Hotel Tech 101: Unlocking the Secret of Mobile Apps

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.

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

Mobile apps' convenience, efficiency, and flexibility enable customers to experience the hotel's services to the fullest without having to wait in a 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

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.

World of Hyatt by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

The World of Hyatt mobile app promises to keep its users' stays organized, wherever Hyatt's hotels or resorts they travel to. Users can confirm their room and housekeeping preferences, search for special offers, create travel plans easily through the app, and use other features with increased flexibility that let users stay connected with Hyatt!

Marriott Bonvoy by Marriott International

More than 8,000 hotels under Marriott International are available for booking through its mobile app, Marriott Bonvoy. Users can check in up to two days before their stay, and the Marriott Bonvoy app will notify their room status quickly! Its Mobile Chat feature is also ready to help whenever users need special services, specific amenities, or other requests, recommendations, and information.

Four Seasons by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

A mobile app that claims to be as mobile as its user and as human and thoughtful as ever, the Four Seasons mobile app 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!

Hilton Honors by Hilton Hotels & Resorts

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. 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!

IHG Hotels & Rewards by 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, manage upcoming travel plans, check in and check out digitally, and view hotel bills during their stays. 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!