s custom quotes could better suit hotels with specific requirements or larger operations willing to invest for a broader feature set.
What Type of Hotel Should Use Akia?
- Hotels that want a mature, highly integrated contactless check-in platform.
- Properties prioritizing automated guest communication and reputation management.
- Independent, boutique, and small branded hotels seeking reliable PMS integrations.
- Hotels looking for a platform with extensive messaging features and analytics.
Not ideal if you prefer a simple, less feature-heavy solution or are looking for a platform with a lower price point and fewer integrations.
What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?
- Hotels that prioritize a seamless guest journey from booking to post-stay engagement.
- Small to mid-sized properties aiming to operate with fewer staff.
- Hotels interested in upselling, personalized interactions, and digital keys.
- Properties looking for a highly engaging guest experience with automation at its core.
Not ideal if you require deep PMS integrations or extensive third-party partner networks, or if your operations are highly complex.
Akia vs LIKE MAGIC: The Bottom Line for Hotels
Akia offers a comprehensive, well-established contactless check-in and guest communication platform favored by boutique and independent hotels. Its extensive features, integrations, and review volume make it a reliable choice for properties seeking operational efficiency and reputation enhancement.
LIKE MAGIC provides a newer, highly rated platform emphasizing the guest journey, automation, and revenue opportunities. It’s best suited for smaller hotels and properties willing to prioritize guest experience and operational simplicity.
If your hotel needs proven reliability and integrations, choose Akia. If you want to focus on guest engagement and streamlining operations with less complexity, LIKE MAGIC is the way to go.
How Much Do Akia Contactless 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.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | From $700/mo |
Which Features Does Akia Contactless Check-In Have That LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?
According to HTR's product database, Akia Contactless Check-In and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) share 16 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Automated Replies | ||
| Chatbot Booking Agent | ||
| Desktop App (non-web based) | ||
| Hotel Website Check-in Portal | ||
| Mobile Friendly | ||
| Photo Sharing | ||
| Whatsapp Integration |
Showing top differences. 8 more features differ between these products.
Real-World Results: Akia vs LIKE MAGIC by Business Goal
We analyzed 5 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..."
"Automation emphasizes the guests experience at their fingertips. Akia closes the gap of missed opportunities by acting as a liaison to our guest satisfaction efforts. We have been..."
"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."
Akia vs LIKE MAGIC: The Bottom Line
What hoteliers love
The messaging system is prized for facilitating real-time communication with guests, enhancing service quality. It helps staff manage guest requests a... The messaging system is prized for facilitating real-time communication with guests, enhancing service quality. It helps staff manage guest requests and issues promptly, which positively impacts guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Internal team communication and task management features are highlighted as significant benefits. These tools help hotel staff coordinate efficiently,... Internal team communication and task management features are highlighted as significant benefits. These tools help hotel staff coordinate efficiently, track tasks, and manage guest needs more effectively. Users believe improvements could be made in the clarity and usability of these systems.
Reviewers consistently appreciate Akia's contactless check-in feature, stating it makes the check-in process seamless and efficient. This feature redu... Reviewers consistently appreciate Akia's contactless check-in feature, stating it makes the check-in process seamless and efficient. This feature reduces physical interactions, streamlines the guest arrival experience, and ensures compliance with health guidelines, especially valued during the pandemic.
Where hoteliers push back
Many users highlight the benefit of Akia's automated responses which save time and effort. However, several reviews mention that these automated respo... Many users highlight the benefit of Akia's automated responses which save time and effort. However, several reviews mention that these automated responses can sometimes be inaccurate or mistimed, causing confusion for guests and requiring manual intervention from staff.
Users appreciate Akia's integration capabilities with PMS and other systems but desire improvements such as seamless credit card transaction integrati... Users appreciate Akia's integration capabilities with PMS and other systems but desire improvements such as seamless credit card transaction integration and better synchronization features to eliminate duplicated efforts and manual data entry.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
What hoteliers love
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
Frequently Asked Questions About Akia Contactless Check-In vs LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)
Can Akia Contactless Check-In replace LIKE MAGIC (Check-in)?
It depends on your requirements. Akia Contactless Check-In and LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. Akia Contactless Check-In offers 32 verified integration partners, while LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offers 10. 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 4.8/5. 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 Akia Contactless Check-In or LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offer a free plan?
Akia Contactless 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 Akia Contactless 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. Akia has an HT Score of 63 and LIKE MAGIC has 74. 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 →
What Other Contactless Check-in Comparisons Are Hoteliers Reading?
Explore more head-to-head comparisons based on verified hotelier reviews.
Contents
Get personalized product recommendations
Product recommendations advisor
