London key exchange company integrates with Airbnb to simplify check-ins
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November 21, 2017
KeyNest integrates with Airbnb
The London-based key exchange company KeyNest has today announced its direct integration with travel giant Airbnb.
This will enable KeyNest to provide a simple check-in experience for Airbnb guests through its UK-wide network of local stores, where hosts can securely leave keys for their guests.
The KeyNest service, which automatically notifies Airbnb hosts every time their keys are collected and returned, is currently available in 15 UK cities, including more than 100 stores in London.
The integration will enable KeyNest to fully automate the check-in process by sending check-in instructions directly to guests.
KeyNest co-founder Florian Hoven said: “The combined power of Airbnb integration and our smart RFID tracking key fobs enable Airbnb hosts and co-hosts to fully automated the check-in process and provide a better experience for their guests.”
The idea for KeyNest came to fellow co-founder Marc Figueras, who is also an Airbnb host, while he was also working a full-time job.
He said: “As I couldn’t get out of the office in the middle of the day I had to ask my guests if we could delay the check-in till the evening, which was not a great experience for them.”
In fact, as the pair soon discovered, the majority of guests prefer to check-in at their own convenience.
As well as taking the pressure off travel delays, it gives guests the freedom to discover a new city on their way from the airport, without the stress of being late to meet their host.
Their service removes the need to hide the keys or wait for guests to arrive.
The host drops off the key at their nearest KeyNest location at any time before the check-in. To give access to the keys, the host simply generates a unique collection code and shares it with the guest.
Florian continued: “We were inspired by Airbnb’s ‘live like a local’ slogan, so we designed a service that puts trusted local businesses at the centre of their community, making them the first point of contact tourists have with a new neighbourhood.”
