Running a successful Airbnb or small hotel requires exceptional guest service. The front desk is the heart of hospitality, ensuring smooth check-ins, answering guest inquiries, and handling requests. However, for small hospitality businesses, maintaining an in-house front desk staff can be a costly burden.
Is there a smarter, more cost-effective way to provide top-tier guest service? Yes—outsourcing to a virtual front desk service like Conci offers superior service at a fraction of the cost. Let’s compare the value and cost of both options.
Cost Breakdown: In-House Front Desk vs. Virtual Front Desk
1. In-House Front Desk Staff: A Major Expense
Keeping a full-time front desk staff means significant operational costs, including:
- Salaries & Benefits – A single front desk employee earns $35,000–$50,000 annually, and small hotels or Airbnbs often need at least two or three employees to cover all shifts.
- 24/7 Coverage Costs – To maintain around-the-clock service, businesses must hire multiple employees, pushing costs beyond $100,000 per year.
- Training & Turnover – Hiring, onboarding, and training new staff cost thousands and frequent turnover increases these expenses.
- Additional Overheads – Office space, equipment, scheduling software, and insurance add up.
Total Estimated Cost for In-House Front Desk: $100,000 – $200,000 per year
2. Virtual Front Desk with Conci: A Smarter Solution
Instead of maintaining an expensive in-house team, Airbnbs and small hotels can outsource their front desk to Conci, gaining 24/7 guest support at a fraction of the cost.
- Flat Monthly Pricing – No salaries, benefits, or overhead. Just one affordable subscription.
- No Staffing Issues – No sick days, turnover, or scheduling hassles.
- Instant Scalability – Whether you manage a Hotel, one Airbnb or multiple properties, Conci scales with your business needs.
Total Estimated Cost for Virtual Front Desk: $1,000 – $5,000 per year
Switching to Conci saves up to 98% in staffing costs!
Service Comparison: Why Virtual is Better
1. The Limitations of In-House Staff
- Limited Hours – Hiring staff for full 24/7 coverage is costly; many small hotels and Airbnbs rely on limited front desk hours.
- Inconsistency – Service depends on individual training and employee availability.
- Emergency Situations – Late-night guest issues may go unanswered if no one is on duty.
2. The Conci Advantage: 24/7 AI-Enhanced Virtual Front Desk
- Always Available – Guests receive 24/7 support, eliminating missed calls or late-night service gaps.
- Consistent, Professional Service – AI-driven technology ensures accurate, fast responses, with human support as needed.
- Seamless Guest Experience – Conci handles check-ins, FAQs, concierge requests, and even upsells local experiences.
- Multi-Language Support – Guests from around the world get instant assistance in their preferred language.
The Verdict: Virtual Front Desk Wins
For small hotels and Airbnb hosts, maintaining an in-house front desk is simply too expensive. The costs of salaries, benefits, and 24/7 staffing add up, while service is often limited to business hours.
Conci offers an affordable, scalable, and always-available solution. With AI-enhanced technology and professional support, guests receive superior service—while hosts and hotel owners enjoy lower costs and fewer operational headaches.
📞 Want to cut costs and enhance guest satisfaction? Switch to Conci today!