The corona pandemic has begun to change the way we do business across all sectors. The necessity of maintaining social distance is pushing us toward more digital solutions. In the coming period, accommodation businesses will stand out with their hygiene measures and evolving service models. This crisis may even present important opportunities for some hotels. For hotels looking to turn this situation into an advantage while protecting the health of both their guests and staff through social distancing, we’ve compiled 6 great technologies:
End the Exchange of Passports/IDs with Online Check-In
Now, guests can complete their check-in process before arriving at the hotel. Guests can take a photo of their passport/ID with their smartphone and send it to the hotel’s website along with their reservation details. This eliminates document exchange and close contact at the front desk, such as taking IDs or making photocopies—ensuring adherence to social distancing rules. Online check-in can be done via the hotel’s website or mobile app using any internet-connected device, from smartphones to tablets. There are various signature options: if the guest is using a touchscreen, they can sign digitally or complete the process with an electronic signature. The most critical detail in the online check-in process is whether the guest’s information reaches the front office software immediately. Therefore, hotel software that offers integrated services should be preferred.
Open the Room with a Smartphone
When combined with online check-in, this application offers great advantages for hotels aiming to maintain social distance. Through the hotel’s app, a virtual room key valid for the guest’s reservation dates is sent to their smartphone. Upon arrival, the guest can open the room door with their phone without touching anything else. This eliminates the need for physical keys or key cards and removes the need to stop by the reception to collect a key upon arrival.
Online Check-Out
By receiving credit card information during the reservation and completing authorization in advance, fast check-out becomes possible. Guests can leave their room cards in a check-out box and depart without stopping at reception. The invoice is then sent to the guest’s email, ensuring a contactless and convenient departure.
Contactless Ordering with a Digital Menu
A specially designed interface allows all items on the menu to be ordered online or offline via mobile devices and smartphones. This minimizes necessary contact between guests and service staff, as well as between service staff and kitchen personnel. Digital menus can include product photos, prices, descriptions, and multiple language options, and can be updated instantly. This not only increases speed and efficiency in the restaurant but also maximizes guest satisfaction.
Online Surveys
You no longer need to conduct satisfaction surveys face-to-face or with paper forms. Guests can fill out surveys through your website or their smartphones by entering their room number and date of birth—before even leaving the hotel. This helps maintain social distance and gives you real-time feedback about their satisfaction or complaints before they check out.
