Blog highlights

• Contactless check-in in hotels is a growing trend, driven by the desire for safety, efficiency, and enhanced guest satisfaction.
• Contactless check-in eliminates the need for paperwork, reduces wait times, and provides a more pleasant check-in experience.
• Implementing contactless check-in can enhance guest satisfaction, loyalty, and safety in the hotel industry.

‍

In the early 2000s, airlines began experimenting with self-service kiosks that allowed passengers to check-in and print their boarding passes without interacting with a staff member. This innovation helped reduce wait times and increased the efficiency of the check-in process.

Over time, the technology improved, and airlines introduced mobile check-in, enabling passengers to check-in and access their boarding passes using their smartphones. This development was a significant step towards contactless check-in, as it eliminated the need for passengers to interact with kiosks or staff members.

Meanwhile, the hotel industry was among the first to introduce contactless check-in procedures to limit physical interaction between guests and hotel employees. In recent years, hotels began experimenting with self-service kiosks and mobile check-in to reduce wait times and enhance the guest experience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless check-in in hotels, as it provided a safe and convenient way for guests to check-in without interacting with hotel staff.

Today, contactless check-in is becoming increasingly popular and is seen as a crucial factor in enhancing the overall guest experience. By reducing the time and effort required for check-in, guests can enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience, which ultimately leads to greater customer satisfaction.

Additionally, international guests need to spend a lot of time filling out the FRRO Form C, which can be an inconvenience. This is where contactless check-in comes into play. Let’s explore what is contactless check-in is and how does contactless check-in works. 

‍

What is contactless check-in 

68% of hotel executives reported that integrating new technologies to attract and retain employees best reflects their 2025 labor strategy.

Contactless check-in is a technology that enables hotel guests to complete the check-in process without having to interact with hotel staff physically. This technology involves the use of contactless check-in software that allows guests to check-in remotely, eliminating the need for paperwork and long wait times. Contactless check-in can be carried out via a smartphone or a tablet, and it can be done before arriving at the hotel or at the hotel premises itself.

‍

Benefits of contactless check in hotels 

‍

‍

Contactless check-in is becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry due to its numerous benefits for both guests and hoteliers. Here are some details on the benefits of contactless check-in hotels:

‍

Eliminate queues at the check-in

Contactless check-in eliminates the need for guests to stand in long queues, reducing their waiting time, and making their check-in experience more pleasant.

Standardized check-in procedure

With contactless check-in, hotels can standardize their check-in procedures and ensure a consistent guest experience across all their properties.

Saves your guests time

Contactless check-in saves guests time by enabling them to check-in remotely, access their room key through a mobile device, and proceed directly to their room.

Generate additional revenue

Hotels can generate additional revenue by offering guests the option to upgrade their room, purchase additional services, or book activities through the contactless check-in platform.

Improve hotel staff productivity

With contactless check-in, hotel staff can focus on other guest needs instead of spending time on check-in procedures. This increases productivity and efficiency.

Increase guest convenience

Contactless check-in provides guests with the convenience of checking in at their own pace and at a time that suits them.

Increase security

Contactless check-in platforms offer secure authentication and verification processes, reducing the risk of identity fraud.

Better data to understand your guests

Contactless check-in platforms provide hotels with valuable data on guest preferences and behavior, enabling them to offer personalized experiences and improve guest satisfaction.

‍

‍

14 tips for implementing contactless check-in for your hotel 

Implementing contactless check-in for your hotel is a great way to ensure the safety of your guests and staff during the ongoing pandemic. Here are 8 tips to help you implement hotel contactless check-in:

Online pre-registration

Consider implementing an online pre-registration system for your hotel guests. This way, guests can input their personal information and preferences online before their arrival, which will help speed up the check-in process and reduce the amount of time spent in the lobby. You can send a confirmation email with their reservation details and any other relevant information before their arrival.

Mobile check-in

Many guests prefer to use their smartphones to manage their travel and accommodation needs. Consider implementing a mobile check-in option where guests can check-in using their smartphones. This way, guests can bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms. You can also send a mobile notification to let guests know when their room is ready.

Keyless entry

Keyless entry is a popular feature that many hotels are adopting. With keyless entry, guests can unlock their room doors without having to touch anything, using their mobile devices or smartcards. This provides a seamless and contactless experience for guests, reducing the need for physical keys or keycards.

Self-check-in kiosks

Self-check-in kiosks are an increasingly popular feature in hotels. These kiosks can be installed in the lobby, and guests can use them to check-in without interacting with front desk staff. They can enter their reservation details and receive their room keys or key cards from the kiosk.

Contactless payment

Encourage guests to pay using contactless payment options such as credit cards, mobile wallets, or online payment systems. This will reduce the need for guests to handle cash or physically interact with staff members. You can also offer online payment options for incidental charges and room service.

Digital room keys

Digital room keys are another contactless feature that many hotels are implementing. Guests can access their room keys through a mobile app or other digital platform, without the need for a physical key or keycard. This provides a convenient and contactless experience for guests.

Technology

One of the most crucial things to consider when implementing contactless check-in is the technology required. Hoteliers need to invest in reliable and user-friendly contactless check-in software that can integrate with their existing system and offer a seamless check-in experience to guests. 

Guest experience

The primary aim of hotel contactless check-in is to enhance the guest experience, so it is essential to ensure that the process is straightforward, quick, and user-friendly. Any technical glitches or complications in the check-in process can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among guests.

FRRO compliance

International guests need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) upon arrival in India. The FRRO Form C is usually filled out manually, but with contactless check-in, hotels can provide an online option to fill out the form, making it easier for guests.

Clear communication

Make sure to communicate with guests about your contactless check-in procedures before their arrival. This will help guests understand what to expect and feel more comfortable during their stay. You can send an email with information about your check-in process and any other relevant details. 

You can also provide instructions and directions for guests to access the self-check-in kiosks, digital room keys, and other contactless features. By providing clear communication and guidance, you can ensure that guests have a seamless and enjoyable stay at your hotel.

User-friendly interfaces

Your contactless hotel check-in system should be user-friendly and easy to navigate for guests. This means ensuring that the user interface is clear, concise, and easy to understand. If your system requires guests to scan QR codes, for example, make sure the codes are clearly visible and easy to scan.

Accessibility

It's important to ensure that your contactless check-in options are accessible to all guests, including those with disabilities. This may require providing alternative options, such as braille or audio instructions for the self-check-in kiosks. Make sure to test the accessibility features of your system with real users to ensure they are effective.

Monitoring

To ensure that your contactless hotel check-in system is functioning properly and providing a positive experience for guests, it's important to monitor it regularly. This can include tracking usage data, gathering feedback from guests, and conducting regular audits of the system. By monitoring the system, it is possible to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Ongoing updates

The technology and trends surrounding contactless check-in are constantly evolving, so it is essential to stay abreast of the most recent advancements. This may include integrating new features, updating the user interface, or improving the overall user experience. By making ongoing updates to your contactless check-in system, you can ensure that it continues to meet the needs of your guests and provides a safe and convenient experience. 

‍

How can you use Quoality for contactless check-in 

Quoality offers a comprehensive contactless check-in software platform that provides a variety of features for businesses seeking to implement a contactless check-in system. The platform is appropriate for organizations in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and education. With Quoality, hotels can streamline the check-in process for their guests or visitors while minimizing the danger of communicable disease transmission.

The contactless check-in solution from Quoality is highly configurable, allowing businesses to create a branded check-in page and add custom fields to collect information. The platform also provides automated communications for communicating with guests or visitors, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the check-in procedure. Quoality also offers facial recognition technology and ID scanning to help businesses verify identities and take security photographs of clients and visitors. 

In addition, the platform can integrate with other systems, such as property management systems and electronic health records, in order to expedite operations and improve data accuracy. Overall, Quoality is a great option for hotels seeking to offer a contactless check-in hotel experience while maintaining a high level of security and accuracy.

‍

‍

Conclusion

Contactless check-in hotels are becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality industry as it offers numerous benefits for both guests and hoteliers. However, it is crucial to consider the factors mentioned above when implementing this technology to ensure a seamless and secure guest experience. With the right technology and infrastructure, hotels can offer a hassle-free check-in process that enhances guest satisfaction and loyalty. There are numerous updates, surveys, and news articles that assist in determining the best hotel technologies and softwares.