Self-check-in at Southern Sun

Lucas Radebe and Graham Wood, MD, Southern Sun Hotels, at the launch of what is believed to be Africa’s first self check-in kiosk, at the Garden Court, Sandton Cit, Joburg. (Image: Peter Morey)

A great day begins and ends with a great stay,” said Priya Naidoo GM of communications at Southern Sun. “Southern Sun's extensive guest research has pinpointed that today's traveller is pushed for time. We are delighted to provide an alternative, time-saving check-in and check-out service for our business guests and for families travelling with children, where a speedy check-in is always fundamental.”

Guests welcome technology

This innovative technology at Southern Sun Garden Court Sandton City reinforces the group's brand philosophy of being a vanguard of hospitality innovation. More and more consumers are embracing technologies geared towards self-service. MD of Southern Sun Graham Wood said: “Our guests already use self-check-in facilities at airports and the movies, and at economy, economy plus and brand hotels overseas. Generally, they welcome technology that enables them to ‘do it themselves' - not to mention quickly.”

Easy interaction

The kiosk allows guests to check-in and out and to perform certain in-house functions within the hotel environment. The touchscreen application facilitates easy interaction. To use the self-check-in service, guests simply identify themselves at the kiosk with a reservation number or credit card, for example. The kiosk integrates with the hotel's operational system, allocates a room, authorises a debit or credit and dispenses a room key card. Through a similar identification process, it also allows guests to check-out, charging to a debit or credit card, or billing back to the guest's company or travel agent.

A sense of control

“The self-service environment permits guests to make choices at their own pace. It instils a sense of control, provides a quick service and maintains privacy. For those who prefer anonymity, self-check-in is the perfect vehicle,” Wood explained.

For those seeking a human interaction, Garden Court Sandton City hostesses will continue to provide check-in services at reception, and will also be available to assist customers with the self-check-in terminals if needed.