Hilton To Check In Guests Online

Hilton Hotels Corp. today announced that, starting in October, guests booked at its hotels can check in online 24 hours in advance. Carlson Hotels Worldwide earlier this month said it will begin testing a similar service at its Radisson hotels in September. The Hilton service, however, is only available to high-ranking members of its frequent guest program, while all guests are eligible for the Radisson remote checkin, which is called Express Yourself.

Frequent guests at any of Hilton's hotel brands receive a password-protected online account that allows them to select their room type and amenities. They then are able to print their confirmation document. "Travelers access their reservation via one of the brand Websites. Since guest information already is stored within their online personal account, the hotel doesn't need to collect the same information at the front desk," said Tim Harvey, Hilton CIO. When they arrive at the hotel, travelers present the confirmation document to receive their room key and can go straight to their room.

Remote checkin is a feature business travelers have grown accustomed to with the airlines, according to Brian Stage, Carlson executive vice president for sales, distribution and reservations. "Consequently, they're interested in benefiting from the same time-saving feature at their hotel. Since guests have to pick up their room key though, they still get to have personal contact with the front desk, which we feel is important."