ExpectMe partnership with Guestline PMS increases efficiency at Point A Hotels.

The room allocation platform integrates seamlessly with the cloud-based PMS, enhancing staff efficiency and guest satisfaction

When we talk about competitiveness in today’s hotel industry, one of the first things that comes to mind is innovation, both in terms of operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Always on the lookout for new solutions and at the forefront of the technological revolution that is changing the working environment in our sector, Point A Hotels, part of the Queensway Group, is no exception. Their adoption of the ExpectMe room selection platform, which they were able to easily and conveniently integrate with their existing Guestline PMS, is an example of this forward thinking.

This article describes how the system was implemented smoothly, improving staff efficiency and guest experience. The end result is a significant increase in revenue and profitability. Read on for the details.

Flawless Integration: How ExpectMe and Guestline Created a Perfect Match

The integration of ExpectMe with Guestline PMS was a strategic move aimed at automating and optimising room allocation processes at Point A Hotels. This brand, known for its commitment to automation, found the implementation process to be both seamless and quick. The fact that no additional developments were required to integrate both systems was key for the success of the process.

Preparatory steps
Ana Costa, Senior Commercial Technology Manager at Point A Hotels, led the integration efforts. The process began with thorough consultations involving operations managers and on-site teams. This preparatory phase was crucial in understanding the specific needs of the hotel company and the potential impact of the new platform on daily operations. By anticipating the requirements and potential challenges, Ana and her team ensured a smooth onboarding process.

Easy onboarding
The onboarding process was notably smooth, thanks to the proactive support from Roeland Verhamme, Founder & CEO of ExpectMe, who comes from a hospitality background and understands the industry’s nuances. His ability to anticipate the needs of Point A Hotels played a significant role in this successful implementation. The creation of detailed floor plans for the ExpectMe system not only helped in the integration but also revealed gaps in the hotel’s existing floor plans, leading to improvements and standardisation across their PMS.

Trust and Collaboration
The trust between Point A Hotels and their technology partners was a key factor in this successful integration. With high confidence in ExpectMe and Guestline, and a willingness to develop alongside trusted partners who listen and respond to their needs, Point A Hotels navigated the integration without any hitches. The trial phase started with one hotel, and upon seeing the positive outcomes, the system was rolled out to nine out of ten properties within the chain.

“The integration of ExpectMe with Guestline PMS exemplifies our commitment to providing seamless, innovative solutions for our clients. This partnership has empowered hotels like Point A to enhance their operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, setting a new standard in the hospitality industry.”

Andrew McGregor, CEO, Guestline

Empowering Staff: Automating Room Allocation for Maximum Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of the ExpectMe and Guestline integration has been the dramatic improvement in staff efficiency. This integration allowed Point A Hotels to automate room allocation, by giving the power to the hotel guests to choose their desired room upon reservation. In addition, adopting this technology reduced manual tasks and enabled staff to focus more on guest-related activities.

Tailored Room Allocation
The integration allowed for a tailored room allocation process that aligns with the hotel’s strategy rather than relying on last-minute decisions. By putting 40% of their inventory on room selection by the guests themselves, Point A Hotels could manage their room assignments more effectively, ensuring that specific guest preferences and operational priorities were met without compromising on availability.

Reduction in Manual Tasks
With the implementation of the ExpectMe platform, the manual tasks involved in room allocation were vastly reduced. This automation freed up significant time for the on-site teams, allowing them to concentrate on providing exceptional guest service. Staff no longer had to spend hours on tedious room assignment processes, leading to a more efficient and streamlined workflow.

Positive Feedback from Staff
The feedback from the on-site teams has been overwhelmingly positive. The staff appreciated how the new system allowed them to focus more on guest interactions and less on administrative tasks. This shift not only improved job satisfaction but also contributed to a more hospitable environment for the guests. Zero negative feedback during the initial phase highlighted the system’s effectiveness and ease of use.

“The integration of ExpectMe with Guestline PMS significantly reduced the manual tasks our staff had to handle daily. This shift has not only boosted efficiency but also greatly improved staff satisfaction, as they can now dedicate more time to providing exceptional service to our guests.”

Ana Costa, Senior Commercial Technology Manager, Point A Hotels.

Enhancing Guest Experience: Personalised Stays with ExpectMe and Guestline

Enhancing the guest experience is at the heart of any successful hotel operation, and the integration of ExpectMe with Guestline PMS has significantly contributed to this goal at Point A Hotels.

Improved Room Selection
Initially introduced as a perk for repeat guests and loyalty members, the room selection feature allowed guests to choose their preferred rooms three days prior to their arrival via a link in their pre-stay email. This option gave guests a sense of control and personalisation, enhancing their overall experience.

Standardised Operations
The ExpectMe floor plans integrated into Guestline PMS helped standardise operations across all properties. By having a consistent and accurate view of room layouts and availability, the staff could manage guest requests more efficiently, ensuring that the guests’ preferences were met promptly and accurately.

Future Scalability
Building on the success of the initial implementation, Point A Hotels plans to extend the room selection feature to OTA bookers, introducing a fee for this service. Additionally, they will be implementing upsell options, providing guests with more choices and opportunities to improve their stay. These enhancements are expected to further increase revenue and raise guest satisfaction.

“Our integration with Guestline PMS has been a resounding success, particularly for forward-thinking hotel groups like Point A Hotels. By combining our innovative room selection technology with Guestline’s robust PMS, we’ve been able to prove the vital importance of seamless technology partnerships in the hospitality industry.”

Roeland Verhamme, CEO & Founder, ExpectMe.