How did this cheap hotel become one of the most sought after destinations in Los Angeles? The Magic Castle Hotel looks like any other cheap LA stopover. At $250 - $300 a night, this converted two-story 1950’s apartment complex, painted canary yellow, with its tiny backyard pool, is hardly the place dreams are made of. And yet, The Magic Castle is routinely ranked in the top 10 hotels in LA on TripAdvisor. They’re batting away competition like the Hotel Bel-Air ($1,500 a night) and the Four Seasons Beverley Hills ($1,200 a night). What is their secret? According to Chip Heath, a Stanford Business School professor, it is their ability to create what he calls “defining moments” - moments that bring meaning to our lives and linger long in our memories. The most famous of these is the Popsicle Hotline. At any time, visitors at the hotel’s pool can pick up a red phone on the poolside wall. At the other end, someone responds: “Hello, Popsicle Hotline.” They request an ice lolly in their favourite flavour, and a few minutes later, a hotel employee wearing white gloves delivers it on a silver platter, free of charge. Kids get immense joy from this. They never forget it - and neither do their parents. This is what makes the Magic Castle such a hit. Great lesson for founders everywhere! You've got to create "popsicle moments" for your customers :-)
Love this. Also now want to stay there. Such a simple thing - like the ‘press for champagne’ button at Bob Bob Ricard. It’s these little big details that go a long way.
Clever, and life moments post COVID19 is all we want now. Memories are far more valuable than money especially when you have lost friends.
On this theme I recently read Unreasonable Hospitality - worth any founder having a read to get some more inspiration on how to create moments of delight.
Or just be a little different… a little weird… or just care that the little things matter and make people smile ☺️
Love this. You don't have to do everything well, as long as you do one thing INCREDIBLY well. That's the thing people will talk about. 👏
They also sponsor a little event in Melbourne called Traveleague every year, so have a very strong reputation with travel agents.
Love this. Ella-Louise Andrew (Gaskell) Zoe Jervoise Graham Zoe Kozlik - something to consider for our user experience and journey.
this content is just a super hit for you guys, right? ;)
Cofounder @ Odin | Deploy Capital Seamlessly
9mohere's the famous telephone in all its glory!