Hip Hotels

Implications - Taking a page out of the smart home book, hotels are integrating learning technology to adjust to consumer preferences for everything from check-in to room temperature. This makes for an easier, more customized, and ultimately more comfortable experience. This seamlessness minimizes the adjustment period most guests fall subject to when staying in a new place; the comfort implemented through this technique is both physical, and psychological. [More]

Implications - As consumers become accustomed to IoT within modern homes, hospitality brands are looking to stay ahead of the curve by integrating intelligent connectivity throughout their hotel rooms. Through AI and voice-controlled technology, guests can fully control their environments and easily customize room settings to their preferences. This increased in-suite connectivity ensures convenience for travelers while also ensuring consumer engagement for hotels as many guests would rather interact with digital features rather than hotel staff. [More]

Implications - While the ideal version of extremely personalized hospitality might have each guest paired up with their own personal concierge, many hotels are leveraging mobile technology that is offering something incredibly close. Through apps and mobile phones that are programmed to offer the same conveniences, tips and insider knowledge travelers are used to receiving from the front desk, the hospitality industry can cater to consumers on a much more individual level, wherever they are. This plays into the need for autonomy many travelers seek, providing them with a sense of confidence as they know they'll be receiving 5-star treatment even off hotel premises. [More]

Implications - To stay ahead of the unprecedented growth seen by the share economy and companies like AirBnB, hospitality brands are finding creative ways to join them rather than beat them. Through partnering with P2P startups to offer new accommodation experiences or creating their own shared hospitality platforms, hospitality megaliths are subverting consumer preconceptions of large corporations. By acting small, bigger brands can adapt faster to emerging market trends and recapture the attention of the previously elusive Millennial demographic. [More]

Implications - In the information age, relaxation is as much about omission as it is about adding experience or value. An example of how this is being applied in the travel industry is through minimalist hotels that swap out tech-enhanced accommodation for basic amenities and the natural beauty of the destination. [More]

Implications - As unique amenities continue to be an important way for hotels to differentiate themselves from competitors like Airbnb, boutique and chain hotels alike are designing stays around innovative health and wellness programs. In addition to highlighting the ubiquitous nature of the wellness movement, this shift speaks to the need to established brands to add value with unique and unexpected new offerings. [More]

Implications - Brought on by both fears of impending climate change and the age of competitive travel via social sharing, high-intensity polar travel excursions to both the Arctic and Antarctica are emerging in a variety of forms. This progression speaks to the expectation of self-betterment through one-of-a-kind travel experiences that simultaneously offer adrenaline-driven activities that still emphasize a connection to nature. [More]

Implications - With many Millennial consumers viewing shareability as a main selling point when investing in experiences, forward-thinking hospitality brands are introducing amenities and features centered on such types of engagement, whether in the form of communal accommodations or social media-enabled stays. This progression demonstrates that with the service and hospitality industry facing ongoing disruption, more established brands are tasked with investing in the overall value of experiences offered in order to appeal to Millennials and other hard to reach demographics. [More]

Implications - Millennials are willing to splurge on something that will provide them with lasting memories. As a result, experiences that are adult-targeted, aiming for couples or friends who have some discretionary income and likely don't have to support a family, can be seen. This is the Millennial's conscious decision to forgo having children in favor of maintaining a carefree lifestyle in action; a decision that also enables more freedom in terms of spending habits. [More]

Implications - As Millennial travel habits continue to redefine the industry, many established hotel chains are launching diffusion brands that offer simple, streamlined experiences at lower price points. A progression that was first felt in the fast food industry, this shift is related to the cost-consciousness of younger travelers, as well as the push for transparency from brands in the form of product and fare structures that are more easily understood. [More]