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 72 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:
LIKE MAGIC shines when it comes to guest journey app , with exclusive features like Hotel Website Check-in Portal and Payment & Authorizations.
MyStay shines when it comes to contactless check-in , with exclusive features like Guest Segmentation & Targeting and Multi-Channel Delivery (Email, SMS, WhatsApp, Chat).
Side-by-side ratings based on 72 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.
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| Starting Price | From $700/mo | From $400/mo |
| Verified Reviews | 29 | 43 |
After analyzing 72 verified reviews, LIKE MAGIC users most value its guest journey app, automation & integration, contactless check-in, while MyStay users highlight contactless check-in, guest experience, guest communication. Click any theme to see what reviewers say.
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Guest Journey App
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Contactless Check-In
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Automation & Integration
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Guest Experience
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Contactless Check-in
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Guest Communication
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Design Flexibility
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Support and Continuous Improvement
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Revenue Opportunities
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Customization Options
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Analytics & Reporting
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Integration with PMS
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Push Notification Delays
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System Speed and Performance
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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) ▾ | #7 12 reviews | #5 15 reviews |
| Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) ▾ | #7 10 reviews | #6 10 reviews |
| Large (75-199 rooms) ▾ | #8 3 reviews | #4 7 reviews |
| X-Large (200+ rooms) | — | #8 3 reviews |
By Property Type
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| Boutique ▾ | #11 6 reviews | #5 12 reviews |
| Luxury ▾ | #15 2 reviews | #4 11 reviews |
| Branded / Chain ▾ | #15 2 reviews | #5 12 reviews |
| Extended Stay ▾ | #5 12 reviews | #6 9 reviews |
By Region
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| North America | #17 1 reviews | #7 3 reviews |
| Europe ▾ | #5 27 reviews | #4 32 reviews |
| Asia Pacific | — | #6 2 reviews |
| Middle East | — | #4 2 reviews |
Choosing between LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) and MyStay Check-in hinges on your hotel’s specific needs and operational priorities. Both aim to streamline contactless check-in processes, but LIKE MAGIC offers a broader suite of features and a higher review score, indicating more recent positive feedback and higher user satisfaction. Does your hotel prioritize a comprehensive guest journey with advanced features, or do you need a straightforward, cost-effective solution?
LIKE MAGIC focuses on elevating guest experiences through personalized interactions and automation, while MyStay emphasizes cost reduction and simplicity in check-in/out. Which aligns better with your operational goals and guest service standards?
Both LIKE MAGIC and MyStay target contactless check-in, promising reduced staff workload and enhanced guest convenience. LIKE MAGIC, with its broader feature set, supports full guest journeys, including pre-arrival, upselling, and post-stay engagement, making it suitable for hotels aiming for a high-touch, tech-enabled experience. MyStay offers a simpler, plug-and-play solution focused primarily on streamlining check-in and check-out, ideal for properties seeking quick deployment and operational cost savings.
The critical difference is in their review engagement and feature depth: LIKE MAGIC has only 29 reviews but more recent feedback, whereas MyStay boasts 40 reviews with a slightly older review base, but both have similar high ratings for ease of use. Given the recent reviews and higher overall rating, LIKE MAGIC’s platform appears favored by users for its comprehensive approach.
Are you seeking an all-in-one guest management platform with upselling and automation? Or do you prefer a straightforward, budget-friendly solution that primarily handles contactless check-in?
If your hotel needs a full guest engagement system that combines seamless check-in, upselling, personalized communications, and automation, LIKE MAGIC is the clear choice. Its advanced features, including digital key integration, custom questions, and multilingual support, cater to properties aiming for a high-quality, guest-centric experience. Its high review count and recent feedback suggest your team will find proven value and ongoing updates.
Conversely, if your primary goal is to cut costs significantly, streamline check-in and check-out, and implement a simple contactless solution without extensive features, MyStay’s lower price point and straightforward interface could be more suitable. It’s ideal for budget-conscious properties or those just beginning to adopt contactless technology.
For hotels prioritizing a broad feature set and high user satisfaction, LIKE MAGIC provides a compelling option. For those seeking a quick, easy, and affordable check-in solution, MyStay remains a solid contender.
Both platforms are highly rated for ease of use, with LIKE MAGIC at 4.9/5 and MyStay at 4.91/5. LIKE MAGIC’s onboarding process has a score of 4.78/5, while MyStay slightly edges out with a 4.82/5, reflecting intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup. Reviews highlight that users find both systems simple to adopt, with hotel staff quickly becoming proficient.
LIKE MAGIC’s interface could be simplified further, according to some feedback, especially regarding backend navigation. Meanwhile, MyStay’s straightforward design and focus on core functionalities make it a favorite for properties needing minimal training.
Edge: MyStay.
LIKE MAGIC offers 13 features unique to its platform, including hotel website check-in portals, device-agnostic access, ID verification, document scanning, and pre-arrival upselling. These features cater to properties looking for a rich guest experience with automation and personalization capabilities. It supports multi-lingual operations and advanced data collection, making it suitable for diverse markets and property types.
MyStay includes 10 exclusive features like PMS integration, guest segmentation, room upgrade merchandising, multi-channel messaging, and offer orchestration. Its strengths lie in operational efficiency, automation, and integration with property management systems, focusing on maximizing revenue through targeted upselling.
Edge: LIKE MAGIC, due to its larger feature set and advanced guest journey tools.
LIKE MAGIC’s customer support scores 4.83/5, with reviews praising their responsiveness and helpfulness, especially during onboarding. Users mention that support staff are quick to resolve issues, though some note that support could improve in responsiveness during high-demand periods.
MyStay surpasses slightly with a 4.93/5 rating, with reviews emphasizing prompt technical assistance and ongoing platform updates. Many users highlight the support team’s proactive communication and continuous improvements, which enhances overall confidence in the platform.
Edge: MyStay.
LIKE MAGIC integrates with 10 verified partners, including SALTO Systems and Adyen, but has fewer overall integrations. Its shared integrations include Mews, Oracle Hospitality, and 4SUITES, supporting essential systems but limiting options for extensive customization.
MyStay boasts 30 verified integrations, including popular PMS providers like RoomRaccoon, Preno, and WuBook, as well as channel managers and online payment platforms. Its extensive partner network supports broader operational needs and simplifies existing system connections.
Edge: MyStay.
LIKE MAGIC has a high likelihood to recommend at 99%, but only 29 reviews, with most recent feedback supporting its efficiency. Its primary user base is in Europe and Asia Pacific, with many reviews praising the automation and guest experience enhancements, especially in serviced apartments and extended-stay hotels.
MyStay’s reviews are slightly older but more numerous, with 40 reviews and a 98% likelihood to recommend. Its users tend to be in North America and Europe, with high satisfaction in boutique hotels, B&Bs, and serviced apartments. Both are rated highly, but LIKE MAGIC’s more recent positive reviews give it the edge.
Edge: LIKE MAGIC.
LIKE MAGIC is priced at a flat $700 per month, with no trial, freemium, or implementation fees. Its higher price reflects its broader feature set and enterprise-level capabilities.
MyStay costs $400 per month, also without trial or setup fees, making it more affordable for properties seeking essential contactless check-in features. Its lower price point makes it attractive for small hotels or properties with tight budgets.
LIKE MAGIC provides a comprehensive guest journey platform designed for hotels that want to elevate interactions, increase revenue, and streamline operations through automation. Its broad feature set and recent reviews affirm its value for properties seeking a high-touch, tech-enabled guest experience.
If your hotel needs advanced personalization, upselling, multilingual support, and detailed analytics, LIKE MAGIC offers the richer, more current solution. Its higher price is justified by its broader scope and proven effectiveness in diverse markets.
MyStay, on the other hand, is best suited for hotels that prioritize simplicity, affordability, and operational efficiency. If your focus is on quick deployment, budget-conscious automation, and seamless PMS integration, MyStay remains a reliable and easy-to-implement choice.
In conclusion, for hotels aiming to deliver a guest journey that impresses and converts, LIKE MAGIC’s feature depth and recent positive feedback make it the stronger option. If your primary goal is a straightforward, cost-effective check-in tool without extensive bells and whistles, MyStay meets those needs efficiently.
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 $700/mo | From $400/mo |
According to HTR's product database, LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) and MyStay Check in share 4 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.
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| Ancillary Product Merchandising | ||
| Custom Questions | ||
| Device Agnostic | ||
| Guest Segmentation & Targeting | ||
| Hotel Website Check-in Portal | ||
| Marketing Communications Opt-in | ||
| Multi-Channel Delivery (Email, SMS, WhatsApp, Chat) | ||
| PMS Integration | ||
| Pre-regisration info collection | ||
| Room Upgrade Merchandising | ||
| Segmentation | ||
| Terms & Conditions Signing |
Showing top differences. 11 more features differ between these products.
We analyzed 4 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.
"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."
No published case study for this goal yet.
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
What hoteliers love
Reviewers frequently mention MyStay's contactless check-in feature as a crucial tool, especially during the pandemic. It simplifies and accelerates th... Reviewers frequently mention MyStay's contactless check-in feature as a crucial tool, especially during the pandemic. It simplifies and accelerates the check-in process, allowing guests to complete it before arrival, and reducing physical contact. Users appreciate the ease of use and efficiency it brings to their operation.
Reviewers often remarked how MyStay significantly enhances the guest experience. The platform allows for pre-arrival communications and on-arrival con... Reviewers often remarked how MyStay significantly enhances the guest experience. The platform allows for pre-arrival communications and on-arrival convenience, imparting a feeling of personalized and attentive service. Hoteliers noticed higher guest satisfaction as a direct outcome.
Many reviews highlight how MyStay improves guest communication. The platform allows hoteliers to efficiently communicate with guests before, during, a... Many reviews highlight how MyStay improves guest communication. The platform allows hoteliers to efficiently communicate with guests before, during, and after their stay through automated messages. This feature enhances guest satisfaction by providing timely information and resolving queries promptly.
Where hoteliers push back
Users frequently suggested the need for more customization options, particularly in automated messaging and guest communication templates. They desire... Users frequently suggested the need for more customization options, particularly in automated messaging and guest communication templates. They desire more flexibility in adjusting texts, graphics, and automatic messaging formats to better suit their specific needs.
MyStay's integration with property management systems (PMS) is a valuable feature, mentioned positively in several reviews. This seamless integration... MyStay's integration with property management systems (PMS) is a valuable feature, mentioned positively in several reviews. This seamless integration helps hoteliers manage guest data and operations more effectively. However, some users did encounter occasional syncing issues between MyStay and their PMS.
Ranks higher for
Unique capabilities
Where the ratings diverge most
It depends on your requirements. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) and MyStay Check in share many core Contactless Check-in features, but each has unique capabilities. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) offers 10 verified integration partners, while MyStay Check in offers 30. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.
Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) leads in ease of use at 4.9/5 vs 4.9/5. 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.
LIKE MAGIC (Check-in): No. MyStay 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. LIKE MAGIC has an HT Score of 74 and MyStay has 22. 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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