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1 PINN-S1E6 Sapporo – Updated 2020 Prices-1

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1 Hotel 40 Guests Updated

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Giang Tran

Minh Tran

AirHost Marketing Team

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![13091 20190925151100-1](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/60ky6w231sER1Kyb9qPFCr/474164e5b1fa939b30a8a27194360336/13091_20190925151100-1.jpeg)
Image Source: Google

# How to achieve safe check-in and check-out in hotels?
Check-in and check-out procedures tend to be arduous sometimes. For some hotels, the procedure might take some time to process when the guests hand in the documents (such as the ID card or passports). Sometimes, not all check-in and check-out procedures are secure, and sometimes it could take a lot of time for the hotel staff. However, there are some ways that hotels can adopt to make the check-in and check-out process safer

## Contactless hotel check-in
Some hotels now have integrated applications to upload their passport or ID card scans to the hotel PMS at home. Therefore, guests could save much time instead of waiting at the crowded hotel reception for their turn. With the power of technology, the systems are AI-based, and thus they could detect thousands of documents. From now on, the guests could stay at home and do the check-in themselves. By applying this practice, it could be a win-win situation for both the staff and the guests: While the staff could reduce the workload, and the guests could also save a lot of time upon their arrival. 

![5e5e805a6dc7c-1](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/YCMeMi65vIUr8gB1nz24K/77884d87573987b55c0e85cd9bc5ba99/5e5e805a6dc7c-1.jpeg)
Contactless hotel check-in. Source: [Telpo](https://www.telpo.com.cn/data/upload/ueditor/20200304/5e5e805a6dc7c.jpg)

Another benefit of contactless hotel check-in is that it could reduce the risk of COVID exposure through physical interaction. According to the research in the contactless hospitality industry post-COVID-19 world, [Rahimizhian and Irani (2020)](https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IHR-08-2020-0041/full/html) indicated that a touchless, flexible, and configurable automated platform that handles all front-office processes while also responding to specific company demands might be the approach the industry need post-COVID-19. 
In addition, the innovativeness of the automated technology could boost the chances of potential customer revisit intention. The research also reveals that with the incorporation of technology can influence customers’ attitudes. The fact that innovativeness has a significant correlation to the revisit pattern suggests that more innovative users tend to take action to travel when the pandemic ends. Therefore, hotels should consider this kind of customer to establish a good connection and foster contactless hotel check-in due to its security.

![WhatsApp-Image-2021-08-06-at-15.51.29](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/3nO9f3094NzB16oLgh1HQA/86ad701a9a7337293f8155c9b0b8edfc/WhatsApp-Image-2021-08-06-at-15.51.29.jpeg)
Safe check-in process with QR Code.  Source: [AirHost ONE contactless tablet check-in.](https://airhost.co/products/airhost-one/)

![WhatsApp-Image-2021-08-06-at-15.52.15](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/2Lhn4sO7OOYCfDihimtD9h/0c3bb47d55185230f33b8dfe0c40de33/WhatsApp-Image-2021-08-06-at-15.52.15.jpeg)
Safe check-in process could be applied to hotels.  Source: [AirHost ONE contactless tablet check-in.](https://airhost.co/products/airhost-one/)

## Hotel check-in security system 
The guests’ safety needs to be guaranteed, but hotels should also implement safety measures upon arrival. Aside from educating the employees to strictly follow the aforementioned COVID-19 safety measures, pay attention to the software installed in the computer to avoid security breaches upon check-in process. Some of the implications might include the leakage of guests’ and hotels’ confidential information or system hacking.
Besides, hotels should install a notification system if guests change change their information. Hotel should adopt this strategy because this practice could further limit imminent fraudulent activity that could take over the guest accounts (See more here). Last but not least, hotels should provide safe and secure network channels for guest payments and storage for their customer’s information.

![Untitled-design-1](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/4gE3a5AdAzptZh1NVotpag/95370d6ea37f320d82580d7f8e222068/Untitled-design-1.png)
Installing security systems for hotels to avoid risks upon check-in process. Source: [Canva.com](https://www.canva.com/)

## What have you grasped today?
To recap, we have covered the topic of how to achieve secure check-in procedures for guests and hotels. Besides strictly following the COVID-19 safety measures such as sanitization or wearing a mask, hotels should consider the potential data risks as well as contactless hotel check-in. 
Written by AirHost Marketing Team


How to achieve safe check-in and check-out in hotels?


The implications of COVID-19 on hospitality industry. Source: [CDN.shortpixel.ai](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/client/q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.hlb.global/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/shutterstock_522191554.jpg)

# 3 ways hotels can maintain their operations during COVID-19

The pandemic has taken a significant blow on the economy as a whole, especially the hospitality industry, where it witnessed an unprecedented plunge in the number of visitors. In addition, the national lockdowns have put an immense strain on the tourism industry, causing hotels to shut down. However, some hotels have adopted some strategies to maintain their operations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Service operation change

![Article-1024x576](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/6jvSYAFeiNLRSYVEJGAhIL/f657bef94a673e7378e706f5ad6903d7/Article-1024x576.png)
Hotels have to follow safety procedures by wearing masks. Source: [Canva.com](http://canva.com/)

COVID-19 has laid off staff in various fields, yet hotels still tried their best to maintain staff by keeping minimal operations and minimizing the staff to the temporary closure. The reason explaining for this method is that it is not the optimal way to sustain a human resource management strategy. After cutting down the number of experienced workers, the hotels could encounter further challenges in recruiting qualified employees. In the USA, around 75% of hotels will have to cut down more employees without coronavirus aid from Congress, with hotels experiencing the reduction rate of 65% in 2019 (see more here).

According to the research by Le and Phi in researching strategic responses of hotel sector to COVID-19 in 2021; the findings revealed that hotels provide supporting packages for their employees such as tax reduction or flexible loans instead of layoffs. Common hotel practices usually include decreased staff working hours, unpaid leave, and involuntary separation to maintain the hotel business. Generally, if hotels want to operate during the pandemic, they must follow stringent rules and safety guidelines.

## Take Away Food
![Article 1-1024x576](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/3mMDWCAqfyz7S6rQl50Yrg/d6ea02f72c96bcd4d3d429c3846145e3/Article_1-1024x576.png)
People now can get access to restaurant food with delivery options. Source: [Canva.com](http://canva.com/)

Do you miss the sensation of smelling the aromatic hotel dishes permeating in the air? Well, COVID-19 has changed the rules of eating out. Hotels and restaurants soon adapt to this situation by allowing customers to take away their food or apply food delivery. However, for those who crave a fancy make-yourself-at-home meal, the social distancing did not dampen their pangs of hunger for enjoying tasty meals.
In China, some hotel restaurants offered various dishes to soothe the craving for exquisite food, such as NUO Hotel Beijing or The Opposite House. These hotels provide the customers their hotline so that restaurants will deliver the food to the customers’ doorsteps. In Vietnam, luxury five-star hotel JW Marriott also offered high-end specialties with free home delivery of meals for minimum orders of around $65 in pandemic times.

![image1](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/2US9oVUgF2IoCytpNKDKJW/6b6e81cca39ea7540a8bab1e243688c4/image1.jpeg)
JW Marriott Five Star Hotel – Hanoi, Vietnam. Source: [bota.vn](https://bota.vn/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/140512-Turner-JW-Marriott-Hanoi-Hotel.jpg)

## Assistance to healthcare workers

![Article 3-1-1024x576](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/2MmipDuprP9ZtPLunbHqXE/86642499c4d697daba55dd9dc290928e/Article_3-1-1024x576.png)
Source: [Canva.com](http://canva.com/)

Interestingly, some hotels have contributed their part in assisting healthcare workers amid the pandemic. Among European countries, discount vouchers were utilized. Large hotel chains such as Hilton, Wyndham, or Marriott invested in branding by providing free accommodation services for health workers and charity donations.
Specifically, Hilton and American Express donated one million room nights to frontline medical staff as a meaningful approach to the community (see more here). In addition, from April 2020, HI Hotel in Bari (Italy) offered accommodation for healthcare workers who were involved in the COVID-19 area of the hospital for a month.

![bari](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/adgiASNIRid8HtkRU6Sqk/928b00667947fdf7e088ea3912ebc154/bari.jpeg)
HI Hotel in Bari. Image source: https://q-xx.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max1024x768/227/227636751.jpg

## What does the future hold for hotel industry?
The pandemic has devastated the whole hospitality economic landscape. However, with the adoption of new methods, hotels are finding ways to recover from the severe damage of the pandemic and looking forward to a better future.


3 ways hotels can maintain their operations during COVID-19

![Thank-you-page-banner](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/s1QMeZZpbEvyOoeQiVzo2/0c85c0e05d332982767d51a761275665/Thank-you-page-banner.png)
Image Source: canva.com

# Pros and Cons of Booking Hotel Facilities Online

In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, technologies have urged to its extreme level to support the hospitality industry. Online Booking is not something new. In fact, the system had even existed before the pandemic started. But what comes with COVID-19 is that Online Booking started to build attraction among managerial teams. The question to ask is Online Booking is in favor of hotel owners and hotel managers? 

There are many debates surrounding Online Booking for different hotel facilities.
## Disadvantages of Online Booking for Hotel Facilities 
### 1. Internet Access! Internet Access!
Maintaining internet access is still quite troublesome for some hotels and guests as well, depending on the location. Apparently, not all the guests have internet access on the go. Having this in mind, what happens if guests come in without advanced booking? Are they on the losing end?  

### 2. Update the hotel management system
The fact is having great technology does not mean that hotels are able to cope up. Updating the system from an older system to a new one takes time, effort, money and much training involved to have the system in place. 

### 3. Education. Training and Training!
Yes, hotels have a big budget to advance their hotel management systems but then, there comes the hotel staff. Not all hotel receptionists, hotels sales, hotels marketing are tech geeks. It could be a few weeks. It could take months, and years to learn if the system is complex. In some cases, hotels also need to hire a new technical staff. So, giving up on adopting a technology might be the preferred option. 

### 4.General Misconception: Tech Replacing Humans! 
Hotel staff might be worried “I am gonna be replaced by this automatic system.” Imagine a world with all robot receptionist machines and “Siri” online booking facilities. So there comes a belief that hotel staff is no longer needed. Bam! “You are fired!” 
But in reality, it does not simply happen that way. Many guests still love the hospitality service and the warm welcoming gestures that hotel staff offers. Therefore, whether or not technology will replace humans is like “When is Elon Musk going to take us to Mars?”

## Advantages of Online Booking for Hotel Facilities 
### 1. Maximize Reservations
One cannot deny the fact that hotels can have better management of hotel reservations for all services from restaurant bookings, room services, to gym and facilities booking. Online Facilities Booking can help to avoid overbookings.

### 2.Increase Productivity of Staff 
Hotel staff does not have to do manual booking arrangements. With no more data entry or phone calls to confirm booking, hotel staff can focus more on other tasks. Find out how to increase staff productivity here.

### 3. “Contactless” Bookings 
Obviously, in this COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene and safety come first. Online Bookings do give hotels the privilege of keeping these protective measures under control. Furthermore, this is a great way to impress guests on how conscious the hotels are to care for them. 

### 4.Utilizing Tech to Leverage Traditional Hospitality 

Some hotels have utilized technology to leverage their hotel services. Having an Online Booking System enables them to cater to the vast majority of travelers. By using technology as one of the tools for hotel services, guests have more choices in line with the new era of travel.  

All in all, the stories of Online Booking Systems, Hotel Technology do not end here. A long way still awaits for this hotel technology journey when Covid-19 is recovered. What hotels can really do now is adapt and learn. Learning and updating are never out of date; moreover, it helps hotels to be more resilient. Even my late 85 years old grandmother who lived in China was learning how to use the internet, and smartphone to keep herself relevant. There is no reason for us to maintain the status quo.

Written by: AirHost Marketing Team.


Pros and Cons of Booking Hotel Facilities Online

# COVID-19: A VIRUS? A THIEF? A CATALYST.

Audrey Pang – Contributor (Opinions expressed by AirHost are their own)
“I am not a professional writer but wish to share my thoughts.” – Audrey P.

According to the data provided by Worldometer, to date, the World’s Coronavirus cases had penetrated the 2-Million mark. The number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases has increased by the thousands every day. Up to a point that by looking at these numbers will only instill fear and create more havoc to our bodies than we already have. It may seem that the COVID-19 is only spreading on close contacts and we will not contract it if we take necessary precautions. This is not entirely true. This Virus is indirectly making every human being ill. It is drowning all of us. 

The situation did not hit me until the government of Singapore, the place I called home for the past 7 years, rolled out the Circuit Breaker Measures (CBM) on April 3rd, and took effect on April 7th, 2020. During the CB, all non-essential businesses must stop their operations, all school children will be on Home Base Learning, and a week after that, half of the Nparks were closed to the public. Suddenly, we lost the ability to make contacts to our friends, to sip our favorite cup of coffee while window shopping, and to visit our trusted manicurist! The tasks we were able to perform on a daily basis, seemed to be a luxury during this period. This CBM has made a 180 degree flip for our daily routines, and put us out of our comfort zone. We are feeling uncomfortable, and not in control. We have lost. Lost to the Virus? 

![1 Artwork covid19](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/7aEWYMOeVAqkhkSn5mheg/f978b01b52ac90c856e3257d1cf54e9d/1_Artwork_covid19.jpg)

Here I am nagging about my personal inconveniences, my frustrations, and my fear. It seems trivial compared to the direct victims of the COVID-19. Businesses with downward trending revenues, the sky-rocketing unemployment rate, and a curve that every Nation wishes to flatten. 
Businesses are trying to stay afloat, finding ways to reduce their expenses, scrambling for new strategies to push out products, etc. However, most of their efforts were in vain. The demand is insufficient to sustain the supply. Businesses starts closing down, forcing employees out on the street with a bleak outlook. Coronavirus COVID-19 sneaked in during the dark and cleared out our confidence, our trust, and our creativity. We have lost. Lost to the Thief? 
Neither. 
“When life gives you lemon, make lemonade”. A cliché, I know. 
We need to take a step back, grab a piece of paper and a pen, and start doodling our thoughts like how an elementary school kid would do for their writing class. “Stay Home” is one of the restrictions of curbing the COVID-19. We have nowhere to go, no coffee dates, and no lunch appointments. This is the best time to focus on ourselves and take care of our wellbeing. Let’s get on to it. 
4 Steps to Jumpstart the Engine

## 1) Think Positive, Act Responsibly 
 No matter what, the Sun will rise again the next day. This is the fact. Similarly, the situation we are currently dealing with will end and we will be able to gain back our freedom and appreciate it more than ever. A positive mind not only will clear away the dark clouds, it will also reset the body and boost up the immune system to defend the host. 
According to the John Hopkins Medicine, 
“The mechanism for the connection between health and positivity remains murky, but researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress.”
With a positive mind, we will act positively and responsibly to ourselves and towards people around us. Maintain social distance, keeping ourselves healthy and preventing further contribution to the exponential curve of COVID-19 cases. 

## 2) Build Strong Relationships 
Start with people that we work very closely with, such as our immediate family members, close friends, business partners, teammates, as well as the Government. Admit that we are not built to run on our own. We need to have contacts with one another. Strong relationship is hard to build; however, if you never start, you will never gain. 
This afternoon, I received a special Boost Juice delivery from a dear friend. We used to be able to meet each other weekly, but with all the new rules and regulations, we are unable to do so. Her act of kindness assured me that we have a relationship, and encouraged me to continue with my “normal” routine in this abnormal time. 
Teammates are people whom we work really closely with on a daily basis. At times like this, we need to work together, work harder, and trust each other to keep our team moving. Even though we are working remotely, technology has kept us together. Our ideas are still budding, our works still flowing, and our spirits still sustaining. Because we are hopeful that the COVID-19 situation will break and we want to be well prepared for the upward trend. 
These are some of the fundamental trusting relationships we could have for one another. With it, we are able to move on to another level. 

## 3) Preparation of The Ground
In our line of business, COVID-19 has a direct impact on our clients and we are getting the hit as well. The issues that our clients are facing are some of the difficult choices for them to make. To name a few: 
“Should we stop our advertising because we are not generating enough revenue?”
“We are facing a record low occupancy rate. What should we do?” 
“It is discouraging to our team, and they are fearful for their job security.” 
We can’t promise our clients the moon and the stars. One thing I can be sure of is this. If they stop their planning and restructuring, it will be the end for them. 
During this down time, we need to have a game plan. Bring in our business partners, our team, our trusted other half, and do some restructuring. Tap on the resources that we haven’t done so. Work with the team and be honest with them on the current situation. We could slow down the advertising but do not step on the brake pedal. In fact, we should start getting ready for the upward trend. Our businesses need to be prepared for the rebound. 
This preparation stage applies to individuals as well. Think about what we can do to be a better family member, a better salesperson, a better boss, a better educator, or a better me.  

## 4) Executions of Plans 
Of course, everyone is unique and has different responsibilities. All of us have more than one role to play in this society, and that itself is a beauty. We could be: 
– A President of a corporation, a son, a husband, a father. 
– A Software Engineer, a daughter, an Aunt, a freelance writer. 
– A Tennis Coach, a son, a boyfriend, an Instagram influencer. 
Each of us has a different plan and different ways of execution. No judgement made here. The gist is, you can’t stop. The World may look like it is stopping due to the stringent rules and regulations, IT IS NOT. Therefore, we can’t be fooling ourselves with that idea. 
We must agree that we are smarter than COVID-19 that is pushing us to the edge, cornering us to an uncomfortable corner. It is time to fight back. We are living in a World’s major event and our generations to come will read about this Pandemic in their history book. It is up to us on how we want to write our own history book.  
Now, pick up your pen and start doodling. 

__References:__
Coronavirus Cases: (n.d.) Retrieved from [https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/](https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/) 
The Power of Positive Thinking. (n.d.) Retrieved from [https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking)  
Illustration by: Meryl Zhou


COVID-19: A virus? A thief? A catalyst. 

# Automated hotels: Checking-in to a Post-COVID world/ Check out the new check-in tech (Part I)

__Why contactless technology will give properties an edge when the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. __

The scenario is right out of a summer blockbuster – a highly contagious virus starts in an erstwhile anonymous city in China and spreads across the world with alarming speed and efficiency. Borders are shut down and economies grind to a halt as people batten down at home trying to avoid unnecessary contact with other people. Brutal and relentless, the COVID-19 pandemic has not left any country in the world untouched (except some remote islands in the South Pacific) and in its wake, all of mankind is changing its behaviour – whether its working/ schooling from home or something as mundane as buying groceries.

Whole industries have also had to adapt to this new normal. With the disruption of the entire travel ecosystem, the hospitality sector in particular has been profoundly impacted. The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) projected that the industry’s room revenue losses for 2020 would come to approximately RM6.36 billion and that about 15% of Malaysian hotels may have to shut down for good. In Singapore, the city-state’s tourist board revealed that the hotel’s average occupancy has crashed by 37.5% compared to February 2019. 

Although the situation looks grim, at the same time, the hospitality sector is an adaptable creature, one that is opportunistic, responsive to trends, and eager to invest in the latest technology – especially if they are readily available. In fact pre-pandemic, hotel chains had been aggressively adopting technology such as data analytics to ensure a more bespoke customer experience to cope with competition from the likes of platforms like Airbnb. This led to those adopters enjoying a decade-long run of growth. Indeed technology now has become woven into the fabric of hotels who want to offer customers a seamless or unique experience whether it’s getting your room service from robots or Smart rooms. However as hotels rebound back post-COVID, technology may also now play a vital role in winning back custom.

![1 PINN-S1E6 Sapporo – Updated 2020 Prices-1](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/2eJMpS1wm0HhGgMBQ1qQVs/4ca9c2a7d8387270da373fff0ba96126/1_PINN-S1E6__Sapporo_____Updated_2020_Prices-1.png)
Photo: Curtesy of PINN-S1E6 Hotel, Sapporo, Japan.

Automated hotels as a concept is not something new, having been around since a couple of years ago. In a nutshell, it allows guests to check themselves in to the hotel via a tablet or self-service kiosk. While baby boomers might balk at this idea, millennials aren’t fazed in the least, being accustomed with using quick and efficient self-service alternatives in various aspects of their lives ranging from supermarket check-outs to airline check-ins. Nonetheless in the larger context, automated hotels did not gain as much traction in South East Asia when the technology was first introduced but was well adopted in countries such as Japan and some parts of Europe. This may not come as a surprise in Japan where the people are comfortable interfacing with machines, ranging from sophisticated vending machines to adopting pet robot dogs. In Europe, where labour is at a premium, automated check-ins offer a practical alternative.

In light of the prevailing mood where anxiety is high about how to continue life post-COVID 19, hotels that offer guests convenient experiences that are also reassuringly safe will no doubt be favoured when it comes to choosing a hotel. There’s no more apt time to restructure and rebrand a property to embrace contactless customer service technology. Even though rebranding is often not a priority, being viewed as a cost center rather than a profit center, the advantages of an automated hotel are evident.    

For starters, in this new normal of social distancing, the idea of a crowded lobby and having to wait in line is off-putting. Whether the queue to check in may be because of its peak season or the front desk staff having a challenging day, contact-less check-ins avoid all this by allowing guests to check-in in a hassle-free and highly convenient manner. Particularly so if the process is equipped with intuitive design, clear typeface, and simple commands. On top of that, guests being able to check in at an hour which is convenient to them will immediately put them in a more calm and comfortable state. This is when they are most receptive and allows hotels the unique opportunity to up-sell other products and services. From value-added offers, amenities, in-house services to special packages for regular customers, guests can browse these add-ons on the tablets without any pressure which also means hotels can make targeted efforts to enhance their brand and revenue. Another huge benefit of contactless customer service technologies is that it enables hotels to work with smaller core teams. This is particularly significant in eliminating the requirement of staff on night-shifts which is usually an expensive resource. 

According to a recent report by Singapore Business Review, hotels in the city-state have been implementing extra measures to be in strong positions when the pandemic is overcome. In an attempt to lure visitors, they are “betting on automation and artificial intelligence” to reduce operating costs, so that self check-in kiosks, mobile check-in, chatbots, direct booking applications, contactless payments, and even digital in-room dining services could all become commonplace in the year ahead.


Why contactless technology will give properties an edge when the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated hotels: Checking-in to a Post-COVID world/ Check out the new check-in tech (Part I)

# Automated hotels: Checking-in to a Post-COVID world/ Check out the new check-in tech (Part II)

One such technology that fits the bill is AirHost, a Hospitality Management System (HMS) specially developed for small to medium sized hospitality properties.

Established in November 2015 in Japan, AirHost was developed by AirHost Pte. Ltd and has had a base in Singapore since October 2018. AirHost provides a range of cloud-based  accommodation management tools such as AirHost Property Management System (PMS), AirHost Channel Manager, AirHost Booking Engine and AirHost Smart Check-in System. To date, AirHost HMS has a track record of providing services to over 280 properties and maintaining more than 14,000 rooms.

![1 Hotel-Guests-Service-Procedures-1 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/7Alhy4plQbVqkbkpO7iV5r/ea73b31a9bc5a09c8e3461da1c919511/1_Hotel-Guests-Service-Procedures-1__1_.png)

AirHost provides a comprehensive way to streamline and organise essential guest data from the moment a guest makes his booking. Once it’s installed, activating AirHost sets up a universal PMS, Content Management System, automated messages and payment gateway for the operator so that when a booking comes in, rooms are automatically or manually assigned (whichever is more suitable) and payment status verified. The system automatically sends guests a message to start self check-in in advance and the operator will be able to track a guest’s progress from check-in to check-out remotely. This seamless operating process continues even after guests check out as hotel cleaners are notified via email to turn the room. Post-check-out, operators may peruse a report of the guest’s stay which will no doubt help to analyse revenue for future bookings.

From a guest’s perspective, their automated hotel experience does not deviate much from a typical hotel stay except when it comes to the physical check-in, this provides sufficient familiarity to make them feel comfortable with the novelty. With Air Host, they’ll be able to book their stay using Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) or Booking engines as per normal after which they’ll receive an automated welcome message and other check-in information. They can then access a pre-check in webpage to complete additional information in advance. On arrival to the property, a tablet replaces the traditional reception and the guest’s identity is verified remotely using a “video chat” function installed in the check-in tablet. Once this is completed, guests are provided with their room number and a PIN Code for their room’s smart lock. The AirHost HMS is compatible with a range of smart locks including KeyWe, Keycafe and highly integratable to other cloud-based Smart Locks. Check-out is just as convenient or more so as guests may do so at their preferred time by merely entering their information in the front desk tablet.

![1 Hotel 40 Guests Updated (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/q5m53pi41ft0/6pE9AkzGQtirBSDQrFK8Af/2d55bda0b520ed207ce6c477462be506/1_Hotel_40_Guests_Updated__1_.png)

For properties that would like to ease into being fully automated, the introduction of AirHost HMS as an accommodation management tool can be used to complement their existing staff. Automating the clerical work needed for guest check-ins frees up the staff’s time for tasks that are more pressing or allows them to focus on hospitality.  As a matter of fact, the Owl Group in Japan which pioneered using the AirHost system in their properties have reported high ratings on Booking.com in all three properties, with a rating  8.5 out of 10 in the first, 8.9 out of 10 in the second and 8.3 out of 10 in the third. 

For an industry that is built on human interaction, it would seem a full recovery maybe still be remote for the hospitality sector. However a report by  global real estate services firm, JLL, is forecasting the same level of recovery that hotels have shown after the SARS outbreak quietened down: “Hotel trade performance recovered only five months after the SARS outbreak. Only two months after Singapore was declared SARS-free on 30 May 2003, market-wide occupancy rapidly recovered and exceeded the 70% threshold in July 2003.” With the hospitality industry still grappling with the devastation of the global pandemic, now is actually the most opportune time to put into place technology that will ease properties into a post-COVID world. Technology such as AirHost will help hotels and the people who manage to be competitive, resilient and smart enough to thrive in the direst of circumstances, while also designing experiences that continue to delight guests.

Automated hotels: Checking-in to a Post-COVID world/ Check out the new check-in tech (Part II)


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