Top 4 Types of “Social Distancing” Hotel Software

Property Management
Written By Huckleberry
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As hotels begin to reopen, staff are being asked to face completely new responsibilities and put themselves on the front lines with the public. Proper social distancing measures unfortunately come with the consequences, mainly reduced or even completely cutting out services. Physical representations such as Plexiglas barriers, roped-off seating areas, and signs posted on every wall are a constant reminder of things guests can’t do. However, many services that hotels offer have already been moving in the digital direction and solutions already are on the market that suit today’s needs. Take a look at a few “Guest-Journey” apps that have pledged solutions to the Hotel Relief Package (in alphabetical order).

1. Digital Check-in/Check-out

One of the first things hotels want to do is reduce high traffic areas and avoid lines. The biggest culprit of build-up is at the reception, especially during peak check-in and check-out times. There are multiple ways to break this up: self-service kiosks, web check-in, or surveys that securely collect guest information prior to check-in.

  • Abitari specializes in self-service kiosks that offer guests a completely staff-less check-in, including payment capture, id verification, and key generation. They also reduce barriers to entry by letting hotels run their software on any tablet, potentially cutting costs by 95%.

  • CODE2ORDER simplifies the check-in process by inviting your guests to register all of their information via registration form online, without any hardware or downloads necessary.

  • Hotelbird offers their own self-service terminals but expand their offer by hosting web check-in via digital registration, which generates a mobile pass to shorten the check-in process. Also, their mobile app can be downloaded by guests to store the guests room key, offering a completely contactless experience.

    • Hotel Relief Package Details: Sign up till July 31st, and start using a 3-month free trial anytime in 2020, with a reduced setup fee from 999€

  • MyStay provides four solutions for the price of one with pre-arrival messaging, digital check-in & check-out, and upsell. Streamline Front Office work by eliminating lines on check-in and check-out. Earn more by promoting services and third party activities on tailor-made guest websites.

 

2. Digital Locks

Keyless entry and lock systems are complimentary to digital check-in solutions because they limit access and reduce the need for additional staff to monitor all areas of the hotel. For hotels looking to reduce on-site staff, it’s also important to control which areas are accessible by guests with their keycards. Physical readers can make sure that your guests access the right floor and the right amenities, at the right time.

  • 4suites makes it easy to create mobile keys without needing an app. They specialize in the software and hardware it takes to transform or upgrade existing lock systems to work within the internet of things.

 

3.Guest Messaging

In-person communication has always been perceived as a personal aspect of a hotel’s level of service; however, online messaging has become so ubiquitous during the lockdown, that people have gotten used to the idea of communicating with chatbots and messaging their service providers. It ends up being more efficient for staff to manage communication with guests in real time when they can provide quick and simultaneous answers to frequent questions.

  • EasyWay allows hotels to communicate with guests in their native language on their favorite app without the need to download any additional app. It also allows for automatic replies for frequently asked questions and can trigger online check-ins through mobile messages.

  • Quicktext is a messaging hub with a powerful AI chatbot, capable of answering 200+ customer questions automatically, encouraging direct bookings and managing in-stay guest requests

  • Staymate is a single platform for all communication channels including guest apps, website widgets, chatbot, and pre-arrival emails. Hoteliers can choose to use ready-made content about events in the area, promote offers to guests, and pre-order breakfast or room service. The chatbot can also automatically answer common questions.

4. Digital Concierge

Over-communication is under-rated. Right now, it is acceptable - if not encouraged - to provide additional information for your guests in a way that is easily accessible on any device. One of the casualties of the crisis will likely be those printed information booklets that are often found at hotels in favor of digital resources that can easily be updated when information changes over time.

  • MyLike lets you provide personalized tips for great places and experiences around your property directly on your guest mobile phone or at any digital touch-point. Engage with your guests any time before, during, or after their stay. Share your tips from one easy to maintain database on all your communication channels and generate additional revenue with more bookings and by up-selling selected local services and activities.

 

Technology is the answer to so many questions that hoteliers are asking today. Throughout the guest journey, there are solutions out there that are making it super easy for hotels to upgrade at little or no upfront cost. All of the apps mentioned in this post have committed to reducing barriers to try these solutions. For a limited time, none are requiring long-term commitments, so trying out any of these solutions comes at little risk. At the heart of the package, apaleo is pledging integration of any or all these apps into our property management system for free with a 6-month free trial that we are betting you will love.

This advice was supplied by apaleo

Huckleberry https://huck.agency
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