From newcomer to a recognized industry leader: How Like Magic gained market visibility in less than a year

Like Magic is an AI-powered digital guest and operations solution for hotels and serviced living providers.

Originally conceived by the Swiss-based SV Group for its Hotel Kooook brand in 2023, Like Magic quickly developed into a unified hospitality ecosystem that:

• Consolidates all property management systems and data into one platform via a single login
• Reduces staff onboarding to hours instead of days with its easy-to-use interface
• Automates operations 24/7—from housekeeping and maintenance to guest communications, bookings, and property access
• Personalizes the guest experience with a self-management platform

Unlike most competitors, Like Magic doesn’t stop at solving technology fragmentation. It directly addresses the overlooked, yet critical, industry challenges of staffing shortages and employee burnout.

By enabling leaner teams to run properties on autopilot, Like Magic frees staff to focus on meaningful and more personalized guest interactions, achieving a win-win-win for guests, employees, and operators.

In just two years, Like Magic has built an impressive client base with proven results of increased operational efficiency, enhanced guest satisfaction, and improved staff retention across properties of all sizes.

Sharing Like Magic’s customer stories with the world was a top priority. They would allow Like Magic to show its real-world impact on the industry and differentiate itself from competitors.

We created a portfolio of case studies and turned the strongest ones into press releases, which multiple trade publications picked up:

• Hospitality Technology published how the German hotel group, McDreams, uses Like Magic as its guest experience and operational hub, enabling it to run its 131-room Stuttgart property with only three on-site employees.
• Top Hotel published how Like Magic enabled McDreams to be the first European operator with a 100% AI-powered phone system
• Hotel Management Network highlighted how the Viennese Schani Hotel Group increased employee retention, guest app usage by 900%, and efficiency by 30% via Like Magic’s multi-functional technology.
• Travolution shared how the Düsseldorf-based Zipper Hotel & Apartments streamlined 80% of its operations—a team of six now manages 168 rooms with Like Magic.

Many international and regional trade publications also showcased these stories, including:

• Hotel Speak
• 10 Minutes Hotels
• Web in Travel
• Hotels News Resource
• Hotel Magazine
• Top German-language publications like ahgz, Tageskarte, Hotelier.de, Hotel Vor9, and ÖGZ

We followed the case studies with multiple opinion pieces on what Like Magic does best in the hospitality sector: sustainability, automation, and employee satisfaction.

Like Magic’s employee-wellbeing advocacy resonated with many major publications:

• Travolution shared how the right tech can empower employees
• Hotel Management Network highlighted why balancing the employee and guest experiences is important in digitalizing hotel operations

Like Magic’s opinions on AI in hospitality also struck a chord with numerous top outlets:

• PhocusWire showcased views on generative AI in a feature article
• Boutique Hotel News published two thought leadership pieces about AI’s role as an employee assistant and its importance in energy management and efficiency
• Travolution interviewed Markus on the tech’s immediate, future, and ethical impacts
• Hospitality Technology published Antonia’s commentary on the overlooked role of a ‘guest journey manager’ and promoted it on social media

Other highlights include:

• Forbes published an expert quote by Markus on smart lock integrations, a key feature of Like Magic. This story was widely syndicated in the US, including top-tier publications like The Seattle Times
• ahgz, a top tier DACH title, interviewed Markus on hospitality tech trends

While case studies put Like Magic’s innovation on the map, thought leadership helped to distinguish it from the intense competition. This combination drove home its greater industry impact over competitors.

Markus especially valued Abode’s depth of industry knowledge and speed. “We suddenly went from zero customer success stories to 10 published on our site,” he said.

He also appreciated the ripple effect the increased visibility had on Like Magic’s customers, showcased in the case studies. “It’s not only good for us, it’s also good for our customers who receive greater recognition for being innovative and feel valued for that.”

Our industry specialization allowed us to spot trends and the right conversations for Like Magic to participate in. The increased visibility helped the company earn the recognition it deserved as an unparalleled innovator in hospitality tech.

Contact us today if you want to gain market recognition and be in the conversations that matter. We’d love to talk.