Zipper Hotel sets new standard with ultra-lean team powered by advanced technology

GERMANY – The Zipper Hotel & Apartments in Düsseldorf has redefined hotel management by seamlessly operating a 168-room establishment with just six staff members.

Opened in November 2023, the hotel attributes its efficiency to “Like Magic,” a sophisticated tech platform enabling streamlined operations and exceptional guest experiences.

Unlike traditional hotels requiring large teams, The Zipper has embraced technology to revolutionize daily operations. Co-founders Otto Konstantin Lindner and Tobias Sebastian Oberdieck designed the hotel with efficiency and automation at its core.

“Without Like Magic, we couldn’t have achieved what we have here,” said Lindner. “This platform allows us to focus on what truly matters to our guests while maintaining a high standard of service.”

The technology consolidates key functions into a single interface. Tasks such as guest check-ins, food orders, and room access are handled digitally, often without staff intervention. Guests can request services or create keyless room passes directly through their smartphones.

Despite its lean staffing model, the hotel has achieved remarkable guest satisfaction. Reviews on platforms such as Google and Booking.com rate the hotel at 4.6 and 8.8, respectively.

The intuitive design of Like Magic also enables rapid staff onboarding, with new employees trained in just 1.5 days.

Oberdieck highlighted the simplicity and effectiveness of the system, explaining that it has created a small yet passionate team capable of achieving the same productivity as a much larger workforce.

“Seventy percent of our guests prefer using WhatsApp for communication,” said Oberdieck. “This shows the demand for seamless and instant services, which our system provides effortlessly.”

Broader industry implications

The success of The Zipper reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry toward integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.

AI adoption is projected to grow significantly, with 47% of businesses planning increased investments in the next two years.

Panelists at a recent Shiji webinar emphasized the importance of thoughtful AI application. Howard Phung of Pro-Invest Group commented, “AI is a tool meant to enhance human interaction, not replace it.”

Luxury hotels are leading this transformation, using AI for personalized guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Predictive maintenance has already reduced costs by up to 30%, while AI-driven revenue systems are increasing profitability by improving strategies like dynamic pricing.

The Zipper Hotel’s success story offers a glimpse into what the future may hold for the industry. Markus Feller, CEO of Like Magic, believes the potential of such platforms is far from exhausted. “Automation is helping solve staffing challenges while enhancing service quality,” Feller noted.

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