Self-check-in enables guests to access their rental accommodations without interacting with their hosts. This feature has always been popular with business travellers. However, it's not just a product of innovation but also a response to the increasing need for efficiency and safety, with the COVID-19 pandemic having accelerated the demand for contactless solutions.

From a host’s point of view, it’s important to know that Airbnb has a prominent filter that allows guests to search for self-check-in-only options - this shows how much potential these remote solutions might have for your listing’s performance. But wait, there’s more - and it’s all data-backed.

James from berlinbnb.co looked at the data to see what having a key management system can do for your business.

What Data from Berlin Tells Us about Self Check-in

We analysed listing data from the first ten pages of Airbnb using the following: Keyword 'Berlin' for two people staying between 11th April and 14th April 2024 in a whole apartment with one bedroom, one bathroom, and one bed. We focused on this specific market, as it’s the author’s local market, and we just had to start somewhere!

So of course, the results could vary depending on city and continent, but a general conclusion that you will find below should be pretty universal.

Based on the analysis of the Airbnb listings in Berlin, here are the findings:

Just under 70% of listings in the top ten pages have self-check-in enabled
Having self-check-in could be a major ranking factor on the platform, as an even larger majority of the listings (75%) on the top three pages have indicated self-check-in.

The average price comparison:

Average price per night of self-check-in listings: The average price for self-check-in listings is €124.81.
Average price per night of non-self check-in listings: The average price for non-self check-in listings is €107.95.

The average price of self-check-in listings is approximately 15.63% higher than that of non-self-check-in listings in Berlin.

Having a key management system in place boosts prices by approximately 15% in Berlin and also reduces the costs of having to meet with the guest personally.

Is self-check-in important to Airbnb guests?

Airbnb has three key bullet points displayed at the top of every listing. The top one is always related to the cancellation policy of the listing. The second and third can change depending on the listing.

In this data, you can see the top ten features highlighted by Airbnb, which gives you an indication of how important they are to a guest.

Free Cancellation: 98.89%
Self Check-in: 68.89%
Superhost: 33.33%
Dedicated Workspace: 26.67%
Great Check-in Experience: 14.44%
Great Location: 10.0%
Fast Wifi: 9.44%
Great for Remote Work: 6.11%
Experienced Host: 5.0%
Furry Friends Welcome: 3.89%

Self-check-in is highlighted the most compared with other features.

Checking out Facebook groups for hosts reveals that hosts love self-check-in, and Reddit shows us that guests also prefer this option.

Reddit: Do you prefer self-check-in?

The benefits of self-check-in are multifaceted. Hosts reap the advantages of reduced costs, which simplifies the logistics of guest management.

Moreover, by removing the need for coordinated arrival times, hosts can cater to guests with late-night arrivals or travel delays without the need to be present. This flexibility can enhance the guest experience by providing a seamless start to their stay.

However, whether self-check-in is suitable for every host and every type of property is an intricate question. Diverse traveler expectations and the nature of the rental property itself play a crucial role.

‘Previously, I paid €20 for a single check-in until I started using a key management system - it boosted my revenue, and guests prefer it’ James, Berlinbnb.co

The Rise of Self Check-In in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry has embraced digital transformation with open arms, realising the efficiency and customer satisfaction of self-check-in solutions.

A guest's experience is often streamlined as they bypass traditional check-in procedures, moving directly to their accommodations without delays.

In this arena, Airbnb has been a notable advocate for self-check-in, integrating these options into their platform, enhancing guest communication and empowering hosts to offer a more personalised check-in experience.

Guest Preferences have changed

Guests now often prefer accommodations that offer minimal interpersonal interaction to adhere to health and safety guidelines, it’s most likely one of the long-lasting effects of the 2020 pandemic.

Almost everyone who has used Airbnb a few times has had trouble organising key handovers, delayed planes, lost baggage, and no 5G network to contact the host. Self-check-in alleviates stress on both sides.

Lots of hosts have tried lockboxes, only for them to fail and create more work over having a 24/7 key manager in place near your accommodation. Most issues reported included faulty lockboxes, frozen keys in the box in winter, and even guests accidentally changing the code to the lockbox.

An alternative solution would be to use a nearby Welcome Centre to exchange keys - like offered by us at KeyNest - click here to find out more.

Benefits of Self Check-In for Hosts

Self-check-in systems offer hosts a plethora of advantages, from operational efficiency to enhanced guest satisfaction. They streamline routine tasks, often leading to improved reviews and a safer rental process.

Streamlining Operations with Automation

Hosts can significantly save time with automation by reducing the need for in-person meetings during check-ins.

Automated platforms allow for the remote collection and verification of guest information, transforming a once cumbersome aspect of property management into a smooth, self-governing process. This shift not only lightens the administrative load but also provides guests with immediate access upon arrival, embodying the epitome of hassle-free operations.

Improving the Guest Experience

A self-check-in system garners positive reviews by catering to the guests' desire for flexibility.

When guests benefit from the convenience of checking in at their leisure, without the constraint of synchronising schedules with the host, satisfaction levels rise.

Clear communication of check-in procedures and timely provision of necessary information, such as Wi-Fi passwords, can enhance the guest’s stay and, thereby, their trust in the host.

Crafting Clear Check-In Instructions

Hosts have seen a significant improvement in guest satisfaction when they provide clear and concise check-in instructions.

These instructions should include each step the guest needs to take upon arrival, with details such as the exact location of the property, where to find the keys, and the Wi-Fi password. To prevent any confusion, hosts can format instructions as follows:

Step-by-step guides: Enumerate each action the guest must take.
Visual aids: Integrate images or videos demonstrating the process.

Utilising Smart Technology

Smart technology simplifies the self-check-in experience. Hosts can instantly send a secure, time-sensitive code to guests' smartphones, allowing them to gain access to the property.

Challenges and Solutions for Self-Check-In

When implementing self-check-in systems, hosts face several issues, including technical glitches, ensuring access for all types of guests, and maintaining effective communication. Thoughtfully addressing these challenges ensures a seamless check-in experience for guests and can significantly reduce potential frustration.

Overcoming Technical Difficulties

Technical challenges are common when guests interact with new systems. Hosts can mitigate this by having redundancies, such as backup access codes or physical keys. Regular system maintenance and updates also prevent many of these issues. It's crucial for hosts to be reachable to assist guests who encounter difficulties with the technology, whether those are due to user error or system failures.

Ensuring Accessibility for All Guests

Not all guests are equally tech-savvy. To ensure inclusivity, hosts should offer varying levels of accessibility, although with a key management system, anyone can hand over the code and personally receive the keys.

Maintaining Clear Communication

Effective communication is the bedrock upon which the success of self-check-in systems is built.

Clear, concise instructions should be provided well in advance. Hosts should confirm guests have understood the process, and there's a need for a reliable way to reach the host in case of inquiries.

Increasing Booking Attractiveness

Bookings become more appealing when guests have the convenience of self-check-in.

This feature aligns with the rising preference for contactless transactions and allows hosts to position their listings more competitively in search results.

Properties that offer self-check-in can highlight this amenity in their marketing materials, potentially increasing their attractiveness to prospective guests who value ease and autonomy upon arrival.

Ratings: Guests often reward the convenience of self-check-in with higher ratings, which can elevate a host's visibility and reputation as a superhost.
Promotion: Smart promotion of self-check-in features enhances listing performance, positioning the property as modern and guest-centric.

Ultimately, adding more automation to your accommodation can allow you to provide value in other areas. You can also automate recommendations for luggage storage for guests that wish to check out late, but hosts can’t accommodate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific factors or criteria considered by Airbnb in highlighting self-check-in as a key feature for guests, and how does this impact the overall ranking and visibility of a listing on the platform?

According to Airbnb, self-check-in involves guests gaining access to a place without the host's presence using various methods such as a key lockbox, a smart lock, a keypad, or access via building staff like a doorperson or receptionist, available 24/7, or via key exchange service like KeyNest. The convenience of self-check-in is likely a key feature for guests, allowing them flexibility in accessing accommodations without the need for direct interaction with the host.

How do hosts using self-check-in systems address the challenge of ensuring accessibility for guests who may not be tech-savvy, and are there alternative methods provided to accommodate a diverse range of guests?

There are multiple ways of addressing these issue. Most common way to solve the accessibility issue is to provide a 24/7 customer support number, with competent staff able to guide the guest through the process while on the call. KeyNest is one of the services that provides such service.

What are some common issues or difficulties hosts might face when implementing self-check-in systems, and how can they effectively address and overcome these challenges?

Some common issues or difficulties hosts might face when implementing self-check-in systems include technical glitches with the system, ensuring accessibility for all guests, and maintaining effective communication.

To address technical glitches, hosts can implement redundancies such as backup access codes or physical keys, conduct regular system maintenance and updates, and ensure they are reachable to assist guests who encounter difficulties with the technology.

To ensure accessibility for all guests, hosts can offer varying levels of accessibility or provide alternative methods for guests who may not be comfortable with or able to use the self-check-in system. For example, hosts can arrange for someone to hand over keys personally if needed.

Maintaining clear communication is crucial for the success of self-check-in systems. Hosts should provide clear, concise instructions well in advance of guests' arrival, confirm guests' understanding of the process, and establish a reliable way for guests to reach them in case of inquiries or issues.

About Us

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website.

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