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What is Self Check-in?
Self check-in is a method of entry for vacation rentals where guests can access the property independently at their convenience after the designated check-in time. This process eliminates the need for a face-to-face key exchange.
It is typically facilitated by technology such as smart locks, electronic keypads, or lockboxes. This approach provides significant flexibility for both guests and hosts, accommodating variable arrival schedules and enabling remote property management.
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How it works
Before arrival, the host provides the guest with detailed instructions for accessing the property. This information usually includes a unique access code for a smart lock or keypad, or the location and combination for a lockbox containing a physical key.
Guests receive this information through an automated message, email, or a guest app, typically a day or two before their stay begins. For enhanced security, smart lock codes are often unique to each booking and automatically activated at check-in time and deactivated at check-out. Property management software, such as Lodgify, can automate sending these instructions via pre-scheduled emails or SMS messages.
Why it matters
Self check-in enhances the guest experience by offering convenience, privacy, and flexibility, removing the pressure of coordinating an exact meeting time, which is especially beneficial for travelers facing delays or arriving late at night. For hosts and property managers, it streamlines operations, saves significant time, and reduces staffing needs.
Automating the arrival process is a key step in scaling a vacation rental business, as it allows for efficient management of multiple properties from any location.
Examples
- A guest with a late-night flight arrives at a city apartment at 2 AM and uses a pre-sent keypad code to enter without disturbing the host.
- A property manager for several beach houses uses a smart lock system that generates and sends a unique, time-sensitive access code to each guest 24 hours prior to their arrival.
- A family on a cross-country road trip encounters unexpected traffic but feels no stress, as their rental cabin is equipped with a lockbox to which they already have the combination.
- A host who lives in a different state from their mountain chalet rental relies on an integrated smart lock to manage all guest arrivals and departures remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Is self check-in secure?+
What technology is required for self check-in?+
How do I provide clear self check-in instructions to guests?+
Do all guests prefer self check-in?+
Related terms
Smart Lock
A smart lock is an electromechanical lock that allows keyless entry to a property using a smartphone, keypad code, or other digital credential.
Check-in
Check-in is the process by which a guest arrives at a vacation rental and gains access to the property at the start of their reservation. It's a foundational…
Automated Messaging
Automated messaging is a feature within vacation rental software that allows hosts to send pre-written, scheduled messages to guests based on specific…
Online Check-In Software
Online check-in software is a digital tool that enables vacation rental guests to complete all necessary pre-arrival procedures remotely via a web portal or…