🏡 Unlocking Guest Satisfaction: Why Smart Locks Are Now Essential for Vacation Rentals
- Jessica Zhang
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
🗝️ "In a post-COVID world, keyless check-in isn't just convenience — it's trust."
🔍Have You Noticed? Travel Has Changed
Have you noticed?
The travel world has changed — and it’s not going back.
When I was traveling around France recently, I saw so many rentals still using old-fashioned lockboxes for self check-in.
And honestly, it made me wonder: In a post-COVID world, is that really enough?
COVID didn't just change how we travel — it changed what guests expect.
Today, people want , privacy, and the freedom to check in independently.
After a long day of travel, guests don’t want to spend time socializing with the host — they just want to sink into the sofa or bed, enjoy a moment of peace, and recharge their energy.
🌟 "Sometimes the best welcome is simply a door that opens without stress."
That’s why smart locks aren’t just a trendy gadget anymore — they're becoming a must-have for serious hosts.
🗝️From Lockboxes to Smart Locks: Why the Upgrade Matters
While traveling in France, I noticed many BNBs and rentals still using simple lockboxes to allow self check-in.
It got me thinking: Is it still enough today?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hosts rushed to install lockboxes to offer basic, contactless check-in — and it worked.
But now, as guest expectations evolve, it's time to ask:
Is a lockbox really enough — or is it time to upgrade to a true smart entry system?
Sure, traditional lockboxes helped hosts offer basic self check-in before smart home technology became mainstream.But there’s a big difference between handing someone a key hidden in a box and delivering a true keyless entry experience.
Lockboxes require guests to retrieve a physical key — which can still be lost, copied, or forgotten.
Smart locks, on the other hand, allow guests to enter a unique code or use an app to unlock the door — no keys needed, no stress involved.
✨ "Check-in should feel like arriving home — not like another appointment."
And it’s not just about guest experience. Smart locks allow hosts to manage access remotely, monitor entry times, and provide customized codes that expire automatically — saving time, boosting security, and preventing a ton of logistical headaches.
🚪COVID’s Permanent Impact on Self Check-In
COVID didn’t just create a short-term change — it reset the baseline for what guests expect from a rental experience.
📈 The Numbers Don’t Lie:
Listings with self check-in options received 15–20% more bookings during and after COVID.
81% of travelers now say they prefer rentals with contactless check-in.
Host adoption of smart locks increased by over 40% between 2020 and 2022 — and it's still growing today.
Time Period | Guest Preference for Self Check-In (%) |
Pre-COVID (Before 2020) | 30% |
During COVID (2020–2021) | 75% |
Post-COVID (2022–2025) | 80% |
Today's guests expect smooth, independent check-ins.Offering anything less could hurt your bookings — and your reviews.
✨A Better Guest Experience from the First Moment
First impressions matter — and check-in is the very first moment your guest experiences your property.
Smart locks offer your guests:
Flexibility: No stress if they’re late or early.
Stress-Free Arrival: No key-hunting or waiting around.
Safety and Privacy: Essential values in a post-pandemic world.
It’s a small change that creates a huge impact — one that guests truly appreciate and remember when they leave reviews.
🔒Smart Locks Make Life Easier for Hosts, Too
Smart locks aren't just great for guests — they make your life easier, too.
Remote Access Control: Lock or unlock your door from anywhere.
Time-Saving: No more meeting guests in person or managing lost keys.
Better Security: Get real-time access logs and alerts.
Flexible Code Management: Assign different access codes for guests, cleaners, maintenance teams, and more.
Smart locks allow you to manage your property more efficiently, even if you’re managing multiple listings or living far away.
📦Smart Access Isn't Just for Guests — It's for Staff and Deliveries
One of the underrated benefits of smart locks?They simplify your whole operation, not just guest check-ins.
Cleaning staff can have their own recurring codes, set to work only during certain hours.
Maintenance teams can get temporary access without needing to pick up keys.
Package deliveries can be handled securely if guests are expecting shipments during longer stays.
It’s all about making property management smoother, safer, and less stressful — for everyone involved.
🎯Why Smart Locks Are the Future of Vacation Rentals
In today's world, guests aren't just looking for a place to stay — they’re looking for a frictionless, safe, and personalized experience.
A smart lock isn’t just an upgrade; it’s an investment in:
Guest satisfaction
Higher booking rates
Better reviews
Your own peace of mind
🛎️ "The future of hospitality is not just service — it's seamless freedom."
If you’re serious about growing your vacation rental business, installing a smart lock is one of the smartest — and easiest — upgrades you can make.
Because when check-in is effortless, the stay feels effortless — and that’s exactly the kind of experience guests come back for.
🤝Why Choose Bear and Me for Your Smart Lock Needs?
At Bear and Me, we believe a smart lock isn’t just about the device itself — it’s about delivering the right experience from start to finish.
That’s why we don’t just sell smart locks.
We provide professional installation, full after-sales support, and free expert consultations to make sure you get exactly what your property needs — without costly mistakes.
Before you invest, we’ll help you avoid common issues like mismatched mortise sizes, incompatible door frames, or products that don’t meet your needs.And if anything ever goes wrong, we’re here to support you — not leave you stranded.
🔧 Ready to make check-in effortless for your guests?
Talk to Bear and Me today and let’s find the perfect smart access solution for your property.
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