Turning Lobbies into Revenue with Grab & Go Technology

Hotels are using technology to deliver more personalized experiences at every stage of a guest’s stay, including convenient access to amenities and services on the go. A 2024 study showed that travelers were willing to pay, on average, 5 percent more for heightened convenience during hotel stays and other experiences. These factors include delivery time and service speed, with self-service technology emerging as a happy medium for both hotel operators and guests to meet these expectations.

The challenge? If self-service technology is to be of any value to hoteliers, they require access to a robust technology infrastructure that can track guest purchases, facilitate ease of transaction and tailor offerings in line with trends. Hotel operators have found ways to invest in self-service kiosks designed to power grab & go food & beverage options accessible via kiosks in the hotel lobby, powered by leading operations technology that supports the entire process from start to finish.

Guests consistently seek streamlined services and amenities, making grab-and-go a convenient option for quick snacks or essentials, especially at properties without traditional food and beverage outlets. Today’s hotels compete with Instacart, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub for F&B purchases in addition to established, nearby cuisine. Self-service gives guests and hoteliers an alternative at a lower price and shorter wait times.

Convenience as a Competitive Edge

Grab & Go technology has evolved significantly since its initial launch in hospitality, thanks in large part to the advancements in technology that support it behind the scenes. Today’s best-in-class property management systems (PMS) can efficiently support grab & go operations, providing item reporting, internal alerts, and easy purchase options. In essence, these kiosks generate passive income for hotels and provide core services to guests.

By adding a grab & go kiosk, hotels can monetize public spaces and convert foot traffic into revenue. This approach works best when kiosks are strategically placed and feature intuitive technology that encourages guest interaction. Grab & Go technology is also making it easier for hotels to collect payments from non-guests and walk-in business beyond room revenue. One single kiosk can help expand your property’s reach to the local community and even spread word of mouth about what your hotel has on offer. By making it easy to access grab & go options, hotels can encourage spontaneous purchases while helping guests make the most of their time on property, and reduce the load on front-line teams to process these purchases

Empowering Guests, Empowering Teams

Grab & Go technology lets hotels create custom-branded, always-available offerings that guests can’t find anywhere else. By partnering with technology providers, hotel teams can fully tailor their interactive grab & go interfaces to reflect the property’s unique identity, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Modern kiosk technology is particularly powerful because it meets a wide range of guest preferences without adding operational strain. Some travelers prefer seamless, contactless interactions and may skip the front desk entirely. Others are pressed for time, distracted, or simply want more control over their stay. Kiosks empower hotels to engage these guests quickly, conveniently, and in a way that still aligns with the property’s brand ethos.

At the same time, your staff benefits from reduced pressure at the front desk. With kiosks handling routine needs, team members have more bandwidth to provide personalized service where it truly matters, whether that’s offering recommendations, solving unique challenges, or creating meaningful guest connections. Grab & go solutions give guests greater autonomy, while giving your staff the breathing room they need to excel.