Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the innovative Toronto-based chain, is breaking new ground with the introduction of self-service lobby kiosks guests can use for a variety of tasks, including check-in and check-out. They can also use the units to instantly enroll in the brand's guest loyalty program, Fairmont President's Club.

The chain's flagship property, the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, will be first to get the new machines, followed by other North American properties later in the year.

Borrowing a page from airline check-in kiosks, the Fairmont units will allow guests with pre-confirmed reservations to select their room from a graphical map of the hotel.

To serve guests who have problems or questions, guest service agents will be close to the units. They will be equipped with wireless computer tablets linked directly to the hotel's PMS. Guests can also use the kiosks to electronically check in and get a boarding pass for any Air Canada flight.

Another feature tailored to group business will enable meeting planners to include customized welcome messages and updated meeting agendas for members of their groups. The guest can print the information at the kiosk.