Key takeaways

  • Front desk software streamlines visitor management by empowering you to manage bookings, collect data, and automate redundant tasks like check-ins.
  • Commercial offices, apartments, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities are the most common types of properties that use front desk software.

 

Woman using front desk software at a hotel.

 

Front desk software has emerged as a modern solution for streamlining visitor management and automating redundant property tasks. With improved front desk management, you can say goodbye to long wait times or overbookings.

Join us as we explore the best front desk software systems today. Then, learn what front desk software is and how it can benefit your building.

In this guide, we cover:

 

visitor management system cta

 

5 Best front desk software systems

Looking for visitor management software that improves efficiency, security, and the overall visitor experience while reducing administrative burdens for your front desk staff?

Based on our research, here’s our round-up of the best front desk software systems:

  1. ButterflyMX
  2. Frontdesk Anywhere
  3. Cloudbeds
  4. Little Hotelier
  5. FrontDesk

 

1. ButterflyMX

Seamless visitor management is just a few clicks away with our ButterflyMX front desk station. What’s more, when integrated with our suite of access control products, ButterflyMX empowers you to streamline access throughout the property.

With ButterflyMX you can:

  • Streamline visitor management. Our front desk station offers powerful property management software that empowers you to remotely manage, update, and monitor all of your properties with a single dashboard.
  • Manage access to specific floors with elevator controls. Control your key-fobbed elevator and manage access to certain floors effortlessly. As a result, reducing the risk of service providers or guests accessing floors they’re not authorized to access.
  • Book self-guided tours. Our property management integrations empower you to send visitors temporary virtual keys and QR codes so they can tour your property securely.
  • Enhance security with our video intercom. Our 156° wide-angle camera lets you view all entry points from any angle for your peace of mind. What’s more, you can easily launch two-way video calls with visitors requesting access to your property.

 

Why ButterflyMX has the best front desk station software

Here’s why ButterflyMX’s front desk station software is the best choice:

  • Luxury design with a user-friendly interface. Blending beauty with functionality, our intercom is sure to complement your building. Moreover, our interface is intuitive and easy to use.
  • Provide a contactless experience. Open any door, gate, or access point with a swipe on your smartphone. Moreover, our smart lock and property management integrations offer a modern and cohesive entry experience for everyone at your property.
  • Grant secure access to service providers, guests, and more. Send temporary delivery passes and virtual keys to service providers and guests. As a result, you can offer them secure access to your property without needing to be physically onsite.
  • Manage access from anywhere with a cloud-based platform. Our unified platform provides a one-stop-shop solution with an ecosystem of cutting-edge products that are designed to work cohesively together. What’s more, you can control, manage, and monitor access with a single dashboard or mobile app remotely.

 

Watch how the ButterflyMX front desk station works:

 

2. Frontdesk Anywhere

With award-winning hotel management software, Frontdesk Anywhere gives you the power to manage your hotel effortlessly with a single platform. This hotel software also provides a modern 24/7 doorman alternative.

Here’s how Frontdesk Anywhere offers an elevated experience:

  • Customize profiles, manage availability calendars, send automated checklists, manage internet bookings, and send messages and alerts to guests.
  • Take control over your pricing strategy by setting custom rates for different suite tiers.
  • Stay in touch with your guests by sending customized and automated messages.
  • With Frontdesk Anywhere, you can manage and personalize guest profiles by collecting relevant information using company and travel agent profiles.
  • Improve housekeeping management with a complete overview of your property’s housekeeping status with an advanced dashboard.

 

3. Cloudbeds

Intuitive and powerful, Cloudbeds offers a holistic hospitality and hotel management approach. In short, Cloudbeds provides some of the most reliable front office software used in hotels.

Here’s why Cloudbeds is a leading hospitality management system:

  • Simplify reservations and get more done with fewer clicks by easily managing reservations, inventory, housekeeping, and finances from one platform.
  • Create a cohesive experience with integrations with specialized apps and services, POS systems, and more.
  • Thoughtfully designed for hotels, B&Bs and inns, hostels, hotel groups, and vacation rentals.
  • Delight guests with one-click check-ins and check-outs.
  • Upgrade guests, access notes, manage room availability, and effortlessly update rates and room inventory.

 

4. Little Hotelier

Little Hotelier’s hotel management software empowers you to take control of hotel management with an all-in-one platform. As a result, it’s a trusted choice for hotels, hostels, and B&Bs.

Here’s what Little Hotelier has to offer:

  • By managing check-ins, allocating rooms, automating guest communications, and processing payments, you can, on average, save 35 minutes per booking.
  • Eliminate the need for a 24/7 apartment doorman by managing your property and guests all in one place with one simple platform.
  • Offers 24/7 expert consultations for your convenience.
  • Manage all guest bookings with one convenient calendar.
  • Complete quick and easy payments with just a few clicks.

 

5. FrontDesk

Originating in Denmark, FrontDesk has transformed into a global brand that seeks to streamline administrative tasks. With over 10 years of experience, FrontDesk has expanded to businesses throughout the Nordics, Germany, and North America.

Here’s what makes FrontDesk the leading appointment booking platform:

  • Eliminate long wait times with online bookings and queue management systems.
  • Easily spread customer bookings throughout the day to avoid long lines.
  • Optimized for the public sector and government agencies.
  • Offers multiple channels for online/call centers.
  • Optimize data management that empowers you to build smarter schedules for staff.

 

Woman using front desk software to check herself in.

 

What is front desk software?

Front desk software streamlines visitor management by acting as a one-stop-shop for managing bookings, collecting data, and automating redundant tasks like check-ins.

The most common types of properties that use visitor management software are:

  • Commercial offices
  • Apartment reception areas
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Coworking spaces
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Schools and student housing
  • Government buildings and facilities
  • Event venues and conference centers
  • Museums and cultural institutions
  • Gated communities
  • Sports facilities and stadiums

 

How does front desk software work?

Front desk software serves as a central hub for managing guest reservations, automating check-ins and check-outs, assigning rooms, sending bills and invoices, and centralizing data.

What’s more, visitor management software automates front desk operations and streamlines visitor management for commercial offices, apartments, hotels, resorts, and more.

With this purpose in mind, front desk software offers a one-stop-shop for:

  • Registering visitors. Empower guests to pre-register online or provide information like their name and contact information when they arrive.
  • Self-check-ins. Using visitor management software, visitors can automatically check-in by scanning a QR code or using a virtual key or unique PIN code.
  • Real-time notifications. Front desk software automatically notifies you of a visitor’s arrival via email, text, or through an internal messaging system. In fact, because you’re notified automatically, your staff have more time to greet their guests and facilitate a successful visit.
  • Track visitors. Throughout your visitor’s stay, front desk software can integrate with cloud-based access control systems that keep detailed records of access activity. As a result, recording check-in and check-out times and usage of shared amenity spaces.
  • Access control. In some cases, front desk software integrates with access control systems to grant temporary access to visitors. As a result, ensuring that only authorized guests access certain areas during their visit. What’s more, mobile access control systems empowers visitors to open any door, gate, or access point with their smartphones.
  • Data management. Front desk software stores visitor data and creates valuable reports on visitor traffic, peak hours, popular areas, and other metrics.

 

Hotel receptionist using front desk software to print out a hotel key.

 

Front desk software FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about front desk software:

 

What software do most hotels use?

Most hotels use technology and software like property management systems, as well as hotel management software that makes it easy to manage bookings, collect payments, and build your website.

 

What are the systems used in a front office?

Front offices typically use front desk software, visitor management systems, and office management software.

 

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Author

Tiara Sutton

Content Writer
Tiara Sutton joined the ButterflyMX team as a Content Writer in 2022. After graduating from Agnes Scott College with a degree in Political Science, she started her journey registering underrepresented communities to vote, before becoming an ESL teacher, and eventually discovering her love for freelance writing.

With a knack for translating complex ideas into compelling stories, she brings years of experience in writing and teaching where she crafts insightful content for multifamily and commercial real estate industries.

She lives in Atlanta, GA, where she enjoys writing poetry, exploring new cities, and performing at open mics. She also enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, whether hiking through nature or finding peaceful moments in a local bookstore.

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