Edinburgh tourism tech firm Criton has launched a new version of its app which allows hotel guests to check in and access their room without going to reception.
The firm - whose clients include the Edinburgh Collection , the Scotsman Hotel and Auchrannie Resort on Arran - is behind technology that already enabled room service orders, repeat bookings and marketing for operators.
Now using Criton 2.0, visitors can check in via their hotel’s PMS system which activates their phone as a digital door key, a system run initially in partnership with lock and entry system manufacturer Assa Abloy .
The system also gives hotels access to enhanced data and analytics on how their guests are engaging with them pre, during and post-stay. Criton says the system will help operators to increase guests' spending during their stay and streamline operations. It predicts that an average 100-bedroom hotel with a £300 average daily rate could generate £73,000 a year.
Criton’s research has found that 62% of hotel guests would be likely or very likely to check-in to a hotel via an app. Industry statistics show that a hotel can increase food and beverage (F&B) revenue by 18% if they offer in-room ordering via an app.
Criton founder and CEO Julie Grieve said: “Offering guests choice in how they engage during and throughout their hotel stay is at the heart of commercial success for luxury operators.
"The second version of Criton has been designed to include a complete build package customised to each customer’s business. For hoteliers, Criton offers more than just guest engagement. We are shaping the future of luxury guest technology. The result is a highly responsive and user-focused experience for guests which not only enhances their stay but very quickly adds value to the bottom line for our hotel operators which results in increased spend per head, higher repeat visit frequency and stronger online advocacy.”
