Eliminate Manual Data Entry

Mari Jean Hotel significantly reduced the amount of time spent on manual data entry with Akia’s two-way integration with Mews.

50%

Reduction in data entry with Mews/Akia Integration

About

Mari Jean Hotel is a historic 54-room boutique hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, originally built in 1926 during the city's golden era of tourism. Each room features a private en suite bathroom, a distinction from the era's boarding house tradition. After decades of seasonal operation, the hotel was fully renovated and reopened in June 2023, welcoming guests from around the world once again.

Integrations

Key Features

2-way SMS text communication, Digital Check-In, Digital Checkout, Unified Inbox, Mini Apps, Automation

Property Type

Hotel

Property Size

52 Rooms

Challenge

Background

Mari Jean Hotel needed a more efficient way to manage guest interactions, eliminate manual data entry, and seamlessly integrate Mews with their guest communication tools. Their previous platform failed to deliver on its promised two-way integration, creating operational challenges and inefficiencies.

Manual Data Entry & Inefficient Processes

Without proper integration, Mari Jean Hotel’s staff had to manually transfer guest data into Mews, adding unnecessary workload. Key issues included:

Guest registration data had to be re-entered manually, increasing the risk of errors.
Paper registration cards required scanning and uploading, slowing down front desk operations.
Arrival times, vehicle details, and check-in statuses didn’t sync properly, making it difficult to manage guest arrivals.

Lack of Customization and Branding

Their previous system lacked flexibility and customization, making it difficult to create a seamless and engaging guest experience.

Their previous system offered limited flexibility in designing guest-facing content that resulted in a lackluster and less user-friendly experience.
Guest communication was generic, with minimal control over customizing messages based on guest details.
Guests often miss important terms and conditions, leading to misunderstandings and negative reviews.

Solution

Seamless PMS Integration

Akia fully integrates with Mews, allowing guest data, arrival times, and vehicle details to automatically sync so that they can prepare ahead for guests’ arrivals. With the strong integration, Mari Jean Hotel eliminated having to manually input data captured within Akia and into Mews.

Automated Guest Communication

Personalized, scheduled messages to guests based on their journey, from pre-arrival to post-stay. Automated responses streamline conversations with guests and invite more personalized interactive communication between guests and staff members.

A more affordable SMS solution with increased customization, allowing the property to broadcast messages to in-house guests and offer promotions using built-in features designed for Upsells in the Mini App.

Parking permit distribution was quicker—guests can submit their requests through Akia, reducing wait times and simplifying the process for staff. If a guest indicates they need parking during digital check-in, they’ll automatically receive a parking permit request form, making it quick and convenient to complete the request.

User-Friendly and Visually Engaging Mini Apps

Akia’s Mini Apps provided a branded and intuitive guest experience, replacing clunky email templates. With simple drag-and-drop functionality, staff can quickly add details like hotel features, dining options, shopping, galleries, and reservation information. The customizable templates make it easy to update content, ensuring guests always have the latest information.

Accessible from any mobile device, guests can conveniently check-in, view arrival guides, and explore property amenities anytime.

"Akia's drag & drop platform makes creating communication tools far easier, faster to edit in real-time, and put into use immediately."

David Foxx — General Manager, Hotel Operations

More case studies

Faria Resorts

Faria Resorts drove $89K in post-stay revenue in one month.

With automated list syncing from Streamline, a drag-and-drop email builder, and direct booking attribution, Faria Resorts could quickly build, launch, and measure campaigns end-to-end.

$89K

post-stay revenue in one month

March 20, 2026

Weekender Hotels

Weekender Hotels: Simplifying multi-property operations

Operating ten boutique properties, Weekender Hotels streamlined check-ins, messaging, digital guides, and guest workflows into one intuitive system that saves hours daily and keeps all guest data in one place for a complete view across properties.

hours/day saved on automating check-ins

3 → 1

streamlined processes for their guest experience

$5.3K

in upsell revenue for January 2026

February 26, 2026

Contactless property maintains high guest services with AI Agents.

Rambla

Contactless property maintains high guest services with AI Agents.

As Rambla expanded across five contactless properties, AI Agents took on the majority of guest communication, now handling over 80% of outbound messages so the team can deliver fast, consistent service that guests expect.

90%

in Global Review Index

80%

of outbound communication handled by AI Agents

#2–3

ranking in their competitor set

February 26, 2026

Ready to transform your guest experience?

Join thousands of hotels using Akia to automate operations and delight guests.