Speedy service, pain-free admin and short waiting times are key demands of hotel guests today. Since digital tools are part of our everyday existence, why not use them to ensure each guest’s all-important first impression of your hotel goes without a hitch? Here’s how contactless check-in is changing traditional reception desks for the better.

Hotel guest satisfaction plummets after a mere five minute wait at check-in. That can mean negative reviews, lost loyalty and reducing revenues – all within minutes of a guest stepping through the door. So unless you can absolutely guarantee a face-to-face check-in process that will beat this ticking check-in clock, is it really worth the risk of not going digital?

Contactless check-in is a technology-driven process that allows hotel guests to check-in and access their rooms without the need for traditional, in-person interactions at the reception desk. This future-proofing method can leverage various digital tools to improve the check-in experience – and it’s a trend that travellers are embracing.

The contactless check-in experience can include some or all of the following:

• Kiosks: One option for contactless check-in is the use of self-service kiosks stationed in the hotel lobby. Great user experience is central to kiosk design. Your guests are guided through a speedy check-in process, which typically includes scanning their ID and confirming their reservation details. They can even make additional service requests – which is also a helpful upselling tool for hotels. Kiosks are designed to be user-friendly with clear instructions, and they succeed in reducing overall wait times. Our SIHOT.KIOSK technology enables this, and adds in possibilities for guests to upgrade their room and bolt on extra services, such as breakfast or booking the hotel shuttle.
• Remote check-in: Offering remote check-in through a dedicated hotel appor web link is game changing for guests and hotels. Guests log in using their reservation information, and complete the check-in process from anywhere. For example, they could be in transit or just arriving at the hotel – whatever suits them. This approach allows for an entirely seamless experience, whereby guests can bypass the lobby altogether. The SIHOT.GO! app enables pre-check-in, as well as a range of other features that help hotels improve efficiency.
• Mobile door keys: To complement the contactless check-in process, many hotels now offer mobile door keys. Once guests have checked in via a kiosk or app, they receive a digital key on their smartphones. This key can be used to unlock their hotel room door simply by holding the phone near the lock, eliminating the need for physical key cards. This not only enhances convenience but also adds an extra layer of security, as digital keys can be remotely issued and revoked as needed. SIHOT.KIOSK enables guests to encode a key card at the check-in terminal, or they can use their smartphone to open their room door.

Contactless check-in is completely revolutionising traditional reception desks by reducing, or even eliminating, the need for prolonged face-to-face interactions. By automating the check-in process through self-service kiosks and mobile apps, hotels can significantly cut down on wait times, allowing front desk staff to focus on providing more personalised services and addressing complex guest needs.

In many limited budgetand economy/budget hotels, the front desk has more or less been eliminated – a trend also seen in serviced apartments. Even luxury hotels are exploring the digital check in offering for different guest profiles.

This shift not only optimises resource allocation but also creates a more flexible and dynamic reception area, paving the way for a forward-thinking, guest-oriented approach to hospitality. With digital keys further streamlining the process, the traditional reception desk is evolving into a multifunctional hub that incorporates both technological advancements and human touch, ultimately setting new standards for future hotel experiences.

To fulfil guest expectations in today’s quickly innovating world, hotels must strike a delicate balance between embracing digital technology and maintaining the warmth and personal touch that define exceptional hospitality. While contactless check-in and mobile keys cater to the need for convenience and efficiency, the human element shouldn’t be overlooked.

Hotels can harness digital tools to streamline administrative processes, allowing their staff to focus on delivering personalised guest experiences. For instance, automated systems can handle routine check-ins enabling front desk personnel to engage more meaningfully and authentically with guests by offering tailored recommendations and addressing specific preferences or issues. Integrating technology with attentive, human-centric service, hotels ensure they meet and exceed guest expectations, creating memorable stays that foster loyalty and positive reviews.

Contact us to find out how SIHOT.KIOSK and the SIHOT.GO! app can help you offer contactless check-in to your hotel guests.