In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the hotel industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs and expectations of travelers. As a result, hotels are incorporating innovative technologies and personalized experiences to create a seamless and connected stay for guests. With extensive experience in the industry, the team at TPG has identified several trends and ideas that are shaping the future of hotels.
One of the key areas of innovation is hotel apps. Many hotels already offer apps that allow guests to make bookings, check loyalty points, and even serve as digital room keys. Hilton has taken this a step further by allowing guests to share digital keys with others. However, there is still room for improvement. Imagine if hotel apps allowed guests to customize their stay even further. For example, guests could order specific pillows from a pillow menu or pre-stock the minibar with their favorite snacks and beverages. Additionally, guests could use their phones to set the temperature of their room to their preferred level. A more functional app could also offer guests the opportunity to bid on upgrades before check-in, giving them more control over their stay.
Personalization is another important aspect of the future of hotels. Hotels can use the information they have about guests to tailor their experiences. For example, if a hotel knows that a guest loves country music and hoppy East Coast IPA beer, it could provide recommendations for nearby bars or music venues that align with those preferences. Hotels could also create personalized itineraries for guests, taking into account their interests and preferences. Guest profiles could be enhanced by allowing users to connect other apps, such as Spotify, to curate a special playlist for their stay. Personalization shouldn’t be limited to luxury brands; even budget hotels can tailor their offerings based on guest preferences.
Streaming services have become a staple in many households, but hotels have been slow to catch up. While some hotels now offer the ability to stream content from personal devices to the TV, it is not yet the norm. Hotels should invest in the necessary technology to allow guests to cast their favorite shows or log into their streaming accounts directly on the TV. This would ensure that guests don’t miss out on their favorite shows and movies while traveling.
Another area for improvement is room controls. Many hotel rooms have complicated light switches and thermostats, making it difficult for guests to adjust the settings to their liking. Hotels should consider implementing smart room technology that allows guests to control everything from lighting and window shades to climate and do-not-disturb signs from their own devices. In-room tablets or apps could also provide additional features such as viewing menus, ordering room service, and booking spa treatments. This would not only enhance convenience but also benefit guests with mobility issues.
Lastly, hotels need to reassess the charging needs of modern travelers. With the majority of people relying on their phones as alarm clocks and charging devices, hotels should ensure that there are ample plugs and outlets near the bed, including USB ports. This simple upgrade would greatly improve the overall guest experience.
In conclusion, the hotel industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and expectations of travelers. With the help of innovative technologies and personalized experiences, hotels are creating seamless and connected stays for guests. From functional hotel apps to personalized recommendations and streaming capabilities, the future of hotels is focused on providing customizable, convenient, and accessible experiences for every traveler.