Walk-In
Definition
A guest who arrives at the hotel without a prior reservation and books on the spot. Counted as a distinct channel in some PMSes.
What it tells you
Walk-ins were once a meaningful channel for many hotels; in the OTA era, they’ve shrunk significantly. Tracking walk-in volume reveals organic on-foot demand — still relevant for properties in tourist-heavy locations.
How to track it
PMSes track walk-ins as a channel. Daily volumes are typically small but vary by location and season.
Where it fits
Walk-in pricing is often a tactical decision — the front-desk agent has discretion to negotiate. The strategic question: are walk-in rates yielded as effectively as OTA rates, or do they default to “whatever the agent says”?