McDreams shows how just three employees run a 131-room hotel with the perfect tech stack.
Stuttgart/Zurich, April 8, 2025 – German hotel group McDreams is successfully operating its 131-room property in Stuttgart with just three on-site employees – that’s 84% fewer than under the previous operator. This ultra-lean setup is made possible by a perfectly integrated tech stack, powered by innovative technology partners such as Like Magic, Häfele, and IMS connect.
The McDreams Stuttgart hotel, which was previously run as an Ibis with a 19-person team, relaunched in September 2024 with a completely new, lean operations model. By implementing a fully integrated tech ecosystem that automates both guest interactions and all back-end processes, McDreams significantly reduced manual workload while boosting overall efficiency – without compromising on service quality.
At the heart of the operation is Like Magic, a guest experience and operations platform that acts as the hotel’s central hub, seamlessly connecting all partner systems. A unified operations dashboard automates more than 80% of daily staff tasks, while an intuitive, web-based guest app empowers guests to manage every part of their stay on their own.
Häfele, a global leader in access control solutions, enables mobile keyless entry for rooms as well as secure access to public areas and lockers. Its flexible Upgrade Box System allows hotels to offer amenities on demand – unlocking new upselling opportunities while reducing cleaning efforts and resource consumption.
IMS connect, a hospitality tech specialist, provides high-speed Wi-Fi and Smart TV solutions with casting functionality, ensuring seamless connectivity and in-room entertainment. The network supports both guest-facing and operational needs and integrates with Häfele’s smart access system and McDreams’ security infrastructure for 24/7 remote monitoring.
Despite operating with just three employees, McDreams Stuttgart is seeing growing occupancy and guest satisfaction levels. Within three months of reopening, guest ratings increased from 7.7 to 8.1. The lean model also ensures strong financial performance during off-peak periods. Since reopening in September, the hotel has achieved an average occupancy of 77%, reaching 86% in March 2025.
Following this success, McDreams plans to roll out the same model with the same partners in two newly signed hotels in Nuremberg and Würzburg.
Partner Statements
Dominik Klein, CEO of McDreams: “Hotels have traditionally needed large teams to run smoothly, but by building the right tech ecosystem, we’ve completely reshaped our operations to be ultra-lean and efficient – without ever compromising on quality. Our guests enjoy a fully digital journey, from online check-in and keyless room access to AI-driven guest experiences. The industry is changing fast, and we’re proving that technology can be the foundation for a scalable hotel business and an outstanding guest experience.”
Markus Feller, CEO of Like Magic: “Our mission is to enable digital experiences that feel effortless – for both staff and guests. Our platform integrates all core operational systems into one efficient hub, automating over 80% of daily staff tasks while digitizing the entire guest journey. Together with our partners IMS connect and Häfele, we’ve empowered McDreams Stuttgart to deliver exceptional service with a fraction of the usual workforce. With ongoing labor shortages, the future of hospitality lies in small teams making a big impact. We’ll continue to push the boundaries of hotel tech to drive efficiency and performance.”
Jean-François Pauly, Head of Project Solutions at Häfele: “The best innovation happens when the right partners come together with a shared vision. As a full-service provider with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Häfele knows how hotel spaces work – and how early design decisions impact total operational costs. This allows us to develop solutions that are both technically advanced and financially sustainable. Our collaboration with Like Magic, IMS, and McDreams is a perfect example: guests move seamlessly through the hotel using their smartphones to access rooms, lockers, and public areas. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to expand our smart furniture portfolio with cloud-based access control and intelligent room design, 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: “Hospitality has moved from digital-first to digital seamless. A strong digital infrastructure is no longer optional – it’s essential. Guests now expect the same level of connectivity and entertainment they have at home, and our technology ensures they get exactly that. At McDreams Stuttgart, we deliver ultra-fast Wi-Fi, seamless content casting, and a Smart TV experience built for a mobile world. Our open network architecture allows full integration with other smart hotel systems like Like Magic and Häfele, creating a frictionless digital experience for guests and staff alike.”
About Like Magic: Like Magic is a hospitality technology platform built by hoteliers for hoteliers, designed to optimize hotel operations through a fully digital guest journey, AI-powered automation, and real-time task management. The platform was created to eliminate inefficiencies across the industry, enabling hotels to automate up to 80% of routine tasks, deliver higher service quality with fewer staff, and reduce operating costs by up to 50%.
https://likemagic.tech
About Häfele: Häfele is committed to creating livable and sustainable space concepts for the living and working environments of tomorrow. Together with its partners, Häfele develops resource-efficient, multifunctional solutions that maximize comfort. Founded in 1923, the globally active specialist for intelligent hardware systems, electronic access control, lighting, and smart connectivity offers its customers in over 150 countries a unique 360° expertise. With a broad product portfolio, extensive services, and a strong spirit of innovation, this family-owned company is a reliable partner for carpenters, the furniture industry, retailers, and architects - from concept and planning to final execution. Häfele’s global team consists of over 8,000 employees, 38 subsidiaries, and numerous representatives worldwide. The company is headquartered in Nagold, in Germany’s Black Forest. Since January 2023, the company has been led by CEO Gregor Riekena. Sibylle Thierer chairs the Advisory Board, representing the interests of the founding families. In fiscal year 2024, Häfele generated €1.74 billion in revenue, with 82% coming from international markets.
www.haefele.de
About IMS connect: IMS connect is a trusted provider of Wi-Fi and guest technology solutions for hotels and serviced living across Europe. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and expert support, IMS connect is dedicated to delivering seamless, secure, and sustainable solutions tailored to the evolving expectations of today’s guests. The result: better guest experiences, higher ratings, more repeat bookings, and increased average daily rates.
https://imsconnect.com
About McDreams Hotel: Founded in 2009, McDreams is a family-run hotel brand offering affordable, comfortable accommodations at nine locations across Germany. With a “technology-first” philosophy, McDreams has established itself as one of the country’s most innovative hotel brands. The company focuses on the synergy between hospitality and commercial real estate, with ongoing expansion into prime locations offering strong infrastructure and access to retail hubs, industrial zones, and urban centers.
www.mcdreamshotels.de
