A survey from hotel solutions provider HRS, conducted with the Fraunhofer IAO, has revealed that smartphones, tablets and corresponding apps are essential companions for many travellers today.
Findings showed that 42 per cent of guests from the UK would rather operate their hotel room’s lighting, air conditioning and television via a display instead of using a separate remote control or switch.
The survey also revealed that business travellers in particular are looking for a home from home experience when it comes to technology in their hotel room. Globally, 44 per cent said they would like the availability of a tablet, whilst 23 per cent wanted a laptop in their room.
Jon West, Managing Director for HRS UK and Ireland, commented: “As the fast-paced high-tech world finds its way into hotels with tablets instead of guest folders, smartphones instead of room keys, and apps instead of remote controls, the findings show that the hotel industry quickly needs to adapt to the new user behaviour of many of their guests or risk falling behind.”
One example of a UK hotel setting standards in delivering the latest technology is the Eccleston Square in London, a boutique hotel within a historic building, intuitive technology meets luxurious design. Guests receive a personal iPad as a digital concierge and can navigate almost everything in their room via a touchpad. Amongst other innovations, the see-through bathroom wall can be turned into frosted glass.
Jens Luik, Hotels Solutions Director for HRS UK and Ireland, added: “Hotels are certainly starting to respond to customer demands and recognising that busy business travellers want the latest technology and best gadgets available during their stay to ensure that they have the best experience.”
Hotel solutions provider HRS has identified some of its top hotels already adopting innovative technology for its guests’ benefit:
Novotel Munchen Messe****, Munich
The Novotel Munchen Messe, boasts many technical innovations. At this hotel, guests are not only welcomed by a real but also by a virtual concierge. The hotel also features touch screens where guests can find getaway recommendations, weather information and flight schedules or send virtual postcards.
Yotel***, New York
At the New Yorker Yotel, a robot helps with your luggage; after the key delivery via a check-in terminal, the so-called Yobot safely stows away personal belongings in lock boxes. In the rooms, super Wi-Fi, techno walls for audio streaming and desks with multimedia connections guarantee a perfect transition from work to after work.
citizenM****, Amsterdam
Located five minutes away from the city centre of Amsterdam, the Citizen m impresses with an innovative design and a luxurious feel-good ambience. With its “Mood Pads”, guests can navigate the room lighting, room temperature, television and curtains and adjust them to their current mood. The lobby has been dressed as a stylish living room, offering business travellers access to iMacs and super-fast Wi-Fi .
Eccleston Square*****, London
At the Eccleston Square in London, a boutique hotel within a historic building, intuitive technology meets luxurious design. Guests receive a personal iPad as a digital concierge and can navigate almost everything in their room via a touchpad. Amongst other innovations, the see-through bathroom wall can be turned into frosted glass.
W Taipei*****, Taipei
Located in the heart Taipei and overlooking the famous 101 Tower, there is the stylish and luxurious 5-star hotel W Taipei. It boasts flamboyant design installations and state-of-the-art technology that offers all guests a maximum of comfort and exciting entertainment. As well as large LCD flat screen televisions and modern sound systems, some of the suites also feature media hubs and video projectors.
Blow Up Hall 5050*****, Poznan
Behind the walls of an old brewery complex in the Polish city of Poznan, is the flamboyant design hotel Blow Up Hall 5050. It has no reception and the 22 modern and elegantly furnished rooms do not have a number. Upon arrival, however, every guest receives an iPhone that leads them to their rooms and provides them with additional information and tips. Guests will also be captured on a video installation when entering the hotel.
Mama Shelter***, Paris
A similar video installation is also available at the Mama Shelter in Paris. Via a video column, guests can receive messages which then appear on all screens in the hotel, e.g. below a large glass table in the restaurant. Furthermore, the trendy rooms, in which the colour black dominates, feature an iMac 27 inch with Airplay for the use of TV, radio, photo or internet.
Prizeotel***, Hamburg
At the Prizeotel Hamburg, the interaction with guests continues outside the hotel. They can listen to the lounge music via streaming along the way. At the colourful budget design hotel, business travellers with a love for technology can also get their money’s worth: the equipment ranges from a 32-inch flat screen with HDMI and connection to a music lamp, which makes it possible to listen to music via Bluetooth, recharge mobile phones or make phone calls. When booking a business stay, it is also possible to use the Work&Surf Station and the digital newspaper kiosk.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
