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The adoption of hotel self-service kiosks is becoming increasingly common in Malaysia, making them accessible to hotels of all sizes. Understanding the pricing of these hotel kiosks is essential for hotel owners and managers aiming to upgrade their facilities.

In this blog, we will delve into the factors influencing hotel kiosk pricing in Malaysia, the benefits of implementing these kiosks, and key considerations for hotel owners. Happy reading!

 

Hotel Kiosk Rental Pricing Evolution

Back in 2020, the cost of basic self-service kiosks was significantly higher. A cashless kiosk would cost hoteliers around RM 2,000 to RM 2,500 per month, while a hybrid kiosk (accepting both cash and cashless payments) ranged from RM 2,500 to RM 3,000. Additionally, integrating a tower workstation incurred an extra setup cost of RM 6,500.

In 2024, the pricing for hotel self check-in kiosks in Malaysia has become more competitive, reflecting increased market demand, material costs, and technological advancements. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly rental ranges for different kiosk types.

(1) Counter-mounted kiosk/ Tabletop kiosk 

• Monthly rental fee range: RM 1,000 – RM 1,200 per month
• Compact size (half the size of a standing kiosk) & lighter weight (40-50 kg)
• Requires table installation
• Cashless payment option
• Suitable for indoor only
• Limited keycard storage due to its compact size

 

 

(2) Full-size, freestanding slim kiosk

 

• Monthly rental fee range: RM 1,000 – RM 1,700 per month
• Standalone kiosk with a sturdy weight (60-100 kg)
• Cashless & hybrid payment (cash + cashless) options available
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use (under cover)

 

 

 

 

(3) Full-size, 2in1 vending kiosk

 

• Monthly rental fee range: RM 1,800 – RM 2,000 per month
• Standalone kiosk with a sturdy weight (300 kg)
• Combines vending and check-in/out functions
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use (under cover)
• Requires more space due to its size

 

 

 

Factors Influencing Hotel Kiosk Pricing

When evaluating kiosk options, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond just the cost and size. Here are some critical considerations for selecting the right hotel check-in kiosk:

(1) Hardware Quality, maintenance & technical support

• Hardware quality: Choose a provider offering durable hardware that can withstand heavy usage.
• Maintenance & technical support: Opt for vendors that provide comprehensive maintenance and technical support to ensure uninterrupted operation. It’s important to ensure that your supplier is available for resolving complex technical issues. Ongoing maintenance, software updates, and support are crucial for keeping the kiosks running smoothly.
• Flexible solutions for hotel requirements: Ensure the kiosk can handle specific scenarios like early check-ins, late check-outs, midnight check-ins, forgotten room numbers, and foreign guests booking through OTAs but not paying tourism tax.

 

(2) Software and hardware integration

• PMS integration: The kiosk vendor should support seamless Property Management System (PMS) integration, allowing the kiosk to synchronize with PMS partners to find reservations booked through OTAs and manage the tax collection.
• Keycard integration & recycling: Look for kiosks with keycard recycling features that use a single container for dispensing and collecting keycards, ensuring an adequate supply for guest use.
• Payment integration: Offer various payment methods to accommodate guest preferences.
• ID scanner integration: Ensure the ID scanner can process all passports and Malaysian blue ICs, recognize country codes, store guest information in the PMS, and synchronize with PMS to apply the correct tourism taxes.
• Cash handling: Kiosks with secure cash storage and recycling mechanisms, along with independent dispenser and acceptor storage, enhance security and accounting accuracy.

 

Consider to automate your hotel with a self-check-in kiosk? What are your next steps?

Investing in a self-service kiosk can be a game-changer for your hotel, offering enhanced efficiency and a better guest experience. Kiosk can automate the font desk, however the floor layout of the hotel need to be designed as kiosk friendly in order to get the lesser staff front desk operation as result.

 

Interested in how Blend Inn can help?

Blend Inn can provide a simple but comprehensive front desk system to housekeeping helping to automate and streamline all your hotel daily tasks. Interested in learning more about how Blend Inn’s Hotel Kiosk can be implemented in your hotel? Schedule a demo!

Automating payments through hotel kiosks has become a key solution for improving efficiency and reducing human errors. However, many hoteliers are still unsure about the best payment options to implement.

In this blog, we’ll explore how hotel kiosk payment systems work and whether pre-authorization is a feature worth considering.

 

Question #1: Can most hotel kiosks in Malaysia automate payments?

Answer:

Yes, most hotel kiosks in Malaysia can automate payments by integrating the payment terminal with the Property Management System (PMS) and key encoder. This setup allows the kiosk to manage the entire process, from looking up reservations/ handling walk-ins, to collecting payments, issuing keycards, and managing check-outs.

 

Question #2: Why is there upfront payment on the payment terminal?

Answer:

1. Terminal is provided by a third-party payment gateway: The vendor handles the application process until you receive the terminal. The fee covers the entire rental period, with no additional annual renewal fees.
2. Integration Fee: This fee includes connecting the terminal with hotel kiosk, PMS and key encoder.
3. Website Integration: If your hotel’s website also uses the same payment gateway, consider negotiating lower transaction fees by using the same vendor for both your site and kiosk.

 

Question #3: Can the existing payment terminal from the bank be installed into a hotel kiosk?

Answer:

SDK provided by the bank is subject to their discretion. If the SDK is provided, the integration process will take around 1.5 months, and additional costs will be incurred. Hence, best to link the hotel kiosk with a third-party payment gateway.

 

Question #4: How does a cashless kiosk collect payment and refund deposits?

Answer:

1. Payment Methods: Cashless kiosks accept payments via credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets.
2. Deposit Handling: These kiosks are suitable for hotels that do not collect deposits or prefer to inspect rooms before refunding deposits. Deposits can be refunded via bank transfer for local guests or in cash for foreigner guests

 

Question #5: How does a hybrid kiosk collect payment and refund deposits?

Answer:

1. Payment Methods: Hybrid kiosks accept both cash and card payments. Regardless of how guests pay, deposits are refunded in cash.
2. Immediate Cash Refund: This traditional method ensures guests receive their deposit refund immediately, reducing complications and avoiding delays.

 

Question #6: Do hotel kiosk in Malaysia support the pre-authorization for deposits?

Answer:

1. Yes, hotel kiosks can use pre-authorization to hold a fixed amount on a guest’s credit card for a deposit. However, there are some limitations to consider:

   • Unavailable for e-wallets and some debit cards: Pre-authorization doesn’t work with e-wallets or certain debit cards.
   • Deposit Refund Times: Refund times can vary depending on the bank, taking anywhere from 7 to 21 days, which could frustrate guests and increase your handling time.
   • Charges: Each pre-authorization costs RM0.50.
   • Justification for Deductions: If you need to deduct from the pre-authorized amount, you must provide valid reasons and proof. Disputes from guests could even result in terminal deactivation.

 

Conclusion

Implementing automated payment kiosks in your hotel can significantly enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. By carefully navigating the payment options and understanding the benefits and limitations of pre-authorization, you can choose the best solution for your property.

 

Blend Inn: Specializing in Hotel Self Check In Kiosk Solution

Interested in learning more about how Blend Inn’s Hotel Kiosk can be implemented in your hotel? Schedule a demo!

“With outsourced housekeeping, labour expenses can be reduced as fewer staffs are needed during low demand, and hoteliers do not need to pay the wages of extra employees.”