STUTTGART, 25th March 2025 – Germany-based hotel group McDreams has revealed that it is successfully operating a 131-room hotel in Stuttgart with only three on-site employees – 84% less than when it was under previous ownership.
The hyper-lean operations are made possible through an ideal tech stack of cutting-edge technology partners which include Like Magic, Häfele and IMS connect.
Previously operating as an Ibis hotel with 19 employees, McDreams Stuttgart transitioned to an ultra-lean model upon reopening in September 2024. By adopting a fully-integrated technology ecosystem that automates guest interactions and all back-end processes, McDreams was able to drastically reduce manual workloads and boost overall efficiency – without sacrificing service quality.
Like Magic, a guest experience and operations platform serves as the hotel’s central hub, connecting all partner systems in one place. Its unified operations management dashboard automates over 80% of daily staff tasks, while an intuitive web-native app lets guests manage their entire stay.
Häfele, a global leader in access control solutions, provides smart access technology that enables keyless room entry via mobile devices along with secure access to public areas and storage lockers. Its ‘upgrade’ storage system allows hotels to offer amenities on demand, unlocking new upsell opportunities while reducing unnecessary cleaning and resource use.
IMS connect, a hospitality technology specialist, delivers high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TV solutions with casting, ensuring seamless connectivity and entertainment. Its network supports both guest and hotel operations, integrating with Häfele’s smart access and McDreams’ security systems for 24/7 remote monitoring.
With McDreams Stuttgart’s tech stack, convenience and ease-of-use begins the moment a guest books a stay. Every customer checks in online, receives a digital room key and communicates with hotel staff via chat or AI-assisted voice support. The AI-powered phone system “Lisa”, which is integrated with Like Magic, fields 10,000 guest inquiries per month at McDreams Group, resolving up to 50% without human intervention.
Despite operating with just three employees, McDreams Stuttgart has seen an increase in occupancy rates and guest satisfaction scores. Compared to its predecessor, guest ratings have climbed from 7.7 to 8.1 within three months of reopening. The hyper-lean operations also mean McDreams can maintain its financial performance even during low seasons.
Since opening in September last year, McDreams Stuttgart has achieved an average occupancy of 77%, rising to 86% this March.
McDreams plans to replicate the model with the same partners at two newly signed hotels in Nuremberg and Würzburg.
Dominik Klein, CEO of McDreams, said: “Hotels have traditionally required large teams to function smoothly, but by using the right ecosystem of technology, we’ve transformed our operations to be extremely lean and efficient. And we do this without ever compromising on service quality. Guests experience a digital-first stay, with online check-in to keyless room access and AI-powered guest support. The industry is evolving fast and we’re proving how technology can be the foundation of a scalable modern hotel business and superior guest experience.”
Markus Feller, CEO of Like Magic, said: “Our mission is to enable digitally seamless hospitality experiences that feel effortless for both staff and guests. Our platform integrates all key operational systems, creating a highly efficient hub that automates over 80% of staff’s daily tasks while simultaneously digitising the guest journey. Together with our partners, IMS connect and Häfele, we’ve enabled McDreams Stuttgart to deliver exceptional service with just a fraction of the traditional workforce. With persistent labour shortages, the future of hospitality is about small teams making a big impact. We continue to push the boundaries in technology to unlock peak efficiency in hospitality.”
Jean-Francois Pauly, Head of Project Solutions of Häfele, said: “The best innovation happens when the right partners come together with a shared vision. As a full service provider with more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, Häfele stands out because we understand how hotels operate, how space is utilised and how early decisions impact the ‘total cost of ownership’ for operators. This allows us to create solutions that are both technically advanced and financially sustainable. Our collaboration with Like Magic, IMS and McDreams is a perfect example of this in action. Guests can move seamlessly through the hotel, using their smartphone to access rooms, public areas and storage lockers. Looking ahead, we’re taking our smart furniture fittings even further with cloud-based access control and smart room customisation, including integrated and cost-efficient lighting solutions. The future of hospitality is smart, scalable and guest-centric, and we’re excited to help shape it.”
Denis Ahern, CEO of IMS connect, said: “The hospitality industry has moved from digital-first to digitally seamless. A high-performance digital infrastructure in hospitality is now a basic necessity. Guests expect the same level of connectivity and entertainment they have at home and our technology ensures they get it. At McDreams Stuttgart, we provide ultra-fast Wi-Fi, seamless content casting and a smart TV experience designed for a mobile-first world. Combined with our open network approach, which allows integrations with other smart hotel systems such as Like Magic and Häfele, we have created an effortless digital experience for both guests and staff.”
