The holiday season is a peak time for travel, and a stress test for hotel operations. As guest expectations rise, hoteliers must find efficient ways to deliver exceptional service. In this post, we’ll explore how automation through integrated partners can strengthen your hotel property management system (PMS) and transform holiday operations to delight guests.

Managing High Volume with Ease

Holiday bookings surge, and manual processes can quickly become bottlenecks. Automation helps streamline:

  • Reservations and check-ins
  • Room assignments and upgrades
  • Guest communications and confirmations

With a smart PMS, these tasks are handled seamlessly, reducing wait times and freeing staff to focus on personalized service.

Enhancing Guest Experience Through Intentional Touchpoints

Personalized Messaging

From booking to checkout, automated emails and SMS updates keep guests informed. Use templates to send:

  • Welcome messages
  • Local event guides
  • Real-time updates on room readiness

These touchpoints not only reduce confusion but also build anticipation and trust.

Automated Upselling Opportunities

Automation can also drive revenue. PMS platforms can suggest room upgrades, packages, or stay enhancements based on guest profiles and booking history. These personalized offers enhance the guest experience while boosting ancillary sales.

Optimizing Back-of-House Operations

Housekeeping and Maintenance Scheduling

Automation isn’t just guest-facing. PMS tools can optimize housekeeping schedules based on check-in/check-out times, occupancy levels, and guest preferences. Maintenance requests can be logged and tracked automatically, ensuring quick resolution and minimal disruption.

Inventory and Staffing Forecasts

With predictive analytics, hoteliers can anticipate demand and adjust staffing levels accordingly. This ensures that front desk, housekeeping, and food service teams are adequately staffed without overspending on labor. Inventory systems can also be automated to reorder supplies based on usage trends, avoiding last-minute shortages.

Why It Matters

Automation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating memorable guest experiences. During the holidays, when emotions run high and time is precious, a smooth stay can turn first-time visitors into loyal customers. For hotel managers, automation means:

  • Fewer operational errors
  • Improved staff productivity
  • Better data for forecasting and planning
  • Higher guest satisfaction scores
  • Cost savings on labor
  • Increase in ancillary sales

In a competitive market, these advantages can make the difference between a one-time booking and a repeat guest.

Real-World Example: A Holiday Weekend Scenario

Imagine a boutique hotel preparing for a sold-out holiday weekend. With automation in place:

  • Guests receive pre-arrival messages with check-in instructions and local event highlights.
  • Upon arrival, they bypass the front desk using mobile check-in and digital keys.
  • Housekeeping is alerted in real-time when rooms are vacated, speeding up turnover.
  • The PMS automatically suggests upgrades and packages, increasing revenue.
  • Staff are free from repetitive tasks and can focus on creating warm, personalized experiences.

This scenario isn’t hypothetical. It’s the reality for hotels that embrace automation.

Key Takeaways

  • Audit your current PMS capabilities: Ensure it supports automation features like mobile check-in, automated messaging, and dynamic pricing.
  • Train your staff on automation tools: Empower your team to use integrated technology effectively.
  • Create holiday-specific workflows: Customize automation rules for seasonal promotions, events, and guest preferences.
  • Monitor performance: Use analytics to track guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
  • Integrate systems: Connect your PMS with CRM, POS, and marketing platforms for a unified view of operations.
  • Test and refine: Run simulations before peak periods to ensure everything works smoothly.

Achieve Seamless Holiday Operations with SkyTouch

Want to learn how SkyTouch Technology’s hotel PMS can help your property deliver memorable guest experiences this holiday season? Book a demo today and see how SkyTouch is easy to learn, easy to use, and easy to love!