Jurys Inn is set to become one of the first hotel groups in Ireland to allow customers to book into their hotel online, thus bypassing the check-in queue.
The hotel group has launched a scheme to pilot optional online check-in at its hotels in response to changing consumer behaviours and the growing use of mobile technology by its customers.
The new online check-in technology has already been implemented in Jurys Inn Islington, with a view to rolling it out in its 31 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Prague.
The technology means that travellers will be able to check in via smartphone prior to arrival, which, along with quick and easy key retrieval at the hotel, will allow them to bypass the front desk entirely if they prefer.
According to the group, revenues from mobile bookings increased by 80 per cent between 2012 and 2013, so the pilot has been developed in response to customer demand for greater flexibility and control of their stay.
Suzanne Cannon, group marketing manager at Jurys Inn, said that online check-in will provide "a seamless experience so that guests can choose to check-in by smartphone, laptop or tablet at a time that suits them, meaning they spend less time at the check-in desk and more time enjoying their stay at the hotel."
