When you go to stay at a hotel, it’s usually customary to be greeted by a receptionist. They’re a friendly face who tells you everything that you need to know, and most importantly, they check you in. It’s a crucial part of the whole hotel business—but Miami La Quinta, a 3-star hotel based in Miami, is doing things a little bit differently.
In the viral clip, which has amassed 379,500 views, TikTok user Language Guy (@languageguy1) is speaking to a propped-up iPad underneath a sign saying, “Check in and out here.” On the screen, he is talking to what seems to be a receptionist wearing a headset. After this, the screen changed to allow the TikToker to sign a virtual contract.
The feature sparked debate
Many commenters didn’t know what to make of the modernization.
“I hate when compan[ies] outsourc[e] jobs,” one wrote. “I want a human in person when I check in. How is this handled for safety issues of people coming in, not guests. No one is there to tell them to stop.”
“How is this even legal?” another asked. A third remarked that “outsourcing front desk agent[s] is WILD,” while a fourth posed an interesting question: “How is this cheaper then having someone stay at the front?” they asked.
@languageguy1 ♬ original sound – Language Guy
Where did this trend come from?
This trend of virtual hotel receptionists comes from India. More specifically, as The Week reports, it originated from Olive, which is the hospitality section of Bengaluru-based company Embassy Group. The Group launched the Open Hotels, which is a group of hotels that features remote receptionists. All the guest needs to do is type a message on the screen, and the remote receptionist will help.
As well as this, Olive filed for a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office after developing the remote hotel management system.
While it’s unclear whether Miami La Quinta uses Olive’s system, it clearly reacted to a growing trend, and at least took a leaf out of Embassy Group’s book.
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