G&G Boardinghouse Eliminates Traditional Reception Desk with Self-Service Kiosk
Client
ggboardinghouse.deProperty Type
Aparthotel
Location
Aalen, Germany
The project launch
October 2023
About G&G Boardinghouse
G&G Boardinghouse, located in Aalen, Germany, is a contemporary aparthotel offering modern accommodations with hotel-like services.
With 59 rooms designed to accommodate long-stay guests including leisure travelers, business professionals, and workers, G&G Boardinghouse sought efficient and cost-effective solutions to automate guest arrival and manage multiple properties at the same time.
In this case study, we'll explore how HotelFriend's tailored solutions addressed these needs of the hotel, providing a truly connected hospitality experience for G&G Boardinghouse and its guests.
Challenges Faced by G&G Boardinghouse
Streamlining hotel operations across multiple properties
The owners of G&G Boardinghouse were looking for a seamless combination of software and hardware to upgrade their business and manage hotel operations. They required a platform capable of managing not only the workload of their current establishment but also several extra properties in the future, totaling 102 rooms in all.
Reducing reliance on the front desk staff
The client aimed to automate the aparthotel with guest self-service and automated payments. The main objective was to reduce dependency on front desk staff while upgrading the guest experience.
Improving online presence and distribution
Another wish of the client was to improve its online presence, enhance direct bookings, and efficiently manage distribution across various popular online travel agencies (OTAs).
The key requirements of the G&G Boardinghouse included:
- An all-in-one PMS with a Channel Manager and Booking Engine to manage operations and inventory.
- Automation of guest arrival processes with a self-check-in system, able to accept online and on-site bookings.
- Integration with Salto SVN for contactless room access and tracking of staff working hours.
- Website development with online payment functionality.
- Availability of digital registration forms to collect guest information centrally.
- Compatibility with DATEV export for accounting purposes.
Solutions Provided by HotelFriend
After consulting with the HotelFriend experts, G&G Boardinghouse owners went for a tailored self-service kiosk combined with an Enterprise package.
Software solutions – Enterprise
- All-in-one HotelFriend PMS. HotelFriend's Property Management System offers centralized features for room allocation, guest management, and reporting capabilities, that allow the control of multiple properties within the chain.
- Channel Manager with OTA connections. Seamless integration with popular OTAs such as Booking.com, HRS, Expedia, and Google Travel facilitated wider online reach and real-time updates of the hotel inventory.
- New hotel website with integrated Booking Engine. A customized Booking Engine integrated into the brand-new hotel website helped the G&G Boardinghouse to receive 0% commission bookings and payments online. Additionally, it improved the hotel’s visibility in search results with a prominent overview of hotel rooms and facilities.
Self-service HotelFriend Kiosk – "Stellar"
HotelFriend revolutionized guest check-ins of G&G Boardinghouse with their state-of-the-art indoor self-service kiosk, "Stellar".
This innovative solution comes fully equipped with document scanning, payment processing, and seamless integration with Salto for an effortless experience.
Here's how it's transforming the guest experience at G&G Boardinghouse:
- Lightning-fast check-ins and check-outs in under a minute
- A comprehensive information hub providing guests with all they need to know
- Seamless room booking and secure payment processing
- Efficient handling of service orders, ensuring prompt assistance
- Uninterrupted operation of portable POS systems for added convenience
What sets "Stellar" apart is its modular design, allowing G&G Boardinghouse to customize features to their exact preferences. They can choose which functionalities to display and easily disable the ones they do not require.
Here's how the self-check-in process now unfolds at the hotel:
- With the integrated 2D scanner and camera, guests effortlessly scan their IDs and complete essential forms.
- Once their data is submitted, guests retrieve their room key cards from the motorized dispenser and encode them using the Salto Card NCoder – all on their own.
- For added convenience, guests can settle payments via the integrated terminal and print receipts on the spot, further enhancing the seamless experience facilitated by "Stellar."
Setup & Support – Ongoing
HotelFriend's team provided comprehensive support, including booking data export, on-site installation, setup of the website content, and integration with third-party services such as the Adyen payment provider.
Integrations Featured
In a strategic move to enhance their operations, the hotel owners opted to integrate with industry-leading third-party service providers.
Results Achieved
The seamless integration of new software and hardware optimized the daily operations of G&G Boardinghouse and set the property up for future-proof growth.
5-minute guest check-ins with indoor HotelFriend Kiosk
Guests now breeze through check-ins in under 5 minutes with the introduction of the indoor HotelFriend Kiosk. The self-service solution ensures a hassle-free contactless arrival, leaving travelers impressed and more likely to spend money for extra services.
More revenue from direct and OTA bookings
Direct integration with OTAs and Google Travel expanded the property's online reach, driving direct bookings and increasing its multichannel presence. The flawless sync between PMS and Channel Manager ensured accurate inventory management, eliminating the risk of overbookings and maximizing revenue potential.
The hotel’s online visibility improved by up to 85%
The hotel's website became a powerful booking tool, prominently showcasing property information and real-time availability, driving direct bookings, and enhancing brand image. With this new tool, the hotel now successfully attracts more guests and drives higher occupancy rates.
Digital door lock convenience with Salto SVN integration
With Salto SVN integration, the property owners gained more flexibility in managing access for guests and staff. This modern technology not only enhances security but also adds a touch of sophistication to the guest experience, making every stay memorable.
Multi-property management on the go
Managing multiple properties has never been easier! With HotelFriend's cloud software, owners can oversee hotel operations from anywhere, ensuring seamless coordination across all locations. This flexibility empowers property owners to stay ahead in a dynamic and competitive industry, paving the way for success.