The number of hotel reservations has decreased by 50% nationwide in the context of the epidemic showing no signs of abating, and hundreds of accommodation establishments continue to close.
While many hotels are waiting for the tourism industry to boom again when an anti-Covid-19 vaccine will be approved in the near future, or are forced to open due to financial pressure, hoteliers are
`The most important thing right now is health, stability as well as ensuring everyone feels safe and confident to use hotel services again,` said Tom Ito, a pioneer in the hospitality industry and a
A New York Times reporter asked executives, designers and suppliers to imagine how the customer experience will change post-pandemic, beyond the ongoing emphasis on housekeeping and
Hotel rooms do not require contact or touching
For a long time, hotels, especially budget and mid-range ones, have been moving towards automation including opening doors with mobile phones instead of keys and guests checking out themselves.
A smartphone can help visitors open the door and pay quickly without contact.
Currently, travelers expect greater adoption of automation.
With the combination of a speaker and tablet-sized control screen, guests can ask the Nest Hub questions about pool hours, set alarms, and request extra towels or room service without calling.
`We believe that not only will it improve the customer experience, but it will also limit unnecessary contact,` said Manuel Bronstein, vice president of Google Assistant.
At the Virgin Hotel hotel system in Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and soon to open in Las Vegas early next year, this software has been significantly improved to be able to adjust the lighting, temperature and lighting systems.
`We don’t ask you to sign a room service confirmation form,` said Raul Leal, chief executive officer of Virgin Hotels.
Flexible restaurant and robotic service
Not all hotels offer al fresco dining throughout the year, or can afford to enforce social distancing rules.
`It’s used to answer the question ‘How can we restructure a restaurant so customers don’t have to enjoy dinner in a cramped space?’` said Ron Swidler, chief innovation officer at The Gettys Group.
The group recently convened a gathering of 325 industry experts from Hilton, Marriott and Cornell University, among others, to create the Hotel of Tomorrow project.
“Maybe these robots will have personalities and they will even play with you,” Mr. Swidler added.
Room service fees are often expensive, but perhaps tourists will accept paying if the waiter is a robot during a pandemic.
Even without partygoers, hotels are planning to repurpose underutilized meeting rooms, ballrooms and even event lawns.
“We think the whole dinner experience could change,” said Gensler’s Mr. Ito.
Bring the outdoors into the room
Most hotels are maximizing the use of open spaces, where guests can feel safer during the pandemic, by moving dining tables and outdoor fitness activities.
Gettys Group plans to redesign spaces such as meeting rooms and event areas with digital projections of plants to simulate the natural movement of nature, adding an air filtration system.
“One of the benefits of this is it signals to people that this interior space is safe,” Mr. Swidler said, citing a study showing a stress-reducing effect.
Incorporating nature into buildings, known as biophilic design, has been effective where there are green walls, potted plants or moss gardens in guest rooms and common areas, such as in hotels.
Mr. Ito said: `We take these designs as a goal to strive for, and note that more hotel rooms will have balconies or windows to let in fresh air.`
The lobby of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in New York uses many trees and green walls to create a fresh feeling for visitors.
Design of the rooms
Hotel rooms won’t just be places to sleep and shower anymore.
Take in-room service as an example.
`In the past, room service wasn’t great, but now it’s an amenity that everyone wants and you can design hotels that deliver great in-room dining experiences,` Mr. Ito said.
Gyms are also being considered for expansion beyond just yoga mats in the closet.
`You won’t have to go downstairs and socialize with others in the gym or wear a mask while working out,` said Anton Moore, the hotel’s general manager.
Sleep still plays an important role.
Mobile hotel room
This summer, Americans discovered recreational vehicles for their transportation.
Mobile hotel rooms – which have been conceptualized by van rental companies such as Cabana – are one of The Gettys Group’s future plans.
