Contactless check-in has generated considerable interest in the hotel industry. Many businesses are adopting this technology to help guests book more quickly and efficiently.
A smooth check-in is crucial to a pleasant hotel experience, so there are always opportunities to improve it. More guests find it convenient to do it via their mobile phones or other devices while on the way to their room. It allows them to settle in comfortably with no long waits or feeling rushed during the front desk process.
So, what sets this technology apart, and why are hotels eager to implement it? Discover more about contactless check-in solutions and how they can improve your hospitality business in this article.
Key Takeaways
- Contactless check-in allows guests to check into their hotel room without interacting with front desk staff or touching surfaces like registration cards or kiosks.
- Hotels can enhance operations and improve the overall guest experience using contactless hotel check-in technology.
- By implementing this technology, hotel staff can experience a significant reduction in their workload.
- A successful solution requires ongoing performance monitoring and optimization.
What is a Contactless Check-In?
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 entire check-in experience quicker and more user-friendly.
Benefits of Contactless Check-In for Hotels
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.
A contactless check-in at a hotel allows guests to check in without handling credit cards or identification documents. It improves guest satisfaction, making a positive first impression by reducing wait times and offering a user-friendly method.
Hotel staff, especially those at the front desk, can implement contactless hotel check-in to ease their workload. Fewer guests needing manual check-ins means employees can focus on more important tasks. It frees them up to do things that directly contribute to smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
Employees now have more time to answer questions, suggest additional services, and enhance the overall guest experience. A less crowded front desk also creates a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
These digital solutions also boost security. The verification process becomes more efficient as you can use a mobile app or a hotel online check-in system for guest identification. It’s better than relying on physical key cards. Staff spend less time scanning cards or cross-checking names and more time on critical tasks.
Additionally, check-in software can help hotels save money by reducing reliance on physical items like key cards. Staff can also be more productive. These bonuses maximize business efficiency and drive revenue.
According to Deloitte, 56% of hotel managing directors expect automation to dramatically improve the guest experience. However, just 36% of hotels offer self-service check-in options. In today’s consumer-centered world, contactless check-in can help your hotel stay ahead.
Implementing Contactless Check-In in Hotels
To successfully implement contactless check-in, hotels should adopt a well-rounded approach covering technology, extensive staff training, and good guest communication.
Below are six steps to introduce these systems into your business.
Step 1: Choose the Right Technology Platform
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.
Step 2: Integrate with Existing Systems
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.
Step 3: Set Up Digital Key Access
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.
Step 4: Train Your Staff
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.
Step 5: Educate and Communicate with Guests
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.
Step 6: Monitor and Optimize the System
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.
4 of the Best Contactless Check-in Solutions for Hotels
The rapidly developing hotel industry requires efficient check-in software to optimize guest experiences. Below are four of the best solutions, each offering unique features to suit different management styles.
1. Canary Technologies
Canary Technologies is a standout 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 both efficiency and guest satisfaction.
2. Sojern
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 establishments to identify patterns, streamline operations, and improve the overall guest experience.
3. Cloudbeds
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.
4. HiJiffy
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.
Connecting Contactless Check-In with Smart TV Solutions
Pairing contactless check-in with smart TV technology enhances guest satisfaction and streamlines hotel operations. 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, hotels can offer a vast range of convenient services directly through their in-room smart TVs. Guests can explore restaurant options, schedule spa appointments, or learn about local attractions.
That said, integrating these technologies requires a reliable IPTV system that connects smoothly with your contactless check-in platform.
As a leader in hospitality technology, HotelSmarters provides IPTV solutions designed to complement hotels with contactless check-in. Our systems integrate with your existing operations to create a cohesive, hassle-free guest experience.
FAQs
Is contactless check-in safe?
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.
Why would guests use contactless check-in?
Guests prefer contactless check-in for its convenience and speed. They can check in on their schedule, avoiding queues and the front desk altogether.
What technology is used for contactless check-in?
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.
Can contactless check-in reduce hotel costs?
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.
Can contactless check-in systems integrate with other hotel technologies?
Yes, contactless check-in systems can integrate with smart TVs, CRMs, and in-room entertainment systems.
What are some popular contactless check-in solutions for hotels?
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.
Conclusion
Adopting a contactless check-in system is a game-changer for modern hotels. It boosts convenience, enhances security, and increases operational efficiency—all of which are crucial in today’s competitive hospitality industry.
By integrating contactless check-in, hotels offer guests a smooth, hassle-free experience from the moment they arrive. This technology also streamlines hotel operations, allowing staff to focus on delivering exceptional service.
At HotelSmarters, we provide customized solutions to seamlessly integrate your contactless check-in system with other advanced features, like smart TV management, creating a connected, elevated guest experience.
Ready to take your hotel to the next level? Partner with us today to transform your operations and enhance your guest services.
