Automatic

Hospitality has always been about people, about care, connection, and creating meaningful experiences. Yet as our industry evolves at high speed, we’re confronted with challenges that demand not just resilience, but reimagination.

Valk Exclusief, the Netherlands’ largest independent full-service hotel group, has entered the final stage of its digital transformation, powered by Apaleo, the open, API-first hospitality platform.

This interview features Niko Karstikko, the Co-Founder & Group CEO of Bob W, an innovative hospitality company blending the comfort and consistency of hotels with the authentic local experience and affordability of short-stay rentals, designed for modern, tech-savvy travelers who mix business and leisure stays. Founded in 2017-2018, Bob W operates in commercial properties under appropriate legal frameworks and emphasizes scalability, flexibility, and sustainability through technology - such as app-enabled self-service amenities, partnerships with local gyms and restaurants, and a tech stack for guest and operational services. Their average stay length is about 4 nights and they have expanded across 19 cities in 11 European countries

In hospitality, every detail matters. Guests may not consciously reflect on the crispness of their sheets or the freshness of their towels, but these details shape their overall experience. For hotels and resorts, ensuring that linens and uniforms are consistently clean, available, and accounted for is not just operational, it’s central to brand reputation.