If you have a holiday home you rent out or are a small hotel, you've probably found yourself waiting around ages for a guest to arrive. Maybe you've even had to leave a dinner with friends or get out of bed in the middle of the night just to hand over a set of keys. Sounds familiar, right?
Now however, digitalisation and new technologies provide a new solution. One of the best innovations in recent years in the hospitality sector is online check-in; a growing trend revolutionising the way holiday home owners manage their guests' arrival.
But what exactly is online check-in and how can it benefit your accommodation? We explain all in this article.
What's an online check-in for hotels?
Online check-in for holiday flats and hotels basically means guests can enter the accommodation independently, without having to physically contact the owner or manager of the establishment.
Using electronic locks and mobile apps, you can now send digital keys, temporary codes or eKeys directly to the guest's mobile phone. This makes the whole process quicker, simpler and more convenient for everyone.
Advantages of offering online check-in for your accommodation
Whether you manage a holiday apartment or a hotel, an online check-in can bring you numerous benefits:
1. A better experience for your guests
Imagine arriving tired from a long trip and being able to check in directly to your room or flat without being tied to a specific schedule or having to wait for someone. That's an ideal situation for any guest.
Why? Because you gain flexibility, convenience and autonomy - three key aspects for guest satisfaction.
2. Greater flexibility for you as a host
No more endless waiting around, rushing from pillar to post or long trips. Now you can manage your guests' entire arrival process from your mobile phone, wherever you are.
3. Operating cost savings
In addition, by not travelling or waiting around, you reduce your operating expenses; optimising the management of your tourist accommodation.
4. Greater security and control
Thanks to electronic locks and digital keys, you can control who enters your property and when; improving security for both you and your guests.
What do you need to implement an online check-in system?
You may be wondering if such a system is difficult or expensive to implement. The good news is that implementing online check-in in your accommodation is easier than you imagine. All you need is:
- A compatible electronic lock (Bluetooth or digital).
- A mobile app for remote access management.
In this regard, nowadays there are numerous easy-to-install technological solutions designed for tourist accommodation. For example, Rent&Pass, the app we've developed at Omnitec.
This allows remote management of your accommodation's check-in and check-out, because with it you can create digital keys (eKeys) or access codes for your guests directly from your own smartphone.
How does online check-in work for holiday flats?
The online check-in process for holiday rentals is very simple. Here's how it works:
- Reservation confirmed. First, the guest books a stay at your accommodation.
- Digital credentials sent. Then, using your mobile app, you create and send the guest their digital keys or a temporary code so they can access your property.
- Guest arrives independently. When their reservation date arrives, the guest accesses the accommodation with the digital key received on their mobile.
- Automatic end of stay. When the stay ends, the credentials are automatically deactivated.
Choose Omnitec for an easy, secure online check-in
If you don't yet have an online check-in system at your property, there is no time like the present to start. At Omnitec, we are experts in offering innovative technological solutions that simplify the lives of owners and guests alike!
As we've already told you, our Rent&Pass remote management system can help you take the step towards digitalising your tourist accommodation, facilitating many procedures and increasing the profitability of your business.
In addition, our advanced version, Rent&Pass PRO, includes additional features such as a reservation calendar and detailed access auditing; perfect if you manage multiple properties at once.
In any case, it's clear that online check-in is here to stay in this sector. The convenience, security and autonomy this option provides are more than enough reasons to opt for it. Why not make the change now with Omnitec?