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Email
Messaging

Prepare Guests Before They Arrive

Automated pre-arrival messages ensure guests have everything they need for a smooth check-in experience.

70%
time saved
60%
faster response
24/7
availability

Trusted by Nordic hotels

The Problem

The Challenge Hotels Face

Guests arrive at hotels unprepared more often than hoteliers would like to admit. They don't know check-in times, parking procedures, or what documents to bring. They haven't thought about early check-in requests, room preferences, or special occasions they might be celebrating. This lack of preparation creates a cascade of problems at arrival: longer check-in queues as staff explain basics, frustrated guests who drove in circles looking for parking, and missed upsell opportunities for upgrades and amenities. The window between booking and arrival is a golden opportunity for guest engagement that most hotels waste. Manual pre-arrival outreach is inconsistent—some guests get detailed emails, others get nothing depending on staff workload. Without systematic communication, hotels miss chances to set expectations, gather preferences, and create anticipation. The result is a check-in experience that starts with confusion rather than excitement.

Impact

The Scale of the Problem

40% of guests

Arrive without reading confirmation emails or knowing key details

Hotel guest surveys

15-20 minutes

Added to average check-in time due to unprepared arrivals

60% of upsells

Are missed because guests weren't offered options pre-arrival

Revenue management data

35% of arrival complaints

Relate to parking, timing, or procedural confusion

The Solution

How Opally Helps

Opally's Email and Messaging solutions create a systematic pre-arrival communication sequence that prepares every guest automatically. The system sends personalized messages at optimal intervals—confirmation immediately after booking, detailed arrival information 3 days before, and a final reminder the day before. Each message is tailored to the reservation: business travelers get express check-in options, families receive kids' amenity information, guests celebrating occasions get upgrade offers. The AI personalizes content based on guest history, booking details, and property specifics. Guests can respond to messages with questions or requests, which the AI handles or routes to staff. By the time guests arrive, they know exactly where to park, what time to check in, and what special touches await them.

Features

Relevant Features

Automated Email Sequences

Pre-configured message flows triggered by booking dates and guest segments.

Ensures every guest receives timely, relevant pre-arrival information without manual effort.

Dynamic Personalization

AI tailors content based on guest profile, booking type, and stay purpose.

Business travelers, families, and celebratory guests each receive relevant information.

Two-Way Messaging

Guests can reply to pre-arrival messages with questions or special requests.

Captures guest needs before arrival so staff can prepare appropriately.

Pre-Arrival Upsell Engine

Intelligently offers upgrades, early check-in, and amenity packages before arrival.

Converts the pre-arrival window into revenue opportunity.

Multi-Channel Delivery

Reaches guests via email, SMS, or WhatsApp based on their preference.

Ensures messages are actually seen and read before arrival.

Implementation

How to Get Started

1

Message Sequence Design

Configure your pre-arrival email and message sequence with timing and content for each touchpoint.

2

Content Personalization

Set up dynamic content blocks for different guest segments (business, leisure, families, VIP).

3

PMS Integration

Connect to your property management system to trigger messages based on booking and arrival dates.

4

Upsell Configuration

Define upgrade offers, early check-in pricing, and amenity packages for pre-arrival promotion.

5

Response Handling

Configure AI responses and staff routing for guest replies and special requests.

Results

Expected Results

Prepared Guests

Guests arrive knowing check-in procedures, parking, and what to expect.

80% reduction in basic arrival questions

Faster Check-In

Pre-informed guests move through check-in efficiently.

40% faster average check-in

Increased Pre-Arrival Revenue

Upsell offers convert before guests even arrive.

15-25% pre-arrival upsell rate

Better Guest Satisfaction

Smooth arrivals set positive tone for entire stay.

Higher first-impression scores

Captured Preferences

Guest requests and preferences gathered before arrival.

Personalized welcome experience

With Opally, our receptionists save 12 hours per week on emails. I'm so happy that every hour my receptionists save on writing emails - they can instead spend talking to, having fun with and providing presence to the guests.
Susanne
Susanne
Hotel Director, Stammershalle Badehotel
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When should pre-arrival messages be sent?

We recommend a three-touch sequence: immediately after booking (confirmation), 3 days before arrival (detailed info), and day-before (final reminder). Timing can be customized based on your guest patterns.

Can we personalize messages for different guest types?

Yes, the system supports dynamic content based on booking source, room type, stay purpose, loyalty status, and guest history. Business travelers see different content than families.

What if guests reply with questions?

AI handles common questions automatically. Complex requests are routed to staff with full context so they can prepare before the guest arrives.

How do pre-arrival upsells work?

The system presents upgrade options, early check-in, and amenity packages at the optimal time. Guests can accept with one click, and the booking updates automatically.

Pre-Arrival Guest Communication | Opally