Smart Solutions for Remote Check-In and Contactless Check-Out for Airbnb Hosts

In today's evolving hospitality landscape, the warm and personal in-person welcome has given way to a safer and more convenient contactless check-in experience. Doesn’t matter that the lockdown is long gone - it left a lot of people with a need for independent, solo travel experience.

As an Airbnb host, it's essential to adapt to these changing times and provide your guests with a hassle-free yet welcoming arrival process. In this guide, we'll explore smart and safe solutions for check-in and check-out without guest interaction.

KeyNest

KeyNest offers a convenient alternative to in-person check-ins, providing Airbnb hosts with a secure method for exchanging keys and managing remote access for guests and cleaners.

With a vast network of over 4,000 partner locations, KeyNest enables hosts to conveniently drop off keys for guests to collect from secure and accessible Points (usually local convenience stores, cafes, and hotels).

In 2023, KeyNest introduced an optional key collection from an electronic key locker, located inside stores. Stay tuned for updates on the locations available!

Through KeyNest's portal and mobile app system, hosts have full control over access management, receiving notifications, and tracking key movements, ensuring the safety of their property and guests.

Pricing for KeyNest starts at £5.95 per key collection or £21.95 for monthly unlimited key collections. To explore the complete pricing details, click here.

Smart locks

Smart locks are an alternative to key boxes that allow hosts to control property access remotely. They offer features like creating unique access codes and monitoring entries.

As great as they seem, they can be expensive, with costs for the lock, installation, and maintenance - especially if you just need to exchange the keys occasionally and vacation rental is not your full-time business. Installation in a communal door requires agreement from all neighbours, which may be impossible at times.

Prices range from £200 to £500 for the lock, plus installation. View a ranking of best smart locks here.

Keyless entry systems

Keyless entry systems are a popular and secure alternative to key safes. They allow guests to access the property using a smartphone app, card, or keypad, eliminating the need for physical keys.

Keyless entry systems offer several advantages, including increased security, reduced risk of lost or stolen keys, and enhanced control over property access.

However, they may not be suitable for everyone. Just like with a smart lock, if your property is in a building with shared access, installing such a system requires the agreement of all apartment owners. Additionally, the installation and maintenance costs can be significant.

The pricing for keyless entry systems typically ranges from £150 to £300, not including the installation cost.

Hide-a-key

Hiding a key near the door is another alternative (though highly dangerous) for remote check-ins. This method involves leaving a spare key in a nearby location, such as under the trash bin or inside a fake hollow pebble, for guests to find upon arrival.

We strongly discourage using this hide-a-key method. Nowadays, it poses a high risk of losing your house key to a potential thief, making it an extremely unsafe choice.

The pricing for a hide-a-key solution starts at £10, but considering the potential risks to your property's safety, it is not worth the cost.

Creating a Warm, Zero-Contact Welcome:

While a contactless check-in is convenient and safe, you can still make your guests feel genuinely welcomed with these thoughtful touches (without actually meeting them in person):

Contact on Arrival Day:

Send a message on the day of your guest's arrival with essential information, such as the access code and Wi-Fi password. This initial message opens a channel of communication for any guest inquiries or issues upon arrival.

Thorough Check-In Instructions:

Take the time to provide detailed check-in instructions. Include information about the property location, door access, and troubleshooting steps. Consider making your property easily identifiable with distinctive door markings or an Airbnb sticker (if the area is okay with Airbnb's presence).

Personalised Welcome Note:

A handwritten note with your guest's name can work wonders. Use it to extend a warm welcome, guide them through the property, and offer tips on using amenities like the washing machine or cable box. Consider leaving a couple of local beers or snacks for an extra special touch.

Mid-Stay Communication:

The day after your guest's arrival, check in with a quick message to ensure their stay is going smoothly. Ask if they need any assistance or have any concerns. This ongoing communication makes guests feel valued and cared for, even without face-to-face interactions.

Incorporating contactless check-in solutions like lock boxes, electronic locks, and thoughtful guest communication can help you maintain a high level of service and security. Try these methods and elevate your hosting experience. Who knows, you might find that contactless check-ins are here to stay, even beyond the pandemic!