Hotel Tech Trends: The Future Is Here
Have you ever imagined being checked in by a dinosaur, or having a concierge in your pocket?
That may sound crazy, but hotels around the world are making technological advances, and providing amazing new experiences for guests.
Who Needs Humans?
Last summer, the Henn’na Hotel opened in Japan as the world’s first hotel to be staffed almost entirely by robots. A robotic dinosaur greets guests, and directs them to the robotic bag check. The robot concierge will answer questions to the best of its ability. At the Henn’na Hotel, facial recognition replaces room keys. Once inside the room another robot is waiting to assist with additional requests.
Another attempt at bypassing human interaction at hotels comes from Radisson Blu whose customer service AI, called “Edward” has been made available in twelve locations across Europe. Guests can simply text questions and concerns to Edward and have a response in seconds.
Tablets, Apps and More
A few more common examples of tech advances include the use of tablets, apps, and interactive video boards. The Muse hotel in New York is providing guests with Nook e-readers in their rooms, preloaded with carefully selected newspapers, magazines, and books.
Google has partnered with Hilton to let you select a room like never before. Hilton HHonors members now have the ability to select the exact room they want using Google Maps. Guests can see more details, such as the view from the room and its surroundings before booking. Select Courtyard locations are using GoBoards in their lobbies to assist guests. Information such as news, stocks, weather, flight reports, upcoming concerts, area events, and nearby restaurants are provided on the GoBoards.
It’s no surprise that Henn’na Hotel translates to “strange hotel” in English, but this is the future. We are seeing things that years ago we never thought were possible. One can only imagine what a stay in a hotel 10 years from now might be like!
What advances in hotel tech will we see in the future? Leave us a comment below!
