AI Lab & Skills Testing

What it does

The AI Lab lets you test and refine your AI assistant directly from your dashboard, so you can see exactly how it handles common guest requests like early check-in or late checkout. You can simulate conversations, test voice calls with real property details, and watch your AI assistant work through step-by-step procedures—all before your guests interact with it.

Getting started

Access the AI Lab

1. Go to Settings → AI Assistant
2. Click the AI Lab tab at the top of the page
3. You'll see a chat interface similar to what your guests experience

[Screenshot: AI Lab interface showing chat window with property selection dropdown]

Set up your test scenario

1. Choose a property from the dropdown at the top—this gives your AI assistant the right context and details
2. Select a reservation (optional) to test scenarios specific to actual bookings
3. Pick a guest name to personalize the conversation

Start testing

1. Type a message like "Can I check in early tomorrow?" or "I need a late checkout"
2. Watch your AI assistant respond in real-time
3. See the step-by-step actions it takes behind the scenes
4. Continue the conversation to test follow-up questions

[Screenshot: Chat conversation showing AI response with visible skill steps]

How it works

When you send a message in the AI Lab, your assistant processes it exactly like a real guest conversation. You'll see:

• The guest-facing response in natural, friendly language
• Skill activation when your assistant recognizes requests like early check-in or late checkout
• Step-by-step actions showing what's happening automatically (checking availability, updating reservations, etc.)
• Real property data pulled from your actual listings and reservations

Your AI assistant uses Skills—automated procedures that handle common guest requests. When a guest asks for early check-in, the Early Check-in Skill activates and walks through checking availability, policy rules, and booking updates automatically.

Voice testing

For the complete experience, you can test voice conversations:

1. Click the phone icon in the AI Lab
2. Allow microphone access when prompted
3. Speak naturally as if you're a guest calling your property
4. Your AI assistant will respond by voice using the same logic as text conversations

[Screenshot: Voice testing interface with microphone button and audio waveform]

Key features

• Real-time conversation testing — See exactly how your AI assistant responds to guest requests

• Skill transparency — Watch automated procedures like Early Check-in and Late Checkout work step-by-step

• Voice call simulation — Test phone conversations with realistic property context

• Actual property data — Uses your real listings, reservations, and availability for accurate testing

• Multiple scenarios — Test different properties, reservations, and guest situations

• Conversation history — Review past test conversations to track improvements

• Guest perspective — Experience exactly what your guests see and hear

Skills Engine

Your AI assistant now uses a Skills Engine with procedure-based skills that can be installed and customized for your properties. Think of skills like apps—each one handles a specific type of guest request:

Available Skills

• Early Check-in — Automatically checks availability and policies, then updates reservations
• Late Checkout — Verifies availability and extends checkout times
• More skills coming soon — Additional automated procedures for common guest needs

How skills appear to guests

When a skill activates during a guest conversation, they see:

• The skill name (like "Early Check-in Request")
• Plain-language explanations of what's happening
• Clear next steps or confirmations needed

This transparency builds trust and helps guests understand the process.

Tips & best practices

Test realistic scenarios — Use actual guest language like "What time can I get into my room?" rather than formal requests. This helps you see how well your assistant understands natural conversation.

Try different properties — Each property may have different policies, availability, or special circumstances. Test scenarios across your portfolio to ensure consistent experiences.

Test voice and text — Some guests prefer calling while others text. Make sure both channels provide the same helpful, accurate responses.

Check edge cases — Test unusual requests or timing (like requesting early check-in for today, or very late at night) to see how your assistant handles complex situations.

Review skill actions — Pay attention to the step-by-step actions your skills perform. Make sure they align with your property policies and guest experience goals.

Common questions

Q: Does testing in the AI Lab affect real reservations? A: No, the AI Lab runs in a safe testing environment. While it uses your real property data for accuracy, any changes or actions are simulated and won't modify actual reservations or guest communications.

Q: Can I test conversations for properties I don't manage yet? A: You can only test with properties in your current portfolio. The AI Lab needs access to real property details, policies, and availability to provide accurate testing.

Q: How do I know if my AI assistant is ready for guests? A: Test common scenarios until you're satisfied with the responses. Pay special attention to how skills handle your specific property policies and availability windows. If the assistant provides helpful, accurate information that matches your guest service standards, it's ready to go live.