Sometimes less desk is more service!
The 21st century guest is used to experiencing digital self- service wherever they go. At airports, train stations, movie theatres and even at fast food restaurants. One area where this has not yet happened is in hotels.
When guests enter a lobby they are usually faced with an enormous front desk where they have to stand in line to check in and wait for their credit card to be checked before they receive the key to their room.
For some guests this can be a daunting and tiring process. Especially after a long days travelling, with an energetic and impatient 5 year old in tow. Sometimes you just want to walk in, get face to face friendly service and get to your room for that refreshing shower as quickly as possible, without having to listen to the complaints of other guests waiting in line before you.
So why not streamline this process. Shorten the waiting time and give your guests a warmer welcome? How? By ditching the desk and implementing new technology to automate the check in.
By Removing the physical barrier between host and guest, you have the opportunity to create a more personal, human touch. Welcome your guests as if into your home, into a living room type atmosphere with cosy check in lounges where guests have the freedom to check in themselves, but can also ask a personal check in assistant for help if required. One who actually makes eye contact with you and smiles instead of staring at his computer screen while he checks your details.
First impressions are everything. So why not design the perfect environment to warmly welcome your guests in your lobby and use technology to speed up the check in process. This way you can also turn your reception area into a multi functional area that is 100% in line with your overall hotel concept.
So if you’re ready to give your guests the 21st century welcome they deserve and desire, ditch the desk! Replace it with a homely welcome area. Add a little fun and a large dose of technology and be amazed at what you can achieve.
Carl Mills – Storyteller & Concept Creator at Studio Stoerrr
The ‘No-Desk’ is a part of the Play Hotel…www.theplayhotel.com
