HITEC 2015 NEWS: VirtualHotel to Launch Mobile App for Hotel Groups and Marketing Alliances
VirtualHotel™, formerly known as Cardola Ltd., has developed a new mobile application for multi-property/multi-brand portfolios that enables hotel groups and marketing alliances to showcase and promote their entire property portfolio in a single app. Called "VirtualHotel for Groups," (available for iOS and Android) the app is aimed at brand advocates and returning guests and introduces marketing efficiency for hotels and ease of use for the guest.
There is only one app to promote; one app works for all group properties and across all channels. Once a traveler downloads VirtualHotel for Groups, he or she can select a hotel by "Region" (country, state or city), "Experience" (beach, city, dining, golf, romantic, spa, historic, etc.), or the user can simply request accommodations located "Near Me." Because nearly 70 percent of mobile reservations are made for the same or next day, the Hotels Near Me feature will help capture potentially lost bookings. The app is fully customizable, enabling each property or brand to promote experiences that are applicable to the region and to the demographics of its loyalty customers.
Once users select a property, they are linked to a mobile brochure page. Every hotel in the group will have its own brochure page with photo gallery and location map. Users have the option to 1) book directly with the hotel from the app (reducing reliance on OTAs), 2) link to the hotel's website, or 3) click to call the hotel or the reservations call center (phone reservations are often overlooked by technology companies).
VirtualHotel for Groups integrates seamlessly with the company’s flagship VirtualHotel product so that guests can find local information and order services directly from their mobile device.
VirtualHotel can be used by guests to order room service, book spa treatments and request a whole range of services, such as wake-up calls, extra pillows or a toothbrush. Links to external services such as airline check-in, local weather forecasts and social networking sites, and a substantial "Local Area Guide" and map of the local area can be created to help visitors navigate round the city and find their way back to the hotel during their stay.
VirtualHotel features:
Direct reservations
Pre-arrival and post-departure sales
Loyalty program integration
Push promotions
Mobile check-in and check-out
Call now functionality
Location maps and route finding
Social media sharing links
Room service
Spa and restaurant reservations
Mobile concierge
Multi-lingual interaction
There is only one app to promote; one app works for all group properties and across all channels. Once a traveler downloads VirtualHotel for Groups, he or she can select a hotel by "Region" (country, state or city), "Experience" (beach, city, dining, golf, romantic, spa, historic, etc.), or the user can simply request accommodations located "Near Me." Because nearly 70 percent of mobile reservations are made for the same or next day, the Hotels Near Me feature will help capture potentially lost bookings. The app is fully customizable, enabling each property or brand to promote experiences that are applicable to the region and to the demographics of its loyalty customers.
Once users select a property, they are linked to a mobile brochure page. Every hotel in the group will have its own brochure page with photo gallery and location map. Users have the option to 1) book directly with the hotel from the app (reducing reliance on OTAs), 2) link to the hotel's website, or 3) click to call the hotel or the reservations call center (phone reservations are often overlooked by technology companies).
VirtualHotel for Groups integrates seamlessly with the company’s flagship VirtualHotel product so that guests can find local information and order services directly from their mobile device.
VirtualHotel can be used by guests to order room service, book spa treatments and request a whole range of services, such as wake-up calls, extra pillows or a toothbrush. Links to external services such as airline check-in, local weather forecasts and social networking sites, and a substantial "Local Area Guide" and map of the local area can be created to help visitors navigate round the city and find their way back to the hotel during their stay.
VirtualHotel features:
Direct reservations
Pre-arrival and post-departure sales
Loyalty program integration
Push promotions
Mobile check-in and check-out
Call now functionality
Location maps and route finding
Social media sharing links
Room service
Spa and restaurant reservations
Mobile concierge
Multi-lingual interaction