Technology
AdopTion of weArAble Technology is still in its infancy in the hotel business , but that hasn ’ t stopped a handful of innovative companies from setting out to pioneer its use .
by Brendan Manley
Walt Disney World Resort ’ s MagicBand grants access to both the multiple parks and wearers ’ guestroom doors . iterate to see the best solution , and then continue that process .”
One property type where wearables may make the most sense is resorts , where guests often must carry wallets and keys , and where a wide array of shops and venues may exist on-site . In such a situation , a well-designed wearable can provide guests a single , convenient solution , reducing the number of items they need to carry while on the property .
It ’ s something the sprawling Walt Disney World Resort and theme park complex in Orlando , Florida , recognized early on and addressed with its Magic- Band , a wristband that grants access to multiple parks and wearers ’ guestroom doors , while enabling purchases and integrating with users ’ preselected itineraries . Although Walt Disney World declined an interview for this article , sources say that the SmartBand is the wearables model the rest of the hospitality industry hopes to emulate .
Consultant Robert Cole , founder and CEO of RockCheetah , Menomonee Falls , Wisconsin , says Disney is probably doing it best . “ That ’ s one end of the spectrum where if you do have that kind of control where you ’ re the destination and the focal point of a trip , all of a sudden you can own the customer and really tie in the technology very effectively , to a point where it makes sense for Disney to have their own proprietary bands they give to people .”
Others are following suit , including Hawaii ’ s Four Seasons Resort Lanai , which debuted its own wristbands this year , at first offering guestroom entry functionality only but gradually expanding the scope to include F & B purchases . Spa and retail charges are on the horizon . The wristbands use radio frequency identification ( RFID ) technology to allow guests the luxury of traveling light while using the resort ’ s activities and amenities .
“ We wanted a way to enhance the guest experience at a relaxed , yet sophisticated resort in Hawaii ; a way for our guests to not worry about carrying a key ,” says Tom Roelens , general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai . “ Feedback from guests has been phenomenal . It allows them to enjoy outdoors activities , play golf , swim or snorkel in Hulopo ’ e Bay .”
Roelens added that the installation was relatively painless because the property was already upgrading its locks as part of a broader renovation , and the wristbands use the same RFID encoders used for the hotel ’ s keycards . He also sees wider uses for the technology that make the investment even more attractive , particularly for retail and staff use .
“ We are also using the same technology for our team to access heart of the house
Four Seasons Resort Lanai debuted a wristband this year , at first offering guestroom entry functionality only , but gradually expanding the scope to include F & B purchases , with spa and retail charges also on the horizon .
www . hotelsmag . com January / February 2016 HOTELS 53