The concept of digital self-services has transformed over the past decade. Today, digital check-in/out and mobile access for hotels are no longer a “nice to have” but a “must have” for hoteliers aiming to stay competitive. Mobile key solutions have gained traction, offering guests seamless and secure access to their rooms through their smartphones. This shift reflects changes in consumer behavior, driven by the omnipresence of mobile devices and the growing demand for digital self-services. Follow along as we explore trends in mobile access, that forward-thinking hoteliers should consider.
Increasing Adoption Rates
The adoption of mobile access solutions is accelerating quickly. According to a recent report, 54% (of hoteliers) added that their highest priority is to adopt tech that improves or eliminates the need for front desk experience. The increased adoption is not just a trend—it’s a strategic move towards creating improved guest experiences.
Insight: Mobile access isn’t just about convenience; it profoundly impacts how hotels operate. By automating administrative tasks such as check-in, room entry, and check-out, hotels can reallocate staff toward creating memorable and personalized guest experiences. Forward-thinking hoteliers should consider mobile access not as a technology project but as part of a broader digital transformation strategy that enhances operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and brand loyalty.
Web Provisioning
Hotels are rethinking mobile access, with web provisioning emerging as an alternative to the traditional app-based approach. Web provisioning allows guests to access their mobile keys directly through a web interface, something that could streamline the digital guest experience and enhance inclusivity.
Insight: As the trend toward frictionless digital experiences grows, the ability to provide secure mobile access through the web can differentiate hotels in a highly competitive market. However, hoteliers may consider a dual-path strategy where both app and web provisioning coexist, addressing different guest preferences and operational needs.
Mobile Keys in Digital Wallets
Mobile keys in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet allow guests to access their rooms without the need to unlock their phones and open an app. This technology enables guests to store room keys alongside other digital items like boarding passes or credit cards, making the overall experience more streamlined.
Insight: The adoption of mobile wallet technology aligns with the habits of modern travelers who use their smartphones as an all-in-one tool. Hoteliers who integrate mobile keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, enhance the guest experience and position themselves to meet future traveler expectations. This technology not only simplifies access but also supports a more seamless and integrated guest journey.
From Build to Buy
Another trend reshaping the hospitality industry is the shift from building, to buying digital solutions. As the complexity of digital self-services increases, many hoteliers are opting for a mobile access partner with a proven track record of successful launches.
Insight: The “build vs. buy” decision has long been a strategic consideration in various industries, and it’s now gaining traction in hospitality. Outsourcing mobile access solutions allows hoteliers to leverage the expertise of specialized partners, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and features. Partnering with technology experts, reduces development risks, minimizes time to market, and ensures hotels consistently meet evolving guest expectations.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing digital transformation, driven by trends like mobile keys, web provisioning, and mobile keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, is changing how hotels operate and how guests experience their stay. To stay competitive and meet the expectations of modern travelers, hoteliers must go beyond adopting individual technologies—they need to embrace a holistic, strategic approach to digital innovation. Achieving this requires the right technical partnerships. Hoteliers should seek out mobile access partners who offer proven solutions and expertise in mobile access for hotels and digital self-services. By leveraging a partner with industry-specific knowledge, hoteliers can quickly implement secure and scalable technology while staying focused on their core mission: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Curious about how you can enhance your guest experience with the help of technology and digital self-services? Contact us to learn more.
