Technology in the hotel industry has been advancing at a rapid pace; previously expensive technologies like artificial intelligence and digital room keys are now more affordable than ever, and advances in payment systems and app capabilities have given hoteliers and guests exciting new options when it comes to booking, paying for, and actually experiencing a hotel stay.
Although these are “trends” now, they will only become more commonplace.
A.I. based pricing:
Artificial intelligence is already used in many revenue management systems to determine the optimal prices by analyzing historical, forecast, and market data, and it will likely be used in restaurants, spas, and other outlets as well. In the fight for dynamic yield management, IDeaS, Duetto, Atomize, and Pace are leading the pack.
Bring your own device:
Hotel guests are reluctant to download an app they’ll only use once, so hotels can save money on hardware investments and increase guest engagement with an “app” that doesn’t require a download. Guests can access information via their smartphone’s web browser by scanning QR codes posted around the property or in guestrooms
Contactless and mobile check-in:
With a contactless check-in process, guests can bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms, receiving a digital room key on their smartphones instantly. Servr, a PMS provider, has developed some really cool tech that allows guests to check-in without being in contact.
Choose your room:
Servrs digital check-in allows guests to choose their specific room before arrival, just as they would choose a seat on an aeroplane.
Fitness on the road:
Hotels are investing in fitness programs that guests already know and love, like Peloton, or in their favourite fitness gear, like the Westin’s lending library of New Balance products.
A.I. booking experiences:
Artificial intelligence can help hoteliers optimize their websites continuously, such as Hotelchamp’s Autopilot and Triptease Convert, which perform A/B tests to increase direct online bookings.
Booking on mobile devices:
Hoteliers must ensure their websites are mobile-friendly as more and more guests complete the entire booking process on their smartphones.
Contactless payments:
Our first step was to swipe, then insert the chip, and now we can tap a credit card or mobile wallet to pay, so hotels must upgrade their payment technology to accept near-field communication (NFC).
