Looking to order room service? Need ideas for things to do in your spare time? Want to shorten check-in or check-out time? A virtual concierge is here to meet all of your needs.
Technological advancements are already being made in the hospitality industry, from flat-screen televisions in your room to robots bringing towels to your door. We have come a long way from the days of alarm clocks and drip coffee machines as high-tech and virtual concierges are joining the fleet of innovative ways to improve your stay.
The Concierges of the Future
Artificial intelligence now comes in a surprising number of packages at hotels. At the beginning of this year, Ivy premiered at four Caesars Entertainment Corporation properties in Las Vegas and LINQ. Powered by IBM Watson from the company Go Moment, Ivy is in charge of handling booking and general questions. Ivy is also responsible for surveying guests’ satisfaction. In the event of a negative response, Ivy passes the issue along to the hotel, allowing quick fixes to be made before a bad review comes in.
Handheld Hospitality’s system, SmartGuest, claims to “not only increase revenue per guest stay, but also ensure guests have up-to-date information on hotel services and activities.” SmartGuest provides guests with check-in abilities, welcome letters, A to Z contact directories, and room service and restaurant selections—all from the comfort of your hotel room. Pull out your smartphone, and you’re in.
Some hotels hoping to stand out are building their own app with the help of VirtualConcierge. By utilizing a customizable app, guests can create their own custom itinerary within the app by making restaurant reservations and finding activities near them. Hotels are also able to showcase their properties and amenities, so guests know the details of where they will be staying and can prepare and pack adequately.
Benefit to Event Planners
When you host an event at a hotel, you want attendees to feel taken care of. High-quality care is a top priority for planners, which is why virtual concierges are on the rise. They can help guests navigate their way through a new destination, find activities to partake in during their downtime and improve their overall satisfaction in real time.
