5 alternatives to in-person check-ins - Airbnb Host Guide 2023

In the realm of hospitality, hosts often find themselves grappling with the challenges of in-person check-ins. The all-too-familiar scenario of waiting around for guests to arrive, and wasting precious time, has long been a cause for concern.

Why are in-person check-ins, not an ideal way to handle Airbnb operations?

Based on comments from our clients from 2016-2023, the average time spent for an in-person check-in for properties in the UK is 55 minutes (including the commute and wait time). And that’s just an average, in case the guest is not delayed!

On top of that, the option to offer extended check-in hours, catering to guests' varying schedules, is an important factor affecting not just guests' reviews but also the Airbnb SuperHost status - or lack of it.

Fortunately, technological advancements have paved the way for alternative solutions, revolutionizing the check-in process and enhancing the overall guest experience.

In this article, we explore five cutting-edge alternatives to traditional in-person check-ins, transforming the way hosts manage key exchanges and ultimately unlocking new levels of efficiency.

1. Remote Key Exchange via KeyNest

Imagine a hassle-free check-in process where guests are greeted with a warm welcome and their keys are conveniently waiting for them - without the host ever showing up on-site.

KeyNest Point services make this a reality by acting as a trusted intermediary between hosts and guests.

How does KeyNest work?

1) Keys are dropped off by the host in a local cafe or a convenience store, tagged and securely stored.

2) Upon arrival, guests visit the KeyNest Point, identify themselves using a 6-digit key collection code, and collect the key from the shopkeeper.

3) At the same time, the host gets a notification about the key movement via the app or email.

Most of KeyNest Points are located within 5 minute's walk from properties located in large European cities, like London, Manchester, Paris, Lisbon etc. There are over 5,000+ KeyNest Points available globally (as of 2023).

By using the key exchange with KeyNest, hosts can eliminate the frustration of waiting and extend their check-in hours without adding to their workload.

Pricing: from £5.95 per key collection or £21.95 for monthly unlimited key collections. Click here to explore full pricing.

2. Smart Locks

With smart locks, by creating unique access codes, hosts can conveniently provide guests with entry credentials through email or text messages, eliminating the need for physical key handovers.

In addition to offering remote access control, these innovative devices allow hosts to set schedules for specific access periods. This feature ensures that guests can only enter the property during designated times, providing an added layer of security.

While they offer convenience and security, smart locks typically come with a substantial price tag. Hosts must factor in installation costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and the potential need for branded spare parts.

Another consideration is the compatibility of smart locks with communal doors in multi-unit buildings. If there is a shared entrance, obtaining consent from all neighbours may be necessary before installing a smart lock. This requirement ensures a unified approach to security and access control within the building.

Pricing: £200 - £500 for the lock, plus installation cost

3. Keyless Entry Systems

These innovative systems utilise smartphone apps or keypads to grant guests access to the property, eliminating the need for physical keys.

Keyless entry systems provide unique access codes for each guest. Hosts can easily set up personalised codes that can be changed or revoked as necessary.

Why doesn't it work for anyone though? If your property is located in a building with communal access, you won’t be able to install it unless every apartment owner in the building agrees to have it done as well. Plus, the installation and maintenance costs are significant.

Pricing: £150-£300 + installation cost

4. Lockboxes (key safes)

The most basic way of key exchange. Get a box, put it on the wall, set a code, and done. Sounds simple, right?

Well, not anymore. These used to work well - until local councils went to war with lockboxes and started banning them from the streets. Check what’s the regulation at the moment in your area, but, likely, these little boxes are not legal to use in your borough.

One more factor worth knowing - currently, there are over 300,000 websites and videos showing when putting “how to break into a lockbox” on Google. Some of the videos show how to open it in less than 30 seconds - and such videos are easily found on Youtube.

So it’s a cheap, quick solution for key exchange - the question is, do you want to risk it?

Pricing: £20-50

5. Hide-a-Key 

Hiding a key somewhere near the door is another (very dangerous) alternative to key boxes for remote check-ins. This method involves leaving a spare key in a front door vicinity, such as under the trash bin or inside a fake, hollow pebble for guests to pick up upon arrival.

It's essential to ensure that the key is well-hidden and secure, as leaving a key in an obvious location can pose a ridiculously high-security risk. Hosts should also provide clear instructions on where to find the key and emphasise the importance of keeping it safe during their stay.

We would never recommend a hide-a-key method to anyone. Nowadays, this is such a risky and obvious way to lose your house key to a random thief, it’s just absolutely not worth it.

Pricing: starts at £10

About Us

With KeyNest, you can drop off a key at one of our 4,000+ convenient locations, such as local stores or cafes. Guests, cleaners, or contractors will be able to securely retrieve the key from the KeyNest Point (usually open 24/7). 

You'll receive notifications each time the key is picked up and returned, and you can even set custom check-in and check-out times for added convenience. 

KeyNest has an expanding network of locations globally, likely just a few minutes away from your property, visit our website at https://keynest.com/ to learn more.