Late arrivals force standby duty: someone has to be there or stay reachable.
The guest receives a personal code automatically before arrival — valid exactly from check-in to check-out. Nobody waits for guests anymore.
Self check-in for hotels — without a 24h front desk
The guest arrives at 10:40 pm, the front desk closed at 6 — and the owner's private phone rings. Self check-in solves this structurally: zimrly creates a time-limited door code for every booking and sends it automatically before arrival via WhatsApp or email. Driven by your PMS booking data, hands-off.
0
key handovers needed
24/7
arrival possible anytime
€19
per month for the access module
Why key handovers don't scale
Keys get lost, codes get shared, old codes stay valid.
Every booking gets its own time-limited code. After check-out it's worthless — no master code that's been circulating for years.
Smart-lock apps are a hurdle for guests: install app, create account, pair Bluetooth.
No app required: the guest types a numeric code on the keypad. The technology (Nuki smart lock + keypad) stays invisible.
Sending codes is manual work — and error-prone exactly on busy arrival days.
zimrly ties code creation to the PMS booking and dispatch to the check-in reminder — one chain, no sticky notes.
How to introduce self check-in
- 1
Mount the smart lock
Nuki smart lock + keypad on the relevant doors — retrofits onto the existing cylinder, no drilling.
- 2
Connect zimrly
Link your Nuki account in zimrly and assign locks to rooms. PMS bookings are already there.
- 3
Enable the dispatch automation
Choose when the code goes out (e.g. 4 hours before check-in) and via which channel — WhatsApp or email.
Key handover vs. self check-in with zimrly
Key handover
Self check-in
Late arrival
Someone waits or stays reachable
Code valid from check-in — nobody waits
Security
Master code or keys in circulation
Own code per booking, worthless after check-out
Guest experience
Scheduling a handover appointment
Numeric code on the keypad, no app needed
Dispatch
Look up and send the code manually
Automatic via WhatsApp/email before arrival
Frequently asked questions
Which locks are supported?
Currently Nuki smart locks (with keypad) — the most common retrofit solution in the DACH region. Further systems like Salto are in preparation.
What about guest registration requirements?
Registration duties remain — the registration form can be captured digitally before arrival. zimrly supports you on city-tax and registration topics; municipal rules vary by location.
Does it work for contractors and long-stay guests?
Especially there: arrivals after shift end are the norm. The code is valid for the whole stay and adjusts when the booking is extended.
What does it cost?
The access module is €19/month on top of the zimrly base plan (€29/month), plus one-off Nuki hardware per door. 30-day free trial.
Guides on this topic
In-depth articles from the zimrly blog — practical knowledge, no sales pitch.
Related solutions & integrations
Sources & further reading
Self check-in doesn't mean an anonymous hotel — it means your time goes to guests who need it, not to key handovers at 11 pm.
Self-check-in & smart lock
Door code automatically at arrival
zimrly generates the door code from the booking, sends it via WhatsApp at arrival and removes it after departure — connected to Nuki.