How Hotel Sandkorn Modernized Its Guest Journey and Boosted Direct Revenues with LIKE MAGIC
Hotel Sandkorn is a privately run boutique hotel in Nuremberg with 35 rooms and suites. The historic property blends tradition with modern amenities and focuses on sustainability, including a fully vegetarian breakfast. Its mission: creating a cozy “home away from home” while offering a seamless, modern guest journey.
Independent Hotels
Nov 10, 2025
Challenges
Like many small hotels, Hotel Sandkorn’s team faced growing pressure to meet guest expectations with limited resources. Their biggest challenges included:
High administrative workload for a small team due to manual processes
Lack of integration between PMS, channel manager, and guest journey tools
Limited flexibility for late-night arrivals, since staff were not always available at reception
A complex and non-transparent booking engine (IBE) that discouraged direct bookings on the website
Results
45% of guests now use the digital guest journey, significantly reducing administrative workload at reception and streamlining daily operations.
Average upsell value of €89 per stay, driving additional revenue through seamless digital pre- and in-stay service offerings.
Automated workflows for check-in, guest communication, and data synchronization, saving significant time and reducing manual effort for the team.
Enhanced flexibility for guest arrivals, enabling smooth and secure late-night check-ins without additional staffing effort.
Solution
Hotel Sandkorn implemented LIKE MAGIC as its central Guest Journey & Operations platform. By connecting seamlessly with Apaleo PMS and Messerschmitt’s digital locks, the system enabled automation from booking to check-in and communication during the stay. The integration was lean and fast thanks to the open architecture of Apaleo and LIKE MAGIC.
Highlights:
Integrated booking engine for more direct sales
Automated digital check-in with secure ID verification
Centralized communication platform for guest requests and FAQs
Seamless connection with Apaleo PMS and Messerschmitt’s Entryone lock
Smart upselling of additional services before, during, and after the stay
Flexible use of staff resources thanks to reduced admin workload
“LIKE MAGIC helps us save time and resources while creating a modern guest experience. For us, that’s the biggest win.”
— Siawash Nadjimi, Founder & Operator, Hotel Sandkorn
Conclusion
With LIKE MAGIC, Hotel Sandkorn reduced administrative overhead, boosted efficiency, and created a smoother guest journey. Guests benefit from flexible digital services, while the team can focus on personal hospitality and new offerings. The result: more direct bookings, higher revenue potential, and a future-proof setup for scaling digital innovation.
Summary
Quick facts about Hotel Sandkorn’s digital transformation:
Boutique hotel in Nuremberg with 35 rooms and suites
Focus on sustainability and modern guest experience
Challenges: manual processes, limited integrations, low direct bookings
LIKE MAGIC solution: automated workflows, secure digital self-check-in, centralized communication
Results: more direct bookings, reduced workload, greater guest flexibility
