Most people can trace some of their favorite memories back to their experiences with the hospitality industry, from a luxurious stay at a resort with breathtaking views to an unforgettable meal at a world-class restaurant.
These moments are priceless, so it’s important to get every detail right and level up the customer experience however you can. More often than not, small touches make all the difference. When you offer convenient support and opportunities to engage with your brand—using channels like QR codes—you help your guests feel right at home.
Read on to learn why QR Codes are an essential tool for hospitality businesses and eight ways that you can use them to enhance the customer experience at every step.
How tech helps meet higher guest standards
Few industries have customer experience standards that are as high as the hospitality world. And this makes perfect sense—people book vacations to kick back, relax, and trust that their every need (and desire) will be met, usually in record time.
Consumers expect real-time responses in their daily lives, from Googling their every question to pre-ordering and picking up a meal from their favorite restaurant, so their expectations for luxury and convenience when traveling are even higher. Fortunately, as consumers’ demands for top-notch experiences continue to rise, technology is advancing to meet them, even in the face of industry shake-ups like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hotels, resorts, and restaurants needed solutions that could support touch-free and socially distant interactions. And while much of life has gone back to “normal,” consumers still expect the convenience and real-time support of tools like QR Codes, which give them everything from payment options to information in seconds with just a scan.
Enhance hospitality experiences with QR Codes
QR Codes remain an essential, elegant solution for hospitality brands to not only enhance safety but also conveniently connect with guests throughout their stays. With dynamic QR Codes like Bitly’s, hoteliers and marketers can provide quick and easy information to their guests and update links as needed for new and seasonal details. QR Codes are also customizable, so you can use your brand colors or logo in every code.
Every QR Code is a chance to turn in-person or offline interactions into a convenient digital journey. They help you simplify the guest experience and gain real-time data on which offerings and information matter most to your guests. That way you can improve every moment of not just their current stay but every trip to come.
8 ways QR Codes improve the customer experience from start to finish
QR Codes are a simple, easy, and affordable addition to every guest interaction, offering convenience and connection throughout their visit.
Whether you’ve already started using QR Codes to guide your guests or you’re jumping in for the first time, this list is for you. Learn how you can connect with your customers and guests with every scan through these eight uses for QR Codes in hospitality.
1. Promote your offerings
Long before a future guest books their reservation—when they’re still daydreaming about their next trip or a special-occasion meal—you can start building a relationship with them, wherever they encounter you. A physical advertisement, whether a billboard, flier, or print ad, is a great way to pique their interest with beautiful imagery or exciting experiences.
Take these ads to the next level with QR Codes that potential guests can scan to see even more of what your hotel has to offer. Link straight to even more breathtaking images or videos so they can’t help but imagine themselves on your property. QR Codes help you increase direct bookings from these ads, offering guests an easy, user-friendly experience and giving you data about which ads are working best so you can market through the channels your audience loves.
2. Streamline check-in
First impressions make all the difference, so you need to blow your guests away from the moment they arrive—starting with check-in. Limit long lines at the reception desk by offering QR Codes for a quick and easy process. Guests simply scan the code to access express check-in, provide any additional information or requests, and receive confirmation of their room and accommodations.
If you offer mobile phone room access, check-in via their smartphone will be all guests need to start their stay and kick back. You can also use the QR Code process to guide them through adding themselves to key cards for instant room access.
3. Provide room service and amenities
While your guests are enjoying themselves, they expect simple, self-serve access to customize their experience and add services. Provide QR Codes in every room to let guests conveniently order room service, book a massage or other spa treatment, or ask for more towels.
With the help of QR Codes, guests can request all of these amenities straight from their phones without having to call a member of your staff. Since guests can access the information online, you can save money on printing materials like room service or spa menus, which is more sustainable, too.
4. Capture feedback from your guests
Hearing from your happy guests is one of the best ways to confirm you’re offering a world-class experience and to inspire other guests to stay with you. Make giving feedback as simple and easy as possible for your guests by leaving a QR Code in each room—like on a table card or door hanger—that reminds them to share about their stay before they go. (You might even offer a thank you like a coupon or a small gift they can pick up on their way out!)
You can use this strategy well beyond guests’ rooms, too. Find times when guests are most likely to be thrilled with their stay or compliment a staff member—after they’ve dined in your restaurant, visited the spa, or enjoyed a morning on the golf course. Provide quick and easy QR Codes to encourage them to review their stay after an experience they loved.
5. Lead them to your loyalty program
Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your best guests into loyal, lifetime customers. Your loyalty or rewards program is a powerful tool for not just encouraging guests to come back again and again, but for building a connection with your brand that turns into a lasting relationship.
Offer a QR Code inviting them to join your loyalty program at multiple touchpoints throughout their journey, from the reception desk to their room to comfortable lounges on your property. Let them know of any special bonuses they’ll get just for signing up, and make the process as easy as possible so they can sign up with just a quick scan.
6. Offer quick and simple support
When your guests need help or have questions and concerns, a top-notch customer experience makes sure they get the assistance they need within record time.
Whether a guest is picking up their order or dining in, provide a QR Code as a direct line to check on their order or get in touch with someone on your team right away. Is your mobile app the best way to connect to your team? Use QR Codes to encourage app downloads so they can place all requests or make payments straight from your app.
Whatever they need help with, a QR Code is the way to quickly and conveniently take them to their next steps.
7. Engage guests in exciting experiences
At every moment during their stay, reminders of upcoming events and activities keep your guests excited about all there is to explore and help them make lasting memories. Keep them in the loop about the goings-on with QR Codes on informational brochures and posters across your property. With just a quick scan, they can view itineraries, read event descriptions, or sign up for exclusive activities during their stay.
Give your guests access to the resources they need quickly and easily with a Link-in-bio that takes them to maps and other important amenities with just a click from your social channels.
8. Create accessible experiences
One of the hallmarks of hospitality is making sure that every single guest can enjoy themselves on your property. Direct guests to resources and amenities that help everyone feel welcome using QR Codes, like:
- Offering your menu or maps in multiple languages
- Sharing in-depth ingredient and allergen information straight from your menu for guests with allergies
- Providing accessibility information about entrances, venue layouts, or accommodations, as well as available assistance straight from check-in and in guest rooms
With a simple scan, guests can access the information they need to make their stay comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
The next evolution of customer experience
Providing world-class, highly hospitable experiences takes personalization, above-and-beyond service, and the human touch. It also requires anticipating needs and offering modern convenience at every turn so your guests can find the information and support they need at a moment’s notice. Going forward, the hospitality brands that stand out will embrace the modern solutions and tech that enhance customer experiences and add to the unforgettable experiences they expect from you.
From room service to speedy support, QR Codes offer the kinds of benefits your guests are looking for, all at an affordable cost to your brand and with analytics to show you how they’re interacting with you in real-time. If you’re ready to level up your hospitality customer experience, get started with Bitly QR Codes today.