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As summer 2025 approaches, serviced apartment operators are gearing up for peak demand. Warmer months can bring a significant increase in occupancy with some short-term rentals seeing demand rise by over 40% during peak travel periods. This seasonal surge stretches operations and puts guest experience to the test.
With around 68% of travellers basing their booking decisions on customer service expectations, serviced apartment providers are under pressure to offer a hotel level of guest experience. The smartest operators are turning to advanced serviced apartment software like res:harmonics to automate key processes, enhance pre-arrival check-in, and unlock a five-star guest experience at scale.
In this article, we explore how res:harmonics’ all-in-one property management system (PMS) is helping operators deliver seamless summer stays - from smarter onboarding to real-time unit readiness.
The Problem: Why Manual Check-Ins Fall Apart in Summer
Manual check-ins may work during quieter periods, but busy summer months put a spotlight on operational inefficiency. Without automation, even well-staffed properties struggle to meet guest expectations when volume spikes.
Here’s what operators are seeing during the busy summer season:
- Check-in queues stretching beyond acceptable wait times (5+ minutes negatively impacts satisfaction)
- A significant portion of guests arriving outside traditional check-in hours
- Higher demand for same-day turnovers, especially on weekends
- Missed revenue from upsell opportunities lost during manual check-in and key handover
These challenges lead to long wait times, stressed staff, frustrated guests—and lost revenue.
The Solution: res:harmonics' Smart Check-In System
To overcome these seasonal pain points, we have created an intelligent check-in process that blends automation with personalisation. It begins well before a guest arrives and continues throughout their stay.
Here’s how each layer works to create a seamless summer experience:
- Pre-Arrival Digital Onboarding
The guest journey starts the moment a booking is confirmed. Use our automated email tools to send an instant link to your own branded guest portal, transforming pre-arrival into an opportunity for automation and engagement. Within this portal, guests can:
- Verify ID through facial recognition and official document scanning
- Complete GDPR-compliant agreements and local regulations
- Access personalised upsells such as early check-in, parking, or local tours
A majority of guests prefer these contact-free options—with 72% of 33-44 year olds favouring self-service check-in. Some studies observe an average of £35–£200 in upsell revenue per guest per month through digital offers.
- Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
Once guests arrive, our first party integrations with class leading kiosk systems picks up where the digital experience left off. Designed to reduce friction and ensure security, the kiosk performs a series of real-time checks before issuing access.
Key features of the kiosk check-in system include:
- 6-digit code validation to confirm booking status, unit readiness, and check-in timing
- Guest hierarchy enforcement, allowing only lead guests to initiate access
- Conditional keycard release to ensure no overlap between prior and new guests
Integrated ID scanners and kiosk validation can reduce data errors by up to 90% compared to manual check-in, substantially reducing failed arrivals.
- Real-Time Operational Coordination
Guest experience doesn’t happen in isolation, it’s backed by real-time operational visibility. res:harmonics synchronises all elements of the guest journey, including maintenance and housekeeping.
Operators using res:harmonics can run housekeeping and maintenance on autopilot thanks to a suite of automated tasks and a partner operations app to ensure that the summer demand for fast turnaround is met.
The Guest Portal: A Concierge in Your Pocket
Great guest experiences extend beyond check-in. With res:harmonics' mobile-optimised portal, operators can engage guests before, during and after their stay—without needing a 24/7 front desk.
Here’s what guests can access at each stage of their journey:
Pre-arrival:
- Submit special requests (e.g., hypoallergenic pillows)
- Book extras (e.g., beach gear, transfers)
- Explore local area via digital guides
During stay:
- Reserve shared amenities like gyms or lounges
- Submit maintenance requests with photos
- Message staff in real-time with multilingual support
Post-stay:
- Receive review invitations
- Join loyalty programmes
- Get personalised rebooking incentives
Properties that deploy a fully optimised guest experience report up to 22% more direct bookings and 20–30% higher ancillary revenue.
How to Prepare for Peak Season
To get the most out of res:harmonics this summer, operators should take a strategic approach to implementation, making the most of automation and freeing up staff for high-value interactions.
Here’s your summer-readiness checklist:
Optimise kiosk placement
- Aim for 1 kiosk per 50 units during busy periods
- Install kiosk in clearly visible lobby or entry points with clear signage
- Enable contactless features like NFC or QR scanning for mobile check-in
Reallocate staff time
- Personal concierge and welcome services
- Pre-departure cleaning checks and inspections
- Building relationships with local providers for guest perks
Integrate dynamic pricing
- Raise rates during high-demand weekends or events
- Offer discounts for low-occupancy dates
- Promote long-stay rates for digital nomads and workcation guests
Automate compliance reporting
- Tourist tax submissions
- Police check-in logs
- Deposit and ID validation
Final Thought: From Chaos to Competitive Edge
In a £4.6bn sector where summer results often define annual success, serviced apartment software like res:harmonics is the key to operational excellence. By automating guest check-in, centralising property management, and delivering memorable stays, res:harmonics transforms peak season from a challenge into a strategic advantage.
Book a demo today and make summer 2025 your most successful yet.
