Back from Iceland: Our First Experience Was Self Check-In
We’re back from Iceland!
On our very first day, we stayed at a hotel with self check-in.
My first thought was whether staffing had something to do with that choice.
But after a tiring day of travelling, our immediate priority was simple: get into our room, put down our bags and rest.
Working with smart locks at Bear & Me, we were curious to experience the whole process from the guest’s side of the door.
Check-In Started Before We Arrived
Before our stay, the hotel sent us a message through the booking platform asking us to complete an online check-in.
We then received our room number and access code.
The information was clear: the address, check-in and check-out times, when our code would be active, and how to contact someone if we needed help.
It felt professional and well organised. I wasn’t worried about the process—I just wanted to finish the form and get our code so everything would be ready when we arrived.
Our assigned code worked for both the entrance and our room door, so we quickly remembered it.
There was one little hiccup, though.
On our first attempt, we entered the code but forgot to press the confirmation button. For a moment, we thought the code wasn’t working. A quick reminder, one more press, and we were in. 😂
It was a useful reminder for us, too. A step that feels obvious when you work with smart locks can still be easy to miss when you’re using an unfamiliar lock.
Small Details Made It Feel Welcoming
Inside, we noticed a screen displaying local weather information, including the temperature and humidity. For visitors about to explore Iceland, it was a thoughtful, useful touch.
Reaching our room involved carrying our luggage up one flight of stairs.
Once upstairs, the corridor and surroundings felt comfortable, and opening the room door revealed a lovely, comfortable space to rest.
After a tiring first day, being able to go straight to our room felt especially convenient.
The lock itself also caught my attention. It had physical number buttons, which gave it a slightly retro feel to me compared with the smooth touchscreens we often see.
Apparently, working with smart locks means you still notice the door hardware on holiday!
Easy Arrival and a Personal Welcome
For that particular evening, self check-in suited us very well.
But if I were staying at a guesthouse for several days on a slower, more relaxed trip, I would still enjoy having someone welcome us.
I like talking to people, learning about local culture and asking where to find something good to eat. Those conversations are part of what makes travelling special for me.
It made me think about how accommodation providers can offer both convenience and personal contact. Guests arriving late or feeling exhausted could let themselves in and rest, with opportunities to meet their host and hear local recommendations later.
What We Took Home to Bear & Me
At Bear & Me, we usually look at smart locks from the installation and management side. This stay gave us a chance to consider the small details that matter to guests.
Clear messages before arrival, straightforward instructions at the door and knowing how to reach someone for help all contribute to the experience.
On our first day in Iceland, that combination helped us settle in and enjoy our stay.
If you’re considering smart locks for your hotel, guesthouse or holiday rental, we’d be happy to talk through your check-in needs.
Explore our solutions at www.bearandme.ie.
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