HCN Acquires Crave to Expand Luxury Hotel Tech

Hotel Communication Network has acquired Crave Interactive, a UK-based provider of digital guest experience platforms for luxury hotels. The acquisition aims to deepen HCN’s presence in the four- and five-star hospitality sector while accelerating the integration of advanced technologies and expanding its advertising network. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
HCN specializes in artificial intelligence-powered in-room guest engagement solutions, and the addition of Crave’s capabilities is expected to enhance its offering with multilingual, human-like AI concierge services. These will assist hotel guests with communications, activity planning, and city navigation, creating a more intuitive and personalized experience.
Kevin Bidner, CEO of HCN, said the acquisition represents more than just a technological merger. He described it as a unification of shared goals focused on transforming the guest experience across luxury hotels. Crave Interactive brings to the table a portfolio that includes in-room tablets and AI-driven guest services already in use by top-tier clients such as MGM Resorts, Fairmont, and Hyatt.
Founded in 2009, Crave Interactive developed its reputation by offering digital solutions that streamline hotel operations while boosting guest satisfaction through features like digital room service ordering, spa bookings, and local service recommendations. With the acquisition, HCN will expand its operational footprint to 25 countries, offering both tablet and mobile-based applications to its growing client base.
The move positions HCN to deliver more integrated and scalable guest engagement platforms to upscale hotel properties worldwide. Both companies’ devices will now work under a unified system to deliver a richer in-room experience using artificial intelligence. The integration is designed to enable luxury hotels to provide modern, tech-savvy services while also benefiting from monetization opportunities through HCN’s expanding in-room advertising network.
The acquisition is also expected to enhance operational efficiency and upsell opportunities for hotel partners by automating routine guest inquiries and transactions. By offering personalized digital interactions in multiple languages, the combined platform aims to elevate global guest satisfaction while helping properties differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
As HCN absorbs Crave Interactive’s client base and technology, the company reinforces its commitment to innovation in hotel communications and hospitality AI. The deal marks a strategic expansion that reflects rising demand for digitally enhanced guest experiences, particularly in the premium hospitality segment.
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