Hotels are in the business of hospitality, but ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction requires more than a friendly smile.
Enter ID scanners—a tool that blends security with efficiency, safeguarding both the guest experience and the hotel’s bottom line.
According to Juanita Andrade, TTI Senior Account Manager, ID scanners act as a “security blanket,” offering more than a high-tech check-in process. They provide vital backup for chargebacks, streamline operations, and protect against fraud.
Here’s why every hotel should consider adopting this technology.
“Before we had ID scanners, we lost every single chargeback case,” Andrade recalls from her days managing chargebacks at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. “After implementing ID scanners, we won every case.”
Chargebacks are a common challenge for hotels, often resulting in lost revenue. An ID scanner digitally stores a guest's ID and links it to their booking, providing irrefutable evidence for chargeback disputes. Without this, hotels may be left with hefty losses, sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars per case.
A hotel ID scanner doesn’t just save money; it saves time.
Andrade highlights the speed of the process: “Scanning an ID takes about four seconds. It autofills the necessary fields, reducing clerical errors.”
For busy front desks, this translates to shorter wait times, fewer mistakes, and a smoother experience for staff and guests. With integrations available for up to 40 Property Management Systems (PMS), ID scanners are a practical solution to modernize check-in processes.
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Beyond chargebacks, ID scanners protect against fraud. By maintaining a digital record of guest IDs, hotels can mark individuals as “Do Not Rent” and share this information across sister properties.
“Some guests hop from hotel to hotel, looking for ways to scheme,” Andrade explains. With ID scanners, hotels can create a network of shared accountability, safeguarding their reputation and rooms.
Without ID scanners, verifying a guest’s identity often turns into a game of detective work. Andrade recounts: “I’d have to dig through records, check video footage, and cross-reference with staff—only to lose the case anyway.”
ID scanners eliminate this painstaking process, allowing staff to focus on what they do best—delivering exceptional service. The stored ID images can be accessed instantly, cutting down time spent on administrative tasks.
Hotels retain complete control over scanned ID data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. This means added security for hotels without compromising guest trust.
ID scanners are more than just gadgets—they’re a critical investment in security, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
As Juanita says, “This small machine makes a world of difference.”
Hotels already prioritize housekeeping, guest experience, and amenities; incorporating ID scanners is the next logical step in creating a seamless and secure stay for guests.
