Mobile apps have a significant impact on our lives – the way we find hotels for our next trip, compare the best hotel room rates, and search for last-minute deals to get the lowest prices. In 2019, 204 billion mobile applications were already downloaded worldwide, and there were 3.2 billion smartphone users. It means that, on average, there are 63 mobile apps on each smartphone.
We all know that COVID-19 has affected many industries. One of the sectors hardest hit was the hotel industry. After almost 4-5 months of being completely closed, the hotels are already open. And as hotel penetration has gone, American hotels are seeing a slow increase in jobs.
Now let’s look at what interactive features you can add to a mobile hotel app to engage and retain guests and how hotel giants attract more guests with mobile apps such as Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt.
Reception Manager In A Hotel App
According to the survey, 70% of travelers book hotels with their cell phones. According to one study, reservations for mobile travel expect to increase by 60% by 2021. At this point, when travelers plan, research, and book hotels via mobile devices, this is an excellent opportunity to hit the front desk on your hotel app. You can provide guests with check-in and check-out functions in the app.
In the hotel, you can showcase exclusive offers specially developed for interested guests so that they are motivated to use all hotel services such as restaurants, shopping malls, spas, concierge, etc.
You can leverage emerging technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality to give your guests 360° view of the hotel rooms and the facilities they’ll get in the room. Along with that, you can also offer them some discounts when they book rooms from you. Along with that, you can advertise your hotel through different marketing channels such as email marketing, push notifications and SMS.
Take a closer look at this Hospitality Net survey results, which shows what travelers can expect from hotel apps. Mobile reception is at the top of the list, so it’s one of the best ways to increase convenience and improve customer experience.
Turn Your Hotel App Into A Local Tour Guide
Every tourist needs a little guidance. Offer your guests this guide through your app. Add features to your app that expertly inform guests of local attractions.
Additionally, based on rating and distance, the app can provide a list of local restaurants, shopping, and other events, along with the most appropriate activities. You can also enter local transportation suggestions when guests enter their destination. Create city maps for applications like Citymapper.
Allow Guests To Communicate In Their Language On Your Hotel App
Not all tourists speak your language. So that your guests can communicate smoothly using the sound detector and converter function. The mobile app can translate messages back and forth.
When a guest sends a message, for example, in Spanish, the manager receives the message in English, and the response can be translated back into Spanish. It ensures that all questions or special requests well communicate despite the language barrier.
The Best Hotel Apps Keep Your Guests Up To Date With The Latest Information
In today’s world, guests are cautious about their stay. Before booking a hotel, travelers consider many factors such as facilities, services, room space, and many more. The mobile app is a smart opportunity to showcase your hotel services. You can share photos and videos of rooms, restaurants, spas, swimming pools, shopping areas, arcade games, car rentals, price programs, and other attractions at the hotel.
Your app can be a one-time solution to any problem or problem your guests have. This feature is a smart idea, especially after COVID-19, as passengers ensure safety and cleanliness before booking your hotel. The hotel app details the cleaning process, and all other measures your hotel is taking against COVID-19.