IHG catches up with technology

Recently IHG has partnered up with the online travel service Stay.com which enables the IHG guests to research and plan trips as well as create personalized travel guides that could be shared via social media. The hotel group is also rolling out the mobile check-in and check-out services. As part of the service, guest can view their hotel bill in real-time on their mobile device, before receiving the final bill during check-out. In addition, in the US the hotelier is testing mobile room key technologies that will allow guests to bypass the front desk when checking into their room. “The initiatives we are showcasing today are really exciting because they reinforce how our digital capabilities add value beyond the booking opportunity,” said Michael Menis, senior vice president digital and voice channels at IHG.

At the same time, IHG is experimenting with a mobile service which allows guests to make an instant request through the hotelier’s mobile app. The company is also testing the iBeacon technology: installed in the IHG hotel lobbies and restaurants, beacons recognize the IHG loyalty program members and send them information and offers relevant to their stay. The group has also informed that it is introducing a new functionality to its Apple Watch app, which will be giving travellers access to on-demand translations from English into app. 13 different languages. According to IHG, the app has been downloaded over 4 mln times since its launch earlier this year.