INTERNATIONAL REPORT—These advancements in technology are making operations more efficient and enjoyable for both guests and hotel staff. Here’s a look at the recent industry solutions:
Crave Interactive Launches AppLess Mobile
Crave Interactive, a developer of cloud-based digital guest experience platforms for hotels, has launched Crave AppLess Mobile. The solution allows hotel guests frictionless access to digital guest services on their own devices, without the need to download a mobile app. Hotel apps statistically have low levels of engagement with guests, due to the reluctance of the guest to download an app before accessing services, according to the company. Recent advances in technology means that all major mobile phone brands now have a QR code reader built into the camera. Crave’s AppLess Mobile uses location intelligent QR codes, which enable guests to access a variety of services by simply pointing their camera at any code. The flexibility of the Crave system means hotel guests can access their in-room services and room controls, as well as specific services from any resort location. Crave also has integrated easy payment technologies, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
OTA Insight Launches Rate Insight Enhancement
OTA Insight, a cloud-based data intelligence platform for the hospitality industry, has launched an enhancement to its Rate Insight tool, the company’s rate intelligence solution for global hotel chains, local brands, management companies and ownership groups. The company’s new Comparison Module Functionality is a rate-type comparison feature that will remove the need for timely report generation and analysis and allow hoteliers to understand and evaluate competitors’ discounting strategies at the click of a button, according to the company. This development will enable hoteliers to analyze different rate variations, including length-of-stay, public vs. member rates, mobile vs. desktop rates, meal plans, best flex vs. lowest rates, number of guests and more, and extract detailed competitor discounting plans via a side-by-side comparison dashboard.
RMS Intros Solution to Make Property Management Easier for Hoteliers
RMS, The Hospitality Cloud, a provider of all-in-one, cloud-based hospitality solutions, has revealed RMS Prime, a streamlined version of its management software for hotels. RMS Prime will enable more independent, boutique hotels to be able to take advantage of RMS’ technology by shortening the initial on-boarding process for single properties, and its daily operations. RMS Prime consists of the basic feature functionality of RMS’ existing PMS—an online booking engine, rate management, point of sale, guest correspondence, accounting and reporting—with additional setup support to ensure clients utilize the software.
Hotel Matilda Unveils App for Guests
Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, has revealed a personalized app for guests. Available in both Android and Apple formats, and personalized for each guest, the new Hotel Matilda app enables in-depth guest interaction with hotel staff and expedited response to their needs. Guests receive a personal code before arrival, which remains valid until a week after their stay, allowing them to look at menus, order room service, review spa options and make reservations, as well as access a variety of features. Through the app, guests are connected with the concierge via chat SOS, so they can use their phone or other device for immediate reservations or other assistance; the concierge monitors the app 24/7. Connection to the app, which is via phone or WiFi, allows guests to organize and control their travel experience with their devices, from advising the hotel about their special dietary needs to learning about events in real time during their stay.
Vervotech Launches AI-based Automated Hotel Mapping Platform
Vervotech, the travel technology company known for its AI-based offerings, has launched another core product, Unica, expanding the company’s product line. Unica standardizes the distribution of descriptive and illustrative content, such as star ratings, amenities, geocode, name/brand, description, images, nearby attractions and other static content, to help the agencies maximize correctness of travel reservations. Unica delivers four new primary capabilities: content deduplication and standardization, 99.99% accuracy in mapping, elegant UI & dynamic self-subscription models, and series of enhancements for business users who can now get rich data in real time.
Nomadix Implements WiFi Solution at Vietnam Hotel
Nomadix Inc., a provider of guest-facing cloud-managed network edge devices, has implemented its WiFi solution at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza (SSP) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. To better manage guest WiFi access, Sofitel Saigon Plaza management sought a solution that could support more than 1,000 simultaneous devices, as well as offer greater bandwidth management and control to improve the overall guest experience. Previously, SSP had been using a gateway that was incapable of supporting such a large number of devices accessing the network at once. The existing gateway was also unreliable, resulting in slower connections, drops in service and did not always provide access to the guest login page. The Nomadix AG 5900 that was implemented at the property integrated with the SSP’s PMS, Opera, to enable the hotel to collect guest information and classify users into the correct tier.
