Self-check in hotels is a hot topic. Why? Because it puts the hotel experience into the hands of guests, making it possible for them to choose how and when they check in. The more flexibility you offer your guests, the greater their satisfaction, and the more likely they are to become return visitors.
So, what exactly is a self-check-in kiosk, why is it important, and how does it work? What are the advantages and benefits, and how can you leverage technology to make the process as seamless as possible? We’ll answer all these questions in this complete guide to self-check in-kiosks for hotels.
Table of contents
What is a hotel self-check-in kiosk?
A hotel self-check-in kiosk is a piece of technology, often in the form of a tablet, that puts the check-in and check-out process directly into the hands of guests. These kiosks can handle everything from check-ins and check-outs to payments, key card creation and upsells that drive ancillary revenue. With animated, step-by-step guidance, guests can easily navigate through all the necessary steps.
Key features of these kiosks typically include a touchscreen interface, identity verification, payment processing, automatic room reassignments, room selection, and key cutting. They also allow guests to purchase additional services such as room upgrades, late check-outs, and other amenities. By leveraging automation, these kiosks enhance the guest experience, offering greater flexibility, convenience, and a modernized check-in and check-out process.
Why is self-check in important for hotels?
Self-check-in is a game-changer for hotels, transforming the traditional guest experience by shifting control from front desk staff to the guests themselves. This approach offers several advantages, such as allowing guests to check in at their convenience and bypass queues, enabling them to get to their rooms right away. It also frees up your front desk staff to focus on delivering more meaningful guest experiences. Additionally, self-check-in reduces the risk of manual errors since guests enter their own information, eliminating the need for back-and-forth communication with the front desk.
How does it work?
With Mews Kiosk, all you need is a tablet and a payment terminal. You can decide how many kiosks to set up, as well as where in your lobby is the best place to have them. You can also give it custom branding so that it’s adapted to your own style, from a screensaver that sets the ambiance in your lobby to personalized images and videos.
Guests will get step-by-step guidance and dynamic forms designed by your hotel to request the necessary information, such as verifying ID or entering personal details. Guests can pay in advance or register their credit card for any additional expenses during their stay. They can then cut their own keys and find their way quickly and easily to their hotel rooms.
Benefits of self-check-in technology
Self-check-in technology brings a range of benefits to your lobby and beyond, including:
Efficiency
Self-check-in is highly efficient, reducing the need for a large front desk staff, especially during peak times. This allows operational staff to focus on other tasks, such as enhancing the guest experience.
Convenience
Available 24/7, self-check-in eliminates concerns about long lines or late arrivals. After a long journey, guests can quickly check in without waiting, significantly improving first impressions.
Personalized Guest Experience
Self-check-in allows guests to select their preferences, such as room types and upgrades, and log special requests or occasions. This enables staff to further personalize each stay.
Cost Savings and boosted revenue
With guests managing their own check-in, labor costs are reduced. Additionally, guests can upsell themselves on options like room upgrades, parking, or special packages, driving ancillary revenue.
Streamlined data collection
Manual data entry by the front desk is time-consuming and prone to errors. Self-check-in streamlines data collection, providing quicker and more accurate insights.
Environmental benefits
Contactless check-in reduces paper consumption by using digital registration cards, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
How can Mews self-serve check-in kiosk help your property?
A Mews self serve check-in kiosk offers numerous advantages for your property.
Enables guests to get to their rooms quicker
The kiosk removes barriers to guests reaching their rooms upon arrival, saving them time and energy. After a long journey, most guests prefer to avoid small talk with front desk staff. Staff can save the friendly interactions for later, once guests have had a chance to rest.
Offering a personalized approach
Self-check-in kiosks can gather heaps of helpful data on guests, from their purchases to room preferences and special requirements. As they’re linked to the PMS, teams can ensure they’re using this information to anticipate guest needs and deliver even more amazing experiences.
Make upselling easy
By using self-service kiosks, guests can browse additional services at their own pace, free from the pressure of others. Whether it’s a room upgrade or spa amenities, this setup provides a seamless way to boost revenue without incurring extra labor costs.
Enables guests to leave quicker
Just as the self-check-in kiosk speeds up the arrival process, it also ensures a quick and painless departure. Guests can easily check out as they leave and deposit their keys, minimizing the risk of delays and allowing them to be on their way without hassle.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed what self-check-in kiosks are and how they work, as well as the advantages of contactless check-in over manual processes. As a forward-thinking hotelier, embracing innovations is key to enhancing guest satisfaction while boosting productivity and efficiency – and a self-service kiosk is a perfect example of this. Still need more reasons to make the switch?
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Author
Eva Lacalle
Eva has over a decade of international experience in marketing, communication, events and digital marketing. When she's not at work, she's probably surfing, dancing, or exploring the world.
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