About Hotel Schneider am Maar
A visit to Hotel Schneider am Maar in Germany's volcanic Eifel region is an experience that blends warm hospitality and regional quality with digital excellence. Family-owned since 1868 and now run by three brothers in the sixth generation, this charming hotel has 24 rooms and five shepherd's wagons on its own campsite.
It's a prime example of how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, when technology is seen as an enabler of better processes and deeper guest engagement. When Christopher Mölder, one of the three brothers, took over operations in 2023, he knew one thing for sure: the future lies in the cloud. His choice? Mews, a modern property management system that doesn't just manage, but actively shapes the guest experience.
"Dedicate time to onboarding and be willing to really understand the system's features. If you do, you'll be rewarded with an intuitive platform that's constantly evolving. Mews doesn't just think ahead; it grows with us."
From HS3 to Mews: a smart system switch
Challenge
Previously, the hotel had used the well-known but limited HS3 system, since acquired by Mews. The switch was driven by a desire to embrace modern cloud capabilities and improve day-to-day operations.
Solution
With features like welcome and follow-up emails and convenient online check-in, the new PMS brings the guest experience up to today's expectations. Christopher personally oversaw the implementation, including configuring packages, setting up interfaces and training the team through Mews University. The tailored course for ex HS3 customers – also available in German – includes learning tips, strategies and top insights from other customers.
Result
- The transition to Mews was completed in just a few weeks
"The onboarding process was intense, but definitely worth it. Now I know exactly how Mews works, and that gives me confidence."
More time for genuine hospitality
Challenge
The team aimed to improve the guest journey, so they could focus more on real hospitality.
Solution
Automated pre-arrival emails and online check-ins now ensure that guests receive all necessary information before their stay, including check-in times, parking options and restaurant hours. Now, when guests have questions, they're usually about hiking routes or restaurant tips. The team finally has time to focus on those personal touches again.
Result
- Digitalization has significantly reduced front desk inquiries
- More time for genuine conversations
"In the past, guests would arrive at the parking gate not knowing what to do. Now, they receive information in advance and arrive much more relaxed."
Dining made simple: POS that just works
Challenge
The team wanted to streamline their workflow so both staff and guests could have a more enjoyable dining experience.
Solution
Hotel Schneider am Maar uses Mews POS to seamlessly connect their restaurant, café and hotel operations. Orders from the restaurant are automatically linked to guest profiles and rooms, allowing guests to charge meals directly to their stay with no manual entry required. Staff benefit from real-time syncing between the POS and PMS, reducing errors and saving valuable time, while guests enjoy a frictionless dining experience that feels like a natural extension of their stay.
Result
- Smoother guest experience
- Detailed reporting gives the team better visibility into revenue streams
Marketplace magic: linking systems effortlessly
Challenge
The team was really impressed with Mews Marketplace, which works like an app store and offers ready-to-use connections. This was a clear improvement over the past, when every integration required a special request, long waiting times and additional costs.
Solution
The hotel now uses integrations with DIRS21 (channel manager) and Salto (door access system). Everything connects seamlessly: online check-in triggers the sending of the door code, while new bookings from the channel manager are immediately enriched with specific rate rules in Mews. A planned integration with Gastfreund for the digital guest directory is already underway. Soon, room information, restaurant hours and hiking tips will be sent directly to guests' smartphones.
Result
- No more duplicate data entry, leading to fewer errors and guest inquiries
"The big difference compared to our old system is that everything works together now. I no longer have to copy or check data manually - I can trust that the system runs smoothly."
Looking ahead
While there are no hard ROI figures yet, the benefits are already evident: more efficient operations, happier guests, fewer errors and better reviews. Ratings have improved significantly since the brothers took over, thanks in part to enhanced communication with guests through Mews.
Christopher concludes: "I wanted a system that wouldn't tie me to a desk. I wanted the flexibility to work from anywhere, even from home."
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