Virdee, HotelKey launch improved guest relations platform

VIRDEE AND HOTELKEY recently launched an improved guest relations platform with streamlined check-in and more support. Salt Lake City-based LivAway Suites is the first hotel chain to adopt the Virdee-HotelKey solution.

Virdee, a self-service technology and check-in automation company, is led by cofounders Nadav Cornberg and Branigan Mulcahy, while HotelKey, a cloud-based hotel property management system, is led by cofounder and president Aditya Thyagarajan.

“The ability for our property management system to integrate with Virdee’s self-service check-in solution ensures that guests receive excellent service whether interacting with staff or using our automated systems,” said Thyagarajan.

The new Virdee-HotelKey product includes:

• Improved check-in for guests, including those from OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com, can check in and access room keys via mobile devices or iPad kiosks, without staff interaction.
• Remote assistance to help guests with requests such as room lockouts or amenity restocks, even in unstaffed lobbies.
• More self-service options and reduced wait times, especially for after-hours check-ins.
• Allows staff to focus on other tasks while maintaining visibility and service for check-ins.

LivAway Suites, the extended-stay brand launched in early 2023, recently opened its second location in Richland, Washington. The system allows front-desk operations to be managed remotely via video calls or fully self-service, straight-to-room experiences. Virdee’s technology enhances HotelKey’s staff-facing iPads by enabling guest self-service check-ins via mobile phones and iPad kiosks.

“LivAway is excited to be the first extended-stay hotel brand to leverage this powerful combination of Virdee and HotelKey technologies,” said Kevin Dailey, LivAway Suites chief operating officer. “Our guests love the convenience of checking in at any time, day or night, and our staff can provide more personalized service. Virdee and HotelKey understand the needs of LivAway Suites and have been an integral part of our launch this year.”

Mulcahy said that their partnership with HotelKey takes the guest-centric approach to new levels of convenience and customization.

“Hotel staff can now deliver exceptional service through our integrated front-of-house platform, and guests benefit from the freedom of a self-service model that works on their terms, whether through their smartphones or our iPad kiosks,” he said.

Last year, Pinak Soni-led GuestTouch integrated its guest review and messaging system with HotelKey’s property management system, offering hotels a multifunctional solution to serve guests from check-in to check-out.