Technology continues to transform the human experience, and the hospitality industry is no exception. In recent years, hospitality technology has evolved rapidly, and it has forever changed the way guests experience their hotel stays. One area where technology has made a significant impact is the hotel check-in process.
Hospitality technology is making the overall hotel experience more efficient, safer, and enjoyable than ever before. From booking online to using apps for securing amenities before or during a hotel stay, hospitality technology has streamlined the hotel experience, making the process more convenient for travelers. Here are several ways the check-in experience has felt hospitality technology’s impact:
Mobile Check-in
Mobile check-in is a revolution in hospitality technology and is quickly gaining popularity. With mobile check-in, guests can use their smartphones to check themselves in remotely before arriving at the hotel. Guests can download a hotel’s app (or, in some cases, a web portal), enter their personal and payment information, and receive a digital room key.
Mobile check-in allows guests to skip the front desk entirely. Guests can walk into the hotel, go directly to their room, and unlock their doors using their smartphone. Additionally, mobile check-in can help hotels collect valuable guest data and feedback, which they can use to improve their services and tailor their offerings to individual guests.
Mobile check-in is not only convenient for guests but can also enhance security. With traditional keys, there is always the risk of loss, which can compromise the security of the room. With keyless entry, guests can be assured that only they and authorized personnel can enter their room.
Self-Check-in Kiosks
Self-check-in kiosks are on the rise, becoming increasingly popular as an option for the guest experience at hotels. These kiosks are self-service machines that allow guests to check themselves in without the assistance of someone at the front desk. They are outfitted with touch screens and payment systems that accept credit cards and dispense room keys. Guests can complete the entire check-in process in a matter of minutes without having to wait in line. They serve as an extension of the self-service check-in that mobile apps enable and cover those who want a physical key card over a digital key.
Self-check-in kiosks are great for both hotels and guests. Hotels benefit from increased efficiency, and during staffing shortages, kiosks can pick up where front desk personnel left off. With self-check-in kiosks, hotel guests can receive a faster and more convenient check-in experience, especially during off hours. Additionally, self-check-in kiosks reduce the chance for errors in the check-in process by having the guest enter their information directly into the system.
Virtual Check-in Assistance
Virtual check-in assistance is another hotel hospitality technology that is transforming the way guests check-in. With virtual assistance, guests can connect with a front desk agent through a video call and complete the check-in process remotely, sometimes hours before they arrive. The agent can answer any questions the guest may have and guide them through the process—just as they would in person.
Virtual check-in assistance is useful for guests who are unfamiliar with the hotel or are visiting for the first time. It can also be helpful for guests who have special requests or require additional assistance, from securing a room with an accessible bathroom to ordering food for their arrival. By providing a personal touch, even when checking in remotely, hotels can create a more welcoming and accommodating environment for their guests.
Smart Room Controls
Digital-first interactions can extend to the in-room experience, too. Smart room controls provide guests with the ability to use their phones to control various aspects of their room, such as the light, temperature, and entertainment system.
Smart room controls allow guests to personalize the room; they can adjust the lighting to a preferred level, set the temperature to their liking, and access their favorite shows or music from their own devices. Additionally, smart room controls help hotels conserve energy by allowing guests to turn off lights and other electronics when they are not in use. Guests can even save their preferred settings that are then automatically applied when they stay at a brand again.
Hospitality technology is evolving, and it continues to modernize the check-in experience, making it more convenient, efficient, and personalized for guests. Mobile check-in, self-check-in kiosks, and smart room controls are just a few of the examples of technologies that are not only improving the guest experience but are also benefiting hotels by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing security. As hotel hospitality technology continues to evolve, the industry can expect to see more innovative solutions that will further optimize the check-in experience and enhance the overall guest experience at hotels around the world.
