Barceló Hotels Group is one of the leading international hotel chains, present in multiple destinations with a diverse portfolio ranging from large family resorts to urban hotels and exclusive categories such as the Royal Level. This diversity, which is part of its strength, also poses a challenge: how to ensure that the guest experience is always consistent with the brand, without losing each property’s unique personality?
In the Canary Islands, Barceló was facing this very question in a key part of its operations: the buffet. Here, every detail matters. It’s not only about offering culinary variety, but about conveying care, professionalism, and trust in every service. The challenge was to achieve the highest guest satisfaction while, at the same time, optimizing management to achieve efficiency and profitability.
Buffet digitalization was not new to Barceló. The chain had already moved from analog to digital with another provider. However, the experience did not meet expectations: day-to-day operations were far from smooth and reliable. The previous system resulted in frequent incidents, a lack of real support, and constant pressure on the operations and IT teams. Instead of simplifying, digitalization had become a source of friction.
One of the main challenges, therefore, was not just implementing new technology, but regaining the teams’ confidence in digital labeling. It had to be proven, with facts, that a well-designed and well-supported system could truly simplify staff work, reduce errors, and consequently increase operational efficiency.
The challenge: regaining trust in buffet digitalization
The buffet is one of the most sensitive points in hotel operations. Menus change daily, allergens must always be up to date, and information has to be displayed in several languages for guests from around the world. Accuracy and agility aren’t optional: they’re essential.
However, Barceló’s first experience with buffet digitalization did not meet those expectations. The system implemented with a previous provider generated constant failures that forced F&B teams to turn to the operations area or the IT department. Far from simplifying, digitalization had become a source of incidents and internal friction.
The challenge was twofold: on the one hand, solve daily operations with a reliable tool; on the other, regain the teams’ trust, after seeing how technology, instead of helping, had complicated their day-to-day work.
“Working with Sincroni is genuinely easy. They’re always there when you need them, no matter the time or day. They truly get involved, with a proactive, solutions-oriented attitude. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with a team that understands what it means to row in the same direction.”
Mª Carmen Alonso, Purchasing Manager, Barceló Hotels & Resorts Canary Islands
The solution: Buffetsmart at the service of every hotel
To address this challenge, Barceló Hotels Group chose Buffetsmart, Sincroni’s solution for digital buffet labeling. A robust, intuitive, and flexible technology designed not only to digitalize, but to simplify daily operations and support teams every step of the way.
Key elements that made the difference include:
- Visual consistency: digital labels aligned with Barceló’s brand identity, ensuring a uniform brand image across all hotels.
- Operational flexibility: label supports and formats adapted to the environment and décor of each gastronomic space, from a large resort to an urban hotel.
- Easy management: intuitive software that enables F&B staff to update menus, allergens, and translations in seconds, without relying on IT.
- Ongoing support: hands-on training for teams, agile technical assistance, and implementation consultancy to ensure optimal use from day one.
With Buffetsmart, buffet digitalization at Barceló stopped being a source of incidents and frustration to become a strategic ally for operations.
The impact: fewer incidents, greater efficiency
The implementation of Buffetsmart in Barceló’s hotels in the Canary Islands delivered results from day one:
- Sharp reduction in incidents: teams no longer depend on IT to solve basic buffet issues.
- Greater operational efficiency: less time on manual signage, more time for guest service.
- Brand consistency: a homogeneous image across all buffets, with the flexibility to adapt to each hotel.
- Better guest experience: clear, multilingual, and always up-to-date information.
- Strategic data: statistics that support purchasing optimization and menu planning.
“Since working with Sincroni, we’ve seen a real difference in our day-to-day. There are fewer errors, we hardly receive calls about incidents… and the team works much more calmly. It’s not just a useful tool; it’s real help that has eased our hotels’ operations.”
Francisco Espino, Area Systems Manager, Barceló Hotels & Resorts Canary Islands
The Barceló Hotels Group case in the Canary Islands shows that digitalization alone is not enough: what matters is doing it reliably, with a partner who supports every step. After a previous experience with a system full of incidents, the chain has found in Buffetsmart the solution that truly enables it to work with efficiency, consistency, and confidence.
At Sincroni, we are convinced that real innovation is not measured only in technology, but in the way it is integrated into daily operations and sustained over time. When buffets run smoothly, teams work with peace of mind, guests enjoy a more refined experience, and the hotel chain strengthens its efficiency and reputation.
