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The End of an Era: No One Wants Hotel Front Desks Anymore?

Tourist couple checking into hotel upon arrival
Source: Svitlana Hulko / Getty

 Think back to the last time you THOUGHT about a hotel’s front desk.  It may have been in a movie . . . because they’re becoming less significant in real life.

According to a new report, 70% of American travelers are more likely to check themselves into a hotel using an app or a self-service kiosk, instead of walking up to a traditional front desk.

And this preference skyrockets to 82% among Gen Z travelers.

Hotel front desks used to be a hospitality FEATURE.  That is, when they’re properly staffed, convenient, and helpful.  But now, many people would rather interact with an app than wait in a long line at the lobby.

Of course, COMPLETELY skipping the front desk isn’t an option everywhere . . . but it’s probably only a matter of time.  Think about it:  With Airbnb and VRBO, you can rent someone’s entire house without ever seeing or talking to them.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/70-of-travelers-would-skip-the-front-desk-mews-survey-reveals-the-rise-of-self-check-in-hotels-302478469.html