Easing the Guest Experience: The Convenience of Remote Check-ins

There’s nothing better than having an easy booking experience available to your guests. When a guest feels as though they have a quick and easy experience, it starts their trip off on a high, thereby boosting their experience and resulting in positive reviews for you and your vacation rental property. 

Most people who rent homes for a short period of time also want to be made to feel like they have all the convenience of being at home while on holiday or on a business trip. Having a self-check-in option for your guests helps you ensure this is how your guests will feel. 

Let’s take a closer look at what you can look forward to when you decide to implement a  remote check-in system. 

The benefits of remote check-ins

Having a system where guests can check into the property remotely has several benefits for your guests and for your short-term rental business. Some of the benefits you can glean from a self-check-in option include the following.

Saving you time

Having the remote check-in option for your guests will save you, as the host, a whole lot of time. This is mainly because you won’t have to be at the property to welcome your guests if you have these systems in place. You will also be able to schedule your cleaning times and check-ins in a more effective way because you will be in control of the times. You won’t have to wait for guests to arrive, and they will also feel less time pressure to get to your accommodation for a certain time. 

Increased convenience

When you have a comprehensive remote check-in system, there is an added layer of convenience for both you and your guests. Through implementing an automated system like remote check-ins, it helps you to manage your time more effectively, thereby making your business operations more optimal. You also won’t have to worry about ensuring a staff member is present at the property, and it also means that you can simply instruct guests on what to do rather than having to tend to them during their stay. 

Additional selling point for guests

Guests enjoy the feeling of home away from home, which is why advertising that you have a self-check-in option for your guests is actually a selling point for the property and for the accommodation you have to offer. When guests can let themselves into a property, it gives them the feeling of being at home and also provides them with more privacy during their stay. This is why advertising that you have a remote check-in option for your guests is a great way to attract more bookings. Remote or self-check-in options are therefore a great selling point for guests. 

Easier to manage

Remote check-in accommodations are far easier to manage than those where the host has to be present at the point of check-in. Having a remote check-in system allows you to manage the handover of keys remotely. This means you can manage your short-term rental from a remote location if you are planning on employing people to manage it for you. When you make your property automatically accessible, it also makes it easier to schedule cleaners and maintenance people coming in and out of the property.  

Why guests appreciate remote check-ins

Less time pressure

One of the key reasons guests appreciate remote check-ins is the reduction in time pressure it provides. Traditional check-ins often require guests to coordinate their arrival time with the host, leading to potential delays due to travel or other unforeseen circumstances. With remote check-ins, guests can arrive at their convenience, eliminating the stress of rushing to meet a specific check-in time. This freedom to plan their arrival eases the beginning of their trip, allowing them to start their vacation or business trip in a more relaxed and enjoyable manner.

Added privacy

Another significant benefit of remote check-ins is the added privacy it offers to guests. Many travellers value their personal space and the feeling of being at home while away. When guests can let themselves into a property, it enhances their sense of independence and privacy during their stay. This is particularly important for guests seeking romantic getaways or those who simply prefer a more secluded and intimate experience. Remote check-ins contribute to creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere, making guests feel more comfortable and at ease during their stay.

How to implement self-check-ins

Now that we've explored the advantages of remote check-ins for both hosts and guests, let's delve into how you can effectively implement this system for your vacation rental property.

Prioritise security

Before anything else, your top priority when implementing a remote check-in service should be ensuring the security of your property. While offering convenience to guests, you must also guarantee that your property remains safe and secure. There are various security measures you can put in place, such as installing security cameras, reinforcing locks, and conducting regular property inspections.

Clear and comprehensive instructions

To make remote check-ins successful, it's crucial to provide guests with clear and comprehensive instructions. Start by sending them a detailed email with instructions well in advance of their stay. This should include information on how to access the property, where to find keys or access codes, and any other relevant details about their stay. It's essential that your guests have all the information they need to smoothly check-in without any hiccups.

Prompt communication

Effective communication is key to the success of remote check-ins. Ensure that you are easily reachable on the day of check-in in case guests have any questions or encounter difficulties. Promptly respond to their messages or calls to provide assistance and reassurance, if necessary. This level of responsiveness will enhance the guest experience and build trust.

Discrete place to hide the keys

One method of enabling remote check-ins is by providing a discreet location to hide keys. This could be a lockbox secured in a concealed spot near the entrance. Guests can receive the code to the lockbox in advance and retrieve the key themselves. Make sure this location is secure and not easily visible to passersby to maintain security.

Smart locking systems

Investing in smart locking systems is a cutting-edge way to implement remote check-ins. These systems allow you to grant access to guests via a smartphone app or a unique access code. They offer a high level of security and convenience, as you can easily change access codes for each guest and monitor entry remotely. Smart locks also enhance the overall guest experience by eliminating the need for physical keys.

Remote check-ins offer numerous benefits for both hosts and guests. They save time, enhance convenience, provide added privacy, and can be easier to manage. By prioritising security, providing clear instructions, and considering advanced options like smart locks, you can implement a seamless remote check-in system that elevates your vacation rental property and leaves a positive impression on your guests.