Perhaps I would have to make the bed, wash the floor and cook my own dinner. This seems a bit extreme to me.

Some Candlewood Suites that I have stayed at have an option like this over night.  No staff on site overnight, so you check yourself in.

Ahh, but in reducing labor and operating costs, maybe we can soon see lower rates for guests, and higher profits for operators.  Sounds to me like everyone wins.  I was at a tech show in Denver a few years ago and they were talking about a taggin system that walmart was looking in to.  This system would cut personnel by something like 30%, by having carts that automatically gave you your balance as you added things into the cart.  You then push the cart on to a "pad" at a checkout station, bagged your items, paid, and walked out.  Nothing was mentioned about cost cuts back to consumers, but I would think that basic economic theory would apply.  Less costs+small price reduction=more traffic, higher profits through volume.  Thoughts?  Ideas?

I do agree however, that the personal recognition for being a certain status in the club wouldn't exist, however, the Kiosk would always know that you are a Platinum member, and could be programmed to automatically upgrade when available.  I don't see there ever being an unmanned (or unwomanned ) front desk in the hotel industry, but you never know.  We are getting there technically.

I don't agree with cutting the work force, but in this economy operators are going to look for higher profits and lower expenses.

What an interesting concept!  I think this idea has a lot of merit.  You could avoid long lines at checkin.  I think it could work...as long as they have some staff on hand at all times to handle any technical glitches that arise--which are bound to happen.  The added beauty of dealing with things via technology is you don't have to worry about poor customer service from employees.  But I wouldn't be thrilled about it if it didn't result in lower rates.  I mean, if the hotels are saving money by employing fewer people, they should pass that savings along to the customers.

For me, it would have to be lower rates.  I don't care about perks.

The whole concept seems tome to be an Travel departments  method of cutting costs.