Convenience has always been a key factor in the hospitality industry. Hotels have been practicing methods of proper guest services and adequate amenities for a long time to make sure guests have convenient stays, however, the implementation of mobile apps has taken the meaning of convenience to a whole another level in hotels.
This game-changing technology is widely used nowadays and has become a necessity in people’s daily lives. The new trend has certainly encouraged industries, including hospitality, to adapt to new changes by integrating their services with mobile apps.
The mobile app promises guests a higher level of convenience and efficiency that was previously unimaginable in their hands, as it seamlessly helps them in countless ways ranging from booking rooms to creating travel plans in a digitalized manner. Such an amenity not only gives guests an extra advantage but does it also benefit hotels immensely.
As you may have already noticed, this time, we will explore the ways mobile apps bring benefits to hotels; the best practice of its implementation for hotels, and some notable hotel mobile apps that will awe you with their innovations!
How Mobile Apps Benefit Hotels
A hotel mobile apps user.
Mobile apps are not merely a tech trend anymore; they have become a mandatory aspect for hotels in the hospitality industry. They are a new way for hotels to serve guests in this modern era, which are designed with abilities to complete various tasks ranging from online booking to contactless, digital check-in.
Its convenience, efficiency, and flexibility enable customers to experience the hotel’s services to the fullest without having to wait in hassle. However, how exactly do mobile apps benefit hotels? According to AppUnite, here are some benefits of a mobile app for hotels:
- A mobile app can simplify and optimize the booking and check-in process. It also stores guests’ data and proposes services based on the user’s preferences.
- By tracking more detailed data, a mobile app can help the operational team continuously improve the app and create a better hotel experience for guests.
- A mobile app can break the language barrier between hotel staff and guests. It is common for hotels to receive guests from all around the globe, and with a mobile app that supports various languages, it is possible to avoid miscommunication and helps the staff deliver guest service better.
- Using a mobile app, a hotel can increase its sales rate by having guests book extra services like spa treatments or fine dining through the mobile app. The process is a lot easier, which will make guests feel convenient.
- A mobile app is the perfect tool for hotels to turn their guests into regulars. By integrating a loyalty program into the mobile app, hotels give guests the possibility to collect points and earn rewards, thus encouraging them to be regulars instead of one-time guests.
Such advantages will surely take hotel operations to new heights, but what will a high-tech innovation be without proper utilization? The answer is covered below. We have included best practices for hotels to maximize their mobile app and increase the engagement rate, which would make the guest feel more connected to the hotel!
Mobile App Best Practices for Hotels
Hotel mobile apps best practices.
Research by CHART shows that mobile apps increase hotels’ on-site revenue by more than 117%. This is because mobile apps are the primary interaction point for guests, and a user-friendly mobile app will help increase the engagement rate.
As stated by Marilyn Brown, there are many ways to raise the hotel’s engagement rate through a mobile app. According to Marilyn, here are three best practices to utilize mobile apps for hotels:
- Create a personalized experience for guests through in-app push notifications.
- Implement gamification technique by awarding points to users for specific actions taken on the app.
- Connect the hotel’s mobile app to other digital channels such as social media or email, and rewards users for connecting their app with these different marketing channels.
Hospitality is a fast-paced and dynamic industry. Now, the majority of its customers are using mobile apps to book hotels and other hospitality services. Hence, it is important for hotels to optimize their mobile apps and build a more engaging experience for guests by implementing these best practices!
Notable Mobile Apps from Luxury Hotels
The popularity of mobile apps encourages hotels to keep up with the trend. It results in various hotel brands, mainly the luxurious ones, launching their own mobile apps for guests. These mobile apps are created to meet guests’ modern needs in this technological era, complete with their exclusive, tech-savvy features! Scroll down to see our compilation of notable mobile apps from luxury hotels.
1. World of Hyatt by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
World of Hyatt mobile app interface. (via World of Hyatt)
The World of Hyatt mobile app promises to keep its users’ stays organized, wherever Hyatt’s hotels or resorts they travel to. Users can search for special offers and create travel plans easily through the app, which claims to have increased flexibility and digital amenities that let users stay connected with Hyatt.
The amenities include personalized check-in that lets users confirm their room preferences and select the preferred check-in time, even choosing their housekeeping preferences! The in-app digital key also gives flexibility by granting guests instant access to the guest room, fitness center, and pool.
2. Marriott Bonvoy by Marriott International
Marriott Bonvoy mobile app interface. (via Marriott International News)
More than 8,000 hotels under Marriott International are available for booking through its mobile app, Marriott Bonvoy. Not only online booking, but users can also check in up to two days before their stay, and the Marriott Bonvoy app will notify their room status quickly!
Similar to Hyatt’s mobile app, the Marriott Bonvoy app also provides a digital key for guest access to rooms and other hotel facilities. Users can use the Mobile Chat feature whenever they need special services, specific amenities, or other requests, recommendations, and information.
3. Four Seasons by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons mobile app in tablet and phone. (via Four Seasons)
A mobile app that claims to be as mobile as its user and as human and thoughtful as ever, the Four Seasons mobile app allows users to find Four Seasons’ properties around the globe easily. Its digital key feature grants guest access to rooms, gyms, and other hotel facilities during their stays.
The app also gives users a perfectly personalized experience through the always-available concierge chat feature and an accessible, up-to-date daily itinerary that lets users add their restaurant reservations, spa treatments, and other activities to schedule with ease!
4. Hilton Honors by Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Honors mobile app interface. (via Hilton)
The Hilton Honors app promotes various ways that will enhance guests’ stays! Guests can seamlessly search for their preferred Hilton hotels by distance or price and book a room through the app for the best rates. It also offers a much less hassle check-in process by allowing guests to check in the day before their stay!
Just like its fellow competitors, the Hilton Honors app provides a digital key to access guests’ rooms. The app also has a feature called “Connected Room”, which lets guests control the TV, lighting, and room temperature as they prefer. Moreover, the app allows quick, contactless checkout for guests who are rushing to get going!
5. IHG Hotels & Rewards by IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Rewards app interface. (via IHG Hotels & Resorts)
Designed for the convenience of users, IHG Hotels & Rewards gives the most out of the hospitality mobile app experience all in one place. It allows guests to book their stays quickly and easily in a few simple steps, as well as manage their upcoming travel plans, check in and check out digitally, and view the hotel bills during their stays.
Its Account Dashboard feature enables guests to track their progress towards Milestone Rewards, which include interesting rewards such as points, confirmable suite upgrades, and annual lounge membership. Surely, the app has also occupied with chat-based digital concierge and integrated digital wallets to further enhance guests’ experiences!
Wrapping Up
Technological advancements in the hospitality industry have resulted in a wide range of innovations that claim to take the guest experience to a new level, and the mobile app is among the most popular inventions helping hotels achieve that.
The familiarity of mobile apps in everyday life thus encourages hotels to develop their own mobile apps, each with competing and promising features that maximize guests’ hotel experiences to the fullest.
RMC Asia certainly understands the importance of such hospitality technology; hence, we aim to educate young talents in the hospitality industry through our internship and management training programs across Asia’s prestigious host organizations. Our programs combine practical work experience and unique cultural exchange in various program destinations that provide participants with the skills they needed to become valuable hospitality professionals!
The hospitality industry keeps advancing, and so do you. Take the first step towards your successful hospitality career by joining our internship programs now!
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