Whether it’s a five-star property providing five-star service or an economy hotel ensuring a warm welcome and efficient service, a property’s reputation and success are founded on friendliness, efficiency and face-to-face interactions with their guests. Today’s hospitality technology has emerged as a crucial tool for hotels and resorts to meet those goals as they strive to balance their use of technology with classic and timeless customer service. Properties have developed several strategies to enhance service delivery with technology without diluting the essence of hospitality.
“Guests need to feel connected to us, not their phones or other tech gear so that they can truly relax and enjoy,” commented Denny Grosclaude, Hotel Manager of Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, Washington. “Less tech and more personal engagement is always a good way to go.”
In today’s digital landscape, guests’ expectations are influenced by their experiences online where their preferences are automatically remembered. Guests know that Amazon can remember and suggest their favorite brand of shampoo. Their expectation now is that their favorite resort should remember their anniversary or the bottle of wine that they always purchase. Hospitality technology can provide the framework to make that level of guest service operationally feasible if the solution is carefully and thoughtfully implemented.
“Technology can automate processes but it needs to be carefully applied as there is no automation for personal interaction with guests, especially in the resort industry,” noted Tjibbe Lambers of Otesaga Resort Hotel.
Use Technology to Recognize Repeat Guests
Building a closer relationship with guests is one of the ways that a property can distinguish itself amidst a sea of hospitality providers. Recognizing their repeat guests will go a long way toward establishing this relationship.
“We start by identifying return guests at the point of making a reservation,” commented Susan Engler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Blue Harbor Resort. “Understanding the guest’s history prepares us to have a better understanding of their expectations and provides a platform to deliver a personal level of service.”
