LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) vs. Zaplox Self-service Kiosk:
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The Decision

Your hotel is evaluating two contactless check-in solutions: LIKE MAGIC (Check-in) and Zaplox Self-service Kiosk. Both aim to streamline operations, reduce staff workload, and improve guest experience, but they do so through different approaches. LIKE MAGIC offers a comprehensive platform with guest journey management and automation, while Zaplox provides a straightforward, hardware-agnostic self-service kiosk. Which solution aligns better with your property’s needs and strategic goals?

Is LIKE MAGIC or Zaplox Better for Hotels?

LIKE MAGIC and Zaplox both address the need for contactless check-in, but they do so in distinct ways. LIKE MAGIC’s platform integrates guest management, automation, and upselling, offering a broad feature set and a high level of customization. Zaplox, by contrast, focuses on self-service kiosks that can be deployed with minimal hardware, emphasizing quick implementation and guest convenience. Do you prefer a full-suite guest journey platform or a simple, hardware-compatible kiosk system?

LIKE MAGIC holds a higher review count (29 reviews versus 3 for Zaplox) and has more recent feedback, making its data more reliable. While LIKE MAGIC’s overall rating is 0/5, this appears to be a reporting anomaly, but its high scores in ease of use, support, and value for money (all above 4.8/5) suggest strong user satisfaction. Zaplox’s 4/5 rating is based on fewer reviews, which are older, reducing confidence in its current performance. Would you prioritize a platform with more recent, comprehensive feedback?

LIKE MAGIC vs Zaplox: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a fully integrated guest management system that handles check-in, digital keys, upselling, messaging, and analytics, LIKE MAGIC is the clear choice. It is best suited for properties aiming to streamline operations across multiple touchpoints, especially if you already have integrations with property systems like PMS or digital locks.

If your hotel simply requires a reliable, hardware-agnostic self-service kiosk to reduce front desk workload and enable 24/7 check-in and check-out, Zaplox is more appropriate. It appeals to properties with limited IT resources seeking an easy-to-deploy, straightforward solution without extensive customization needs.

For hotels with high guest volume, a desire for automation, and a need for detailed analytics, LIKE MAGIC’s broader feature set and recent review momentum make it the better fit. Conversely, properties prioritizing quick deployment, hardware flexibility, and minimal integration complexity may prefer Zaplox.

Is LIKE MAGIC or Zaplox Easier to Use?

LIKE MAGIC’s user ratings in ease of use stand at 4.9/5, reflecting an intuitive interface praised by users for its straightforward guest experience and onboarding process. The platform’s self-service guest journey app is designed for simplicity, with most users reporting minimal training requirements and high satisfaction with the streamline of guest interactions.

Zaplox, with a 4.17/5 rating for ease of use, is also regarded as stable and simple, especially given its web-based, hardware-independent deployment. However, some users report issues with lengthy onboarding processes due to frequent developer changes and slower updates, which can hamper staff adoption.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has Better Features: LIKE MAGIC or Zaplox?

LIKE MAGIC offers 10 exclusive features, including hotel website check-in portals, custom questions, document & passport scanning, ID verification, and pre-arrival upselling, directly enhancing guest engagement and operational efficiency. Zaplox, with 18 features, includes mobile apps, notifications, remote check-in, guest messaging, room service ordering, and integration with PMS and lock systems, providing a more extensive feature set.

While Zaplox's feature count is higher, many are standard, and LIKE MAGIC’s unique features focus on guest engagement, personalization, and revenue opportunities. If your focus is on a comprehensive guest journey, LIKE MAGIC's tailored features may be more valuable.

Edge: Zaplox (more features, but less targeted for guest experience).

Which Has Better Customer Support: LIKE MAGIC or Zaplox?

LIKE MAGIC’s support and onboarding scores stand at 4.83/5 and 4.78/5 respectively, with reviews highlighting quick, helpful communication and smooth onboarding. Users appreciate the platform’s responsiveness, with some noting that support is a key reason they choose the platform.

Zaplox’s ratings are lower, with support at 3/5 and onboarding at 2.75/5. Some users report delays and challenges due to developer turnover, which affects their confidence in ongoing support and updates.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

Which Has More Integrations: LIKE MAGIC or Zaplox?

LIKE MAGIC integrates with 10 verified partners, including Oracle Hospitality, Mews, SALTO Systems, and Adyen, focusing on core hotel management and payment solutions. Zaplox boasts 17 integrations, including major PMS and lock brands like Stayntouch, protel, dormakaba, and Vingcard, offering broader compatibility with existing hotel infrastructure.

If your hotel relies heavily on specific integrations, Zaplox’s larger partner network could be advantageous. However, LIKE MAGIC’s targeted integrations support streamlined hotel operations.

Edge: Zaplox.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: LIKE MAGIC or Zaplox?

LIKE MAGIC, with its 29 reviews and recent feedback, has a high likelihood to recommend score of 99% and ranks favorably across segments, especially in city center hotels and branded properties. Users frequently mention its ability to reduce staffing and improve guest experience, with reviews highlighting operational efficiency.

Zaplox’s 3 reviews, mostly older and from hostel and budget hotels, suggest moderate satisfaction at best. The limited recent feedback makes it harder to gauge current performance, but overall ratings are decent.

Edge: LIKE MAGIC.

How Much Do LIKE MAGIC and Zaplox Cost?

LIKE MAGIC’s pricing is set at a $700 base fee, with no mention of ongoing monthly fees or implementation costs, indicating a straightforward pricing model. Zaplox’s pricing details are unavailable, but typically, hardware-based kiosks involve hardware costs and potentially annual licensing fees.

For budget-conscious properties, LIKE MAGIC’s transparent pricing may be more appealing, but the total cost depends on implementation and scale. Zaplox's costs could vary widely depending on hardware needs and integration complexity.

What Type of Hotel Should Use LIKE MAGIC?

• Hotels that want an all-in-one guest journey platform with personalization and automation.
• Properties aiming to reduce staffing costs through contactless self-service and digital communication.
• Hotels seeking to upsell services like upgrades, late checkouts, and in-room amenities.
• Hotels with existing PMS and lock integrations, looking for a unified solution.
• Teams that prioritize high guest satisfaction scores and recent positive reviews.

Not ideal if your hotel prefers a simple kiosk solution without needing extensive guest engagement features or customization options.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Zaplox?

• Hotels that want a quick-to-deploy, hardware-agnostic self-service kiosk.
• Properties with limited IT staff or resources for complex integrations.
• Hotels seeking to reduce front desk workload with mobile keys and simple check-in/out.
• Hostels, budget hotels, and city center hotels with high guest turnover.
• Hotels that prioritize 24/7 self-service and do not require extensive guest communication or automation.

Not ideal if your hotel needs integrated guest journey features, detailed analytics, or extensive customization.

LIKE MAGIC vs Zaplox: The Bottom Line for Hotels

LIKE MAGIC’s core advantage lies in its comprehensive guest management and automation capabilities, making it ideal for hotels seeking operational efficiency and enhanced guest experiences. Its high review scores and recent feedback reinforce its reliability, especially for properties that want to personalize guest interactions and boost revenues through upselling.

Zaplox offers a straightforward, hardware-compatible kiosk solution suited for properties that need quick deployment and minimal integration fuss. While it has a broader feature set, its older reviews and lower support ratings suggest it may not provide the same level of ongoing service or innovation.

If your hotel values a unified guest journey platform with recent, positive reviews, go with LIKE MAGIC. If you prefer a simple, hardware-flexible self-service kiosk for basic check-in/out, Zaplox could meet your needs.