Remote check-in / PPE Equipment

[Nika]

Hello everyone!

What a crazy hard year it's been. We officially closed Moreland Guesthouse for COVID 19 last April and have only taken a limited number of guests since then. We are looking to reopen fully in the summer thanks to a PPE-related equipment grant. I was wondering if anyone has purchased remote check-in kiosks, temperature readers, sanitizing stations, soap dispensers, keyless entry systems, humidifiers, cleaning supplies that they are happy with. If so, please share your recommendations/experience and what's been working for you. Like all of us, we must figure out a way to invest in a suitable infrusture that can withstand our new (and extremely challenging) way of life and we can't afford to waste a dime. Thanks! Chin-up! Love you all! xoxoxoxo

 

[Morticia]

Your state should have a list of what’s necessary to reopen. As every state is different you should check with your own CDC for what’s recommended so you’re following the correct procedures for your licensing. Ours links to recommended cleaning supplies.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Echo Morticia.
With regard to remote check in, last summer, we simply wrote checkin info on a Sheet of paper. On the back,of the paper was a hold harmless agreement and state travel advisories. The paper and a key were left on the front room table with a bottle of hand sanitizer. No need to pay big money for apps or keyless,locks,or kiosks.

 

[Tamelon]

We have a keypad lock on the front door. The night before guests arrive, I send the combination and a disclaimer as well as an email with our COVID precautions (masks work in house, how breakfast works, etc.) Sanitizer all over the place.

 

[FHI2426]

Our take - We take our own temperature every day but dont require for guests. We found what guests appreciate the most are taking all bedding off bed and thru the wash (duvet covers and accent pillows are gone), running HEPA air filter air purifiers all over, masked and gloved (us) for breakfast, separate coffee pots, and texting app to stay in touch... we are seeing increasing number of guests arriving having had the vaccine... everything moving in the right direction...

 

[Biekervi]

Our take - We take our own temperature every day but dont require for guests. We found what guests appreciate the most are taking all bedding off bed and thru the wash (duvet covers and accent pillows are gone), running HEPA air filter air purifiers all over, masked and gloved (us) for breakfast, separate coffee pots, and texting app to stay in touch... we are seeing increasing number of guests arriving having had the vaccine... everything moving in the right direction...

A little bit of a tangent, but would you mind sharing what you use to message your guests? Is it just native to the phone and their number or something that was built specifically for you location?

 

[KenW]

A little bit of a tangent, but would you mind sharing what you use to message your guests? Is it just native to the phone and their number or something that was built specifically for you location?

We use a app for messaging for prearrival, and follow up after they leave. Though that app we acquired a new phone number to use that has that area code where we are located. It's called 8x8

 

[FHI2426]

A little bit of a tangent, but would you mind sharing what you use to message your guests? Is it just native to the phone and their number or something that was built specifically for you location?

Not a tangent at all... We started with a google doc with our standard message, cut and pasted into a new text message to the guest... it gets to be a bit of work and have to remember to send, etc.

Then our marketing company Acorn brought us a solution/app called Whistle, it integrates with Think and downloads contact info and you can build in a number of messages (pre-arrival, during stay, post stay) that go out automatically with an opt-in initial request. I send two messages at 6p and 9p the day before arrival. Guests love it, and ~80% respond/use it, great for advising where to park, when room is ready, room issues/requests, recommendations etc... $60 a month including Think's integration fee, but easily worth it for our 6 rooms...