December 4, 2024
Seamless check-ins, stress-free stays – technology is the new concierge.
This is precisely what contactless check-in is about: providing smooth check-ins to increase guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Contactless check-in has generated considerable interest in the hotel industry, so hospitality businesses are adopting this technology to help guests book more quickly and efficiently.
More than half of the guests prefer checking in via mobile phones or other devices while going to their rooms.
So, let’s see what makes contactless check-in so wanted by hotel guests.
A contactless check-in system enables guests to check into their rooms without engaging hotel staff or touching physical surfaces, like registration forms or kiosks. Digital tools like mobile apps or self-service kiosks power this process.
Guests can use their mobile devices to check in, get their door key, and even order room service. It reduces the risk of germ transmission and limits in-person interactions.
Adopting contactless check-in offers several advantages, like prioritizing hygiene. It also simplifies the booking process, allowing guests to save time and enjoy a seamless stay.
These systems usually support digital authorizations and payments, too. Guests can scan their passports and complete transactions directly from their devices.
This means no more tiresome paperwork, making the check-in experience quicker and more user-friendly.
Using contactless check-in can drastically improve hotel operations, speeding up processes while enhancing the guest experience. The primary advantages of this system are efficiency and simplicity.
With Siteminder predicting a 2.5% increase in global hotel occupancy, every competitive edge counts—and contactless check-in is no exception.
Contactless check-in streamlines the arrival process, eliminating the need for physical credit cards or identification documents. By reducing wait times and offering a user-friendly experience, your hotel makes a strong first impression, leading to higher guest satisfaction.
With fewer guests requiring manual check-ins, front desk employees can focus on more critical tasks. This shift allows them to provide personalized service, answer guest inquiries, and enhance overall hospitality.
A less crowded front desk fosters a calm, inviting environment. Employees can dedicate more time to engaging with guests, recommending services, and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable stay.
Digital check-in solutions enhance security by leveraging mobile apps or online verification systems. These methods are more efficient and reliable than traditional physical key cards, allowing staff to focus on essential operations rather than manual identity checks.
Hotels can cut costs by reducing their reliance on physical items like key cards. Additionally, automated check-in software increases staff productivity, optimizes operations, and boosts revenue.
According to Deloitte, 56% of hotel managing directors anticipate automation will significantly enhance the guest experience. However, only 36% of hotels currently offer self-service check-in options. In today’s consumer-driven landscape, adopting contactless check-in ensures hotels remain competitive and meet evolving guest expectations.
To successfully implement contactless check-in, you must adopt a well-rounded approach that includes technology, extensive staff training, and good guest communication.
Below are six steps to implement these systems into your business.
Selecting the right platform is vital for a successful operation. Look for software that integrates seamlessly with your current property management system (PMS).
A good platform should offer mobile check-in hotel features, digital keys, and secure payments. Ensure it’s user-friendly and supports multiple languages to enhance the guest experience.
Integrating your remote check-in hotel system with existing hotel operations ensures a smooth transition. This process includes combining your billing, guest data, and real-time room availability updates with your PMS. Adding this functionality to your customer relationship management (CRM) system also improves personalized guest communication.
A major component of hotel mobile check-in is offering digital keys. Guests can use a smartphone app to access their room, bypassing the front desk. Reliable technology is essential to providing a smooth guest experience and enhancing security.
Train your staff to understand what contactless check-in is. Doing so ensures the successful implementation of these systems. Employees should be familiar with the technology and its role in the workflow. They must be able to help guests with the check-in process and troubleshoot any issues. Training should also cover the management of digital keys and mobile apps.
Explain the new process clearly to your guests through email alerts, website updates, and mobile app instructions. Providing clear, easy-to-follow directions helps clients feel confident using the system. Highlighting the benefits, like convenience, safety, and time savings, encourages them to embrace the technology.
Continual monitoring and optimization contribute to the long-term success of a contactless check-in system. Gather feedback from staff and guests to identify issues and areas for improvement. Analyzing system data also provides insights into client preferences and behaviors, helping you refine the process over time.
The rapidly developing hotel industry requires efficient check-in software to optimize guest experiences. Below are the four best solutions, each offering unique features to suit different management styles.
Canary Technologies stands out for front desk operations, offering tools to speed up and streamline the check-in process. Guests can complete their check-in before arrival, reducing wait times and congestion at the front desk.
Canary integrates smoothly with your existing hotel systems, ensuring operational harmony across departments. The platform also offers digital registration cards and secure payment options, boosting efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Sojern leverages powerful data insights to enhance guest loyalty and engagement. Through advanced analytics, hotels can understand customer behavior and preferences, allowing them to personalize experiences.
Moreover, Sojern’s seamless integration with CRM and marketing platforms enables hotels to create customized campaigns that build long-term relationships. These data-driven features enable establishments to identify patterns, streamline operations, and improve the overall guest experience.
Cloudbeds is a comprehensive platform that excels in managing guest communication from pre-arrival to post-departure. With an all-in-one solution, contactless hotel check-in is a convenient, smooth, and hassle-free experience.
Cloudbeds also handles post-stay follow-ups, upselling opportunities, and special requests, helping hotels maintain continuous engagement with guests. This platform’s ability to elevate guest satisfaction leads to positive reviews and repeat visits.
HiJiffy uses AI to handle multiple guest services, from room service requests to digital check-in queries. By streamlining these interactions, HiJiffy allows hotel staff to focus on more complex tasks, improving overall efficiency and enhancing the guest experience. Its wide-ranging language support makes it a versatile tool for hotels catering to an international audience.
Smart TVs can display everything—from personalized welcome messages and hotel promotions to customized notifications and on-demand entertainment options—all tailored to unique guest preferences.
With a smart TV management platform, you can offer a vast range of convenient services directly through your in-room smart TVs. Guests can explore restaurant options, schedule spa appointments, or learn about local attractions.
Integrating these technologies requires a reliable system that connects smoothly with your contactless check-in platform.
As a leader in hospitality technology, HotelSmarters provides solutions designed to complement hotels with contactless check-in. Our systems integrate with your existing operations to create a cohesive, hassle-free guest experience.
Contact us to elevate your guest experience with smart TV solutions for your hospitality business needs.
Adopting a contactless check-in system is a game-changer for modern hotels. It boosts convenience, enhances security, and increases operational efficiency—all crucial in today’s competitive hospitality industry.
By integrating contactless check-in, hotels offer guests a smooth, hassle-free experience from arrival. This technology streamlines hotel operations, allowing staff to focus on delivering exceptional service.
Yes, contactless check-in is safe when you implement it with proper security protocols. These systems use encryption and secure data transmission to protect guest information.
Guests prefer contactless check-in for its convenience and speed. They can check in on their schedule, avoiding queues and the front desk altogether.
Hotels use mobile apps and digital key technology for contactless check-in. They integrate with the hotel’s PMS, providing real-time room availability and secure payments.
Yes, contactless check-in for a hotel reduces costs by removing the need for physical key cards. It minimizes front desk labor and optimizes staff allocation.
Yes, contactless check-in systems can integrate with smart TVs, CRMs, and in-room entertainment systems.
Popular contactless check-in hotel solutions include Canary Technologies, Sojern, Cloudbeds, and HiJiffy. Each offers features like mobile check-in, digital keys, and guest engagement tools.
Co-founder / CTO
Hi, I'm Armen, the CTO and Co-Founder of inoRain OTT, as well as the Co-Founder of HotelSmarters. With 15+ years of background in digital streaming technology, I specialize in OTT strategies and interactive TV solutions, helping businesses maximize their revenue potential. At HotelSmarters, I focus on leveraging tech to transform hotel operations, while at inoRain, I drive innovation in end-to-end OTT solutions. Let’s connect and explore new opportunities!
