I travel for business frequently, and while some might consider that glamorous, it often involves a plane ride, a meeting, a night in a hotel, and another plane ride back—all within 24 hours for most European trips. While airlines, airports, and cabs have stepped up their digitalization game, it seems many hotels haven’t caught on that we’re now in the 21st century.
In many large hotels, the check-in process remains frustratingly slow. Some guests take their time, and hotels haven’t done much to streamline the process. The staff often takes time processing your documents and credit card, explaining amenities you won’t have time to use, and so on, while you stand there, waiting politely to get on with your business.
While holidaymakers may appreciate knowing what services the spa offers or when happy hour is at the bar, business travelers rarely have time for this. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by the services offered by Hilton (and likely other hotels as well). Hilton allows you to:
- Check-in and check-out using their app
- Choose your preferred room during check-in
- Use your phone as a key
I understand that many still prefer face-to-face check-ins, but the app-based check-in at Hilton makes the entire experience so much more efficient. This gives Hilton a significant advantage for business travelers, and one can only hope other hotels will adopt this innovation.
Kudos to Hilton!