From gadgets, apps and services, this is how the travel industry takes on tech this year
Technology has continuously weaved its way into our lives, becoming a vital extension of ourselves. It’s also becoming an essential part of our travel experience, especially as hotels and attractions get on the tech bandwagon to cater to tech-savvy holidaymakers and travellers.
The Emoji Only Room Service Menu
Ordering room service has never been so colourful or so graphic for that matter at Aloft Hotels, following the launch of their new Aloft TiGi (Text it. Get it.), the world’s first emoji-only room service menu. Designed for the hyper-connected global traveller, the service allows guests to simply text an emoji of what they want and within minutes, the delivery is made. The service is currently available at the newly opened Aloft Manhattan Downtown – Financial District in New York City with a roll-out to other Aloft properties later this year.
Japan’s Robot Hotel
Taking a page out of Blade Runner, Japan has opened the doors to the Henn na Hotel, which is staffed by robots. Located in Nagasaki, the hotel is predominantly operated by robots, including the check-in counter where guests can interact with a dinosaur, a robot or a female humanoid. Automated robot porters help deliver luggage to rooms and there’s also a room service machine that takes care of guests needs. Each room also comes with an interactive robot, which can answer basic queries and operate simple room features like lights.
An iPad in every room
Ecclestone Square Hotel in London has embraced technology by allowing its guests to be connected at all times. The hotel is a boon for tech-savvy travellers as its integrated its range of services with smart devices such as the iPad. In fact, every room in the hotel is equipped with the iPad 2 device allowing guests to control in-room functions like temperature, the television and lighting. The device also acts as a personal concierge for guests as it comes with apps that can take in-room dining orders and reservations as well as provide local information at their fingertips.
Marriot’s VRoom Service
The Marriot group is taking travel to a whole new level by providing its guests with an in-room virtual reality experience. Marriot Hotel’s Vroom service utilises a Samsung Gear VR headset and headphones, which allows guests to immerse themselves in a virtual reality environment. Some of the service offerings include a VR Postcards program that can ‘transport’ guests to other travel destinations such as Chile, Rwanda and Beijing where they can fully immerse themselves in those cities without having to leave the comfort of their room.
