Short-term rentals: How UnderTheDoormat Leveraged KeyNest for Efficient Property Access Management
KEY SUMMARY
- The Partner: UnderTheDoormat, one of Europe's largest short-term rental businesses, operating across London and Paris following its merger with Veeve.
- The Challenge: Traditional lockboxes carried security risks and gave no way to track a key's status remotely as the portfolio scaled toward managing 400+ properties for the Paris Olympics.
- How did UnderTheDoormat use KeyNest?: They adopted KeyNest Points as their key exchange solution, integrating it directly with their property management system, Hospiria, via API.
- Key Results:
- Full Remote Visibility - Staff get a live overview of every key's status 24/7, without needing to be on-site.
- Seamless API Integration - Collection codes are generated automatically in Hospiria, triggering check-in tasks without manual admin.
- More Time for Guest Service - The operational team spends less time managing access and more time delivering the five-star service behind their Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.
Established in 2014 by CEO Merilee Karr, UnderTheDoormat was founded out of inconsistent accommodation standards she experienced during corporate travels. The company offers a professional service that combines hotel-like standards with the comfort of a home, effectively optimising vacant homes during empty periods for property owners.
Strategic Growth and Merger with Veeve
As UnderTheDoormat approaches its 10th anniversary, its merger with Veeve has positioned it as one of Europe's largest short-term rental businesses, operating in Paris and London. Looking ahead to 2024, the company is focused on leveraging its strength in European markets, particularly during the Paris Olympics, where it plans to manage over 400 properties. Plans for the year also include strategic B2B partnerships, growth through shared resources, and further collaboration with the Global Distribution System (GDS) for TrustedStays.
KeyNest Integration: A Game-Changer
We caught up with Josef Caron, Head of London Managed at UnderTheDoormat, to hear his thoughts on the company's experience with KeyNest so far.
Efficient Property Access Management & Local Key Storage
While the company considered the traditional lockboxes before, the simplicity and effectiveness of KeyNest's key tracking made it a permanent fixture in UnderTheDoormat’s operations. Other solutions like lockboxes can theoretically be cracked when someone finds a way to open them (by force or by obtaining the code). There would also be no way to track the key’s status remotely.
KeyNest’s platform and app ensure that operational details are handled seamlessly, contributing to overall efficiency. The secure local key storage system works remotely and gives the staff a full live overview of key status 24/7.
Customer Service Excellence
According to Josef, the positive news is that UnderTheDoormat seldom needs KeyNest customer service - meaning the platform is fuss-free and rather easy to use. In rare moments when help is needed, the 24/7 chat feature is helpful for immediate responses from the KeyNest Team, allowing immediate communication with the right person.
The quick key audit process and constant communication between the KeyNest Team and the KeyNest Points staff further enhance the overall customer service experience, according to Josef.
Integration with Hospiria
UnderTheDoormat integrated KeyNest with their property management system Hospiria using the available API integration, which is free to use.
Universal Solution for Property Access
When asked about the potential uses of KeyNest in other businesses, Josef replies:
