Sunborn London slashes check-in from 8 minutes to 1

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 22, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~1 min

Sunborn London has pulled off what many hotels dream of: cutting check-in from 8 minutes to 1. The trick is interconnected technology that handles payments and formalities before the guest walks through the door. According to Francisco Ventura, the hotel's general manager, system connectivity frees the reception team to focus on what really matters: human interaction.

The case, reported by Shiji Insights, shows that digitalisation does not dehumanise. Quite the opposite. When software handles the heavy lifting, receptionists can greet guests, recommend a restaurant or answer real questions. In my view, that is a win-win: the guest saves time, the hotel builds reputation.

The interesting part is that this is not a future promise but a real case already working in London. The question for the industry is clear: when will we make the leap to systems that truly free up staff instead of burying them in more screens?

Quick questions

How did Sunborn London reduce check-in time?

By using interconnected technology that automates payments and paperwork before arrival, check-in drops from 8 minutes to 1 minute.

What benefits does this bring to the reception team?

Staff can devote more time to personal interaction with guests, improving the experience without rushing.

What does Francisco Ventura think about this technology?

The general manager of Sunborn London says system connectivity makes hospitality more human, not less.

Does this require investing in a lot of new hardware?

Not necessarily. It is about integrating existing payment and booking platforms so they work together before check-in.

Can other hotels apply this or is it only for floating hotels?

Any hotel with modern management systems can replicate the model. Integration is the key, not the type of property.

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