The wave of digitalization has also reached the hotel industry and offers a wide range of new opportunities. This also applies to supposedly simple things, such as the Guest Directory What are the ways and means to use a Digital Guest Directory and thus generate real added value for hotel and guest?
This is possible through digital guest service systems (GSS). There are various approaches to solving this problem. Which solution a hotel ultimately chooses depends on many factors, but especially on the available budget. After all, tablet solutions are expensive. One unit must be purchased or leased for each room. In addition, they must be cleaned and replaced in case of damage or theft. Moreover, guests prefer to use their own device (e.g. smartphone). Logically, because this is what they know best, and it also benefits the environment.
Native app solutions go one step further. The hotel basically does not require any additional hardware. However, apps have to be downloaded and updated. Furthermore, they are often not available for every smartphone or end device and take up scarce storage space on the respective device. And let’s be honest: No guest downloads another (hotel’s own) app for every hotel stay. Or would you?
Progressive web app solutions (PWA), on the other hand, do not need to be downloaded first. Guests use their own devices (smartphone, notebook, etc.) and connect to the hotel Wifi, for example. They then land directly on the digital guest service system (GSS). In addition, important information can also be provided before and after the stay. And what if a guest, contrary to expectations, does not have his or her own device? Not a problem. Progressive web app solutions can also be used via the existing SmartTV.
Conclusion: There are simple ways and means to participate in digitalization. The trend is increasingly moving towards progressive web app solutions (PWA). This is not a surprise, because they combine the advantages of native apps and mobile applications.
