Technology is transforming the way people consume goods and services. Now, more than ever, people are seeking greater personalisation, connectivity and control and, as a result, hotels have had to change the way they do business, putting the device at the centre of everything they do.
In fact, a survey by the Hotel Reservation Service (HRS), revealed that 42 per cent of guests from the UK would rather use a single display to control their hotel room's lighting, air conditioning and television rather than separate controls.
But which hotels are listening to their customers? Here are the four most forward-thinking hotel groups and their plans for the future when it comes to technology and innovation.
Hilton
The Hilton hotel group is increasingly focused on making the guest's digital experience, from booking to check-out, as easy, flexible and enjoyable as possible. The company's approach to digital innovation certainly builds on that foundation.
"We've developed a digital strategy that focuses on purposeful innovation, concentrating on technologies such as digital check-in, room selection and mobile-enabled room key, to streamline processes that affect every guest, no matter which of our 4,200 global properties they visit," says Joshua Sloser, vice president of digital product innovation at Hilton Worldwide.
Digital check-in with room selection enables Hilton HHonors members to check in via their HHonors profile on the desktop, mobile or tablet and choose the exact location of their room.
Already, Sloser adds, more than a quarter of a million Hilton HHonors guests have used the technology, and the majorty (90 per cent) are satisfied or extremely satisfied with it, stating they are likely or highly likely to use it again.
"We've found that we need to offer digital tools that reach guests on the platform they prefer most which is increasingly becoming mobile," he says.
"We're constantly testing new ideas - digital check-in with room selection and mobile - enabled room key are just the beginning - and we foresee further digital advancements every six-to-eight weeks."
