14 DAY TRIAL // 4,200 hotels and properties that belong to Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. will benefit from a revamped check-in system. The Wall Street Journal has got the scoop on how this system will work and how much they will invest to make it happen.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Hilton wants to leapfrog their competitors that have already included mobile phones as room keys. There is a fair number of hotel chains that do that, but Hilton is going to take Apple's devices even further. You can already check in and out using a smartphone or tablet computer screen at all of Hilton's Hotels in the United States.
However, before September 2014, guests will be able to select the rooms by mobile phone. This is not only going to apply to high-end hotels, but to midscale Hilton Garden Inn too.
Hilton's representatives have spoken to WSJ and detailed their plans on using the smartphones even more. The iPhone will be used to unlock room doors. By the end of 2016, there will be no need to stay in line at the front desk to pick up your key. Just go up to your room and use the smartphone in your pocket to get inside.
Christopher Nassetta, Hilton's chief executive, believes that his company will "give customers unprecedented choice and control at scale, in the palm of their hands."
According to the Wall Street Journal, more than 40 percent of visitors to Marriott's website view it on a mobile phone. That number is impressive if you count the fact that, four years ago, the mobile version of the same website was visited by only 1 percent.
The big hotel chains also want to find ways to combat the expansion of online travel agents like Expedia.com, because they charge the hotel companies fees. Having an app exclusively designed by the hotel that brings additional functionality to the guests can ultimately build brand loyalty. For example, a guest can be upgraded to a junior suite for an additional $25 (€18.60) per night, saving $40 (€29.76), depending on availability.
The publication makes the case of Hilton not being the first in this business to take these steps. Starwood is testing mobile phone room keys at two of its Aloft brand hotels, and Marriott says that almost 25 percent of their locations offer mobile check-in and check-out.
There's also a growing market for iPhone-controlled door unlocking systems. Apple has revealed that, along with iOS 8, they will introduce HomeKit, an integrated way to access your home security, cameras, AC, and other appliances.