Less Wait, More Vacay

Summer is prime time travel season. Time for adventure, relaxation and making memories. However, if you've traveled during any peak time (read: summer, holidays, etc.), you know that sometimes it feels like, after all is said and done, you need a vacation from your vacation. The lines at the airport, the process of flying, the check in and check out wait times at your hotel - it can all be a little ...well...exhausting.

That's where our client Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has the right idea. They realize how important and precious vacation time is for the mind, body and soul, and they want to give more of it back to you. Direct quote from Owen Perry, who is co-owner and president of the Villa Group, "We feel that vacation time is too important to be spent waiting in line."

So they decided to reinvent the hotel check-in process. Instead of going through the process of waiting in line once you arrive, providing your information to the front desk crew and picking up keys, guests of the gorgeous Mexican resort can bypass the front desk and head straight to their room, or even better, to the resort's turtle-shaped pool.

How are they able to do that? Guests of the resort instead have the option to spend 3 minutes while they're still in the comfort of their own homes to provide a checklist of items they would normally share in person (as well as any dietary restrictions, special occasion requests, etc.) and instead check in online, ahead of time.

It works much like checking into a flight online. Guests receive a unique QR code to show a bellhop once they arrive, who will be waiting with their room keys. The room keys are hassle-free as well. They're actually wristbands with waterproof smart chip technology. No more fiddling around in purses or worry that you might lose your hotel key while lounging beachside.

Photo credit: Romy Raves

Paired with a personal concierge that can help guests book all their meals and activities in advance, the pre check-in program is amazing for setting the tone for a truly relaxing experience, which is the resort's ultimate goal.

Have you experienced amenities at other hotels or resorts that have made your stay memorable? Tweet us and let us know, @CuratorPR! Follow us on Instagram too for more travel scenes.