The technology is being rolled out at the Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Aspen Meadows Resort. The hotel brand is working with Micros on this initiative.

“The primary strategy is to leverage mobile solutions to enhance guest service, not to completely replace any single service at our hotels,” said John Edwards, global director of IT for Dolce Hotels, Rockleigh, NJ.

“Mobile technology removes many of the traditional barriers a physical front desk presents,” he said.

“With the ability to check-in or check-out guests anywhere Dolce Hotels can begin looking at each meeting or event differently and how mobile solutions can create a unique guest experience.”

How it works
The Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Aspen Meadows Resort is using Micros’ Opera 9 service, which lets hotel employees check-in guests via an iPad.

The service comes pre-loaded on iPads and lets consumers check into their rooms from the airport when they land at the local airport. Users can then go straight to their rooms once they arrive at the hotel.

Additionally, the iPads let employees check out guests.

Dolce Hotels and Resorts’ hospitality staff can also use the technology to manage a schedule of which rooms need to be cleaned and give directions to other employees.

By equipping employees with the mobile tools, Dolce Hotels and Resorts aims to increase the customer service to its guests.

Dolce Hotels and Resorts has plans to roll out iPads to several of its other properties in the first half of 2013 as well.

Mobile bookings
Mobile check-in is a trend that is growing in importance for hotels to help manage the experience for travelers.

As consumers continue to turn to their mobile devices as their primary guide in the travel journey, hotel brands have to constantly be thinking outside the box these days with technology.

Mobile check-in is one way that hotels are aiming to streamline the traveling experience.

“By bringing the check-in/check-out functions to the guest, no matter whether they are on or off property, enhances the guest experience,” said Dan Bell, senior vice president of the hotels business unit at Micros, Columbia, MD.

“We see mobile functions in the hotel world as being unlimited and ever expanding, including control being given to the digital consumer to control their own guest experience,” he said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is associate reporter on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York