Developed in partnership with EVT Hotels & Resorts, the rollout brings a mix of behind-the-scenes smarts and intuitive guest-facing tools designed to make stays smoother, arrivals easier, and operations sharper. The result? Less time in lines, more time enjoying the hotel, and increased revenue. 

A Trusted Local Favourite, Ready for What’s Next

Just a stone’s throw from Latimer Square, Rydges Latimer has long been a reliable pick for business travellers and weekenders alike. The 175-room hotel is known for its warm service, modern amenities, and consistently high occupancy.

But even the best-run hotels face a few friction points — especially at the front desk. With queues forming at check-in and check-out, and printed compendiums and room service menus becoming a pain point to manage, the team saw an opportunity to go digital. So, they turned to SmartStay for a solution that streamlined operations without sacrificing the personal touches their guests value.

What they were looking for: 

• Quicker arrivals and departures

• Self-service options for guests who prefer digital

• Less pressure on reception

• Smarter food and beverage ordering

• Digital upsell tools

• A paperless guest compendium

• Seamless connection to loyalty programs and existing systems
  

  

What SmartStay Delivered 

The team at Rydges implemented a custom setup, picking the SmartStay tools that made the most sense for their day-to-day operations.

• Web Check-In & Out - Now, guests receive a link via SMS or email ahead of arrival — no app, no downloads. They confirm their details, scan their ID, and take care of payment before even stepping into the lobby. That means less waiting around, and more of the kind of welcome that actually feels welcoming. The same link handles check-out, too — quick, painless, and key-drop only.

  
  

• Digital Guest Compendium - The bulky in-room folders are gone. Instead, guests get an interactive digital guide packed with real-time info —  room details, dining options, policies, and amenities — and one QR code is all it takes. Bonus: it’s easier to update, saves on printing costs, and it’s more eco-friendly.

  
  

• Food and Beverage Ordering - Room service is now digital. Guests can scroll the menu from their phone and customise their order to what they really want  — swap out sides, add extras, pre-order — and they can do it from anywhere on the property. The result is better service and a nice bump in revenue.

  
  

• Guest Requests - Need fresh towels or a tray to be picked up? Guests can now make those requests via their device, with messages routed directly to the right staff — and backed by pre-determined rules that escalate requests if they’re not actioned quickly enough. The hotel also gets access to request data, helping them spot trends and tailor service.

All of this is managed from the SmartStay portal: one sleek dashboard where operators can tweak menus, monitor guest activity, and pull performance reports with a few clicks.

What’s Happened Since Launch?

Since going live, SmartStay has already made a measurable difference at Rydges Latimer Christchurch:

✅ High uptake of mobile check-in/out - Guests are happily skipping the queue — and staff get to spend less time on admin, more time on the floor.

✅ More guest interaction with hotel services - The digital compendium and ordering tools aren’t just easier to use — they’re actually being used. Compared to printed folders, this format is more engaging and offers more upsell opportunities.

✅ Smooth system integration - SmartStay integrates directly into the hotel’s existing systems, functioning as an extension of their current tech stack—not just another add-on.

✅ Tech that complements service, not replaces it - Self-service tools are supporting, not replacing the human connection. Staff have more time for meaningful guest interactions, while customers enjoy the kind of seamless digital experience they expect elsewhere in their lives.

A Word From Our CEO

What’s Next for SmartStay?

The platform is designed to grow. Modular, fully brandable, and constantly evolving, it gives operators the tools they need now — and keeps improving behind the scenes.

Here’s what’s coming soon:

AI-Enhanced Guest Messaging - Answer common questions instantly, with AI-powered replies that free up your team. Messaging will also move to platforms guests already use (think WhatsApp and Messenger), so getting in touch is as easy as chatting to a friend. 

Digital Wallet Keys - Just like a boarding pass, guests will soon be able to check in and store their room key in their phone’s wallet — secure, simple, and no more lost plastic cards. 

One Install. Big Impact.

What’s happening at Rydges Latimer shows what’s possible when guest experience and operational efficiency go hand in hand. Smarter tech leads to smoother service — and everyone wins.

By choosing a connected, flexible platform like SmartStay, Rydges is setting the tone for what modern hospitality in New Zealand can look like: warm, efficient, and effortlessly digital in the right places. 

About SmartStay by Liverton SmartStay is a suite of digital tools designed to enhance the modern guest journey while streamlining hotel operations. With over 500 units deployed globally, SmartStay helps hotels reduce check-in queues, increase upsell revenue, digitise guest services, and deliver a branded experience that feels smooth from start to finish.

📩 Book a demo: sales@liverton.com