All hotels want to create unforgettable guest experiences—the kind that drive positive online reviews and entice customers to return to your brand again and again. Quick, high-quality service is crucial to creating that experience for guests.
While training your staff to deliver top-notch service with a smile is a must, you can’t leave it all up to them. We’re in the digital age, after all, and outstanding service now demands a creative blend of the human touch and smart technology.
Enter the QR Code: a small, user-friendly tool that revolutionizes how you approach the room service experience for your guests. With this technology, you can give customers the lightning-fast, personalized service they crave while also improving operational efficiency.
Wondering how it works? Let’s dive into the details.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
Benefits of using QR Codes for room services
If you’re still relying on old-fashioned telephones to take room service orders, you’re missing a trick. Here’s why QR Codes are a must for forward-thinking hotels.
Enhancing guest convenience
According to recent Oracle research, an astounding 73% of people want hotels to offer tech that minimizes interactions with employees and other guests. While you might think that gold-standard service involves friendly and warm communication from your team, it appears that modern travelers prefer self-service, low-touch hospitality experiences.
A hospitality QR Code enables you to deliver just that. These codes link to webpages that provide instant access to the services your guests want, all with a quick scan—eliminating the need to call your concierge team or visit the lobby. Everything they need is available right there on their smartphones.
Improving operational efficiency
Another benefit of QR Codes is improved operational efficiency. These hospitality technology solutions save hotel staff valuable time by automating tasks like managing room service orders and scheduling spa appointments.
Considering that 67% of hoteliers said they experienced staff shortages in the last year, streamlining room service requests with QR Codes takes the pressure off your people so they can focus on more high-value work that drives the bottom line.
Cost savings for businesses
Between seasonal in-dining menus, spa brochures, excursions, and loyalty program pamphlets, a hotel’s printing costs can be substantial. If you put all of these resources in every room and need to restock on a weekly basis, that’s a lot of paper.
QR Codes can help you cut down on these costs while boosting sustainability efforts. Instead of printing numerous materials again and again, you can store all that information in QR Codes. All guests need to do is scan the code to be taken to a landing page, where they can place orders, book a spa experience, or sign up for your loyalty program.
What if your menu or spa offerings change frequently? Dynamic QR Codes are editable on the backend, so you can change where they link to at any point—no need to reprint codes. This means your guests always have the most up-to-date information.
Meeting modern guest expectations
Phone calls might still have a place in some people’s hearts, but 75% of millennials and 90% of Gen Z prefer to avoid them altogether. By introducing contactless service for your hotel guests through QR Codes, you’re connecting with them through a seamless, digital-first experience.
Providing this experience can pay off big in the long run. McKinsey research shows that the top factor influencing customer loyalty in the hospitality industry is “an experience worth paying more for.” If you can meet—and exceed—your guests’ digital expectations, you’re more likely to win long-term customer loyalty and increase rebookings.
Data collection for personalization
Last but certainly not least, QR Codes are goldmines for data-driven insights. With Bitly Analytics, for example, every scan and tap of your QR Code is recorded, enabling you to understand the number of total scans, scans over time, and scans by location in the period of your choosing.
This is invaluable for helping you understand guest engagements with your codes. You can even use these analytics as the basis for A/B tests to determine which messaging and design elements encourage the most engagement.
Use cases for QR Codes in-room services
So far, we’ve talked about the benefits of QR Codes for hotel companies. But how do you actually use them in practice? Here are the top use cases for delighting your guests with this mobile technology.
Placing food and beverage orders
For many guests, ordering room service is one of the best perks of staying in a hotel. You can make it easy for guests to browse your menu and place an order by using a QR Code that links to an order page. Simply place the QR Code in a visible place on your in-room dining menu. Then, guests can browse through the options and scan the codes when they’re ready to place an order.
Requesting housekeeping services
Did you know that 61% of consumers are willing to pay more for a personalized experience? You can tap into that desire by using QR Codes to let guests make requests when and how they want to.
You might use Bitly Pages to create a landing page with various housekeeping requests—like choosing a time for bed turn down, requesting more towels, or restocking hotel amenities. All the guest has to do is scan the QR Code to access the landing page and then click the service to proceed.
Accessing in-room entertainment
Whether your guests want to catch up on the news, use their favorite streaming service, or simply browse TV channels, a QR Code can transform their in-room entertainment experience.
These codes appear on the television screen when it’s first turned on. With a scan, guests will land on a page showcasing all their entertainment options. No more fumbling with remotes or struggling through the TV guide—just instant access to what they need to unwind during their stay.
Booking spa or wellness appointments
Does your hotel feature a spa or personal training options? You can supercharge appointment bookings by placing a QR Code for spa and wellness appointments in each guest’s room. When guests scan the code, they’ll be taken to a webpage where they can see what treatments are available and make an online booking in just seconds.
Providing concierge services
With so many guests preferring contactless hotel experiences, you might be wondering how you can still deliver a top-notch concierge service in the digital age. After all, personalized recommendations from local experts can make all the difference to the guest experience.
Luckily, contactless doesn’t have to mean a lack of connection. With QR Codes, you can revolutionize how you deliver concierge services. You might create a QR Code that links to a landing page with personalized guides created by your hotel, showcasing the top 10 attractions to see nearby, the best restaurants, and must-do activities. That way, your guests still get next-level service and valuable information with a simple scan.
Offering digital menus with QR Codes
If you want to go paperless altogether, try replacing your traditional in-room dining menu with QR Codes that link to a digital menu instead. In addition to saving on printing costs, Dynamic QR Code menus help you avoid the issue of guests trying to order an item that is no longer available.
That’s because Dynamic QR Code menus allow you to make instant updates with just a few clicks. Whether a dish runs out of stock or you want to feature daily or seasonal specials, keeping your menu accurate in real time is easy.
Facilitating seamless check-out from rooms
Recent research shows that just 8% of guests feel comfortable checking in and out at a public kiosk. The majority prefer self-service options. You can meet this expectation by using QR Codes for the check-out process. On the backend, these QR Codes link to check-out forms that allow guests to quickly and easily pay for their stay and any incidentals as they leave the room.
Not only is this much more convenient for your guests, but it’s also great for hotel operations. With guests checking out on their own, you minimize queues forming at the front desk, enabling your team to focus on more pressing matters.
Personalizing in-room experiences
Hotel stays are all about the little luxuries: spa robes, not having to worry about cleaning, delicious food, and so on. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You can create an even greater sense of luxury with QR Codes that add a sense of modern convenience.
You could generate a hotel room QR Code that links to a landing page with curated playlists tailored to your guests’ moods or a page where they can change lighting and temperature settings in their room. These thoughtful, intricate touches show that you’ve considered every detail, creating a guest experience that feels truly tailored to them.
Enabling loyalty program enrollment
Hotel giants like Marriott and Hilton have rolled out loyalty programs for good reason. They’re an excellent way to turn one-time customers into long-term brand advocates. To advertise your loyalty program—and make it incredibly easy for guests to sign up—consider placing a QR Code linking to your loyalty program sign-up page in strategic places around your hotel, like the foyer, on door hangers, and in the hotel bar.
To sweeten the deal, you could add an instant perk for guests who sign up. Guests could receive a free drink, room upgrade, or discount on their next stay to motivate them to join instantly.
Challenges of implementing QR Codes within room services
For all their benefits, hospitality organizations fall into a few common pitfalls when rolling out QR Codes. Here’s what to bear in mind.
Ensuring QR Code functionality
QR Codes are designed to enhance the guest experience—not take away from it. Unfortunately, though, QR Codes that are difficult to scan or lead to broken URLs can cause frustration for your guests.
Luckily, this is an easy fix. Before you roll out your QR Code on your premises, make sure to thoroughly test it using a range of different mobile devices and tablets.
Addressing privacy concerns
QR Code security and privacy are things you’ll want to communicate clearly to your guests—especially with the rise of QR Code scams in recent years.
You can help to reassure them by creating a small, concise pamphlet about your QR Codes, explaining how to use them, the data they collect (stressing that QR Codes don’t have access to personal information), and how to spot fake QR Codes, so guests feel empowered and aware.
It’s also worth asking for customer feedback before you roll out your QR Code-based services and–once rolled out—at the end of each stay. Use a survey or feedback form to understand more about which services guests would like to see QR Codes for and their experience of using the codes during their stay.
Addressing accessibility concerns with QR Codes
Nurturing an inclusive customer experience is important for all hotels. So, it’s vital for your codes to be accessible to all guests—including those with visual impairments or limited mobility. Here’s how you can make your QR Code strategy more accessible:
- Prioritize visibility: Use larger print for QR Code call-to-actions (CTAs) and ensure they are displayed at eye level, making them easy to spot and scan. Choose high-contrast designs to improve readability, especially for guests with visual impairments.
- Provide audio assistance: Link QR Codes to pages with audio guides or screen-reader-friendly content. For example, a QR Code in the room could lead to an audio guide explaining how to adjust lighting, access entertainment options, or use other room features.
- Simplify access for mobility limitations: Place QR Codes in accessible locations, like bedside tables or desk surfaces, where guests with limited mobility can easily reach and scan.
Educating guests about QR Code usage
Creating a guide on how to use QR Codes and their security can help encourage guests to use the technology. In addition, make sure to include clear instructions on all your QR Codes so guests know exactly what they’re scanning and why. Some examples of CTAs include “Scan to order” for a menu or “Scan for spa bookings” for booking spa treatments.
Step-by-step guide to implementing QR Codes for room services
Ready to get started? Here’s how to create a QR Code for your hotel in just six simple steps.
Step 1: Define your service goals
While there are plenty of hospitality use cases for QR Codes, you don’t want your hotel rooms to be overflowing with QR Code signage. To that end, start by identifying the areas where QR Codes could effectively enhance your services. If you’re short on staff, concierge services and ordering QR Codes might be a priority. Or, if you have a menu that changes frequently, QR Code menus might be a focus point.
To help, here are further service goals to consider:
- Streamline check-in and check-out: Use QR Codes for contactless check-in or to provide quick access to billing summaries during check-out.
- Enhance personalization: Allow guests to set preferences for lighting and temperature or easily browse entertainment options via a QR Code.
- Simplify concierge services: Provide instant access to curated guides for local attractions, restaurants, and activities.
- Offer multilingual support: Link QR Codes to translated restaurant menus, local guides, or concierge service details to accommodate international guests.
- Upsell amenities: Highlight spa treatments, loyalty programs, and room upgrade options.
- Menu changes: Use a QR Code to keep your in-room dining menu up-to-date and in line with item availability, seasonal changes, and the time of day.
Step 2: Choose the right QR Code platform
Choosing a reputable and reliable QR Code generator is essential. Look for a platform that supports Dynamic QR Codes, allowing you to update the backend link as services evolve—without needing to reprint the code.
With the Bitly Connections Platform, you can generate branded QR Codes in seconds, complete with robust analytics to monitor and optimize performance. Even better, Bitly lets you create visually stunning, no-code landing pages that align perfectly with your brand, making it easy for you to create destination web pages for your Bitly Codes in just minutes.
Step 3: Design and customize QR Codes
With your platform chosen, it’s time for the fun part: adding your chosen URL destination and designing your QR Code. Forget those typical black-and-white squares. With Bitly, you can customize your QR Code to your exact liking: changing the shape, patterns, and colors and even adding your logo and a frame. These design options allow you to create QR Codes that reinforce your brand’s identity and leave a lasting impression on your hotel guests.
Step 4: Place QR Codes strategically
Once you’ve tested your QR Codes to ensure they work as intended, think about where you’ll place your codes. Here are some ideas for different use cases:
- Bedside tables: A great place for QR Codes that control lighting, set alarms, or access relaxation playlists.
- Desk areas: QR Codes linking to digital room service menus, booking options for spa treatments, or local recommendations for nearby attractions.
- In-room menus: Perfect for QR Codes directing to detailed digital menus, dietary options, or wine pairings.
- Bathroom mirrors: QR Codes for ordering fresh towels, requesting toiletries, or exploring spa services.
- Television screens: QR Codes providing access to curated streaming playlists, on-demand entertainment, or a personalized guide to the TV’s features.
Step 5: Train staff on QR Code integration
As you roll out QR Codes across your hotel, it’s essential to keep your staff in the loop about the changes and ensure they’re trained on how each QR Code works. This ensures your team is equipped to address any technical issues or guest concerns confidently.
Step 6: Monitor and refine usage
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget that Bitly Codes come with powerful analytics. With the Bitly Analytics dashboard, you’ll gain valuable insights into how guests are engaging with your QR Codes. These analytics provide a deeper understanding of guest behavior, allowing you to optimize QR Code placement and tailor your offers to meet guest needs better.
Say you’ve placed a QR Code in each guest room that links to your room service menu. With Bitly Analytics, you can track how often the QR Code is scanned and the days the code sees the most activity, then cross-reference this with insights from your kitchen.
If the data shows guests scan most often between 8 and 9 a.m., ordering popular breakfast items like pastries and coffee, you could refine your menu by highlighting these favorites or offering breakfast bundles that cater to your guests’ favorites.
Deliver memorable stays and experiences with QR Code room services
As guest expectations for personalized, tech-driven services continue to skyrocket, QR Codes are the perfect vehicle for delivering modern convenience and exceptional hospitality. These small but powerful codes enable guests to connect with your brand on their terms, offering the fast, contactless experiences they crave while unlocking significant operational advantages for your company.
Make your QR Codes go further with the Bitly Connections Platform. With custom designs to showcase your brand, powerful analytics, and the ability to create branded landing pages for your services, you can elevate the guest experience and nurture meaningful, lasting connections that inspire long-term loyalty.
Ready to deliver a five-star experience with QR Codes? Discover how Bitly can help.
