5 Smart Uses Of QR Codes Your Guests Will Love

QR codes might have started as quick fixes for paper menus back in 2020, but they’ve quietly evolved into so much more.

Fast forward to 2025, and smart hotels are using them in ways that go way beyond convenience.

It’s not just about being friendly to the enviroment — it’s about giving guests seamless, memorable moments that make their stay smoother and your brand more recognizable.

Why Should Hotels Still Care?

Because guests do.

Travelers are mobile-first.

Most guests are literally living on their phones — from checking in to planning dinner. A quick scan feels more natural than asking at the desk or flipping through an old paper binder.

QRs are instant action.

Unlike hunting down a URL or downloading an app, one tap takes your guest exactly where you want them.

5 Ways to Use QR Codes Beyond Digital Menus

Here’s how savvy hotels are putting them to work in 2025:

1. Concierge Chats

Place QR codes in rooms that open a WhatsApp or Messenger chat with your concierge.

That way guests can instantly ask for extra towels, book a table, or get sightseeing tips without dialing down or waiting.

2. Interactive Local Guides

Forget about brochures.

A QR on the desk or lobby wall can open a custom Google Map with must-see places, from the best hidden brunch spot to local boutique shops.

3. Collect Instant Guest Reviews

Use QR codes to make it easy for guests to leave a quick review or share a photo of their stay right from their phone.

Link the QR to a simple Google or TripAdvisor review form, or even your Instagram tag page so guests can upload a snap.
It turns those happy checkout vibes into visible testimonials — boosting your online reputation without awkwardly asking at the front desk.

4. Personalized Offers & Upgrades

Hand guests a welcome drink coupon with a QR that also gives them special offers on spa treatments or late check-outs.

You can make it even better: geo-target the offer so it pops up again on their phone as they lounge by the pool.

5. Instant Downloads

Help guests make the most of their stay with quick downloads like:

A Spotify playlist that matches your hotel vibe
PDFs with jogging routes around the neighborhood
Or itineraries that integrate right into Google Calendar

Why This Works

It’s fast. No apps, no logins. Just scan and go.
It’s frictionless. Guests explore your experiences at their own pace.
It’s brand-building. Each smart use of a QR code feels thoughtful and high-tech, you can even custom the visuals of the QRs to tie guests back to your hotel’s personality.

Small Tech, Big Impact

When done right, QR codes aren’t a cheap shortcut — they’re a clever tool to make guests’ lives easier.

At opensmjle, we help hotel brands turn little details like this into big guest wins — from digital touchpoints to social content that drives bookings.

Curious how simple tech can elevate your guest experience?

Let’s chat.

Contact us now.

About opensmjle

Everything starts with an opensmjle.

opensmjle, Cologne-based digital agency, stands for all things digital and has been looking for new and innovative approaches to the requirements of the hospitality industry since 2013, specializing not only in the hotel and catering industry, but also in the associated technology providers.

In addition to our digital agents, we offer website design and programming in monthly packages so that companies can invest more budget in their customers’ stay experience. To perfect the customer journey, we take care of the storytelling – as a holistic concept or for specific topics.

Ready to take your guests’ stay experience and your customers’ customer journey to the next level?

Then let’s get to know each other better now:

www.opensmjle.com
hej@opensmjle.com
+4922198867761