Originally Posted by cordelli
I really don't see the huge advantages here, and for the most part it's as I have it now. Many times you stroll up to the desk, say Cordelli - C-O-R-D and they reach back and get the little key holder with the keys, breakfast coupons, etc. They type in my name, say Welcome Back Mr Cordelli, we've put you in a deluxe suite, we just need a credit card, swipe the card, and I'm on my way in probably less then a minute.
There isn't any way the internet will be faster. And if the current airline model is the norm, the kiosks certainly won't be any faster.
It's rare that I stand behind anybody when checking in (I believe it's only hapended once in the last two years), but if the kiosks get more people off the counter.....then there is more room for me.
Cordelli, I completely agree with you here. I'm not sure who they are targeting, which type of Diamond/Gold? The experience I have when checking in sets the tone for my stay. Having the front desk upgrade me and make me feel important weighs in heavily. Not too often would I want to do some online thing and have a desk agent toss me an envelope as I passed by.
Would a property actually allow the better rooms to be given online without paying more? If so, would it become like Southwest where you wait until midnight, log in, and be the first to get the "best" room (the A boarding pass for WN)?
It will be interesting to hear what the individual hotel managers are saying and how they will use this tool.