Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Hotels: useful technologies?

Digitization and new digital and immersive technologies have revolutionized many sectors, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Hotels are constantly looking for innovative ways to attract and retain customers, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) has become a powerful tool for training employees, improving sales and enhancing the customer experience.

One of the most effective uses of AR/VR in the hotel industry is virtual immersion. Guests can now explore hotel rooms, common areas and facilities through interactive virtual tours. This technology allows guests to get a clear idea of what the hotel looks like before they even book a room.

For example, a potential guest can use a virtual reality headset or app on their phone to walk through the different areas of the hotel, visualizing rooms, restaurants, pools, meeting rooms and so on. This allows guests to better understand the atmosphere of the hotel and make an informed decision when booking.

What's more, virtual tours can be enriched with contextual information such as rates, availability, services and facilities. Customers can thus obtain all the information they need without having to consult several websites or contact the hotel directly. This use case is particularly interesting for the international sales of large hotels, which are looking for high volumes of clientele. For example, HYATT Regency Paris offered its sales teams an iPad application offering maps and virtual tours of the hotel. This offer proved all the more interesting as the hotel had undergone a thorough 5-year renovation.

In addition to its impact on sales, AR/VR can also be used to train hotel staff. Employees can benefit from interactive virtual training that simulates real-life situations and enables them to practice different tasks and procedures.

For example, employees can be trained in greeting customers, using reservation systems, security procedures and more. They can interact with virtual customer simulations and receive real-time feedback to improve their skills.

This approachsaves time and resources, as virtual training can be carried out anytime, anywhere, without the need for a physical trainer. What's more, virtual training offers a more immersive and engaging experience, which encourages learning and knowledge retention.

Augmented reality is a second technology particularly well-suited to training. With Hololens training, employees benefit from continuous, personalized training. Available 24/7 on augmented reality headsets, this tool offers multimedia content, guided questioning and real-time process review. Learners are empowered through self-assessment, performance reporting and multilingual access. It's a whole new approach that's engaging, participative and dynamic, boosting productivity while reducing the cost of recurrent training. Augmented reality training for hotels is a cutting-edge, fun approach, tailored to each individual learner.

Finally, smartphone applications can also be used to train hotel staff. Employees can use training apps to familiarize themselves with service procedures, communication techniques, quality standards and more.

For example, an employee can use a training app to learn how to prepare cocktails, tidy rooms, carry out maintenance tasks and so on. In this way, employees can practice these skills in a safe, controlled environment, improving their confidence and efficiency when interacting with customers.

Finally, training applications can be easily updated to reflect the latest hotel standards and procedures. This ensures that staff are always trained in best practice, and deliver quality service to guests.

Holograms are another technology that can enhance the customer experience in hotels. Holograms, also known as 3D Holofans, can be used at reception to welcome guests and provide them with useful information.

For example, a hologram of a virtual employee can guide guests through the check-in process, providing information on hotel services, local attractions, restaurant opening times and so on. Holograms can also be used to provide multilingual information, which is particularly useful for hotels with an international clientele.

Holofans create a unique and memorable experience for guests, enhancing their satisfaction and loyalty to the hotel.

As well as improving customer service, imagine a work of holographic digital art to enhance your lobby?

What's more, holograms reduce queues at reception, improving the efficiency of the check-in process and customer satisfaction.

Concierge and local tourism discovery apps are becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry. These apps allow guests to access information on local attractions, restaurants, events and more, directly from their smartphone or tablet.

For example, a concierge app can provide personalized recommendations based on customers' preferences and interests. Customers can also use the app to obtain itineraries, maps and additional information on local attractions.

These applications offer guests a convenient and personalized experience, enhancing their satisfaction and loyalty to the hotel. In addition, hotels can use these applications to promote their services and generate additional revenue by offering special offers and restaurant reservations.

In conclusion, augmented reality, virtual reality and holograms offer numerous opportunities to enhance sales and customer experience in the hotel industry. From immersive virtual tours to augmented reality staff training, holograms and concierge applications, these technologies enable hotels to stand out from the competition and create memorable experiences for their guests. By strategically integrating these technologies, hotels can enhance their appeal, increase sales and build customer loyalty.