Hilton is jumping into the smart technology craze, testing “connected” hotel rooms that can automatically adjust temperatures according to a guest’s preferences and sync televisions to their Netflix accounts.
Joshua Sloser, the company’s Senior Vice President of Product Innovation, told Cheddar that Hilton wants guests to have a personalized digital experience from the get-go. The efforts started with allowing customers choose their rooms and unlock doors with their devices.
“To bring all of that same functionality into the app for their in-room stay,” he said, “is a win for the consumers, and it actually drives a ton of engagement.”
The hotel chain allows customers to fill out a preference sheet prior to their arrival, so the company can customize their experience by the time they check in. For those who may have security concerns, Sloser says the data is deleted from every room upon check-out.
“It’s really about giving the guest the opportunity to share what they want,” he said.
Hilton has so far tested the service in one hotel and plans to expand the program before the year ends.
Increased personalization is one way the hospitality industry is trying to compete with disruptors like Airbnb, which are growing share of the short-term lease and rental market.
Sloser says that Hilton takes on the challenge by focusing on customer service.
“We believe that hospitality is a business of people serving people,” he said.
For full interview [click here] (https://cheddar.com/videos/the-hotel-industry-gets-smart).
Taking a look at investment strategy as the new year gets into full swing.
Americans stepped up their spending in December more than expected, closing out the holiday season and the year on an upbeat tone. The Commerce Department said retail sales rose 0.6% in December compared with a November’s 0.3% increase.
A New York architect charged in a string of slayings known as the Gilgo Beach killings was accused in a 25-year-old Connecticut woman's death.
Uber purchased Drizly in a cash-and-stock deal for $1.1 billion in 2021. The drink delivery app will shut down in March, according to Uber.
After Donald Trump's victory at the Iowa caucus, Nikki Haley and DeSantis continue their campaigns as New Hampshire's primary looms.
Christine Short, VP of Research at Wall Street Horizon, shares insights on small and big banks earnings, a fresh round of layoffs in the tech world, and what to expect from upcoming rate decisions.
More executives are feeling better about the global economy. But a growing number don’t think their companies will survive the coming decade without a major overhaul because of pressure from climate change and technology like artificial intelligence.
The International Olympic Committee has signed the first beer brand in the 40-year history of a sponsorship program that earns billions of dollars for the organization and international sports.
The latest calculations from several science agencies showing Earth obliterated global heat records last year may seem scary. But scientists worry that what’s behind those numbers could be even worse.
Along with the $122 million from delinquent millionaires in October, nearly half a billion dollars in back taxes from rich tax cheats has been collected.
