Weekly article n°5

Digital check-in enhances guest satisfaction

As new technologies emerge and evolve within the hotel industry, hoteliers continue to analyze which tools will effectively increase guest satisfaction.

• IHG is deploying digital check-in kiosks at their Crowne Plaza hotels.
• There are some technological and operational challenges associated with online guestroom selection.
• “Less than 3% of our customers select their suite online and then actually get the room,” said Robert Rauch of R.A. Rauch & Associates.

Some brands have identified the ability to give guests choices during the check-in process as one way to do that, but there is some question as to whether or not the implementation of these tools actually is more efficient for the guest.

source: http://www.hotelnewsnow.com

Weekly Article n°4

Google Places Goes SoLoMo

source: http://www.scoop.it/t/1-google-plus-friend-adder

What's the issue

Responding to a revolution in online behavior, Google has released the latest convergence of social local, and mobile content: Google+ local.Google's desire is to serve not only as a utility for users to find information, but a platform on which businesses and individuals can interact. 

What does it mean for hoteliers ?

Superficially, Google has given its local content quite a makeover. Large prominent pictures, tabs for posts, photos, videos and resemble a facebook or foursquare profile. In conclusion it is more interactive and eye catching than the single page places listing. 

The fundamental changes include the addition of dynamic content and the increased ability for businesses to interact with users.

Google+ users can filter local results to be more relevant based on reviews, recommendations, and +1s from friends and family.

Best industries suited to SoLoMo

Mini SoLoMo: which industry best suits to SoLoMo? from MarieGodard