Beds and Bars launches online check-in service at St Christopher's Inns
The new service, which allows guests to check-in online as well as pay in local currency and add food and drink products and services to reservations, is part of the group's three-year investment in technology and has been introduced across all 23 of its hostels in the UK and Europe.
Duncan Robertson, digital and communications director at Beds and Bars, said the move had been made during a 'period of huge change and increased customer expectation' and reflected the habits of its customers.
“We’ve been working hard to make sure our customers have the very best experience – from the moment they book, to the moment they check-out," he said. "This new system is the final piece of that jigsaw. The 100 per cent mobile friendly online check-in is very much in line with the behaviour of our customers. They use mobile technology to interact with us online - more than they use a desktop computer.”
Technology
Robertson said the company was so confident the service would transform the business and drive additional revenue within the business that it was already considering producing a white label version for other operators.
“The service will transform the customer experience and add instant value to the business," he said.
“I’m proud that we, as a hostel business, have perfected the technology to facilitate online check-ins. This is a piece of technology that large hotel groups have been wrestling with for years.”
The announcement comes as Beds and Bars open their second Paris operation, a 38 million Euro St Christopher's Inns hostel and Belushi's bar, which becomes the company's largest to date.
It also follows news from Thistle Hotels that it is rolling out an Express check-in service across its 31-strong estate after a guest survey revealed that check-in was an area that needed improvement.
