TECHNOLOGY
EVOLUTION OF THE
GUEST APP
WHILE BECOMING SOMEWHAT UBIQUITOUS , GUEST-FACING APPS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE AS HOTELIERS OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND IDENTIFY BEST PRACTICES .
By KATHAKALI NANDI
Alma Resort in Vietnam has launched an app offering menus , promotions and vouchers , as well as live stream broadcasts and COVID-19-related information .
While every hotel customizes its offerings , one thing is abundantly clear – contactless guest experiences are here to stay .
Technological advancements were inevitable , and the pandemic gave hoteliers time to analyze and determine how technology could be best incorporated to overcome the challenges . All major hotel brands as well as independents now encourage guests to download their mobile apps which include several features empowering them to get what they need and manage amenities with minimal human contact . While some features like contactless check-in and checkout , ordering food from the on-site restaurants , communicating with the front desk , or cashless payments are common , many apps have unique , customizable options .
Alma Resort , the independently owned and operated resort in Vietnam ’ s Cam Ranh peninsula , has launched the Alma Resort App , which offers menus , promotions and vouchers , as well as live stream broadcasts and information about events and COVID-19-related health and safety tips . Since Cam Ranh gets around 300 sunny days a year and is known for having Vietnam ’ s best weather , the hotel is planning to add a weather cam in real time that can be accessed on the app .
The app , which was put forward in a heads-of-department meeting by the resort ’ s executive chef , was created by the hotel team within
84 hotelsmag . com June 2022