Hotel front desks may be going out of style
2010-11-03
In an attempt to cater to an emerging self-sufficient and tech-savvy demographic of travelers, many hotels may be substituting the traditional front desk with texted check-in codes, lobby kiosks, or other alternative check-in procedures.
The Andaz, a boutique Hyatt hotel chain, recently opened two such properties, according to MSNBC. Instead of front desks, these two properties featured "hosts" who greeted the guests in a friendly manner, offered them a drink and allowed them to select their room via laptop.
Some hotels are adopting this intimate, personal alternative to the reception desk, whereas others are going in the opposite direction and minimizing the amount of time guests have to interact with hotel staff by providing check-in kiosks.
The news provider mentions two bloggers who experienced the new Andaz check-in procedure and had very different reactions, with one finding that the personal treatment allowed her to relax, and the other finding it too "self-consciously hip" for her taste.
However travelers may feel about the change, the president of OnSite Consulting predicts the trend is here to stay, and that traditional hotel lobbies may disappear in mid-market hotels within the next 36 months, the news source reports.
See also ...