Let's take a closer look what features and options make apps more effective.
- Use technical app features for hotel information presentation in guest language of choice. Diversify media content and photo gallery with 360º video and interactive hotel map with the help of which any guest can easily find room, restaurant for breakfast, tennis court and absolutely any service with open hours. Go beyond just built-in road map and transport options and provide an opportunity to book transfer or get the actual shuttle schedule via app.
- Guest impression depends not only on your employees and hotel infrastructure, but also diversity of pastime beyond its borders. Use 150% of it, do not be trivial like most guidebooks, do not lead guests by trampled trails. They will find central square, famous restaurant, marked by a star or the main shopping street without your help. People are fed up, they want special and unique information and full immersion in local life. Tell guests about little known abandoned observation deck, authentic restaurant with a truly homely atmosphere, sheltered quiet bay or discount center with the largest selection and its open hours. And even if your guest is just a businessman with other goals, he has one thing in common with other guests and it’s the desire to save time, the main resource in the modern world. Therefore, integrate your recommendations with Google Maps into the application, link your hotel address and each user will appreciate it, come back to you again and recommend not only the hotel, but also the application.
- Do not forget that the best hotel app has also calendar of events held in and outside the hotel such as live music concert at a local rock pub, famous designer’s fashion show, musical premiere or graffiti contest - you know your guests better.
2. Make the application your personal virtual concierge
Surprise your guest with an option to plan an a-la-carte restaurant visit via app in the language of choice without reception call, taking into account all the wishes and even menu pre-order. Breakfast in the room, convenient time to play tennis or smart alarm will differentiate your hotel from others. Built-in option of staff chat will help to specify the order details if needed. An option of evaluation the service provided will make the process of virtual order finished.
3. Make the app a pass for guests to the world of loyalty and relevant information
No matter how beneficial your loyalty system is, do not forget about the factor of time and convenience mentioned above. Once a client personal account is registered, a system of discounts or bonuses is already linked to the profile. Get rid of cards and codes when booking hotel rooms via app. When the client books the hotel again, he/she will certainly do it via the app.
The guest, loyal to the hotel and satisfied with the app functioning, will not delete it from the device and won't object to push notifications on news and special offers.
Thinking about your own hotel app development, put yourself in the position of your guest, as we are all travellers. When the app becomes a truly valuable companion and adviser with a careful attitude to the guest time, you will see that it can be an effective tool for you.
