The point of sale is a pivotal touchpoint in creating memorable stays for hotel guests. Your POS system should seamlessly handle front desk check-ins, process payments, enable housekeeping tips, and more—an outdated POS results in long lines, errors, and frustrated guests.
To deliver exceptional service, hotels and resorts need a modern cloud-based POS system with the right capabilities. Here are the top five features to look for:
#1 Flexible Platform Options
Look for a POS system built specifically for hospitality with fixed and mobile hardware options. Fixed POS terminals are ideal for front desk and lobby bars to allow fast check-ins and drink orders. Mobile devices empower servers to take orders and process payments tableside restaurant-style.
The best systems have native apps for iOS and Android devices to maximize mobility. Staff can also switch seamlessly between devices without missing a beat. This combination of fixed and mobile POS provides maximum convenience for guests and staff.
#2 CRM Integration
Your POS system should integrate directly with your hotel CRM and property management systems. This enables automatic lookup of guest profiles, histories, preferences, and room numbers during checkout for personalized and seamless service.
Valuable guest data like purchase behaviors and product preferences also flow back into the CRM from the POS for marketing insights. CHOOSE A POS WITH OPEN APIs to unify guest data across systems.
#3 Secure Payment Processing
Safeguarding sensitive guest payment information is crucial. Ensure your POS system is PA-DSS and PCI compliant for securely processing cards and encrypting data.
Look for a built-in EMV chip, NFC tap-to-pay, and mobile wallet support for frictionless payment. Tokenization and guest-optional card storage add convenience while boosting security.
Robust protection at the POS alleviates a top guest concern around data privacy. Make it easy and safe for guests to pay any way they choose.
#4 Housekeeping Gratuities
Enabling guests to tip housekeeping on the POS helps ensure your hard-working staff is recognized for good service.
Seamless gratuity options boost employee satisfaction while providing guests with a quick and easy way to show appreciation. Allow tips to be billed to the room, added to a check, or paid by card, all within the POS system.
#5 Advanced Reporting
Powerful analytics and reporting allow you to glean valuable insights from POS data to improve operations.
Seek robust reporting on payment trends, guest spending, employee sales performance, menu/item popularity, and other intelligence to guide better business decisions.
Cloud-based POS systems with an online portal make reports accessible anytime, anywhere. Detailed metrics like average guest check sizes help you optimize revenue strategies.
Other Key Features:
- Order management for restaurants, bars, gift shops
- Inventory management integrations
- Staff management capabilities
- Ability to split payments
- Self-service kiosk options
Key Takeaways
Outdated Point-of-Sale Systems have yet to be placed in today’s hotel environment. The stellar in-person experiences guests expect demand modern POS capabilities like those above. Investing in technology explicitly made for hotels optimizes your most frequent guest interactions.
When evaluating options, look for POS systems built cloud-native for the needs of hospitality businesses. The POS you choose becomes the face of your brand during a guest’s visit. Make sure it makes the right impression by providing speed, convenience, and service with a personal touch.
