Tech Companies Enter New Partnerships

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hotels are implementing new technology solutions for enhanced guest experiences, efficient operations and greater security. Here’s a closer look at the properties making moves in tech:

Watermark Baton Rouge Hotel Enhances Security with VingCard
Watermark Baton Rouge has selected VingCard Essence door locks by Assa Abloy Global Solutions. VingCard Essence utilizes encryption technology to eliminate the risk of keycard cloning and unauthorized access. With its RFID technology and wireless online compatibility and integration with the Visionline access management platform, Essence also provides hotel staff with the ability to extend guest stays or reassign a guest to another guestroom without requiring a visit to the front desk. Essence door locks encase all electronic components within the door itself, allowing the solution to blend with design.

Remington Hotels Selects IDeaS for Revenue Optimization, Clarity and Control
IDeaS Revenue Solutions has implemented its G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) at Remington Hotels’ 12 independent luxury U.S. properties. After an evaluation of RMS providers and solutions, Remington selected to integrate IDeaS with its existing property management system, Springer-Miller’s SMS Host, based on G3 RMS’ ease of use, analytics, forecast accuracy, clear decision outputs, guided training and ongoing support.

Advantage Hotels Partners with VenueLytics
Advantage Hotels Inc. has entered a partnership with VenueLytics that offers its artificial intelligence-powered Reputation Management and Guest Experience platform to Vista and Select Inn properties. VenueLytics’ real-time reputation management platform provides a personalized welcome message to guests, sends surveys and gets real-time feedback and ratings while guests are at the hotel, and handles service requests and concerns 24/7 from the guest to increase revenue and net promoter score.

Zaplox Signs Agreement with Woodlands Resort in Texas
Zaplox AB has signed an agreement with The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center near Houston. The agreement, which includes both Zaplox Premium and Zaplox Kiosk, will offer guests the option of using a self-service kiosk upon arrival. The solution is integrated with the Oracle Opera PMS and the hotel’s lock system from Dormakaba. In addition, the Zaplox Premium mobile app has been integrated with the Alice concierge platform, so guests can communicate with hotel staff to request room services and use the kiosk for key card encoding, checkout and payment. It’s set to go live in January 2020.

Scottsdale Plaza Resort Puts Accounting in the Cloud
Aptech Computer Systems has revealed that Scottsdale Plaza Resort implemented Aptech’s PVNG Enterprise Back Office hotel accounting software system. Aptech is an IBM Premier Solution Provider as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner offering web-enabled business intelligence, budgeting and hotel accounting software systems that are 100% hospitality specific.

Comcast Business Checks in at Four Seasons in Boston
Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston has implemented X1 for Hospitality from Comcast Business, enabling guests to access the entertainment platform they have at home while on the road. The hotel also implemented Hospitality Voice and ethernet dedicated internet services for reliable connectivity across the property. X1 includes video content, on-demand TV shows and movies, a voice remote and tablet for hotel services.

Locale, Grand Cayman Implements Amazon Alexa by Volara
Locale, Grand Cayman, which opened its doors in March, now features Amazon Alexa voice assistants powered by Volara in every guestroom. By adding the in-room voice assistants, Alexa is answering guests’ requests for info and services in real time. The architecture of Volara’s software enables additional layers of security to ensure that guests’ personal information and conversations are protected, and the hotel’s proprietary data is secure. Volara’s patent-pending accuracy Engine ensures guest requests are properly handled, taking into consideration different colloquialisms and accents used by global travelers..

NEHÔ Group Appoints SiteMinder for Future Growth
NEHÔ Group is adopting technology by SiteMinder, the global hotel industry’s guest acquisition platform, to deliver more guests to its managed properties across France and Belgium. NEHÔ Group has taken over, developed and restored some of France and Belgium’s residential real estate in the last five years. The group is introducing new concepts and enhancing value to its growing portfolio of 17 managed properties and 1,800 rooms. NEHÔ Group is capitalizing on France’s growing $266 million travel and tourism industry to rebuild, modernize and open both new and existing properties.

Holiday Inn in Poland Partners with of InnSpire’s Technology Suite
InnSpire has partnered with the Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre in Poland to deploy its solutions across the property’s 236 guestrooms and suites. Through the installation, InnSpire upgraded the entire guest experience by combining new networks, with IPTV-heads and its TV-based sales, entertainments and analytics solution. InnSpire’s interactive guestroom offerings provide property information and access to apps via the guest’s devices or the guestroom TV. Additionally, InnSpire’s InnCable (an IPTV solution in a smart cable) gives guests a smart TV without the need to invest in new televisions.