‘Systematic upselling increases revenue per guest’

A single digital platform for the entire guest journey

Pressure on the hotel sector is mounting. Rising costs, staff shortages and ever-increasing guest expectations are forcing business owners to make smart choices. Against this backdrop, digitalisation is rapidly gaining ground. The Straiv software solution is fundamentally changing the way hotels organise the guest journey. “This fully digitises the entire guest journey – from check-in to check-out,” say Jasper Zoutman and Bob Hes of The Fold Group, which markets Straiv in the Benelux.

Since January 2026, The Fold Group has been Straiv’s official reseller in the Benelux. This software solution, developed in Stuttgart, Germany, has proven its worth over the past ten years in the DACH region, where thousands of hotels use it. “The strength of the platform lies in its comprehensiveness,” says Zoutman. “There are many solutions that digitise part of the guest journey, but this system really works from A to Z.”

Guests complete their entire journey digitally: from pre-check-in and identification to payment and access to their room. “Everything takes place within a single web environment, without the need for an app,” says Hes. “That makes it accessible and user-friendly.”

A key feature of Straiv is the so-called Digital Concierge. This feature offers guests round-the-clock access to information, services and special offers. “Guests effectively have a concierge in their pocket 24/7,” says Hes. “From hotel information to restaurant bookings and even an AI chatbot for queries: everything is immediately available.”

Taking the hassle out of reception

The software also integrates with existing systems such as PMS, access control and payment providers. “These integrations ensure that digitalisation doesn’t stop at check-in, but extends right into the heart of operations,” explains Zoutman. “This significantly reduces the workload at reception – or, in theory, even makes it redundant – as guests can arrange everything themselves.”

The impact on day-to-day operations is significant. “On average, you save 30 to 40 hours a week on front-office tasks,” Zoutman continues. “That’s the equivalent of one full-time role. In addition, there are time savings per guest. With full automation, it saves around ten minutes per check-in and check-out. And you can use that time to focus on genuine hospitality.”

One of the key benefits lies in the commercial opportunities. “A digital system like Straiv isn’t subject to work pressure and therefore never forgets to offer upselling,” says Hes. “Throughout the guest journey, guests are automatically offered relevant extras, such as upgrades, breakfast or late check-out. This allows you to capitalise on every opportunity to increase revenue per guest.”

Sustainability

Digitalisation also helps us operate more sustainably. “Reduced paper usage and more efficient processes are already a step in the right direction,” says Zoutman. “In addition, guests can use the ”green choice’ option to indicate that their room does not need to be cleaned every day. On a large scale, that really makes a difference.”

Straiv has a modular design, making it suitable for a wide range of hotel concepts. “You can start small, for example with online check-in only, or go for full automation,” explains Zoutman. “That flexibility makes the system suitable for virtually any type of hotel, from budget to five-star.”

Finally, The Fold Group is looking ahead. “As well as being a proud reseller of Straiv, we are currently working on another project aimed at making hotel processes smarter and more sustainable. Just as with Straiv, this will result in greater efficiency, lower costs and a better guest experience. But more on that later this year.”