“We like to try new things, sometimes last minute, so it’s important to have a system that can keep up. Mews is a solid foundation for how we innovate, operate and grow.”
About Lebowski Hospitality Group
How do you turn a bold idea, like opening a pop-up hostel in just two weeks, into a smooth, guest-ready operation? For Lebowski Hospitality Group, that kind of challenge isn’t the exception. It’s part of their DNA. A proud member of Europe’s Famous Hostels, the fast-growing Budapest-based portfolio operates nine properties, including Maverick City Lodge hostels and Lebowski Hotel Collection.
From seasonal pop-ups to permanent properties, the team sought technology that would let them experiment freely, scale confidently and put the guest experience first. That’s why they chose Mews.
One unified system for a diverse portfolio
Challenge
As Lebowski Hospitality expanded into boutique hotels and aparthotels, the group needed a system flexible enough to handle multiple property types, workflows and guest experiences. They also needed a platform that made onboarding, training and scaling simpler.
Solution
In 2018, the team adopted Mews to build a flexible operational foundation that could be customized to each property. With one cloud-based system, workflows are consistent, staff can move between locations and train easily – a critical factor when running multiple properties and opening new ones. Mews makes daily operations smoother and more flexible, and one of the biggest advantages is how fast people can learn the system.
Result
- Unified, consistent operations and workflows across all properties
- Faster onboarding, training and less troubleshooting
- Cloud-native, flexible system that supports future growth
“New staff get comfortable with Mews in just a few shifts, which makes a huge difference when scaling or opening something new.”
Two weeks to launch pop-up hostels
Challenge
In 2022 and 2024, the team had an opportunity to transform university dormitories into summer pop-up hostels, with just a two-week timeline to go live. Hiring staff, setting up systems and preparing operations had to happen almost overnight.
Solution
Because Mews was already integrated across their portfolio, the team could deploy the pop-ups without rebuilding processes from scratch. Staff mastered the system quickly, even those with no prior hospitality experience. Mews played a huge role in their ability to launch the pop-up.
Result
- Pop-up hostels live in 2 weeks
- 1–2 days to onboard
- Staff trained in just a few shifts, even those with no prior hospitality experience
“We were able to go live within a few days, which is incredible considering how last-minute it was.”
Enhanced digital guest journeys
Challenge
Digital-native travelers expect smooth, fast experiences from booking to check-in and payment. Busy front-desk staff struggled to balance admin with seamless and meaningful guest engagement.
Solution
With Mews, the guest arrival experience has been transformed from a time-consuming task into a seamless digital journey. Guests can now check in effortlessly before they arrive through the Guest Portal or use Mews Kiosk for a fast, self-service arrival on site. By removing repetitive front-desk tasks, staff now have more time to focus on creating memorable guest experiences. Instead of being tied up with paperwork, teams can welcome guests personally, share local recommendations and make every arrival feel more warm and helpful.
Result
- 22% online check-in adoption at flagship hostels
- Less admin, more guest interactions
“Mews has had a huge impact on check-in. A lot of the process is automated and easy to handle, so our front desk staff don’t have to focus on admin.”
31% direct bookings with Mews
Challenge
Lebowski relied heavily on OTAs to fill rooms, which increased commission costs and limited control over guest communication. The team wanted a way to boost direct bookings without adding complexity to daily operations.
Solution
With the Mews Booking Engine, it’s now easy for guests to book directly online. The system integrates seamlessly with the PMS and automates pre-arrival communications, upsells and guest data management, all while reducing manual work for staff. Thanks to Mews, Lebowski is now less dependent on OTAs, saves a lot on commission costs and keeps a better margin on those bookings. Direct bookings also give them more control over communication and the guest relationship, which is just as important as the financial side.
Result
- 31% of reservations booked directly via Mews Booking Engine
- Reduced dependence on OTAs, lower commission costs and improved margins
- Enhanced guest communication and relationship management
Payments, compliance and operational control
Challenge
Managing multiple properties in Hungary meant navigating complex tax rules while maintaining fast, reliable payments.
Solution
By connecting Mews PMS, Mews Payments and accounting workflows, Lebowski reduced reconciliation work and gained financial visibility across the group. Hungary has one of the most complicated tax systems, but payments in Mews automatically flow into accounting, simplifying revenue tracking and compliance.
Result
- 60%+ digital wallet adoption using Mews Payments
- Simplified billing and reporting
- Greater confidence in financial operations
Looking ahead
With nine properties live and new concepts like Maverick Athenaeum joining the portfolio, Lebowski Hospitality Group continues to grow its presence across Budapest.Their focus is now on smarter use of guest data to deliver more personalized experiences. By refining segmentation and automation, the team plans to tailor communications and recommend relevant local experiences for their guests.
“We want to keep experimenting with new concepts and guest experiences, and for that, we need a system like Mews that doesn’t slow us down,” says Olivér.
