7 Types of Digital Guest Apps to Streamline the Guest Journey From Check-In To Check-Out
By Adam Hollander
Last updated July 17, 2023
8 min read
Creating a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out is important for hotels because it allows them to provide a more efficient and personalized experience for their guests. By streamlining the check-in process and providing guests with digital tools to manage their stay, hotels can reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, digital guest journeys can help hotels collect valuable data about their guests, which can be used to improve services and target marketing efforts.
Hotels are now offering a more convenient and efficient check-in process for guests. Before arriving, guests can fill out a digital check-in form to save time at the front desk. Upon arrival, guests can use their mobile device to scan a QR code at the front desk to quickly check-in and receive their room key. Guests can also use their mobile device to unlock their room door and control the temperature, lighting, and other amenities in their room. Additionally, guests can order room service directly from their mobile device. When it's time to check-out, guests can do so directly from their mobile device and receive an electronic receipt. Finally, guests receive a survey via email or text message to provide feedback on their stay.
1. Contactless Check In Software
Provide guests with a seamless self checkin experience like airports and grocery stores
Hotels are now offering a more convenient and efficient experience for their guests with contactless check-in, automated room access, a digital concierge service, automated check-out, and digital feedback. Guests can use their mobile device to check-in and receive their room key digitally, unlock their room door, access a digital concierge service to book activities, order room service, and more. They can also check-out digitally and receive their final bill via email, as well as provide feedback on their stay via a digital survey.
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Hotels that create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out will outperform those who do not in the coming years by providing a more efficient and personalized experience for their guests. By utilizing digital technologies such as mobile check-in, digital key cards, and automated check-out, hotels can streamline the guest experience and reduce wait times. Additionally, digital guest journeys can provide guests with personalized recommendations and offers based on their preferences, allowing hotels to better target their services and increase customer satisfaction. Finally, digital guest journeys can help hotels collect valuable data about their guests, allowing them to better understand their needs and preferences and improve their services accordingly.
2. Mobile Key Software
Let guests access their room with a digital key right from their mobile device
Mobile key software helps hotels create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out by providing guests with a secure and convenient way to access their room. Guests can use their mobile device to check-in, receive their room key, and access their room without having to wait in line or interact with hotel staff. Guests can also use their mobile device to check-out, receive their bill, and pay for their stay without having to wait in line or interact with hotel staff. This digital guest journey helps to streamline the check-in and check-out process, making it more efficient and secure for both guests and hotel staff.
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3. Upselling Software
Find new revenue streams with tools to upsell room upgrades and ancillaries to drive incremental revenue for your hotel while improving the guest experience
Upselling software helps hotels create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out by providing guests with personalized offers and recommendations based on their preferences and past experiences. This helps hotels increase revenue by offering guests additional services and amenities that they may not have considered before. Additionally, upselling software can help hotels streamline the check-in process by allowing guests to quickly and easily select their desired services and amenities. This helps to create a more efficient and enjoyable experience for guests, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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4. Guest Messaging Software
Help your guests find answers faster and communicate in their preferred medium, text messaging
Guest messaging software helps hotels create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out by providing a streamlined communication platform for guests and staff. This platform allows guests to easily access information about their stay, such as check-in and check-out times, room amenities, and local attractions. It also allows staff to quickly respond to guest inquiries and provide personalized service. Additionally, guest messaging software can be used to send automated messages to guests throughout their stay, such as reminders about check-out times and special offers. This helps create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for guests, while also helping hotels increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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5. Mobile Ordering Software
Software to manage room service ordering, tracking, upselling and fulfillment
Mobile ordering software helps hotels create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out by streamlining the entire process. It allows guests to check-in and out quickly and easily, as well as order room service, make reservations, and pay for their stay. It also allows hotels to track guest preferences and provide personalized services. Additionally, mobile ordering software can be used to provide guests with real-time updates on their stay, such as room availability, check-in times, and more. This helps to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
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6. Hotel Guest Apps
Create a mobile or web app to put your hotel's information and services as your guests' fingertips
The hotel guest app provides guests with a convenient way to check-in, order room service, view amenities, access concierge services, and check-out. Guests can use the app to view their room details, access their digital key, view the menu, pay for their order, book tours and activities, view their bill, and pay for their stay.
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7. Retail Point Of Sale Software
Software to power your hotel's retail outlets
Retail point of sale software helps hotels create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out by streamlining the entire process. It allows guests to check-in and check-out quickly and easily, as well as pay for their stay and any additional services they may have requested. It also allows hotel staff to track guest information, such as room preferences, payment information, and any special requests. This information can then be used to create a personalized experience for each guest, ensuring that their stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Additionally, the software can be used to generate reports and analytics, allowing hotel staff to better understand their guests and make informed decisions about how to improve their services.
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Hotels that create a digital guest journey from check-in to check-out will outperform those who do not in the coming years by providing a more efficient and personalized experience for their guests. By utilizing digital technologies such as mobile check-in, digital key cards, and automated check-out, hotels can streamline the guest experience and reduce wait times. Additionally, digital guest journeys can provide guests with personalized recommendations and offers based on their preferences, allowing hotels to better target their services and increase customer satisfaction. Finally, digital guest journeys can help hotels collect valuable data about their guests, allowing them to better understand their needs and preferences and improve their services accordingly.
Hotels need digital guest apps to enhance the overall guest experience and streamline various aspects of their operations. A digital guest app serves as a user-friendly platform that provides convenient features and services to guests throughout their stay.
One key benefit is that digital guest apps facilitate the check-in process. Guests can use the app to complete pre-stay check-in, saving time and avoiding long queues at the front desk. This seamless check-in experience contributes to guest satisfaction and sets a positive tone for their stay.
Messaging capabilities within the guest app enable direct communication between guests and hotel staff. Guests can make requests, inquire about hotel services, or seek assistance easily. Real-time messaging ensures prompt responses and personalized service, enhancing guest satisfaction and improving the overall hotel experience.
Digital guest apps, available as web apps or mobile apps on both Android and iOS platforms, offer integration with various systems and services. They can connect with the property management system (PMS) to provide accurate information about room availability, pricing, and upgrades. This integration enables efficient upselling and helps hoteliers optimize revenue.
Guests can conveniently access information about hotel services, such as room service menus or spa offerings, through the digital guest app. This not only streamlines the guest experience but also promotes direct bookings and increases revenue for the hotel.
The digital guest app serves as a central hub for all hotel-related information, acting as a digital concierge and guest directory. It provides details about hotel facilities, local attractions, and sustainability initiatives, allowing guests to make informed choices during their stay.
The app can deliver targeted notifications and personalized content to guests, keeping them updated about special promotions, events, or relevant information. These proactive notifications enhance guest engagement and contribute to a memorable hotel experience.
Successful implementation of digital guest apps has led to numerous success stories in the hotel industry. Hotels have seen increased guest satisfaction, improved operational workflows, and enhanced guest communication. Additionally, guests appreciate the convenience and efficiency provided by these apps, leading to higher guest retention and positive online reviews.
Digital guest apps are essential for hotels to deliver an exceptional guest experience throughout the entire guest journey. By offering features such as streamlined check-in, real-time messaging, integration with hotel systems, and personalized services, these apps contribute to guest satisfaction, revenue optimization, and operational efficiency.
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