Self-service technology (SST) enables customers to access services without needing direct interaction with staff, making it an essential part of modern life. Many of these technologies are already well established across various industries, including hospitality.
The truth is that self-service technology offers significant advantages for both customers and businesses. Customers enjoy faster, more convenient experiences, while businesses benefit from increased sales, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction—ultimately fostering stronger loyalty.
In hospitality, self-service can be leveraged throughout the entire guest journey, from booking to purchasing additional services. Is your hotel using self-service to streamline these processes and unlock new revenue streams?
5 examples of self-service technology in hotels
Here are the top 5 self-service technologies that are widely used in the hospitality industry around the world. These could serve as a great starting point for implementing tech tools in your hotel.
Let’s check them out!
1. Self-booking service
Some travelers are ready to book at your hotel and prefer to handle the process themselves. A self-service booking tool brings valuable benefits to your business by freeing up your team to focus on undecided travelers or those with specific questions.
When selecting a booking engine, ensure it provides a seamless experience for future guests and integrates smoothly with AI Reservation Agents and third-party systems. This will help your operations run efficiently!
2. Mobile Self Check-In/Out
Mobile check-in/out allows guests to complete the check-in/out process entirely through their smartphones, bypassing the need for front desk stops. Through the hotel’s app or a web link, guests can verify their identity, select room preferences, and receive a mobile key for direct room access upon arrival.
On departure, they can review their bill, settle any outstanding charges, and complete the check-out in seconds, all from their device. This sel-service technology reduces wait times, increases guest convenience, and provides a seamless, contactless experience that’s especially valued by today’s tech-savvy travelers.
Did you know? Asksuite’s latest launch, AskFlow, automates 1:1 personalized messages throughout the entire guest journey. This means your team no longer needs to be overwhelmed with sending check-in/out messages to each guest individually. Want to learn more about this groundbreaking solution? Talk to one of our specialists today!
3. Mobile Key Access
With mobile key access, guests can use their smartphones to unlock rooms, eliminating the need for physical room keys. This tech improves security, as only verified guests with hotel app access can enter rooms, and it reduces the hassle of lost or demagnetized key cards. Mobile key access also adds a layer of convenience for guests who can check in and go straight to their rooms without visiting the front desk.
4. In-Room Tablets or Digital Concierges
In-room tablets provide a central hub for guests to access hotel services like room service, housekeeping requests, and local area recommendations. This technology allows guests to personalize their stay, ordering amenities and scheduling services at their convenience. For hotels, in-room tablets enhance communication, improve response times, and promote additional services, all while reducing the need for direct staff interaction.
5. Automated Payment Systems
Automated payment systems support contactless payments for services and amenities directly through hotel apps or self-service kiosks, allowing guests to settle bills on their own. These systems are especially valuable in providing a secure, touch-free payment experience and are often integrated with various payment methods, from credit cards to digital wallets. For hotels, automated payments simplify accounting, reduce human error, and enhance operational efficiency.
How My Hotel Benefits from Self-Service Technology
Implementing self-service technology can elevate your hotel’s efficiency, enhance guest satisfaction, and open new revenue streams. With options like mobile check-in/out, digital concierge services, and automated payment systems, your team is free to focus on high-value interactions rather than repetitive tasks.
This reduces operational costs and ensures a smooth, modern guest experience that meets today’s traveler expectations. Self-service solutions also build loyalty by allowing guests greater control and personalization, creating memorable stays that encourage return visits.
To learn more about Asksuite’s hospitality-driven tech tools, reach out one of our experts today!
This blog post was originally written on July 31, 2019 by Paula Carreirão and updated on October 31, 2024 by Asksuite’s team.
