Blossoms in York discovers the benefits of self-service checkout

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Blossoms in York discovers the benefits of self-service checkout.

Blossoms, a Georgian Townhouse Hotel in York, has introduced a self-service kiosk for check-in and checkout, using hardware and software from, AS Kiosks & Solutions, a provider of innovative kiosk solutions for the hospitality industry, to provide 24-hour unattended check-in and check-out, in order to boost customer service and control staffing costs.

The kiosk enables guests to check-in outside reception opening hours, and saves a queue at reception if the staff member is busy.

The privately owned hotel needed the ability to give further flexibility of check-in times and the option of unattended checkout.  AS Kiosks & Solutions therefore developed a booking and reporting system to give a complete package suitable for the small to medium size hotel offering bed and breakfast accommodation.

After entering a reservation number the guest is requested to enter their credit card to pay for the accommodation.  Upon completion an electronic room key is dispensed.  On checkout the guest enters their room key into the kiosk, pays any outstanding balance and is on their way.

Richard Nunns, owner of Blossoms York, said, We had wanted to install an automated check-in kiosk, in order to improve our service to guests.  Having looked at other systems available, we failed to identify one that was visually appropriate, had the functionality we needed and at a price we could justify.  AS Kiosks changed all that.

He continued, From small properties wishing to extend their check-in times or have more secure, easy to use methods of arranging late night check-ins to larger properties wishing to reduce queues at reception at peak times, I would strongly recommend that they take a look at what AS Kiosks has to offer - we are certainly impressed.

AS Kiosks listened carefully to our needs and liaised with our lock company and payment solution provider to ensure that the systems worked well together.  Following the install, they have continued to support us in ensuring the system is running well.  Staff & guests have found the kiosk easy to use.  We particularly like the ability to send a message to the on-call member of staff when somebody checks-in whilst reception is closed, allowing the member of staff to telephone the guest in the room to welcome them and ensure everything is ok for them.

Ian Wiseman, Sales & Marketing Manager of AS Kiosks & Solutions, said, We have changed the business model for self-service kiosks, which most small to medium hotels have regarded as too expensive when weighed against the benefits. By designing and manufacturing key aspects of the solution ourselves we not only control the quality but also the costs, therefore we can give hoteliers a business case and a solution that will pay for itself quickly."

Ian Wiseman, Sales & Marketing Manager of AS Kiosks & Solutions, added This project was an opportunity to provide a simple, easy to use, integrated system that responds exactly to the clients needs.  This means we can focus on the important things to the customer without loading cost into the project.  Therefore the customer benefits and is able to utilise a kiosk where previously it would have been too expensive to consider.  With the added benefit of payment at check-in, the hotel owner knows that switching to an unattended solution does not introduce new risks or concerns.  Overall the installation has been a great success.

About AS Kiosks & Solutions
AS Kiosks and Solutions develops, designs, produces and markets innovative kiosk and software solutions for the UK hospitality industry, among others.