The first of five Signature Lux Hotels that are to be opened in SA in the next 18 months features digital services, such as its own online check-in ahead of arrival.
Guests at the four-star hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, will be able to use their smartphones as room keys, as enabled by Ariane Systems, the global self-service check-in/out technology for the hospitality industry firm, available in SA through exclusive reseller, Nu Menu Solutions.
The service allows guests to check in online the day prior to their booked stay, through the various iRiS platforms.
The iRiS guest experience platforms are designed for Web, mobile and in-house hotel technology. They allow guests freedom over their stay, from changing the room temperature to booking a taxi. Hotel owners can also track data usage and browsing habits and see what's popular and what's not, allowing for focused marketing strategies.
Paul Kelley, MD of Signature Lux Hotels, explains: "The guest will then receive an automated e-mail from which they can review or change reservation details, add additional conveniences such as parking passes and pay online. The confirmation e-mail will provide detailed instructions on how to retrieve their room key from the on-site kiosk, either through entering a four-digit code or scanning a QR code at the key dispenser.
"If a guest has stayed at the hotel once, we will have captured their details on our in-house reservation system which ensures all sensitive guest information is protected in the cloud. This effectively means we can forward them their room number as well as mobile guest key on route to the hotel and allow them to completely bypass the kiosk."
Kelley says the hotel developers and operators constantly benchmark themselves against the latest brand innovations within the hospitality industry.
"Providing self-service definitely does not mean a lack of service. On the contrary, it contributes to our guests' comfort and improves their experience. Your entire hotel visit is controlled at your fingertips. Besides the 24-hour self-service check-in kiosk, we also offer automated housekeeping, room service, internal WiFi calling and a built-in 'call-a-cab' service."
Earlier this year, iRiS achieved gold partner status with Oracle MICROS to deliver cloud-based solutions to the hotel and restaurant industry.
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