The importance of flexibility is key for the guest experience — and hotel technology can help
Today’s traveler is a new breed. Gone are the days when guests traveled strictly for just work or just pleasure. The rise in bleisure and the increase in remote work has created a new kind of hybrid traveler. And, thanks to the continual incorporation of technology into our everyday lives, today’s guests are used to getting what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. So, how can a hotelier keep up with guests who require a variety of different levels of service and provide a quality guest experience for both? Enter hotel technology.
By enacting a flexibility strategy that utilizes hotel technology, hotels can meet their guests where they’re at. Here are a few ways technology can enhance the guest experience.
Going Mobile
Today’s consumer is used to doing just about everything on their mobile device — from ordering dinner to catching a ride to sending cash to their friends. So, why should their hotel stay be any different? Younger, tech-savvy travelers have come to expect a mobile experience. For these guests, a hotel branded mobile app allows them to bypass the front desk and check-in remotely on their mobile device. Mobile key functionality integrates seamlessly with lock providers to provide guests with safe, keyless entry to their hotel rooms using just their smartphone. When it’s time to check out, guests can use their mobile phone to do that as well.
A branded mobile app also lets guests browse the most up-to-date food menus, order in-room dining and then track their orders, just like they would an order from DoorDash. If a guest forgets their toothbrush or needs extra towels, item requests can easily be made on an app.
Just a Tap Away
For those who don’t want to download a hotel’s app onto their mobile device, smart-room tablets provide a great alternative. Similar to branded mobile apps, in-room tablets allow guests to browse the most up-to-date dining menus, place an order and track it all while lounging on their hotel bed.
For guests who prefer brighter lighting or cooler environs, smart-room tablets integrate with the room controls to allow guests to adjust the heating and cooling system, as well as the lighting from the comfort of their bed. Additionally, guests can make purchases from the gift shop, request additional towels or toiletries, and book spa appointments all with just a tap.
Don’t Stop the Binging
Gone are the days when a traveler had to wait to return home to continue binging their favorite Netflix documentary. Now, guests can cast TV shows, movies and music directly to their in-room televisions with no additional login through Google Chromecast-enabled apps. Add benefit: Casting allows hoteliers to cancel expensive cable subscriptions.
At Your Service
Virtual concierge services are the future. And while many guests may still prefer to get the lay of the land by interacting face-to-face with the hotel’s concierge, those who prefer texting can message the front desk and get answers to their questions in real-time. A virtual concierge can suggest activities and services personalized to a guest’s preferences and create an itinerary for each guest, accessible via the hotel’s mobile app or in-room tablet.
There are many ways technology can enhance the guest experience. To learn more on this and the importance of flexibility in the guest experience, request a demo today.
