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

The Decision

Choosing the right guest engagement app is critical for your hotel’s operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Crave Mobile Platform by Crave Interactive and NexGenGuest both aim to enhance guest experiences but serve different needs and hotel profiles. Crave offers an extensive feature set with proven integration and a larger global presence, while NexGen emphasizes high engagement with minimal touchpoint technology. Which one aligns best with your hotel's priorities?

Is Crave Interactive or NexGenGuest Better for Hotels?

Both platforms provide mobile engagement solutions, but they approach guest interactions differently. Crave’s platform is designed for full-service hotels seeking extensive service automation, such as food ordering, digital menus, and contactless payments. NexGen, on the other hand, is built for high-engagement, low-touch environments, focusing on marketing, communication, and real-time guest interaction. Do you need a broad-service platform or a targeted engagement tool?

Crave’s solution is appless and offers many features (19 exclusive features) tailored for hotels wanting a comprehensive in-house guest service system, especially those with complex operations. NexGen’s platform is web-based, more streamlined, and better suited for boutique hotels or resorts focused on guest communication and marketing. Which aligns more with your operational complexity and guest engagement goals?

Crave Interactive vs NexGenGuest: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a robust, feature-rich system that can handle in-room dining, digital menus, contactless payments, and multi-lingual support, Crave is the clear choice. Its strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, plus 17 verified integrations, makes it suitable for large or multi-property hotels seeking deep system integration.

If your hotel prioritizes pre-arrival marketing, post-stay communication, and high guest engagement with minimal touchpoints, NexGen is preferable. Its user-friendly platform with features like guest profiles and messaging caters well to boutique hotels and resorts targeting personalized marketing initiatives.

Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize extensive operational features (Crave) or targeted guest communication and marketing (NexGen). Which suite of features best supports your hotel’s growth?

Is Crave Interactive or NexGenGuest Easier to Use?

Crave’s platform scores a solid 4.61/5 for ease of use, with detailed onboarding and strong customer support, but some users note that menu customization and back-end navigation could be improved. Its interface is customizable but may require training due to its complexity, especially for staff managing extensive features.

NexGenGuest edges out slightly with a 4.75/5 ease of use rating, praised for its intuitive design and straightforward configuration. Its platform is particularly easy for staff to adopt, with reviews highlighting the quick onboarding process and consistent support.

Edge: NexGenGuest.

Which Has Better Features: Crave Interactive or NexGenGuest?

Crave’s platform boasts 19 unique features, including QR codes, multi-lingual support, in-venue ordering, contactless payments, POS integration, and NFC. These capabilities support a broad range of operational needs, from menu management to curbside pickup.

NexGen offers only 2 exclusive features—mobile check-in and guest profiles—focusing on personalized communication and high guest engagement. While its feature count is smaller, these tools excel at pre-arrival marketing and real-time communication, with AI-generated review summaries and tailored recommendations.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Crave Interactive or NexGenGuest?

Crave’s support scores 4.79/5, with many reviews praising quick, helpful responses and proactive service. Customers report exceptional assistance during setup and ongoing operations, particularly appreciating the 24/7 support during critical periods.

NexGen’s support is rated slightly higher at 4.83/5, with reviews emphasizing the platform’s user-friendliness and the responsiveness of the NexGen team—especially “Steve,” who is frequently praised. Its support is seen as highly reliable, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Edge: NexGenGuest.

Which Has More Integrations: Crave Interactive or NexGenGuest?

Crave’s platform integrates with 17 verified partners, including major PMS and POS systems like Oracle Hospitality, Amadeus, and InfoGenesis. Its wide array of integrations supports complex, multi-system hotel environments, making it suitable for larger properties or chains.

NexGen’s integrations are limited to 3 verified partners, such as Opera, Maestro PMS, and Stayntouch. While fewer, these integrations suffice for boutique hotels and resorts that rely on specific property management systems.

Edge: Crave Interactive.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Crave Interactive or NexGenGuest?

Crave’s overall rating is 4.75/5, with recent reviews highlighting its ease of use and robust feature set. Hotels in diverse segments, especially branded and large properties, value its system’s reliability and comprehensive capabilities.

NexGen’s rating is slightly higher at 4.92/5, with recent reviews praising its intuitive interface and strong marketing tools. Boutique hotels and resorts favor NexGen for its targeted engagement and ease of staff adoption.

Edge: NexGenGuest.

How Much Do Crave Interactive and NexGenGuest Cost?

Crave’s pricing starts at a flat $400 one-time fee with no specified monthly charges or implementation fees. Its pricing model indicates a straightforward approach suitable for hotels wanting predictable costs.

NexGen does not publicly disclose specific pricing, but it is a SaaS-based, subscription model with no mention of hidden fees. Its value lies in targeted features rather than broad-system costs.

Given the lack of detailed pricing info, compare based on your hotel’s size and needs to determine potential costs.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Crave Interactive?

• Hotels that need a full-service guest experience platform, including food ordering, digital menus, and contactless payments.
• Large hotels or resorts with complex operations requiring extensive integrations.
• Hotels in regions where multiple languages and currency support are critical.
• Hotels seeking detailed analytics and marketing tools for revenue growth.

Not ideal if your hotel has a small operation with minimal service automation needs or prefers high-touch, personal interactions over automation.

What Type of Hotel Should Use NexGenGuest?

• Boutique hotels or resorts focused on pre-arrival marketing and personalized guest engagement.
• Hotels emphasizing high guest communication, real-time messaging, and feedback.
• Properties that want a simple, web-based platform with quick staff onboarding.
• Hotels seeking to boost direct bookings and upsell amenities via targeted messaging.

Not ideal if you require extensive in-room service automation or multi-system integrations, which NexGen lacks.

The Bottom Line for Hotels: Crave vs NexGen

Crave Interactive offers a comprehensive, feature-rich platform suited for large, multi-property hotels seeking extensive automation and integrations. Its broad set of capabilities supports operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue growth, especially in complex environments.

NexGenGuest excels in high-engagement, low-touch environments, offering an intuitive, marketing-focused platform that boosts guest communication and personalized experiences. Its simplicity and dedicated marketing features make it ideal for boutique hotels and resorts prioritizing guest loyalty.

Choose Crave if you need deep operational tools, extensive integrations, and a global presence. Opt for NexGen if your hotel aims for targeted guest engagement, ease of use, and a strong marketing focus. Both are valuable but serve distinctly different hotel profiles.