Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre, Karjat by Sanket Sinkar, Director of Operations, Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre, Karjat

At Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre, Karjat, the check-in experience is thoughtfully designed to reflect the serene yet contemporary spirit of its surroundings. It’s more than just a process—it’s the first warm touchpoint in a guest’s journey. Most guests arrive with their rooms pre-assigned, and preferences already noted discreetly. The traditional front desk has evolved into a space of reassurance and personalization, where the team simply affirms details, answers local queries, or offers subtle upgrades when available.

From the moment guests arrive, they’re greeted with a grand welcome—offered a refreshing welcome drink and provided with luggage assistance, setting the tone for a stay that’s both luxurious and effortless. Every step of the arrival is orchestrated to be seamless yet memorable.

The lobby itself echoes this ethos. It’s not just a transitional space but a haven of calm, comfort, and functionality. Comfortable seating areas and a warm aesthetic invite guests to pause and unwind. The design reflects a hospitality philosophy that values purpose over pretense—where every element, from layout to lighting, serves to enhance the guest’s ease.

What sets Radisson Blu Karjat apart is its attention to detail. Guest preferences such as language, room accessibility, or dietary considerations are often accommodated in advance, without the guest having to request them. These thoughtful gestures make arrivals feel intuitive and personalized.

In a fast-paced world where first impressions are made in moments, Radisson Blu Plaza Karjat ensures those moments are smooth, welcoming, and just a bit better than expected.

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The Impact of a Thoughtful Check-In Experience – At DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji by Harshad Nalawade, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji

At DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, a guest’s first impression begins the moment they step into our warm and inviting lobby. Greeted with our iconic warm chocolate cookie—a signature DoubleTree gesture—and a refreshing locally inspired welcome drink, guests are immediately enveloped in a sense of comfort and care. This heartfelt welcome, paired with genuine smiles and sincere hospitality, sets the tone for the stay ahead. After a long journey, it’s not just about arriving—it’s about arriving to warmth, recognition, and home-like hospitality.

Today’s check-in experience goes beyond the transactional. It has evolved into an opportunity to create a personal connection. Whether it’s a surprise room upgrade, a thoughtful amenity aligned with guest preferences, or a simple “Welcome back,” each interaction is designed to make our guests feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

A delightful touch that sets us apart is our dedicated kids’ check-in counter—where our youngest guests are greeted with their own special welcome. With engaging activities, mini treats, and a playful atmosphere, we make sure that even children feel like VIPs from the very beginning of their stay.

Technology plays a crucial supporting role in this journey. Tools like Kipsu WhatsApp Messaging Technology, a Hilton initiative, allow us to connect with guests even before they arrive—understanding their needs, honoring their preferences, and building rapport in advance and during the stay. Digital innovations such as mobile check-in and digital key access add convenience without sacrificing the human touch. At DoubleTree, we believe technology should enhance—not replace—the warmth and attentiveness of our team.

The ambiance of our lobby—a modern, well-lit, and aesthetically curated space—further amplifies that first impression. It’s a silent yet powerful message: you are in good hands.

Ultimately, when guests are treated as individuals—not just bookings—it cultivates emotional resonance and brand loyalty. The check-in moment isn’t just a procedure; it’s the opening scene in a hospitality story worth remembering.

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2021 When You Are Checking Into A Hotel - Prof. (Dr.) Amit Kumar Head of School School of Hotel Management, Airlines and Tourism CT University, Ludhiana

You check into a hotel, head straight to its coffee shop and as you wait for the waiter to bring your order of hot cappuccino; you stroll past perfectly lined desserts, clicking pictures and enjoying the delectable aroma. Will it still be the same for us?

Hotels are in metamorphosis as they prepare for a post-pandemic world. No bars, buffet, spas and swimming pools are only some of the changes as the hospitality industry redefines itself. Ever since the protocols for social distancing and lockdown norms were put in place, the hospitality industry particularly felt the brunt. As hotels gear up to open up in accordance with the norms put forth by WHO, the entire operation is going to change.

The whole concept of servicing our guests is going to change. From the pick up at the airport to the check-in, entire stay and until check-out, hotels planned to make everything as contact-less as possible.

Bringing in contact-less operation procedures

Redefining standard operating procedures for post-lockdown service, Lemon Tree hotels brainstormed on how they could reduce the number of touchpoints for guests during their entire stay with tension free. The focus is on making guests feel safe. When the guest sits in the car, there will be a sanitiser, tissue, and gloves available. They are doing away with newspapers and will only subscribe to e-versions.

For Park Inn by Radisson, certain moves in this direction had begun pre-pandemic. In 2019, the hotel had installed Alexa in its deluxe and junior suites to request for services and now plans to expand it to its elevators. The guest does not even have to call up the front desk. They can simply make amenity requests using voice commands.

They also plan on installing the same system in their elevators so the guest does not have to touch the buttons.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the hotel industry towards a ‘new normal’ of operating with completely different sets of health and safety protocols. As the industry tries to figure out ways in which it can deal with the pandemic and open up for business, the needs and wants of a traveller has evolved and changed — today people when they are booking a stay at a hotel, it’s not just the best rates but it’s about their health and safety. Without an inch of doubt, if hotels want to recover quickly from the current crisis, it is high time that they incorporate every possible measure to ensure guests’ safety.

And while doing so, hotels must invest in digitalization, making the best use of technology to improve the guest experience. It would not only help them recover quickly but also serve their intended purpose by enhancing accessibility and convenience.

A majority of resorts and hotels are undertaking health protocols issued by the WHO to provide a hygienic and safe stay during the pandemic. However, before you venture into your accommodation and take a room, here are the top five things to look out for when you check into the hotel in 2021.

Compulsory Post-Covid Safety Measures

• Contactless Communications

• Has Your Room Been Sanitized?

• Check for the Post-Covid-19 Toiletries

• Mobile Check-Ins

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by

Prof. (Dr.) Amit Kumar

Head of School

School of Hotel Management, Airlines and Tourism

CT University, Ludhiana