Locks for a Seamless Check-in
You've just flown through four time zones in front of a screaming man-child. Only one obstacle remains between you and that sweet sweet pillowy bed: the lock box hidden somewhere you can't recall, with a combo you can't look up because your phone is dead.
whomp whomp
Few things please a guest more than a seamless check-in process, and a keypad lock with a particular little trick is just the tool for the job.
I may earn a commission from links on this page, but only recommend products I back. Learn more.
Ok - this tip is so hott it deserves its own section! A keypad for lock entry is a must. I use this particular lock by Schlage, and always set the combination for each guest to match the last four digits of their phone number. It saved them from having to dig through their (possibly dead) phone to find the combo. Just as importantly, not having to deal with key hand-offs meant people could "check in" whenever they liked, which was often while I was at work or asleep.
As a backup, in case the batteries died or the lock otherwise malfunctions, keep a copy of the physical key in this lock box hidden outside of the house.
One note of caution: Some people are good with technology, and some, well....not so much. Be very very specific in the pre-checkin note about how to operate the lock. For example, it wasn't obvious to some people that in order to activate the lock, the "Schlage" logo needed to be pressed. Even after it was spelled out in the directions to a huge level of detail, some folks just didn't get it (which, fair enough...some were coming off of very long flights from Europe). So, I'd even recommend putting a small sign on the front door with instructions (minus the exact code they need to use).
This system worked so effectively, that I probably only met about 50% of the guests that stayed with me. A number of guests even announced that they’d be installing this very same lock back home.