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Are You In Favor of Self-Service Hotels?

Where: Various Hotels
March 6, 2013 at 9:53 AM | by | Comments (6)

We've been booking hotels online and without personal interaction for years, but the idea of a full-on "self-service" hotel is now officially a reality -- and figures to be the center of the next big debate in the hotel industry.

What do we mean by "self-service?" Well, you can now book, check in, and check out of a hotel without talking to a single human being.

The Sound Garden Hotel in Poland, for example, has streamlined the hotel experience in an attempt to cut costs and lower rates by installing electronic kiosks for self-check in, and the plans for the Marriott/IKEA Moxy Hotel also call to replace the counter with a kiosk. The machine spits out a key, and off you go. The Sound Garden Hotel also lets you decide which floor you want to stay on at check in (does this remind anyone of the airline industry?).

The Sound Garden Hotel has an associate on-site in case of an "emergency," which we're guessing includes power outages. We've seen attempts at optional kiosk service -- such as at Revel in Atlantic City--and at the CitizenM in Glasgow there were check-in computers for guests (albeit with plenty of assistants hovering around) but this looks like a full-on attempt to completely cut out the counter.

What are your thoughts on replacing the front counter? We're guessing this will be a breeze for business travelers, but what about for leisure? We expect it to split the room in half between budget and comfort travelers, but you tell us: Are you willing to sacrifice the service?

[Photo: tynangroup.com]

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Hyatt Place

The last time I stayed at a Hyatt Place hotel, I checked in & checked out without talking to a staff member. I did however call downstairs and request a wake up call.
NCLeo on March 6, 2013 at 3:46 PM #Permalink

Totally Yes

It's a great idea to have self check-in Kiosks. It saves time, and saves you from being asked so many questions by the staff.
raghavyadav on March 6, 2013 at 10:26 PM #Permalink

@ Raghav Yadav on FB says:

This is going to stay... Saves time. Who wants to wait in the Check-in line and asked so many questions?
Chanize on March 7, 2013 at 9:47 AM #Permalink

@onhotels.com on FB says:

I guess it all depends on the type of hotel. For budget properties might me a good option to reduce costs, offering better deals to guests. For high end properties customers may expect a better service provided by humans...
Chanize on March 7, 2013 at 9:48 AM #Permalink

@Linda Kistler on FB says:

No it could be a nightmare
Chanize on March 7, 2013 at 9:49 AM #Permalink

Carla Shaw, Operations Manager

While I know business travelers are always working on the fly, at a resort it is all about the guest experience.  I don't know about everyone else, but less human interaction gives me the feeling that I am not special and don't deserve any service.  How are you going to know about the great upgrades that might be available, or the fact the the lounge has an excellent musician playing?  Kiosk check in isn't for me!
kikamoshaw4191 on March 7, 2013 at 11:25 AM #Permalink

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