Hotel self check-in software

The guest receives an email or push notification 24-48 hours before arrival with a check-in link. They open the link (browser or app), complete a short flow: ID verification (photo of document plus a liveness selfie), confirm room preferences if applicable, and pay any balance or pre-auth on the card. On check-in completion, they receive their key via the access method the property uses: a digital key in the app, a numeric code for a key locker or smart lock, or a notification to collect a physical key from a designated point. The PMS is updated with the check-in status automatically so the front desk sees the arrival as pre-checked-in before the guest walks in.

We integrate with Salto KS and Salto Space for smart locks, Dormakaba for electronic key systems, ASSA ABLOY for hotel door locks (VingCard and other models via the ASSA ABLOY developer API), and Nuki for smart lock integration in serviced apartments and smaller properties. For key locker systems, we integrate via the locker provider's API to assign a code to the guest's reservation. The access control integration is assessed in week one of the project so we know the exact API approach and any hardware constraints before development starts. Keys are issued automatically on check-in completion and revoked at the scheduled check-out time, with the ability to extend remotely if needed.

Yes. This is one of the main reasons operators build self check-in. Guests arriving after office hours at an unstaffed property complete check-in remotely and receive their access code or digital key without any staff involvement. The system handles the full check-in flow including ID verification, payment, and key delivery autonomously. Exceptions, such as a failed ID verification or a payment that requires manual review, alert an on-call manager via push notification or SMS so they can intervene without being physically on site. Most operators find that a high proportion of late arrivals use self check-in voluntarily once it is available, reducing after-hours call volume significantly.

The guest photographs their ID document (passport, driving licence) and takes a liveness selfie. The system checks that the document is valid, extracts the guest details, and matches the selfie to the document photo. This meets the identity verification requirements for most hospitality operators and is auditable. For operators in regulated markets (UK, Ireland, EU) who need to retain ID data for a defined period, the system stores encrypted verification records with a configurable retention period and deletion schedule. We work with providers including Onfido and Jumio for the verification engine - the right one depends on the markets you operate in and your compliance requirements.

Yes. Self check-in is offered as an option, not a replacement. Guests who prefer a staffed check-in walk to the desk as normal. Guests who check in remotely or via kiosk bypass the queue. The front desk dashboard shows all arrivals regardless of check-in method, so staff have a complete picture of who has arrived and who is still expected. The split between self and staffed check-in is trackable in the reports, which most operators use to understand uptake and adjust their staffing model accordingly. Over time, as guests learn the self check-in option exists, uptake typically grows, and staffing can be adjusted on the basis of actual data rather than guesswork.

A focused mobile pre-arrival check-in with digital key delivery and PMS integration typically ships in 8-10 weeks at $30,000-$55,000. A fuller build with on-site kiosk, ID verification, upsell flows (room upgrade, late check-out), and loyalty integration typically runs 12-14 weeks at $55,000-$90,000. The fixed price and timeline are agreed at the end of week one after the scope session. Our portfolio includes City Break Apartments in Ireland, where 72+ weekly self check-ins and 3x direct bookings were achieved within two months of launch. That project ran 10 weeks from kick-off to the first live guest check-in, with zero front desk involvement on standard arrivals after launch.