Umstead Hotel: Our App Breaks from Cookie-Cutter Templates

The Umstead Hotel and Spa now enables its guests to control their experience before, during and after their stay through “Umstead Connect” powered by runtriz. Using its Hotel Evolution mobile, location-based technology platform, runtriz facilitates a host of guest service transactions – from ordering room service and luggage pick-up to requesting spa services and more – for The Umstead’s guests. With runtriz, each hotel’s mobile app is customized to mirror the hotel membership group, brand or independent flavor (vs. using a cookie-cutter template) thereby enhancing guest service, maximizing revenues and creating true differentiation.

 

Whether onsite or off property, The Umstead’s guests can communicate with the property from anywhere using their mobile device. The Umstead’s hotel app facilitates guest requests or “touches” that are then processed by the runtriz web platform and delivered to the appropriate hotel department, keeping the guest apprised of the status at anytime they desire.

 

“Technology is everywhere, and as such, we knew we needed a mobile solution for those tech-savvy guests who demand convenience,” says The Umstead Hotel and Spa's general manager Jim Beley. “We selected runtriz because of its simple concept and ability to be implemented without us having to invest in a lot of new technology. We are delighted to have launched Umstead Connect.”

 

Because art is a hallmark of The Umstead, Beley said using the hotel’s mobile app is an exciting component because it enables guests to peruse a selection of the hotel’s 95-piece collection – viewing an image, title and artist's bio of each piece. According to Beley, guests are often intrigued by this collection; using the mobile application is easier for some guests to navigate, versus the property's more detailed art collection book.

 

“With art and nature central to The Umstead’s simple, yet sophisticated dÉcor, we are able to promote the hotel’s art, floral designs, and imaginative, locally-sourced cuisine via the mobile app to stir each guests’ interests,” says Beley. “We are just as delighted to have The Umstead Hotel and Spa a new part of the runtriz family, as guests are to experience Umstead Connect.”