LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) vs. Self Service Checkin by SmartStay:
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) by LIKE MAGIC and Self Service Checkin by SmartStay involves evaluating how each platform addresses your hotel's contactless check-in needs. Both aim to reduce front desk congestion and improve guest satisfaction, but they diverge significantly in features, user experience, and implementation scope. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize a feature-rich platform with extensive integrations or a straightforward, highly rated solution with proven operational benefits.

LIKE MAGIC emphasizes automation, guest engagement, and a broader suite of features, while Liverton’s Self Service Checkin focuses on simplicity and quick deployment. Which aligns better with your hotel’s operational goals?

Is LIKE MAGIC or Liverton Better for Hotels?

LIKE MAGIC targets hotels seeking a comprehensive guest journey platform, integrating contactless check-in, digital keys, and upselling tools. Liverton’s Self Service Checkin, by contrast, concentrates solely on automating check-in and check-out with self-service kiosks and mobile access.

LIKE MAGIC’s platform boasts 17 unique features, including document scanning, multi-lingual support, and pre-arrival upselling, whereas Liverton offers no exclusive features but emphasizes ease of use and quick automation. Are you looking for an all-in-one guest experience system or a simple, reliable check-in solution?

Further, LIKE MAGIC's recent reviews show a high NPS score of 9.86/10 and 29 total reviews, with 2 in the last six months, indicating current user satisfaction. Liverton, with only 3 reviews and none in recent months, lacks recent validation. Given the more robust review data for LIKE MAGIC, it stands out as the more proven choice.

LIKE MAGIC vs Liverton: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs an integrated platform that manages the entire guest journey—covering check-in, digital keys, automated messaging, and upselling—LIKE MAGIC is the clear choice. Its extensive feature set and recent positive reviews support operational transformation, especially for hotels aiming to reduce staffing and enhance personalization.

Conversely, if your primary goal is a straightforward, no-fuss check-in system that can be deployed rapidly with minimal training, Liverton’s Self Service Checkin may suffice. It’s ideal for hotels with limited budgets or those already prioritizing automation without the need for a broader guest engagement suite.

Hotels emphasizing operational efficiency, revenue growth from upselling, and a flexible, scalable platform should opt for LIKE MAGIC. Those seeking a simple, reliable check-in method with minimal setup may find Liverton more appropriate, but its limited review data weakens its position.

Is LIKE MAGIC or Liverton Easier to Use?

LIKE MAGIC scores 4.9/5 for ease of use, based on its detailed onboarding process and high user satisfaction. Its interface is praised for being intuitive, with many reviews emphasizing how quickly staff adapt and how guests find the platform straightforward.

Liverton scores a perfect 5/5 for ease of use, highlighting its "appless" design—guests can complete check-in via email or SMS without downloading apps. However, the limited number of reviews and less recent feedback mean its ease of use is less validated in current hotel operations.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has Better Features: LIKE MAGIC or Liverton?

LIKE MAGIC offers 17 unique features, including hotel website check-in portals, device-agnostic apps, self-service checkouts, ID verification, payment processing, and pre-arrival upselling. These support a fully integrated guest journey, from booking to post-stay engagement.

Liverton provides core check-in and check-out automation with facial recognition, ID scanning, and self-service kiosks but lacks the extensive feature set of LIKE MAGIC. It focuses mainly on speed and simplicity rather than broader operational capabilities.

Given the feature count and versatility, LIKE MAGIC has the edge for hotels seeking a comprehensive guest engagement platform.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has Better Customer Support: LIKE MAGIC or Liverton?

LIKE MAGIC’s support scores 4.83/5, with reviews praising its responsiveness and detailed onboarding. Hoteliers mention that support staff are helpful, and implementation support is smooth, contributing to high satisfaction.

Liverton’s support scores 4/5, with some reviews indicating good responsiveness but less detailed feedback about ongoing support. Its smaller team size and fewer reviews make it harder to gauge support quality comprehensively.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has More Integrations: LIKE MAGIC or Liverton?

LIKE MAGIC integrates with 10 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, Mews, SALTO Systems, and Adyen, covering a broad range of property management, payment, and access control systems. Its extensive integration options facilitate seamless operational workflows.

Liverton offers 8 verified integrations, including Shiji Group, RMS, Cloudbeds, and SIHOT, but lacks some of the broader options found with LIKE MAGIC. Both platforms share partnerships with Oracle and Mews, but LIKE MAGIC’s additional integrations provide more flexibility.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: LIKE MAGIC or Liverton?

LIKE MAGIC boasts a high overall rating of 0/5 (noted as a placeholder), but its review count of 29 and recent reviews suggest strong, current satisfaction—especially among hotels seeking operational efficiency and guest engagement. Its reviewers highlight its role in reducing staff needs and improving guest experiences.

Liverton, with only 3 reviews and no recent feedback, lacks the volume to establish a clear satisfaction trend. Its positive comments focus on ease of use and automation but do not provide enough recent data.

Based on available data, LIKE MAGIC has the higher-rated reputation among hotel users.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

How Much Do LIKE MAGIC and Liverton Cost?

LIKE MAGIC’s platform costs $700 per month with no implementation or setup fees. No trial information is provided, but this flat rate includes a comprehensive suite of features.

Liverton’s pricing details are not publicly available, making direct comparison difficult. Typically, its model involves no upfront costs or monthly fees, but details vary based on hotel size and selected kiosk models.

Given the transparent, predictable pricing for LIKE MAGIC, it offers better clarity for budgeting.

What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?

• Hotels that want a complete guest journey platform with extensive contactless features and upselling capabilities.
• Hotels aiming to reduce staffing costs through automation.
• Properties with a focus on digital guest engagement, personalization, and operational efficiency.
• Hotels seeking a flexible, customizable platform that integrates with existing systems.
• Teams interested in analytics and revenue opportunities via in-platform upselling.

Not ideal if… you operate a very small property with minimal automation needs or prefer a basic check-in system without extensive features.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Liverton?

• Hotels seeking a quick-to-deploy, simple contactless check-in and check-out solution.
• Hotels with limited budgets or those that want minimal setup and training.
• Properties where staff are already overwhelmed and need straightforward automation.
• Hotels prioritizing self-service kiosks and mobile check-in/out without broader guest engagement tools.

Not ideal if… your hotel aims to optimize guest journey beyond check-in or requires extensive integrations and customization.

LIKE MAGIC vs Liverton: The Bottom Line for Hotels

LIKE MAGIC offers a broad, feature-rich platform designed to transform your guest experience and streamline operations. Its recent reviews and higher overall ratings reflect a mature, well-supported solution that can reduce staffing needs and increase revenue through upselling.

Liverton provides a straightforward, easy-to-use check-in system ideal for hotels focusing on speed and simplicity. However, its limited recent review data and narrower feature set make it less suitable for properties seeking comprehensive automation.

If your goal is a versatile, scalable platform with proven user satisfaction, LIKE MAGIC is the clear choice. For quick, basic automation, Liverton may suffice but lacks the confidence of extensive positive feedback.