hospitalitytoday.com | 31
Hotel of the future
A new national survey of travellers by YOTEL
shows “the key features guests expect in the
hotel of the future”. Within thirty years, the
majority (88%) would ditch traditional room
keys in favour of facial recognition for room
access, 81% would expect augmented reality
in the room to talk face-to-face with friends
and family and 79% would want predictive
room service.
The research showed nearly three quarters
of British travellers (73%) placed the
highest priority on the bed, followed by the
bathroom (53%).
“Even with all the talk of smart features,
interactive technology and augmented
reality, it’s not gimmicks that travellers
of tomorrow expect to see. For us, it
confirmed our designer’s core belief that
efficient and helpful technology should
seamlessly support an exceptional overnight
stay.” said Hubert Viriot, YOTEL CEO.
Sustainability is front of mind for 69% of
British travellers, who do not want to see
single use plastic in the hotel of the future.
The bed could potentially retract into the
roof to create space during the day and,
according to 72% of those surveyed, will use
AI to monitor their health. The window will
double as an interactive digital display with
72% wanting interactive mirrors that allow
them to try different hairstyles, clothes,
and make up virtually and 74% wanting a
personalised virtual concierge assigned to
them.
Viriot commented, “Space efficiency is key.
We expect to see more compact spaces
showcasing smart design. Equally, demand
for real estate is going to mean building
closer together, limiting the light into a room
which makes windows a primary feature,
whether it’s letting light in or acting as an
interactive digital display. Success in the
future will depend on efficient design and
non-invasive technology that augments the
guest experience.”
Outlook for 2020
Karen Callahan, Head of Hotel Valuation at
Knight Frank, said: “We retain a cautious
outlook for 2020, anticipating continued
growth in RevPAR, but with weaker growth
in GOPPAR. Aside from the current market
uncertainty of Brexit, continuing pressure
on payroll costs will be the major challenge
facing the industry in 2020 and beyond”
Knight Frank forecasts that in 2020 RevPAR
will increase by 2.4% in London and 2.1%
in the regions, with the top 15 regional
cities set to see a 2.5% increase. ADR[5] is
also set to increase by 3.0% in London and
1.5% regionally, whilst occupancy rates will
increase slightly by 0.2% in the regions but
decrease by 0.5% in London.