Flexibility and Simplicity: Hôtel Célia's Experience with KeyNest Lockers
Hôtel Célia is a hotel with 11 rooms located in the isolated commune of Maripasoula, French Guiana. Accessible only by air or river, the hotel was recently taken over by Joël Prospa and his brother, who are based in Cayenne, where they manage other activities such as car hire and catering. Their venture into the hotel business began just four months ago, seizing an opportunity when the local community decided to hand over the lease on the hotel.
Navigating the Wilderness: The Challenges of Remote Hospitality
The logistical challenges of running a hotel in such a remote location are numerous. Transport is unpredictable, with frequent delays to planes, boats and even helicopters. With a small team on site, it was essential to find a solution to ensure a continuous service, especially as the staff wasn’t physically present onsite after 2pm.
Unlocking Innovation: KeyNest’s discovery
It was in this context that Joël discovered KeyNest. Being naturally curious, and constantly on the lookout for new innovations, Joël, on the advice of a friend, went to the Rendez-Vous des Pros de la Location Courte Durée in Paris, France, in June 2024, where KeyNest was exhibiting.
‘I’m always on the lookout for new trends and opportunities, so I thought, why not?’, said Joël when we interviewed him.
While there, he discovered the KeyNest Locker. Intrigued by this new technology, he decided to take one back with him to implement it in Maripasoula.
7,302 km and a plane transfer later, the Locker was installed at the hotel entrance, in a covered area accessible to guests at all times.
‘The Lockers are real game changers when it comes to time saving. This system allows guests to retrieve their keys independently, at any time, using a code they receive.’
The Key to Seamless Service
This solution has proved ideal for the hotel, offering valuable flexibility in a region where transport schedules are often disrupted.
‘The KeyNest Locker allowed us to be flexible and adapt to the unexpected. It was literally designed for us’, explains Joël.
A Welcome Change: Smiles All Around
The KeyNest locker has not only solved the problem of staff availability, it has also facilitated remote management from Cayenne. Joël and his brother can now monitor room occupancy in real time, manage reservations and ensure that everything runs smoothly, even hundreds of kilometres away. This centralised management is a major asset, especially when a last-minute guest prefers to change rooms or when there is a late check-out.
‘The advantage is that all the keys are in the Locker. HQ can check out when it's a late check-out, everything is simplified.’
Feedback from staff and customers has been very positive. Staff, who are used to the system, find the process simple and efficient, while guests appreciate the autonomy offered by KeyNest. This solution has transformed the way the hotel operates, making it possible to provide a 24-hour service in a small structure without having to increase staff numbers.
‘We couldn't have imagined anything better. It's technology on a human scale. Personally, I think it's suitable for all hotels.’
Modernizing in the Amazon: The Success Story of Hôtel Célia
Joël is entirely satisfied, and says he has no regrets about integrating KeyNest into the Maripasoula Hôtel. For him, this technology is adapted to all hotels, whatever their size, and particularly to structures like his, where continuous reception is a real challenge.
‘I'm very happy. I don't regret a thing, not for a second!’.
This solution has enabled the hotel to modernise its service, while adapting to the unique constraints of such a remote region.
By integrating KeyNest, Hotel Célia has been able to modernise its service, improve the customer experience, and overcome the logistical challenges of its remote location. The KeyNest Locker has proven to be an invaluable solution for ensuring smooth and flexible management, while offering peace of mind to owners and guests alike.