In the last 15 years, mobile devices have made the hospitality industry nearly unrecognizable. Among the biggest innovations, digital check-in has seen remarkable growth, driven in part by its relevance during the pandemic and the demand for social distancing measures.
- A survey by Criton found that since the pandemic, the digital check-in technology market grew 10%.
- More than 80% of hotel guests are willing to use a check-in app.
- Two-thirds of travelers prefer establishments that use technology to minimize unnecessary staff interactions.
Below we examine what digital check-in is, how it works, and why hotels should implement it as soon as possible.
What are Digital Check-In Services?
A digital check-in system allows guests to check into their rooms using their mobile devices, avoiding lengthy front desk procedures. Typical features include:
- Submitting ID and paperwork via mobile
- Digitally signing registration cards
- Receiving a digital key upon arrival
For hotels, digital check-in systems allow staff to collect guest personal information, credit card data, and other relevant details efficiently. This is especially useful for properties that receive bookings through online travel agencies, which often do not supply full guest data.
An Oracle study found a large majority of guests prefer hotels that offer contactless check-in.
The Emergence of Digital Check-In in Hospitality
Digital check-in adoption has surged for a variety of reasons:
- Hotels and airlines have been integrating digital experiences into the customer journey for years.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for contactless solutions.
- Guests expect the ability to shop, pay bills, and check in with minimal contact.
Major brands embracing digital check-in include Hilton (Hilton Honors), IHG (IHG Rewards Club), and MGM (MGM Resorts Mobile App). According to a Skift report, more than half of modern travelers expressed a desire for contactless check-in.
How a Digital Check-In System Helps Your Hotel
Key benefits of digital check-in:
- Efficiency: Streamlines the check-in process, reduces staff workload, and enables quick collection of guest information for service and marketing.
- Personalization: Gathers guest preferences before arrival so hotels can tailor services.
- Convenience: Allows guests to bypass front desk queues and check in directly from their devices. (Around 66% of millennials have booked travel via smartphone; 75% have travel apps installed.)
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Gives guests control over their stay and enables upselling opportunities (e.g., room upgrades) before arrival.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces staffing needs during busy periods, lowering labor costs.
Harnessing Digital Check-In Solutions with HelloShift
If you want to reduce check-in times and enhance guest experience without investing heavily in kiosks or custom apps, HelloShift offers a cloud-based solution that digitizes the hotel check-in process.
Why HelloShift stands out:
- Contactless Check-In: Send pre-arrival check-in links so guests can check in on their smartphones and skip the front desk.
- Document Scanning & Digital Signatures: Guests can upload IDs and sign registration cards digitally.
- Personalized Upselling: Offer room upgrades and personalized deals before arrival.
- Keyless Entry & Customizable Guidebook: Provide mobile keys and a branded digital guidebook to reduce person-to-person interaction and improve guest loyalty.
- Digital Tipping: Cashless tipping options to make gratuities easier for guests.
- Platform Compatibility: Available on web, iOS, and Android.
Many properties report improved guest communication and more efficient check-in operations after integrating HelloShift.
The Importance of Digital Check-In and Cutting-Edge Tools
Mobile check-in has become a critical element of hotel operations. Contactless procedures are increasingly the norm, and studies suggest 7 out of 10 consumers are more likely to stay in a hotel offering self-service technology.
HelloShift bundles features such as guest messaging, contactless check-in, website chat, staff collaboration, and housekeeping management into one platform, enabling hotels to go fully digital across key operational areas.
Independent hotels and hotel groups achieve 80/20 preventive maintenance ratios (80% planned, 20% reactive) using HelloShift's automated checklists and asset tracking—reducing emergency repairs by up to 48%.
Give guests the mobile-first experience they expect. Text the hotel, mobile check-in, digital registration cards, mobile keys, and branded digital guidebooks—all while your AI Assistant handles incoming calls when staff is helping other guests.
See why properties using HelloShift report 30% fewer guest complaints and 2x faster issue resolution. Book a personalized demo or start your free trial.
