The hospitality industry has been transformed by contactless and mobile technologies, driven by changing guest expectations for convenience and safety. While large hotel chains were early adopters, independent and boutique hotels are now rapidly embracing these innovations to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Mobile Check-In/Out
One of the biggest trends is enabling guests to bypass the front desk entirely through contactless mobile check-in and checkout. Guests can complete the process remotely via the hotel’s app, receiving a digital room key on their smartphone. This enhances convenience by eliminating wait times while reducing unnecessary contact points.
Independent hotels like the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton have partnered with companies like INTELITY to roll out mobile check-in/out and mobile keys. This allows guests to go straight to their rooms and securely access them using just their phones.
Many independent properties are also providing in-room tablets and mobile apps that allow guests to control room amenities, request services, access local guides and information, and more – all from their devices. This contactless approach minimizes interactions with staff while giving guests more control over their stay.
QR Code Integration
QR codes have become ubiquitous, allowing contactless access to digital menus, local area guides, WiFi access instructions and other information that previously required physical handouts or interactions. Independent hotels are leveraging QR code technology to streamline and digitize the guest experience seamlessly.
Keyless Entry
In addition to mobile keys, some independent hotels are implementing keyless bluetooth/RFID entry systems that automatically unlock guest room doors as authorized guests approach, eliminating the need for traditional keycards entirely. This frictionless experience enhances both convenience and security. Boutique hotels are also adopting keyless entry systems as part of a broader trend in the hospitality industry towards more tech-enabled, convenient guest experiences. Some of the drivers include:
- Increasing adoption: Boutique hotels, like larger chains, are increasingly implementing keyless entry technology to enhance guest convenience and streamline operations.
- Competitive advantage: For smaller, independent boutique hotels, offering keyless entry can give them a competitive edge and help them provide a high-tech experience on par with larger hotel chains.
- Guest expectations: A significant majority (96.4%) of hospitality professionals report that guests now either expect or appreciate keyless entry technology, indicating strong demand across various hotel types, including boutiques.
- Cost-effective solutions: While keyless entry was once seen as limited to big players like Hilton and Marriott, more affordable and agile solutions are now available, making it accessible to smaller boutique properties.
- Enhanced guest experience: Keyless entry allows boutique hotels to offer a more personalized and seamless check-in process, aligning with the unique and tailored experiences that boutique properties often strive to provide.
- Operational benefits: Boutique hotels can benefit from reduced staff costs, improved security, and simplified management of room access through keyless entry systems.
- Integration with other technologies: Keyless entry often integrates with other smart hotel technologies, allowing boutique properties to offer additional conveniences like mobile check-in and control of in-room amenities.
- Addressing potential challenges: While some older guests may be hesitant to adopt new technology, many boutique hotels are finding ways to balance high-tech offerings with personalized service to cater to all guest preferences.
Conclusion
While large chains had the resources to quickly adopt these technologies, independent hotels are catching up rapidly by partnering with innovative hospitality tech companies. By embracing contactless and mobile solutions, they can meet the changing demands of modern guests for safe, convenient and tech-enabled stays.
These innovations allow independent properties to compete with major brands by offering similar high-tech amenities while still delivering the unique, localized experiences that make boutique hotels stand out. As the demand for contactless hospitality continues growing, independent hotels are well-positioned to thrive by leveraging the latest mobile technologies.
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