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PMS with Self-Service Check-In Kiosks

Front Desk Operations

SOBEHO started this discussion 14 years 8 months ago

Anyone know of a PMS (Property Management System) which interfaces to hostelworld.com AND offers an interface to self-service check-in kiosks?

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jonL

13 years

Hi Sobeho

I had a look at this a while back.

When I checked only www.backpackonline.com was able to be integrated with HostelWorld. Maybe this has since increased.

With regards to PMS systems that can link to a self service kiosk, I found them to be very expensive, such as Opera as you needed to not only buy the PMS but also the add-on module.

As such what I have decided to do was simply have a lock box which drops keys as clients enters a code.

What Kiosks were you thinking of using? I was looking at Abuzz (Sydney based) but I think they went into administration.

Cheers

Jon

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Plakian

13 years

Regarding the first two messages - guys, are you sure that it's a hostel you want to run? I can't think of anything worse for guests and for the atmosphere than a "self-service check-in kiosk".

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Scotch Argus

13 years

I'd agree with Paklian here - I think people expect some kind of personal touch in a hostel. I've been to very small hostels where the dorms are left open and people get themselves a bed, and later on that night someone comes around to get the money. Not very common any more tho'. If you're large enough be able to afford a self service kiosk then you'd still need a staff member as people will always need help with those things (Like self service checkouts at the supermarket). I guess it could speed up the check in process if you have many people all wanting to check in at the same time however.

I do think that the check in process is one way of getting a good interaction with the customer started - if it's all automatic I think overall satisfaction levels wouldn't be as good.

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Plakian

13 years

I spend about 10 minutes for checking-in EVERY new guest. I welcome them, give them information about the hostel, give them information about things to do in the area and then I am available to answer their questions and try to resolve any problems they may have. The average stay in this hostel is over 5 nights; I think that speaks for itself.

Please do not treat your guests as machines - they are not.

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jonL

13 years

Hi,

Just for some background information.

Sometimes the economics don't work out. I mean if I could afford it I would open my reception desk all night long. But in Australia for me to employ someone afterhours (after 7pm or so) the legal minimum award wages rise up such that it costs me almost $35 per hour per staff member (yes per hour), where I am in Perth, beds are going for between $20 - $40 per bed per night.

(Also on Sundays and Public holidays the cost is almost $44/hr per person)

As you can see its not affordable for me to have the reception desk open all night long to accept only a handful of guests.

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Scotch Argus

13 years

I can totally understand that, I just wonder what you do when someone has a problem with the automated kiosk. Hotels I have been to which have these sort of systems also have someone on hand to help when something goes wrong. We are in the same boat regarding 24hr opening, many bigger hostels offer it, but there's no way we could afford to do that. We open until 1030pm and then shut for the night. We certainly have people who have a problem with this, but because we are in a rural area it's only a minority.

However there is always a staff member on site over night (i.e. me)

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jonL

13 years

yes there will be a night caretaker on Duty, always will be required (in case of emergencies and all that)

An automated kiosk for my use is not the ideal situation (also having a reception open also allows you to 'filter' guests but in my case I don't really have a choice due to costs.

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hostelsystem

13 years

Hello guys,

I represent HostelSystem - comprehensive hostel management system. You can have a look here . We do not offer self-service check-in service but if there is need for such service I am interested in discussing what you mean by "the kiosk" would you like it to be able to take payments or give keys? Or it is mostly about administrative procedure of check-in? Please get in touch with me if you are interested in discussing details, who knows maybe we could do something for you. Cheers! Mat

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HostelOffice

12 years

I agree with many posts above as there are other things you can automate so as to decrease the work load. Your existing guests will feel secure if all potential guests were met and checked in by staff.

Here is a company offering in room info screens that helps reduce the workload on staff https://www.facebook.com/joy.technology

You can also use electronic door locks so you can pre cut keys and leave them behind pin coded locks for guests.

You can install a door bell that rings your mobile phone.

And our software enables you to send any number of emails to guests before during and after their stay to assist them navigate. See this film

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