HB Exclusive: Virgin Hotels turns to Virdee to deploy self check-in

Virgin Hotels is collaborating with Virdee to implement the technology firm’s virtual reception solution.

Virdee kiosks are currently piloting at Virgin Hotels in Chicago and Dallas, with the Nashville location in deployment, and Virdee will grow with the hotel’s portfolio as the brand opens new hotels. The kiosks bring a seamless experience to the guest, providing a digital option for quick and efficient check-in. The in-lobby experience works side-by-side with Virgin Hotels’ Lucy mobile application so that guests can choose where to check-in, mobile or kiosk.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Virdee to provide all hotel guests the option to securely check-in on the device they feel most comfortable with,” said Denise Walker, VP, information technology, Virgin Hotels. “With recovery underway and in the era of ‘contactless everything,’ it’s imperative that we continue to prioritize our guests’ safety. Virdee’s solutions allow us to bring a personalized, fully digital check-in experience ensuring each visitor has a tailored check-in process.”

When guests arrive at a Virgin Hotels, they can access their reservation through Virdee Identity, which uses advanced biometrics solutions or two-factor authentication. From there, they can submit payment, sign terms and conditions and submit special requests. Remote assistance is available with the touch of a button, and the guest will leave the kiosk with a physical key to access their guestroom.

The check-in experience is even more powerful for members of Virgin Hotels’ The Know loyalty and preference program because the Virdee reception will automatically match and pull guest information. For guests who aren’t yet members of The Know, Virdee provides a simple sign-up experience to help convert more guests than traditional paper or phone processes.

“We are proud to announce this partnership with one of the most innovative and cutting-edge hotel brands in our industry,” said Virdee Cofounder Nadav Cornberg. “As Virdee and Virgin Hotels continue to grow their partnership, we’ll debut advanced technology features that will push the industry forward, helping reduce operating costs while improving the guest experience.”