Many a weary traveler wants to save time when checking into their hotel room, especially after a long flight. The last thing they want after an exhausting flight--we all know how exhausting airlines are these days--is another wait at check-in. That's why many hotels are responding to their guests' wants by focusing more on automated check-in systems with interactive kiosks that offer flexibility and convenience.After all, guests are used to being able to check in ahead of time when they get on a plane to fly somewhere, so having that luxury when checking into their hotel makes a lot of sense. Whether it's offering special kiosks that speed up, simplify, and personalize the process for hotel guests or offering them the option to check-in on their mobile devices, more hotels are focused on improving the guest experience.Check-in KiosksMany hotels offer self-service kiosks for their guests to meet their desire for choice and convenience. By using self-service kiosks, hotel guests can check in, encode their room key, check out, and get a receipt without having to wait in line. This helps hotels utilize more of their front desk staff in customer service roles, such as assisting guests with other needs.Another benefit of self-service kiosks is that they open guests' eyes to the benefits of staying at that hotel. When they use the kiosks, they have easy access to hotel amenities and in-house services, which they might not be privy to when they check in at the front desk.In addition, hotels can personalize offers and promotions, such as coupons or vouchers. They can also target the needs of their guests, whether they want a specific type of room or to be on a particular floor. Whatever the need may be, being familiar with guest demographics and preferences is imperative.Self-service kiosks can be set up close enough to the front desk so the front desk and guest services staff can assist if needed. And they can be grouped together so that they are easily accessible, but with enough room between each one to provide privacy.Mobile Check-inAs with self-service kiosks, mobile check-in has allowed hotels to streamline the check-in process. During the past few years, mobile check-in has become more prevalent in hotels, which is a reflection of the fact that 51% of smartphone users now use their devices for travel-related activities. Hotel chains such as Marriott International offer mobile check-in/checkout and room ready alerts to their members, 12 million of whom have taken advantage of it during the past three years.Apps such as Marriott's offer guests features that allow them to communicate directly with hotel staff and make requests before they even check in. In addition, Marriott offers a mobile key at more than 500 hotels, which allows members to open their rooms with their smartphones.And Marriott isn't the only hotel chain offering a mobile check-in option. According to a study by PwC, at some point this year, two-thirds of all hotels will offer mobile check-in. And although the traditional check-in experience may not yet be a thing of the past, 60% of travelers say that they are more likely to select a hotel that offers a mobile check-in option.Technology is an ideal way to streamline your hospitality operations. It's all about smart resources. With digital kiosk check-in options, you can allocate your staff to areas where they can make a difference in customer relations and experience. At RedCell Technologies, we can help you create operational efficiencies through technology, allowing you to realign your people in roles that help them delight your customers.
