Check-It Out: Radisson Hotels & Resorts Launches Hotel Industry's First Online Check-In...

AUSTIN, Texas -- ``Express Yourself'' Offers Expedited Check-In; Gives Guests More Control Over Their Hotel Experience

Guests at Austin's 413-room Radisson Hotel and Suites on Town Lake, in the heart of Downtown Austin, can now check-in in advance of arrival using a new online check-in

"This new technology is a perfect fit in tech-friendly Austin," says Radisson GM Tom Schurr. "And the simplicity of the web interface means that any level of computer user can benefit."

At the core of this new expedited hotel check-in process, is the ability for guests to check in via the Web at their convenience and provide preferences in advance of their arrival, eliminating the check-in process and providing more control over their hotel experience. The new system was designed to support Radisson's new brand strategy focused on identifying and enhancing key guest touch points and enabling choice.

"Express Yourself" features a three-step process. First, guests reserve a room via any Radisson booking process (Web site, call center, hotel direct or through a travel agent). Then, seven days prior to their visit, they will receive an e-mail inviting them to "express" themselves by checking in at the Radisson Web site (www.radisson.com). Personal preferences might include the request for a specific room location (examples include proximity to elevators, high or low floor), high speed Internet access, enroll in the Gold Points Reward program or other special service requests.

Upon arrival, they only need to identify themselves at the front desk. They will promptly receive a key packet and hotel information -- with no waiting and no hassles. Guests can utilize "Express Yourself" up until 6:00 p.m. on the day of arrival and at least two hours prior to check-in.

Guests selected preferences will be delivered automatically, every time they stay at a Radisson location.

"In the near future, guests will also be able to express their personal preferences for additional services such as newspaper, request an automatic wakeup call or room service order," said Bjorn Gullaksen, Carlson Hotels Worldwide executive vice president and brand leader. "These features will be available to all guests, regardless of booking process."

Gullaksen explained that each time guests book a new reservation, they can elect to modify or enhance their "Express Services" for the current trip.

"Radisson is taking a bold step to transform what consumer research has consistently shown as the least desirable experience in the hotel stay -- standing in line for a slow check-in or slow check-out," said Gullaksen. "We will never replace the human element of a friendly front-desk person, but 'Express Yourself' will eliminate the paper work that has traditionally been the main focus point of today's check-in process. By freeing our staff from these procedural restraints, they can now concentrate on welcoming the guest and getting them quickly to their room."

Industry reports indicated that hotel companies continue to invest millions of dollars in designing and acquiring check-in kiosks to alleviate long lines at the front desk. Carlson Hotels' leaders, however, agree with the customer's perspective -- the best line is no line.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts currently has more than 435 locations in 61 countries. Radisson is a division of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a global leader in hospitality services encompassing more than 1,700 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 countries.