Customer Success Story: Transforming Guest Check-In with Ariane

Faced with critical staffing shortages, a mid-sized upscale city hotel in the Netherlands transformed its guest check-in experience by implementing Ariane’s hybrid self-service solutions. Previously, the hotel required 11–14 reception staff to provide 24/7 coverage. Recruitment difficulties resulted in only 10 staff available, significantly increasing workloads and affecting service efficiency.

Partnering with Ariane allowed the hotel to streamline operations while maintaining exceptional guest service.

The Challenge

• Reception staffing costs in the Netherlands average €27K–€32K per employee annually.
• Recruitment struggles led to operational strain and compromised service levels.
• A solution was essential to sustain service standards and operational efficiency simultaneously.

The Solution: Hybrid Self-Service Kiosks & Mobile Check-in

Ariane delivered a tailored hybrid solution integrating self-service kiosks with mobile check-in technology, enabling guests to effortlessly check in and out independently, significantly reducing reliance on front-desk staffing.

The Results: Efficiency & ROI Achieved in Under 11 Months

Implementing Ariane’s solution yielded immediate and measurable benefits: 

• 48% of eligible guests checked in via Ariane’s kiosk.
• 32% of eligible guests used kiosks for check-out.
• 37% of all guest reservations were completed through Ariane’s platform at check-in.
• 16% of all guest reservations used Ariane for check-out.
• Reception staff reduced from 10 to 7, generating €81K in savings in Year 1.
• Ariane’s total Year 1 cost: €73K.
• ROI achieved in less than 11 months.

Why Ariane? 

• Proven success: Extensive references from similar hotels throughout Europe.
• Strong ROI case: Immediate savings and long-term profitability through reduced staffing costs.
• Operational excellence: Enables leaner staffing models while upholding high guest service standards.

Key Learnings for Future Implementations 

This case highlights essential best practices for hotels addressing staffing challenges: 

• Clearly define ROI expectations early to align with strategic business objectives.
• Ensure seamless integration with existing operations through Ariane’s guided implementation and dedicated support.
• Proactively manage stakeholder expectations, demonstrating clear operational and financial benefits of self-service technology.

The hotel’s traditional check-in process cost was €8.10 per guest (including salary, benefits, and overhead). Implementing Ariane reduced this cost to €5.20 per check-in in Year 1, with projected further reductions to €1.57 per check-in from Year 2 onward. 

This compelling ROI underscores how Ariane’s self-service solutions can drive operational efficiency and significantly enhance the guest experience, ensuring readiness for future innovations such as AI-driven analytics and advanced upselling functionalities. 

Interested in how Ariane can transform your hotel’s check-in experience? Get in touch today!