TECHNOLOGY
a pre-registration email with an option for guests to add room requests or notes , a follow up email when the room is ready and a text message or email which contains the room key . A similar process takes place at checkout , where a folio can be reviewed electronically , charges confirmed and guest feedback submitted . Elaborating on the Charestowne ’ s technological innovations , Director of Technology Max Spangler says in-room IoT devices , like Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub , double up as virtual concierge as they are enabled to answer questions and streamline guest requests to appropriate departments .
“ The pre-arrival registration process has been the most popular and engaging with our guests . Automated guest communication and reservation management has
THE RECENTLY RENOVATED LOBBY AND REFRESHED ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE AT OUR LUXURY CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY , ASTON WAIKIKI BEACH TOWER , PROVIDES GUESTS WITH AN ENJOYABLE IN-PERSON CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT PROCESS . WE INSTALLED TWO-SIT DOWN FRONT DESKS AND WELCOME GUESTS WITH A SUSTAINABLE STRAND SHELL LEI , IN ADDITION TO A COLD OSHIBORI TOWEL AND GLASS OF FRESH JUICE .
– MARK DEMELLO
also been well received ,” Spangler says .
MINIMIZING LABOR COSTS Besides fulfilling the new-age travelers ’ need for reduced human contact , these apps have helped reduce labor costs , especially at a time when the industry has been grappling with a severe labor crisis . The real benefit of contactless technology , Spangler says , is that it allows them to be more flexible with their staffing model .
“ We can be more agile when it comes to staff placement , hours worked during a shift , and hire a wider range of employees with skills that reach beyond knowledge for a particular method or system ,” Spangler explains . “ Flexibility for our team members , in a labor market as competitive as this , is paramount .”
The technology also helps make staffs more productive , improve efficiency , and remove some of the mundane , repetitive tasks . At Charlestowne Hotels , the pre-arrival registration helps reduce phone
THE APP COST NO MORE THAN US $ 5,000 TO DEVELOP . THESE TECHNOLOGIES ARE NOT EXPENSIVE ; YOU DON ’ T HAVE TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS . YOU ALSO NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE TECHNOLOGY IS SET UP IN A WAY SO THAT IT IS NOT A MONEY PIT ; YOU DON ’ T WANT TO BE CONTINUALLY SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY WITH A THIRD-PARTY EVERY TIME YOU NEED TO MAKE AN UPDATE TO THE APP .
– HERBERT LAUBICHLER-PICHLER
86 hotelsmag . com June 2022