If you’re running a hotel, you need your technology to evolve as quickly as changing guest experiences and business needs. At Mews, we’re focused on creating hotel tech that helps you operate more efficiently, deliver better guest experiences and ultimately drive more revenue.
In episode 31 of Matt Talks, Matt shared ten of his favorite Mews features from the past year, plus two that are coming soon and already showing major promise. Here’s a closer look at how smart automation and guest-centric design are shaping the new era of hospitality.
1. Apple Wallet room keys
A hotel experience should be as seamless as using Apple Pay. That’s now possible with Apple Wallet room keys, developed in partnership with Apple and ASSA ABLOY. Once a guest checks in online (or at a Mews kiosk), their key is automatically downloaded to their Wallet. No app required, no friction, and it even works if your phone dies. It’s the most simple and elegant way to unlock a room.
2. Match and Merge guest profiles
Messy profiles lead to missed opportunities. Our Match and Merge feature automatically identifies duplicate guest profiles using emails, phone numbers or even payment data. Better yet, if your property uses both Mews PMS and POS, restaurant transactions paid via wallet or card can be traced back and merged, giving you a unified view of each guest’s full spend.
3. Guest Lifetime Value at a glance
True guest personalization starts with understanding total revenue, not just room spend. Mews now automatically aggregates stay history and total revenue into a single guest profile, giving front office teams real insight into who their most valuable guests are – before they even arrive.
4. AI-powered guest insights
Receptionists can’t read minds, but our AI Smart Tips come close. They distil reviews, stay history and guest notes into bite-sized summaries. That means your team can greet returning guests like regulars, anticipate preferences and handle issues before they happen. Over 1.6 million of these summaries are generated each week across Mews properties, proving their value and scalability.
5. Smarter, smoother payments
No more awkward check-in payment routines. With automated pre-authorizations triggered before arrival, your team can skip the uncomfortable card requests and focus on welcoming the guest. This small change removes friction and adds a more human touch to the front desk experience.
6. Passkey login for staff security
Cybersecurity isn’t optional anymore. Passkey login uses biometric authentication (like Face ID or Touch ID) to give hotel staff the most secure, phishing-resistant way to access Mews. It’s even safer than two-factor authentication – and far faster.
Want more help on this topic? 10 tips to protect your hotel from phishing attempts.
7. Early check-in fees via Mews Kiosk
If a room is ready, why not sell it early? Mews Kiosks now offer dynamic early check-in pricing, giving guests the choice and convenience of early room access – and hotels a new ancillary revenue stream. Paired with our housekeeping app, it creates a fully automated, real-time flow of inventory and availability.
8. Dynamic pricing for everything
Room rates aren’t the only thing worth optimizing. Now, hotels can apply dynamic pricing to parking, breakfast, bike rentals and more. It’s a powerful way to increase RevPAG (revenue per available guest) by matching pricing with real-time demand and behavior.
9. Virtual credit card automation
Virtual credit cards (VCCs) from OTAs are notoriously complex. We’ve built smart recognition and automation into Mews to handle virtual card activation, charging windows and usage rules. This reduces manual admin and frees up your front office team to focus on guests.
10 Activity reporting
The Activity Report may be one of our most underrated tools. By analyzing when rooms are cleaned and returned to inventory, you get an instant snapshot of how effectively your housekeeping and maintenance teams are working – and where digitization can drive faster room turnover and better service.
Coming soon…
The best part? There’s more on the horizon.
Guest Selfie for Recognition
Soon, Mews will give guests the option to upload a selfie during online check-in. It’s a simple step with powerful implications: the photo gets added directly to the guest profile in the PMS, helping hotel staff recognize returning or VIP guests on sight.
It’s completely optional for the guest, but for hotels, it unlocks a new level of personalization. When combined with AI-generated guest insights, this visual recognition creates a foundation for truly memorable, guest-centric experiences.
Revamped Accounting and City Ledgers
On the backend, Mews is rolling out a completely rebuilt accounting and city ledger framework. While it may not grab headlines, it solves long-standing pain points for hotel accountants.
The upgrade introduces true end-to-end reporting and new capabilities like automated invoice reminders, ensuring outstanding payments don’t slip through the cracks. It’s a big leap forward in operational efficiency, particularly for hotels managing multiple accounts or group bookings.
Final thoughts
Hotel tech should be invisible to the guest and empowering for the user. Every feature we build at Mews is designed to simplify operations, personalize guest experiences and unlock more revenue.
Ready to see how Mews can transform your property? Reach out to Mews to explore how these features can enhance operations and redefine guest experiences.
