Crave Mobile Platform (acq by HCN) vs. LIKE MAGIC:
Lequel vous convient le mieux ?

The Decision

Choosing the right hotel guest app can significantly impact your guest experience, operational efficiency, and revenue. Both Crave Mobile Platform and LIKE MAGIC aim to modernize guest interactions, but they differ in features, user feedback, and market presence. Crave is a well-established player with a broad feature set and extensive integrations, while LIKE MAGIC offers a more recent, AI-driven approach focused on automation and streamlined guest journeys. Which solution aligns better with your hotel's needs?

Is Crave Mobile Platform or LIKE MAGIC Better for Hotels?

Crave Interactive has been in the market since 2009, boasting 48 reviews and a high overall rating of 4.75/5. Its strength lies in its expansive feature set—offering 18 unique capabilities, including digital menus, contactless ordering, and NFC payments, designed for full-service hotels aiming for comprehensive guest engagement. Conversely, LIKE MAGIC, founded in 2023, has 26 reviews with a slightly higher HT Score of 76.8, and a perfect overall rating of 0/5, but with a near-perfect likelihood to recommend (99%). It emphasizes automation, AI responses, and seamless guest journeys, which may appeal to hotels prioritizing operational efficiency.

Both products aim to enhance guest satisfaction and streamline operations, but Crave’s extensive feature list provides more touchpoints for guest interaction. LIKE MAGIC’s newer platform focuses on automating the entire guest journey, reducing manual tasks. Are you looking for a well-rounded solution with proven features, or an innovative, AI-powered platform that minimizes staff involvement?

Crave Interactive vs LIKE MAGIC: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a feature-rich, integrated guest app with extensive customization options and proven stability, Crave Interactive is the clear choice. Its ability to connect with 17 verified partners, including major PMS and POS systems, makes it suitable for large or complex properties seeking robust operational tools.

If your hotel values automation, rapid scalability, and a focus on reducing staff workload—especially in limited-service or extended-stay properties—LIKE MAGIC is better suited. Its core strengths in digital check-in, AI-powered responses, and streamlined guest interactions appeal to hotels aiming for operational cost reduction and modern guest service.

For boutique or luxury hotels that want a customizable, feature-dense platform, Crave offers more flexibility. Conversely, hotels with lean operations or a focus on self-service experiences should lean toward LIKE MAGIC’s automation and digital journey focus.

Is Crave Interactive or LIKE MAGIC Easier to Use?

Crave’s user interface scores 4.61/5, with reviews praising its intuitive design and customer support, but some users find the backend menu management less modern and more cumbersome. Setup and onboarding are rated at 4.57/5, with hoteliers mentioning proactive support but occasional challenges with menu customization.

LIKE MAGIC shines with a UI rating of 4.96/5, praised for its modern, simple design that minimizes training time. Its onboarding score of 4.8/5 reflects a seamless implementation process, and users note that staff adoption is straightforward, especially for automation features.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has Better Features: Crave Interactive or LIKE MAGIC?

Crave offers 18 features, including Web-based access, multi-lingual translations, QR codes, Apple Pay, digital menus, in-venue ordering, contactless payments, and NFC. It enables full-service customization, ideal for hotels needing detailed control over menus, ordering options, and guest communication.

LIKE MAGIC offers 3 core features: app download, guest profiles, and mobile check-in. While fewer in number, these features focus on automating the guest journey and simplifying operations. It integrates AI-driven responses, digital keys, and upselling capabilities, but lacks the extensive menu and ordering features Crave provides.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Crave Interactive or LIKE MAGIC?

Crave’s support scores 4.79/5, with reviews highlighting quick, helpful responses and proactive service. Hoteliers note that Crave’s customer service makes resolving issues efficient, but some mention that support can be less responsive during peak times.

LIKE MAGIC’s support scores slightly higher at 4.85/5, with reviews emphasizing their responsiveness and ongoing product evolution. Customers appreciate the dedicated support team and quick onboarding, which is crucial for fast deployment and troubleshooting.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has More Integrations: Crave Interactive or LIKE MAGIC?

Crave integrates with 17 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, Adyen, and Infor, covering a broad spectrum of hotel management systems, payment gateways, and third-party services. This extensive integration network supports complex hotel operations needing detailed connectivity.

LIKE MAGIC has 10 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, Mews, and SALTO Systems, with shared integrations like Adyen and Oracle. While fewer, its integrations sufficiently cover key operational needs for mid-sized and smaller hotels.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Crave Interactive or LIKE MAGIC?

Crave’s reviews are more numerous and recent, with a 4.75/5 rating based on 48 reviews, mostly from traditional hotels across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Hotels in luxury, branded, and boutique segments rate Crave highly, citing its reliability and feature set.

LIKE MAGIC has 26 reviews with a slightly higher HT Score of 76.8 but a 0/5 overall rating, indicating possible review data inconsistencies. Reviews from extended-stay and serviced apartments highlight operational efficiencies, but the lack of recent reviews and lower overall ratings make it less proven in the market.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

How Much Do Crave Interactive and LIKE MAGIC Cost?

Crave’s pricing starts at $400 one-time, with no freemium or monthly fees, making it predictable for hotels with a fixed budget. LIKE MAGIC charges $700 upfront, also without ongoing fees, but may be more expensive for smaller properties.

Both solutions lack detailed tiered pricing or subscription models, so your hotel’s size and feature needs will influence the overall value.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Crave Mobile Platform?

• Hotels that want a broad, customizable digital guest engagement system.
• Properties aiming for full-service food and beverage ordering, digital menus, and NFC/contactless payments.
• Hotels with complex operations that benefit from extensive integrations.
• Hotels seeking detailed data insights and marketing tools.

Not ideal if you prefer a simple, automated platform with fewer features or a focus solely on automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?

• Hotels prioritizing automation and operational efficiency, especially in extended-stay, serviced apartments, or limited-service hotels.
• Properties aiming to reduce staffing costs and simplify guest interactions.
• Hotels seeking AI-driven guest communication and seamless digital journey management.
• Properties that want to offer digital check-in, upselling, and contactless services with minimal setup.

Not ideal if your hotel requires extensive menu customization, food ordering, or detailed integrations.

LIKE MAGIC vs Crave Interactive: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Crave’s platform offers a comprehensive, feature-rich environment suited for full-service hotels with complex needs. Its extensive integrations and proven market presence make it the safer choice for large or upscale properties seeking reliability.

LIKE MAGIC delivers a streamlined, AI-powered guest journey, ideal for hotels focused on automation and operational cost savings. Its modern interface and automation strengths suit lean, tech-forward operations, especially in extended-stay or self-service environments.

If your hotel values depth and customization, go with Crave. If automation, speed, and reducing staff workload are priorities, LIKE MAGIC should be your pick.