A 24-hour reception is tempting, but expensive: Try contactless check-in

Is your hotel supposed to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Guests are increasingly craving relaxation without restrictions, but operations often lack the funds. Fortunately, there is an effective solution to both problems. Self-service check-in and check-out occur online, and the hotel can be kept open even without a reception. Cheap, easy, smart.

Hotels lack staff, but night reception is a must for clients

The accommodation sector is still in crisis. During the worst waves of Covid, occupancy rates dropped by 91%, with revenues from tourism down considerably and only slowly improving. Good quality employees are in short supply, with up to 60% of hoteliers saying that positions are going left unfilled. Potential candidates can only be attracted to take up positions with extra benefits and higher salaries, which not every company can afford.

Despite all this, client demands are growing. They don’t want to worry about their arrival time and rush unnecessarily. They are used to 24-hour receptions that can accommodate them 24/7. In addition, the new generation strongly prefers 100% contactless services and self-service check-in. 

How should hoteliers respond to the current situation and latest developments? 

They can’t invest to improve recruitment. After all, money is already lacking for higher salaries. For the same reason, the introduction of night shifts is often not an option. Nor is it recommended to pragmatically limit operations, which often results in an even greater loss of guests.

The modern solution is an online hotel without reception

How do you balance increasing customer demands when you don’t have the resources? Take advantage of self-service accommodation technology.

Self-service receptions are experiencing a big boom. The system independently handles reservations, check-in and check-out with the client. This creates several invaluable advantages for hoteliers.

• Technological solutions will completely replace receptionists, thereby addressing the staffing shortage. 
• Hundreds of thousands in operating costs will be saved.
• Smart solutions cater to those clients who require unrestricted accommodation and human contact. 
• Everything works on the basis of simple applications.

Current contactless check-in options

Technological solutions currently cover all phases of accommodation, from booking and managing the reservation and communication with the client, through handing over and collecting the keys, to actual access to the rooms.

Special self-service boxes enable the contactless hand over of keys or room cards. Basic versions feature mechanical locks that you have to manually change periodically and inform clients accordingly. Acquisition and operating costs are minimal. However, this type of box is not very safe. Especially if you forget to change the code between bookings, which can then be leaked online at any time.

It is therefore much better to pay extra for an automated version and acquire a self-service Keyguru electronic box. It has a durable construction and minimalist design. You can link it to most hotel systems, making it easy to manage your bookings. You can change the access code remotely at any time, even if the power falls out – the boxes are equipped with a spare power supply.

Technology can also be used for authorised access to living spaces. A great example is GateKeeper, a digital doorman. GateKeeper only opens the door after entering a special code, which you can change remotely at any time. In addition, due to its integration with hotel and reservation systems, you can see real-time information about comings and goings and who is in their room.

Is self-service accommodation better, or a combination of technology and manpower?

This decision depends entirely on the situation and the type of accommodation.

Self-service solutions tend to be used for apartments and Airbnb that provide mostly short-term rentals. An example is the White Swan Apartments in Prague. The owner did not have the time to devote to overseeing bookings and needed to reliably automate most of the operation. The self-service Keyguru electronic box was therefore the ideal solution. The guest receives a code by email or SMS, which gives them added security and privacy.

A combined approach is recommended for hotels that provide a wider range of services. Technology takes the tedious routine work away from receptionists, giving them the time and energy to focus on the needs and wishes of their guests. They then go home at night, leaving the accommodation to the Keyguru electronic box and GateKeeper. This is how Hotel Turnau in Krakow and Hotel Amálka by the Říp hill operate. 

This notwithstanding, luxury hotels providing a wide range of services can also be self-service. An example is the four-star OREA Resorts hotel in Malá Strana. Even though you won’t find staff here, you certainly won’t miss out on anything. The receptionist is always available on the phone, and you can order the rest using a mobile app. 

Setting up a 24-hour reception is easier than you think.