In the dynamic world of hospitality, where every moment counts and guest expectations evolve rapidly, staying ahead is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative. Enter P3 Hotel Software, a pioneer in revolutionizing the guest journey through innovative technology solutions. At the forefront of this revolution is P3's Online Check-in product, a game-changer in streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience.

This Online Check-in solution was launched 4 years ago, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and has gone from strength to strength as the hospitality industry recovered and emerged from testing global circumstances. Conversion rates for this product are recorded based on a measurement of the total number of guests receiving the pre-check-in email and the total number of guests completing the online pre-check-in process.

P3’s 2024 data shows that clients implementing the company’s Online Check-in product are recording an average conversion rate of 26% with rates ranging from 8% to 85% depending on hotel type and implementation strategy.  

Redefining Guest Experience through Contactless Solutions

P3's Online Check-in solution isn't just about simplifying front-desk operations; it's about ushering in a new era of contactless experiences tailored to each hotel's unique brand. Integrated seamlessly into the hotel's website, this solution eliminates the need for cumbersome apps or downloads, offering guests a quick and hassle-free check-in process. As a Strategic Oracle Partner, P3’s Online Check-in solution is certified with Oracle Validated Integration, guaranteeing a robust and reliable experience for both hotels and guests.

Unlocking the Benefits: From Efficiency to Revenue Maximization

In today's competitive landscape, where labor shortages and shifting guest demands pose significant challenges, hotels must embrace automation to remain competitive. P3's Online Check-in product offers a multitude of benefits, from streamlining operations and enabling instant online payments to enhancing brand presence and boosting direct revenue. By reducing friction points and enhancing the guest experience, hotels can achieve tangible efficiencies while maximising revenue potential.

Deciphering Online Check-in Trends: Insights from the Field

P3's conversion rate data provides intriguing insights into the adoption of online check-in across various market segments. Notably, city center locations show above-average online check-in conversion rates, despite many guests visiting for business trips, which typically lack the excitement associated with leisure travel. Rural settings also witness high online check-in rates, aligning with the enthusiasm of leisure-oriented guests keen to kickstart their vacations seamlessly.

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A notable disparity arises between Irish and UK hotels, however, with Irish establishments exhibiting an average online check-in conversion rate of 19%, a value 7% lower than the overall average. UK hotels, on the other hand, report an average online check-in conversion rate of 29%. Cultural differences between hospitality approaches may contribute to this contrast, however, further research is required to determine the impact of these factors on online check-in conversion rates.

Unveiling Best Practices: Insights from P3 CEO Phelim Pekaar

P3 CEO Phelim Pekaar highlights the pivotal role of effective email and SMS communication in driving online check-in conversion rates. He advocates for concise, persuasive messages with strong calls to action (CTAs) placed prominently, emphasizing benefits like skipping queues for a seamless arrival experience. Pekaar recommends sending reminder emails five and three days before the stay, coupled with a text message reminder on the morning of arrival. Additionally, ensuring guests have an email address on file and routinely cleaning mobile numbers are essential practices. Pekaar also highlights the positive correlation between guests booking directly on client hotel websites and online check-in conversion rates. Encountering a familiar branded interface, which mirrors their online booking experience with the P3 Booking Engine, makes guests feel more comfortable and encourages loyalty. This emphasizes the complementary nature of P3’s products, with both the booking engine and online check-in products going hand-in-hand to drive up hotel revenue, streamline operations, and foster greater customer loyalty.

The Benefits of P3 Kiosks’ “Collect Your Key” Feature on Online Check-in Conversion

P3's integration of online check-in with self-serve kiosks, featuring the "collect your key" element, serves as a vital interim solution until Mobile Key technology becomes available through Apple and Google Wallet. This innovative approach has significantly improved guest experiences at one of P3’s client hotel groups, streamlining the check-in process and reducing wait times across a number of properties. Notably, this client has observed a 45% increase in online check-in conversions year-on-year within a recent five-week period, highlighting the practical benefits of P3's solutions. This emphasizes the capabilities of combining online check-in with self-serve kiosks in enhancing guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

A Strategy Implemented by a P3 Client

A recent innovative approach exemplified by a P3 client highlights the influence of email incentives in bridging the gap between direct bookings and those facilitated through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). By offering OTA bookers a complimentary drink upon arrival after checking-in online, this client successfully encouraged guests to provide their contact information, thereby enriching the hotel's database for targeted marketing initiatives. The results are compelling: prior to the implementation of the incentive, OTA online check-in conversion rates lagged behind the overall conversion rates by 5.5%. However, within two months of launching the drink incentive, the gap significantly narrowed to a mere 1.25%. Taking the client’s most popular London establishment as a case in point, the introduction of the incentive led to an impressive surge in OTA bookers' online check-in conversion rate by 14.87%. This evidence shows how powerful email incentives can be in boosting online check-in conversion rates, strengthening the hotel's direct booking channels, and encouraging more meaningful guest engagement.

P3 Hotel Software's Online Check-in product is not only about convenience; it's about shaping the future of hospitality. By embracing contactless solutions and leveraging insightful trends, hotels can unlock new avenues for efficiency, revenue generation, and guest satisfaction. As the industry evolves, P3 remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering hotels with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that each guest journey is not just memorable but truly extraordinary.