VANGUARD Hotels in the Philippines plans to get rid of the “terribly outdated” front desk system from its hotel lobbies.
Instead, a mix of self check-in terminals and handheld check-in systems for staff will allow guests to get to their rooms quicker with need for less manpower, according to Bruce Musick, Group CEO, Vanguard Hotels. Floating staff members will be on hand to provide help for less technology-inclined guests, he explained.
Vanguard is currently busy rolling out the Metro Blue and Vivid brands across South-east Asia, with a strong emphasis in the Philippines and Malaysia. All these new openings will operate without a front desk.
“It’s a practical, financial issue that benefits those operating at a lower price point,” said Musick. “Fewer touchpoints mean fewer staff so less labour costs.”
This will allow for divisional staff savings of up to 50 per cent, he added.
Vanguard used to have four people at its front desk during peak hours, but self check-in would allow that to be reduced by half, said Musick.
