Introduction
Inlet automatically sends notifications at key points in the guest journey — when a booking is made, updated, started, ended, or cancelled. These communications ensure your guests receive clear, timely access details and reminders. These notifications can also alert you about problems with your locks, or group of locks being offline.
Messages can be sent via SMS or email, and they often use Smart Fields to insert booking or lock-specific details. This means every message is personalized with the right information without you having to manually update anything.
Smart Fields
Smart Fields are placeholders shown in double brackets, such as {{LOCATION}} or {{CODE}}. These fields are automatically filled with live data from Inlet, so each message reflects the actual booking details.
Examples of Smart Fields:
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{{LOCATION}}→ Name of the location (e.g. “Lake Sauna”) -
{{CHECKIN}}/{{CHECKOUT}}→ Start and end times of the booking -
{{CODE}}→ PIN code for access -
{{LOCK}}→ Lock name (e.g. “Locker 102”) -
{{LOCKS}}→ Up to 4 lock names in the same lock group -
{{LOCATION_DESCRIPTION}}→ Location description from the portal -
{{CUSTOM_FIELD_1}}→ Custom text field stored at the lock level
When the message is sent, Smart Fields are replaced with actual data.
Template:
“Thank you for your booking at {{LOCATION}}! Your code is {{CODE}}.”
Message sent:
“Thank you for your booking at Lake Sauna! Your code is 8452.”
Booking Communications
Booking Created
When it’s sent: Immediately after Inlet receives a booking from your partner system.
Example:
“Thank you for your booking at {{LOCATION}}! Your booking is scheduled for: {{CHECKIN}} to {{CHECKOUT}}. You will receive a code via SMS 10 minutes before your booking starts. The code only works for the two-hour period you have booked: not before and not after. By using the sauna you accept the house rules and that you must wash and clean yourself. Regards, Your Company Name”
Booking Check-In
When it’s sent: At the time the booking starts (or earlier if you set a “firetime” parameter, e.g. -30 to send 30 minutes before).
Example:
“The PIN code for your booking scheduled {{CHECKIN}} to {{CHECKOUT}} is: {{CODE}}. We are confident you will use common sense while enjoying the sauna. Please be sure to tidy and clean after yourself. Enjoy the view and relax! Regards, Your Company Name”
Booking Check-Out
When it’s sent: At the end of the booking.
Example:
“We hope you enjoyed your time at the sauna. Please be sure to give us feedback on your experience. Enjoy the view and relax! Regards, Your Company Name”
Booking Updated
When it’s sent: When the booking is changed in the partner system.
Example:
“Your booking at {{LOCATION}} has been changed to: {{CHECKIN}} to {{CHECKOUT}}. You will receive a code via SMS 10 minutes before your booking starts. If you have not requested this change please contact us at xxxx. Regards, Your Company Name”
Booking Updated – Check-In
When it’s sent: When the check-in time is changed.
Example:
“The check-in time for your booking at {{LOCATION}} has been changed to: {{CHECKIN}}. You will receive a code via SMS 10 minutes before your booking starts. If you have not requested this change please contact us at xxxx. Regards, Your Company Name”
Booking Updated – Check-Out
When it’s sent: When the check-out time is changed.
Example:
“The checkout time for your booking at {{LOCATION}} has been changed to: {{CHECKOUT}}. You will receive a code via SMS 10 minutes before your booking starts. If you have not requested this change please contact us at xxxx. Regards, Your Company Name”
Booking Revoked (Cancelled)
When it’s sent: When a booking cancellation is received.
Example:
“Your booking at {{LOCATION}} scheduled for {{CHECKIN}} to {{CHECKOUT}} has been cancelled. If you have not requested this change please contact us at xxxx. Regards, Your Company Name”
Other Communication Types
Pulse Open
What it is: A unique URL sent via SMS or email that lets a guest unlock the door by clicking a link. Links are time-limited and may expire after a single use.
Example:
“You have been granted access to room {{LOCK}} from {{CHECKIN}}–{{CHECKOUT}}. Click {{PULSE_URL}} to open the door. The link is only valid for the times and dates listed.”
Mobile Key (coming soon)
Guests will receive digital keys to unlock directly via their mobile app.
System & Device Status
Inlet can also notify you when there are lock or system issues, helping you act before guests are affected.
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Offline lock group:
“Attention! The lock server at {{LOCATION}} has been offline for {{OFFLINE_MINUTES}}. The locks are probably also offline and inaccessible until it comes back online.” -
Offline single lock:
“Attention! {{LOCKS_OFFLINE}} at {{LOCATION}} has been offline for {{OFFLINE_MINUTES}}. The lock is probably inaccessible until it comes back online.”
Things to Consider
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Messages are configured per location. All locks in a location use the same message text. If you need different text per lock, you’ll need to create separate locations.
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Smart Fields let you personalize. Use fields like
{{LOCK}},{{LOCATION_DESCRIPTION}}, or{{CUSTOM_FIELD_1}}to add lock- or location-specific details.
Summary
Inlet supports a wide variety of guest communication types — from booking confirmations to check-in codes, cancellations, and system alerts. By using Smart Fields, each message is automatically personalized with booking and lock details, so guests always have the information they need, exactly when they need it.