The hospitality industry is constantly evolving and there is no doubt that it tries to stay current with most prominent global trends.
The introduction of modern technologies can’t help but bring adjustments that affect all of a hotel processes. Taking into account that theÊmajority ofÊtravellers are active users of advanced devicesÊwho have become accustomed to using all possible types of gadgets, hotels should be up to the technical challenge. They should offer a broad spectrum of the highest level tech services, including fully optimized user-friendly apps that improve guests’ hotel experience. Smart hotels are no longer a futuristic idea – today they are already becoming a contemporary reality.
You don’t need to look far to find examples. Two years of intensive and dedicated work of hotel industry enthusiasts resulted in an opening of the first 4-star “smart hotel” in Europe, where Budapest visitors can process bookings and manage their accommodation with the help of a smartphone.
40 rooms of the 4-star hotel are operated by the guests themselves using the TMRW Hotels application. With this app, guests receive full control over all processes related to the accommodation, from the moment of booking a room to check-out time. The software solution used in the application was developed to be used both in new and existing hotel chains.
With the help of the mobile application, available for both Android and iOS devices, guests can take advantage of quite a number of certain useful bonusesÊand they can easily access any hotel service. They can book a room of a suitable category on the desired floor and register at the hotel up to 48 hours before arrival.
A smartphone with Bluetooth functionality becomes the room key, and in case of late arrival, it can also function as the hotel entrance door key. Apart from access, the application allows control of the air-conditioning in the room, so guests can set the desired temperature level before arrival.
Using the application, you can ask to clean the room or hang up a “Do not disturb” sign with a single tap of a finger. Furthermore, it also provides the opportunity to book a taxi and pay for the trip with the same app. The process of leaving the hotel is also controlled from the smartphone, so guests do not need to stand in a reception queue to pay, as the service bill notification immediately comes to the phone. All payments are secure and the invoice can be sent directly to an email specified in the app. This app functions the same way as any other mobile application and you can manage it practically the same way you manage any other application on your smartphone.
To receive all these services, guests must have WiFi access throughout the hotel. With the help of the application, staff are available around the clock to handle guest requests via both text messages and video calls.
Questions on how to effectively use the app are answered on instructions displayed on the hotel patio wall. It contains digital commands on how to work with the TMRW Hotels application.
Notably, the app can offer the input of personal data, passport scans or other documents, as well as the electronic signature of the guest. The most important thing is that all personal data received is guaranteed to be stored in a secure format.
CombinedÊwith the efficient work of the hotel management (the introduction of the application allowed the hotel to reduce staff to 15 people), guests ofÊa smart hotel will be able to receive both a high level of comfort and individual-oriented service. The wide use of digital technologies also allows the hotel to minimize paperwork.
Today we live in a high-tech world where a smartphoneÊis no longer perceived simply as a device to make calls and play games, but rather as a trusted tool that allows us to interact with numerous facilities. The introduction of so-called Òsmart hotelsÓ, is aimed at the most active users of cutting-edge innovations and reflects the latest trends. And maybe, this innovation that is currently just beginning to be introduced will shortly become another golden standard of the hospitality industry, one which guests will expect from every hotel they stay at.
About the author
Elena Kos is a writer and lecturer on development characteristics of international industries with a primary focus on the introduction of the new technologies. Email jelena.kos1992@gmail.com
