The future of hotel lobbies: Redefining the Check-In Experience by the use of Mobile Check-In.
Imagine, you just arrived at the hotel you will be staying in for the upcoming few nights.
You walk into the grand entrance, but instead of being welcomed by a big desk with outdated computers and suited-up staff, you walk into a place that is bustling with chatter.
The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans fills the air, and a beautiful Kees van der Westen Spirit coffee machine stands as the centrepiece of the space. You're in a hotel lobby, but it feels more like your favorite local café. A friendly barista, wearing a welcoming smile, approaches you. "Are you here to check in?" she asks. "Please, have a seat." You sit down in a comfortable chair and she leaves her iPad with you to fill out your details. While you fill those out, she goes to craft your favorite brew - a flat white with oat milk. Well deserved after a long trip.
This is no ordinary lobby; it's a glimpse into the future, where mobile check-ins redefine hospitality, turning the prime real estate of lobbies into vibrant and welcoming hubs of interaction and commerce.
This is the fictional future of hotel lobbies, where mobile check-ins have transformed the check-in experience.
The Traditional Check-In Desk: Prime Real Estate:
How come, we use the most expensive square meters of our hotel to facilitate processing revenue that have already been made, rather than using it to generate more?
Historically, hotel lobbies have centred around the check-in desk—a prime piece of real estate dedicated to a transactional function. But as the hospitality landscape evolves, the question arises: Why not utilise this space to create additional value for guests and revenue for the hotel? Nowadays, guests are seeking more than just a place to check-in; they want an immersive experience.
Technology vs. Human Touch: A Misunderstood Dynamic
The integration of check-in technology in hotels often sparks concern over reduced human interaction, with critics fearing it signifies a shift towards impersonality and cost-cutting. However, this concern misinterprets technology's role. Far from replacing the human touch, digital check-in solutions free staff from mundane tasks, enabling them to focus more on personalised guest services. Technology, thus, doesn't diminish hospitality's warmth—it amplifies it, creating opportunities for staff to engage more deeply and meaningfully with guests.
Technology doesn't replace human touch; it enhances it.
The Catalyst for Change: Mobile check-in technology, like the one offered by MEWS, is changing the game. It reimagines the check-in process, allowing hotels to make the most of this prime lobby space. Here's how it works:
1. Space Optimisation:
Mobile check-ins eliminate the need for a traditional, stationary check-in desk. With check-in processes streamlined and digitalised, hotels can free up this space for more imaginative and revenue-generating uses. The possibilities are endless.
2. Revenue Generation Opportunities:
The space once occupied by the check-in desk can be creatively repurposed. One exciting option is the creation of an espresso bar, where hotel guests and even passersby can enjoy artisanal coffee, snacks, and a cozy ambiance. It's not just a check-in point; it's a destination within your hotel. The revenue potential is substantial, and it transforms the lobby into a profit center.
3. Enhanced Guest Experience:
With mobile check-ins, the check-in experience becomes more flexible, personalised, and guest-centric. Imagine baristas doubling as check-in staff, engaging with guests in a friendly and welcoming manner. The atmosphere is relaxed, and guests feel like they're part of something special.
4. Flexibility in Check-Ins:
Mobile check-in options offer a variety of methods, from traditional staff-assisted to self-service kiosks and mobile check-ins. These can be scattered throughout the lobby, allowing guests to choose their preferred way of starting their stay. The once static and imposing check-in desk becomes a symbol of flexibility and convenience.
5. Reduced Operational Costs:
Mobile check-ins don't just enhance the guest experience; they streamline hotel operations. With this technology, there's no need for bulky, fixed hardware and the associated maintenance costs. Hotels can operate efficiently and allocate resources where they matter most, ensuring a robust bottom line.
Conclusion:
Mobile check-ins are rewriting the script for hotel check-ins, moving from traditional to transformative. With the traditional check-in desk replaced by something inviting like an espresso bar, hotels can create an exciting revenue-generating hub in their lobby, all while offering guests a more personalised and flexible check-in experience. It's a win-win situation for both the hotel and its guests. Welcome to the fictional future of hotel lobbies with mobile check-ins!
What is your opinion on using Mobile/Online check-ins?
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