Hi @Lizzie So far, I or another person give the keys of the apartments in person. I or other person also show the apartment to the guest, explain basic things and give basic information about the area and places to go. I do it briefly but some guests are more eager for information then others. Most of the guests comes to the city for tourism. Once in a while the checkin turns into a short and pleasant conversation.
Sometimes I consider implementing self checking and record a video with a walk tour in the property and send the video in advance to guest. I do not know if the excess of automation and letting everything up to guest would be a good idea. Few guests read manual and on line information. I am not sure they will see the video before arriving or when arriving.
Here a suggestion for you Lizzie. You could create a topice, kind of poll about self checkin - What guest would like the most.. self checkin of normal checkin with human contact.
To me, the idea of self checkin is not so good. I remember once before visiting Zurich I considered booking a place with self checkin where the price and accommodation it was nice! The cons.. if something went wrong, I would not like to be left out in the could! I quit and booked other place.
PS: I have another post that vanished about 1 or 2 days ago! I had to edit it... when I edited it and clicked "save", it vasnished away.