Exploring the major benefits of online check-in for hotels
Online Hotel check-in
Online check-in can completely transform the guest experience at your hotel. It allows your guests to check in beforehand, which can be very convenient when they are in a hurry or arriving late. This way, you can make a fantastic first impression. Contactless check-in also enables your staff to focus on more urgent tasks.
So, what is online check-in, how does it work and what are its benefits? Keep reading to discover the key benefits of this hospitality trend that is here to stay.”
Online check-in: what is it exactly?
By leveraging technology, online check-in simplifies the standard check-in procedure. Guests receive an email before their arrival at the hotel with a link to your PMS, where they can verify their identification documents and add their arrival time, personal information, and credit card details. This streamlines the arrival process seamlessly. During online check-in, your guests can also request extras, which we will address later on.
Why do you need online check-in?
Online check-in assists your hotel staff in making operations run more smoothly, emphasizing a digital approach and self-service. It allows guests to complete the check-in process remotely, reducing queues at the front desk and enabling a more efficient allocation of staff resources. It also enhances the hotel guest experience, cutting long queues and making the arrival much more enjoyable.
Once at the hotel, guests only need to stop by the reception or use the self-service kiosk to pick up their keys and confirm their arrival. Want to make the check-in process even simpler? Consider offering digital keys.
Top ways hotels benefit from online check-in
In the new era of hospitality, technology is no longer an option but rather a necessity in shaping the guest experience. Let's evaluate all the benefits of online check-in to help you better understand its importance.
1. Enhanced guest experience
The secret to a stellar guest experience? Provide services and features that let guests take the experience into their own hands. When you ask your guests to check in online, but they choose not to, they’ll have no reason to complain if the front desk queues are longer than usual.
It's about training your guests to be responsible for their hotel experience by giving them the tools that make it a smooth process. Most guests form their first impressions during check-in, so impress them with a seamless experience. Find out how to boost the guest journey at every stage.
2. Impoved efficienty
For us, efficiency means guests scanning their passport, receiving their key, and heading straight to their room. And this doesn't just apply to your guests – your reception staff no longer have to waste time on the administrative tasks associated with check-in. Instead, they can focus on providing personalized service and upselling.
3. Streamlined operations
Hotel operations should continuously evolve and improve. If you want happier staff, set them free from spreadsheets, phone calls and emails that often come with standard check-in. Release them from unnecessary admin so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions with guests. This approach will lead to a better experience for everyone.
4.Reduced cancellations
Online check-in presents an opportunity to provide guests with fun and informative details about your hotel and the destination. Share more about the neighborhood, amenities, and recommended activities. Paint an inspiring picture for your guests to engage them more in the experience – reducing the likelihood of cancellations to nearly zero.
6. Enhanced brand awareness
How about implementing online check-in in your brand strategy? Guests can familiarize themselves with your brand ahead of arrival. They can explore all the ways you offer to enhance their experience and even book additional services.
6. Reduced cancellations
Online check-in presents an opportunity to provide guests with fun and informative details about your hotel and the destination. Share more about the neighborhood, amenities, and recommended activities. Paint an inspiring picture for your guests to engage them more in the experience – reducing the likelihood of cancellations to nearly zero.
7. Lowered costs
Without online check-in, you need more staff to prevent long waiting times at reception. However, this leads to higher operational costs, which cut into your hotel's profits. Here is a solution: use hotel digital registration cards of the hotel to increase guest satisfaction while reducing costs.
Conclusion
We've discussed the benefits of online check-in for hotels, including cost reduction, decreased cancellations, improved efficiency, enhanced brand awareness, streamlined operations, the ability to offer extras, and an improved guest experience. Are you ready to capitalize on all the advantages of online check-in at your hotel?
