Hoteliers have been implementing QR codes into their businesses since the mid 2010s, and they’ve only gotten more popular as we’ve moved into the 2020s. For good reason, as QR codes which are implemented into a hotel’s operations are nearly always beneficial, and can be used to optimize any process.
And we here at My QR Code are going to show you how. In this article, you’ll learn how QR codes are used in hotels, how they can improve both staff and guest processes, and you’ll even get a brief guide at how to generate your own. Let’s dive in!
What is a Hotel QR Code
A hotel QR (Quick Response) code are QR codes that you’ll often see in hotel foyers, restaurants, guests rooms, and even hotel signage or posters. Each QR code is unique and can connect guests to different digital pages that can help them check-in, access menu information, check room rules, and more.
The aim of the game with hotel QR codes is to enhance the guest experience as much as possible, while also making things a little easier for hotel workers. So let’s discuss how they do just that across their various use cases.
QR Codes for Hotel Check-In
These are the QR codes you’ll see immediately when entering a hotel. QR codes for hotel check-ins usually link to guest forms where they can fill in their details and agree to hotel waivers and service conditions.
As these processes are done digitally, QR codes can reduce the amount of time that guests spend at the check-in desks, which reduces the amount of foot traffic in foyers.
QR Codes for Hotel WiFi
It’s almost an expectation nowadays for hotels to supply WiFi to their guests. And with a QR code, you can connect guests up to your WiFi without any input from hotel workers, or even the guests themselves! Plus, for security conscious hotels, connecting guests in this way doesn’t require the use of a WiFi password, as the connection is instant once a QR code has been scanned.
QR Codes for Hotel Restaurants
While digital menus aren’t used as heavily post-pandemic, there are still many people who enjoy the touchless experience of accessing menus through QR codes. QR codes placed on hotel restaurant tables, or even near the entrance to the dining room can allow guests to check what culinary experiences are on offer.
QR codes for menus can also be placed in hotel rooms, especially if you’re a hotel that offers room service. This can also save on printing costs, as you won’t need a full menu in every room!
QR Codes for Local Tour Information
Some hotels create partnerships with local attractions like bars, restaurants, and tours. QR codes can be placed in hotel lobbies which connect guests to booking or information pages easily. Not only is it much more convenient for guests, but your hotel won’t have to stock bundles of brochures for each local attraction.
QR Codes for Feedback Collection
Feedback collection is crucial for hotels to improve guest experiences and processes. And there’s no better way to collect feedback than with a QR code. They can be placed in hotel rooms, or in hotel lobbies which guests can scan as they checkout.
Plus, guests will be able to complete the form in their own time, rather than filling out a paper form at the checkout desk. This increases the chances that guests will complete the forms, especially as the process values their time.
QR Codes for Review
Similar to feedback collection QR codes, these simply link to your hotels review page where customers can rate your hotel and comment on their experiences while staying. Customer testimonials are crucial to the success of a hotel, especially when you factor in that they’re more important to potential guests than star ratings (via Statista).
QR codes for reviews placed near checkout desks makes it much more likely that guests will leave you a review, especially as they won’t have to wait until they get home.
QR Codes for Hotel Key Cards
Most modern hotels implement electronic locking systems for rooms which can be unlocked with a QR-encoded key card. Key cards are much more convenient than the traditional roomkey, especially as they’re less likely to be lost by guests. Plus, even if keycards are lost, the cost of replacing them is much cheaper than an actual key.
Why Use Hotel QR Codes?
Hotel QR codes are used to enhance guest experience by making certain processes more convenient. Whether it’s checking into hotels faster, accessing restaurant menus, or just connecting to the WiFi, QR codes can have a huge impact on how guests interact with what your hotel has to offer.
While making these processes easier with QR codes might seem insignificant, the more good experiences your hotel provides, the better your guests stay. However, you’ll need to ensure that guests are actually encouraged to use your QR codes. More on that in the next section.
How to Get the Most Out of Hotel QR Codes
So, putting QR codes around your hotel is easy. But that doesn’t always guarantee that they’re going to be used. That means you need to be smart on how you use QR codes. Take a look below at some of the ways that you can implement them effectively:
- Calls to Action – Including a CTA on your QR codes makes the likelihood of a scan much higher. Especially if a QR code has a border.
- Explain What QR Codes are For – Guests won’t scan your QR code if they have no idea what it does. So, include a small explanation. It can either be a sentence, or just a couple of words like ‘Join WiFi’.
- Make Sure QR Codes are Noticeable – If you want to increase your scan rates, you’ll need to ensure that guests are going to see them. Posters, signs, placards, etc., are all prime real estate for QR codes that are sure to be noticed!
- Personalize Your QR Code – Personalized QR codes look more interesting than standard QR codes. Unique colors, your hotel logo, or even just adding a border can make your QR codes eye-catching, and increases the likelihood that your QR code is scanned.
Now that you’ve got a few examples of how to use them, let’s talk about generating your own!
How to Generate a Hotel QR Code
We’ll be using our very own platform, My QR Code, as the example to show you just how easy generating a QR code is. Let’s get started:
- Head to the My QR Code Generator page, where you’ll be able to choose a QR code for your exact needs. We’ll be using the link generator for this example, but we have generators for restaurant menus, business pages, WiFi, social media, and more!
- Input the link of the page you want to direct guests to, and then name your QR code. Naming your QR code allows you to find it easily on the My QR Code platform later on if you need to make any changes.
- Next up, design your QR code. You can change the colors, QR patterns and corner squares, and add your hotel logo for a fully branded experience!
- Finally, you can click ‘Finish’ and save your QR code to your device as a JPEG, SVG or PNG.
And with that you’re done! The whole process takes a couple of minutes, unless you’re particularly picky over the design, and can be done by complete beginners! So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!