The techonology transformed the meaning of hospitality. Actually, there is already so much technology on the market that people (hotel staff and travelers, too) get often confused and overwhelmed. However, your hotel probably stick to some after all. And once you do so, you should get everybody who is necessary to get involved in use of the solution.
The same applies for mobile applications. There is a huge boom in this particular kind of technology. You can find many of them developed by the wide range of companies. But what about guests? Does they get it? Do they know that mobile apps are not just another fancy (and useless) tool? If you will not overcome this perception, only small portion of your guests will actually use it and thus, it will be worthless.
This post is purposely focused on how to communicate the benefits of your hotel mobile application to your guests so they consider it to be valuable and beneficial for their stay. Let's get started!
1. No waiting at the front desk
This is the big one. Nobody has the time to be wasted. Thanks to the technology, guests don't have to visit front desk in case they need something anymore. The same applies when it comes to table reservation in the restaurant, or booking of some facultative trips.
In one of our research, we found that 67% of your guests will not order the service because of waiting. Now, we do some magic – waiting is not a thing anymore, sales of your services are increasing!
2. Guests don't have to take an extra mile to come
In some of the huge resorts, guests literally have to take an extra mile (seriously, walk 1,600 metres) in case they need something. If the same applies in your hotel, it might be a significant time and energy commitment from your guests to come and ask for something. This can also represent the boundary between you winning sales or you with the empty pockets.
3. Information about the hotel in your device
Mobile applications allows your guests to access the information about your hotel offerings and activities in the area anytime without need to perform the search. In case the guests need some extra information, they can reach you directly via live chat and ask the particular questions.
4. Guests can rate their experience
Providing the real-time feedback might can affect the rest of the guest's stay. We believe that this would be a possiblity guest should have at her dispoal – let you know what is wrong so you can make it right and make the stay more pleasant. Compare it to booking engines that asks for the feedback 2 days after check-out. Little bit too late? Certainly. I think that feedback on booking engines matters to hotel because it helps them (or not) acquire new guests.
5. Guests can be in touch with hotel even outside the hotel
People don't visit the hotels because of hotel but because of the are that surrounds it. So it is pretty obvious that once they leave your hotel, they loose a touch with information etc. Not with mobile apps!
Guest hotel application allows guests to contact the hotel anywhere, anytime – only Internet connection is necessary. They can plan their evening in the hotel or ask for the advice if they get in trouble. Your hotel will be a perfect ally for them.
If you communicate the abovementioned benefits to your guests, they will be more open to the use of the application. Tell them about it during the check-in or send them an information upfront. Are there any other benefits you think might persuade your guests? If so, share them in comments.
