Crave Mobile Platform vs. Solay: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 16, 2026  ·  67 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 67 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:

Crave Interactive shines in ease of use and customer support — especially for brand properties (5.0/5) , with exclusive features like Credit Card Payments and Payments Integrations.

Solay shines , with exclusive features like Mobile Checkin.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Crave Mobile Platform Compare to Solay?

Side-by-side ratings based on 67 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
75
0
Likelihood to Recommend
93%
0%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
0.0/5
Customer Support
4.8/5
0.0/5
Value for Money
4.5/5
0.0/5
Starting Price From $400/mo Contact sales
Verified Reviews 67 0

What Are the Pros and Cons of Crave Mobile Platform vs Solay?

After analyzing 67 verified reviews, Crave Interactive users most value its customer service, user interface, customization, while Solay users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Crave Interactive Crave Interactive Solay Solay
Pros
+ Customer service
+ User interface
+ Customization
+ Guest communication
Cons
Hardware issues
Seamless system integration
Back-end system

Crave Interactive vs Solay: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Hotel Guest Apps vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment Crave Interactive Crave Interactive Solay Solay
Small (10-24 rooms) #6 13 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #9 26 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #4 14 reviews #30 0 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #5 7 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Crave Interactive Crave Interactive Solay Solay
Boutique #6 26 reviews
Luxury #5 31 reviews #38 0 reviews
Branded / Chain #4 27 reviews
Extended Stay #10 2 reviews

By Region

Segment Crave Interactive Crave Interactive Solay Solay
North America #4 26 reviews #28 0 reviews
Europe #8 31 reviews
Asia Pacific #8 2 reviews
Middle East #8 1 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Crave Mobile Platform by Crave Interactive and Solay hinges on your hotel’s specific guest engagement needs. Both solutions aim to enhance guest experience, but they serve very different functions and cater to different operational priorities. Crave specializes in mobile guest services and order automation, while Solay focuses solely on managing poolside and beachside seating reservations. Which aligns better with your hotel’s goals?

Crave offers a comprehensive, app-less mobile platform packed with features and proven in diverse markets, whereas Solay is a niche reservation tool with no user reviews yet. Do you need an all-in-one guest service app or a focused seating management solution?

Quick Verdict

Crave Interactive has the advantage of a large review base, recent feedback, and a high user rating, making it the more reliable choice for most hotels. Its 48 reviews in the last six months and a 4.75/5 overall rating are strong indicators of proven performance. Solay, with zero reviews and a limited feature set, remains an untested option, especially without recent user feedback.

Given the more recent reviews and higher score, Crave is the clear leader here. But if your hotel only needs a specialized poolside or beachside reservation system, Solay's niche focus might be worth a closer look.

Is Crave Interactive or Solay Better for Hotels?

Crave is designed to provide a full spectrum of guest engagement services, from digital menus and multi-lingual support to contactless ordering and integrated payments, making it ideal for hotels seeking to digitize and streamline their service processes. It integrates with numerous hotel systems and offers features like in-venue ordering, upselling, and scheduling, which can elevate guest satisfaction and increase revenue.

Solay, on the other hand, offers a straightforward reservation solution for poolside and beach loungers, removing the hassle of unreserved seating. It excels in providing real-time booking and social distancing management but lacks broader guest service features.

If your hotel aims to improve overall guest engagement and operational efficiency, Crave’s extensive feature set and recent positive reviews make it the better choice. For hotels focusing solely on pool or beach seating logistics, Solay might suffice—but its lack of recent reviews weakens confidence.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a flexible, feature-rich mobile platform that enhances guest service across multiple touchpoints—ordering, directory, multilingual support, and payments—go with Crave. It’s proven in diverse hotel segments, from luxury to boutique, with a high overall rating supported by recent reviews.

Conversely, if your primary concern is managing poolside or beachside seating and you want a simple, reservation-based system that reduces chaos during peak times, Solay's single-focus approach may be suitable. However, its lack of reviews and features makes it a less comprehensive option.

For properties prioritizing guest engagement, automation, and operational data, Crave's broad scope makes it the definitive choice. If you only need to handle seating reservations efficiently, Solay might be enough, but be cautious due to the lack of recent user feedback.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Is Crave Interactive or Solay Easier to Use?

Crave’s ease of use is rated 4.61/5, with many reviews praising its intuitive interface and helpful onboarding. Users highlight its straightforward guest access via QR codes and the simplicity of navigating its extensive menu options, even during menu updates.

Solay, with no available user ratings or reviews, cannot be assessed directly. However, given its niche and limited scope, it’s likely to be simpler but less versatile.

Based on the available data, Crave offers a well-rated user experience with detailed support and onboarding, making it easier for staff and guests to adopt. Solay’s ease of use remains unverified.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Has Better Features: Crave or Solay?

Crave outperforms Solay with a total of 21 unique features, including web-based access, multi-lingual support, room service ordering, NFC, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and POS integration—features that directly impact guest convenience and operational efficiency.

Solay offers only two features—mobile check-in and app download—limiting its scope. Its simplicity might suit very small or niche properties, but it falls short if you want a comprehensive guest engagement platform.

Considering the feature depth and variety, Crave provides a far broader toolkit to enhance guest satisfaction and revenue. Solay’s limited features mean it’s more of a specialized tool with less overall value.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Crave or Solay?

Crave’s support rating of 4.79/5 is backed by reviews praising quick response times, proactive service, and effective issue resolution. Guests and hoteliers alike note that Crave’s customer service is responsive and helpful, with some reviews mentioning 2-minute turnaround times for changes.

Solay, lacking any reviews or support ratings, cannot be evaluated. Its support quality remains unknown, which is a concern for hotels needing reliable assistance.

Given the detailed positive feedback and high rating, Crave’s support is clearly superior. The absence of reviews for Solay diminishes confidence.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Has More Integrations: Crave or Solay?

Crave integrates with 17 verified partners, including Interel, PressReader, Book4Time, Quore, Oracle Hospitality, and others, facilitating seamless operations across various hotel management systems.

Solay has only 2 verified partners—Revinate and Mews—limiting its integration options and operational compatibility.

For hotels seeking a versatile, integrated platform that connects with existing systems, Crave’s extensive partner list offers significant advantages. Solay’s limited integrations restrict its utility for larger or more complex operations.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Crave or Solay?

Crave’s overall rating of 4.75/5, based on 48 reviews with recent feedback, indicates strong, current satisfaction. Hotels across segments, especially luxury and branded properties, rate it highly, with many reviewers emphasizing its effectiveness and support quality.

Solay, with no reviews or ratings, provides no data to compare. Its absence of feedback prevents assessment of hoteliers’ satisfaction.

Given the recent, detailed reviews and high ratings, Crave clearly enjoys stronger, more reliable ratings from its hotel users.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

How Much Do Crave and Solay Cost?

Crave’s pricing starts at a base fee of $400, with no mention of monthly or per-room charges, indicating a straightforward, predictable model. There’s no free tier or trial period available.

Solay’s pricing details are not publicly available, and no free trial information is provided. This lack of transparency makes comparison difficult.

Based on available data, Crave offers a transparent pricing structure. The cost of Solay remains uncertain, which could be a concern for budget-conscious hotels.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Crave?

  • Hotels seeking a comprehensive guest engagement platform covering digital menus, multi-lingual support, contactless ordering, payments, and upselling.
  • Properties that want to improve operational efficiency through integrated system capabilities and detailed analytics.
  • Hotels with a diverse guest base, including luxury brands, boutique hotels, and resorts, looking to boost ancillary sales.
  • Hotels prepared for onboarding and staff training to maximize customization and feature use.

Not ideal if your hotel:

  • Has minimal staff and prefers a very simple, low-cost solution.
  • Only needs a basic reservation platform without extensive integrations.
  • Operates in a very limited or isolated market with no support for multiple languages or digital menus.

Crave fits well with hotels that value technological sophistication and guest experience improvements, especially those with higher occupancy and revenue goals.

Not ideal if you’re a small property seeking only basic communication tools.


What Type of Hotel Should Use Solay?

  • Resorts or hotels with a focus on poolside and beachside amenities, needing to manage seating efficiently.
  • Hotels wanting to implement social distancing and safety protocols through real-time reservations.
  • Properties with a high volume of outdoor lounge areas and flexible seating arrangements.
  • Hotels that want a straightforward, easy-to-use booking system without extensive integrations or features.

Not ideal if your hotel:

  • Requires a comprehensive guest service platform.
  • Needs detailed analytics, payments, or multi-lingual support.
  • Operates in markets where online reviews and support quality are critical—since Solay has no recent reviews.

Solay is best suited for niche properties prioritizing outdoor space management, not for broad guest engagement.

Not ideal if you’re seeking a multi-service guest app or system with extensive integrations.


The Bottom Line for Hotels

Crave Interactive offers a complete mobile platform with a proven track record, extensive features, and high user ratings. Its recent reviews underscore its effectiveness in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency, especially for larger or upscale properties.

Solay, while potentially useful for managing outdoor seating, remains unreviewed and limited in scope. Its lack of recent feedback and integrated features make it a less compelling option for most hotels looking to modernize and improve guest engagement.

In summary, if your hotel wants a reliable, feature-rich guest app with ongoing support, Crave is the clear choice. For niche outdoor seating management, Solay might be worth exploring, but proceed cautiously given its untested status.

How Much Do Crave Mobile Platform and Solay Cost?

Hotel Guest Apps 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.

Crave Interactive Crave Interactive Solay Solay
Starting Price From $400/mo

Which Features Does Crave Mobile Platform Have That Solay Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Crave Mobile Platform and Solay share 4 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Crave Interactive Crave Interactive Solay Solay
App download
Automatic Translations (Multi-Lingual)
Hotel Directory
Local Recommendations
Mobile Checkin
Request Management
Room Service Ordering
Web Based (Appless)

Showing top differences. 11 more features differ between these products.

Crave Interactive vs Solay: The Bottom Line

Crave Interactive
Crave Interactive
4.7/5 from 67 reviews

What hoteliers love

Customer service 100% positive

Crave Interactive provides exceptional customer service with quick response times and helpful support staff. Hoteliers appreciate the efficient and pr... Crave Interactive provides exceptional customer service with quick response times and helpful support staff. Hoteliers appreciate the efficient and proactive support, which helps in resolving issues promptly.

User interface 68% positive

While the user interface is appreciated for being user-friendly and intuitive for guests, some feedback suggests it could be more modern and customiza... While the user interface is appreciated for being user-friendly and intuitive for guests, some feedback suggests it could be more modern and customizable to better fit individual hotel needs.

Customization 67% positive

Customization options, especially for menu updates and guest interfaces, are limited and often require support from Crave Interactive's team. Users ex... Customization options, especially for menu updates and guest interfaces, are limited and often require support from Crave Interactive's team. Users express a desire for more control over customizations.

Where hoteliers push back

Hardware issues 82% negative

Several reviews mentioned concerns with the hardware, specifically tablet durability and charging difficulties. These issues can affect overall effici... Several reviews mentioned concerns with the hardware, specifically tablet durability and charging difficulties. These issues can affect overall efficiency and guest satisfaction when using the system.

Seamless system integration 50% negative

The system's integration with other hotel management systems, such as Simphony and PMS, is highlighted for making operations smoother and reducing man... The system's integration with other hotel management systems, such as Simphony and PMS, is highlighted for making operations smoother and reducing manual entry. This has been particularly beneficial during large events and for managing room services efficiently.

Ranks higher for

Large (75-199 rooms) #4 vs #30
Luxury #5 vs #38
Resorts #6 vs #39
Vacation Rentals & Villas #9 vs #19

Unique capabilities

Web Based (Appless) Hotel Directory Automatic Translations (Multi-Lingual) Request Management Room Service Ordering
4.6/5 ease of use 4.8/5 support 17 integrations
Visit Profile
Solay
Solay
0.0/5 from 0 reviews

Unique capabilities

Mobile Checkin App download
0.0/5 ease of use 0.0/5 support 2 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating Crave Interactive 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Ease of Use Crave Interactive 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)
Customer Support Crave Interactive 4.8 vs 0.0 (+4.8)
Value for Money Crave Interactive 4.5 vs 0.0 (+4.5)
Onboarding Crave Interactive 4.6 vs 0.0 (+4.6)

Frequently Asked Questions About Crave Mobile Platform vs Solay

Can Crave Mobile Platform replace Solay?

It depends on your requirements. Crave Mobile Platform and Solay share many core Hotel Guest Apps features, but each has unique capabilities. Crave Mobile Platform offers 17 verified integration partners, while Solay offers 2. 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. Crave Mobile Platform leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 0.0/5. 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 Crave Mobile Platform or Solay offer a free plan?

Crave Mobile Platform: No. Solay: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Guest Apps vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Crave Mobile Platform and Solay?

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. Crave Interactive has an HT Score of 75 and Solay has 0. 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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