Eliminate Manual Data Entry

Mari Jean Hotel significantly reduced the amount of time spent on manual data entry with Akia’s two-way integration with Mews.

50%

Reduction in data entry with Mews/Akia Integration

About

With construction beginning in 1926, the Mari Jean Hotel building is significant for its association with the development of the tourism industry in St. Petersburg during the 1920s. Built during the city’s golden era of hotels, the hotel with its fifty-four rooms each with a private, en suite bathroom reflects the changing character of the city’s lodging industry from small boarding homes to the larger sized hotels built during the Florida Land Boom Era. The new Mari Jean Hotel welcomed Guests for the first time at the onset of the winter season in 1927. Unlike the larger hotels built in the 1920s, the Mari Jean was operated by its owner for over thirty-four years until 1970. In addition, throughout its life as a hotel the Mari Jean operated seasonally, closing its doors after tourists left with the onset of the summer heat. Fully renovated for the 21st Century, the Mari Jean Hotel reopened in June 2023 and has been welcoming Guests from around the world once again.

Integrations

Key Features

2-way SMS text communication, Digital Check-In, Digital Checkout, Unified Inbox, Mini Apps, Automation

Property Type

Hotel

Property Size

52 Rooms

Challenge

Background

Mari Jean Hotel needed a more efficient way to manage guest interactions, eliminate manual data entry, and seamlessly integrate Mews with their guest communication tools. Their previous platform failed to deliver on its promised two-way integration, creating operational challenges and inefficiencies.

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Manual Data Entry & Inefficient Processes

Without proper integration, Mari Jean Hotel’s staff had to manually transfer guest data into Mews, adding unnecessary workload. Key issues included:

Guest registration data had to be re-entered manually, increasing the risk of errors.
Paper registration cards required scanning and uploading, slowing down front desk operations.
Arrival times, vehicle details, and check-in statuses didn’t sync properly, making it difficult to manage guest arrivals.

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Lack of Customization and Branding

Their previous system lacked flexibility and customization, making it difficult to create a seamless and engaging guest experience.

Their previous system offered limited flexibility in designing guest-facing content that resulted in a lackluster and less user-friendly experience.
Guest communication was generic, with minimal control over customizing messages based on guest details.
Guests often miss important terms and conditions, leading to misunderstandings and negative reviews.

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Solution

Seamless PMS Integration

Akia fully integrates with Mews, allowing guest data, arrival times, and vehicle details to automatically sync so that they can prepare ahead for guests’ arrivals. With the strong integration, Mari Jean Hotel eliminated having to manually input data captured within Akia and into Mews.

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Automated Guest Communication

Personalized, scheduled messages to guests based on their journey, from pre-arrival to post-stay. Automated responses streamline conversations with guests and invite more personalized interactive communication between guests and staff members.

A more affordable SMS solution with increased customization, allowing the property to broadcast messages to in-house guests and offer promotions using built-in features designed for Upsells in the Mini App.

Parking permit distribution was quicker—guests can submit their requests through Akia, reducing wait times and simplifying the process for staff. If a guest indicates they need parking during digital check-in, they’ll automatically receive a parking permit request form, making it quick and convenient to complete the request.

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User-Friendly and Visually Engaging Mini Apps

Akia’s Mini Apps provided a branded and intuitive guest experience, replacing clunky email templates. With simple drag-and-drop functionality, staff can quickly add details like hotel features, dining options, shopping, galleries, and reservation information. The customizable templates make it easy to update content, ensuring guests always have the latest information.

Accessible from any mobile device, guests can conveniently check-in, view arrival guides, and explore property amenities anytime.

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