More Convenient Airbnb Stays with Guest Key Exchange
You’d be a fool to listen to anyone advising you to leave a key under a flowerpot or doormat when exchanging keys with guests. More so, other solutions like leaving them with a cleaner or a friend.
No guest wants to be greeted and let in by the cleaner, nor have we learned that cleaners and friends are 100% dependable all the time. Stuff happens. But to avoid anything less than a five-star review, key management needs to be handled correctly.
The only place you want to store a key is with a holiday let management company or with yourself.
Contact us here to see how our Airbnb management service works, or keep reading to learn more about Airbnb key management and professional tips for key exchange.
The problems you’ll face around Airbnb key management
One reason why short-term rentals are appealing is that they are the exact opposite of hotels – there’s no front desk or someone there to monitor your guests as they come and go, which for them creates a more private and intimate experience.
Guests like to be flexible with their check-in times after travelling and are usually eager to start their vacation and settle in on their terms – just like they would if they arrived home. Remember, not all guests will check in at the advertised check-in time.
They don’t want to fill out forms, sign, hand over cards, or go through all the terms – they don’t want a headache. They want to get inside and settle down, and who can blame them?
But how will your guests get the keys? And who will ensure they are ok throughout their stay?
This is where a holiday let management company like Hello Guest comes in. We simplify the key exchange process by having our own trusted team there or through the installation of an automated, secure way to check guests in (depending on host specifications).
Poor key management leads to poor reviews
Working with various hosts across the UK, we have found that the check-in process is one of the most valuable components of the overall Airbnb rating that guests will leave.
Sometimes, when the key exchange is unsuccessful, or when guests cannot get hold of you or check incorrectly they might call Airbnb and cancel their booking (it does happen).
Therefore, someone always needs to be available if there is any trouble to avoid negative reviews and additional fees. During check-in and check-out, as part of our key management service, we can ensure that someone can answer questions or respond to problems conveniently.
Key management options
We offer hosts a few options for the key exchange and check-in process depending on your needs and the setup or requirements of the property.
For some locations, we offer an in-person check-in meet and greet service; for others, we provide the means to self-check in, usually via a key lockbox.
For various reasons, we know self-check-in may not be possible for some properties, so we offer an in-person check-in if possible.
Are smart locks the right way forward?
Some of our clients prefer to use smart locks for guests to check in and out quickly – this might be because they give the host more peace of mind.
With smart locks, hosts can generate different codes for each reservation, which can be customised to expire the day of check out so the guest can no longer access the property when they are not supposed to.
The code must be manually changed each time with standard lock boxes or key safes.
Let us know what you prefer, and we will work with you to create a hosted experience you’re comfortable with. Get in touch.
We'll always be here
With Hello Guest, you can expect happy guests, always. Contact us today to learn more about our Airbnb management service and how it can benefit your business.
Toby France
Co-Founder
Professionalism and consistently delivering quality service are his key focus and to ensure the team and operations deliver on this.
Veronica Tribolati
Co-Founder
Being a natural extrovert and a go-getter, Veronica is a great communicator and is the face of Hello Guest.
UK Wide Coverage
We cover the whole of the UK!
Our service provides full UK coverage for short-term letting. Our Airbnb manager services extend to medium and long-term lettings to provide a full range of rental options to help homeowners and landlords maximise their earnings and minimise any problems. Visit this page.
We manage many rental properties in popular areas and tourist destinations. This includes accommodation in all the UK’s major cities and holiday destinations.
Contact us to find out more.
