Content is king
Last summer , Four Seasons Hotels &
Resorts launched its first app in Europe and the Americas designed to offer guests access to a variety of services on- and off-property .
Contextual hotel apps are also a part of the growing hotel app market . Offering more than just booking , check-in , check-out and other basic capabilities , these apps provide content relevant to the guests ’ trips , whether its on-property or in the hotel ’ s location . Last summer , Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts launched its first app in Europe and the Americas designed to offer guests access to a variety of services , including :
• The ability to make and manage reservations in multiple locations at once
• Virtual check-in and check-out , including options to book luggage pickup and airport transfers
• Customizing guests ’ experience with special requests such as extra pillows , toiletries , baby gear and turndown services
• “ Ready-when-you-are ” room service orders , as well as the ability to schedule restaurant reservations , spa appointments and tee times
• Local recommendations for exploring individual destinations , curated into “ moods ” including dining , shopping and cultural experiences
• Personalized recommendations from Four Seasons hotel concierges
• Built-in geolocation service offering maps with time and distance indicators
Bold PrediCtions here ’ s a sampling of predictions for the next big trends in hotels apps :
“ hotel aPPs are exPanding Beyond their traditional Booking funCtion to BeCome the ' remote Control ' to the guest ’ s entire stay exPerienCe . with new features and CaPaBilities Come reimagined ways to make travel easier and more Personalized .“
“ ComPetition is heating uP . the stay is the new Battleground . if you are using our moBile aPP , you will now have a suPerior stay exPerienCe , and that ’ s going to get even Better in the days ahead . “
— GeorGe Corbin , Marriott international
— Dana ShefSky , hilton WorlDWiDe
24 HOTELS March 2016 www . hotelsmag . com