Luxury Hoteliers Magazine 3rd Quarter 2016 | Page 9

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has always represented worldly sophistication and unparalleled service. We deliver that to our guests in three ways: True Waldorf Service, residing in Inspirational Environments and delivering Authentic Moments. For Conrad, it’s always been about offering guests a World of Style, Intuitive Service and Infinite Connections in gateway cities and exclusive leisure destinations around the world. While technology has allowed us to enhance these tenets, our approach remains rooted in the things we’ve built our foundations on from day one. That authenticity has allowed us to become the destinations of choice for today’s modern, sophisticated travelers. In your opinion, how has technology played a role in Waldorf Astoria and Conrad improving guest service? Technology has allowed Waldorf Astoria and Conrad to improve guest service by optimizing what today’s luxury travelers covet most – time and memorable experiences. At Waldorf Astoria, before our guests arrive, a connection is made via email introducing them to True Waldorf Service and their Personal Concierge. It is at this point we work with our guests to customize their stay with us. Whether that’s setting up airport transfers, dinner reservations or booking any of our Unforgettable Experiences packages, we plant the seeds for a memorable experience. At Conrad, it’s all about ‘smart luxury.’ With our Conrad Concierge mobile app, we reinforce our commitment to technology and enhance guest service by allowing guests to customize their stay with us all from the convenience of their mobile device. Whether that’s accessing StayInspired.com where they can find our Conrad 1/3/5 hour itineraries or simply seeking a recommendation for an off-the-beaten path Ramen restaurant, these intuitive tools speak to what today’s luxury travelers are seeking and that resonates with our guests. What’s next for Waldorf Astoria and Conrad? The future for both Waldorf Astoria and Conrad is clear. Our mission is to be the fastest growing and most innovative luxury hotel brands in the industry. Waldorf Astoria’s current portfolio consists of 26 gateway cities including Amsterdam, Beijing, Chicago, Dubai, Jerusalem, Ras al-Khaimah and Shanghai. The brand’s 2016 to 2017 pipeline includes openings in key destinations such as Bali, Bangkok, Beverly Hills and Chengdu. Conrad currently has 26 properties on five continents. We are focusing our development efforts in both strong and emerging markets with openings in the next few years slated for Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, San Luis Potosi, Xiamen and Guangzhou. ILHA 9