UK: Serviced apartment operator Staying Cool has teamed up with Criton Apps to launch phase one of its digital concierge service for guests.
An app has been created which guests at Staying Cool’s Rotunda property in Birmingham can download before their visit to access a range of services, from guides and video information to recommendations to enhance their stay. The information on the app is written by the Staying Cool guest relations team, using the self-build app platform from Criton.
Staying Cool at the Rotunda’s general manager, Gavin Burns, said: “We have always been ahead of the curve as far as technology is concerned and what is increasingly clear is that guests want the convenience of using their own devices – laptop, tablet, or phone. For that reason we provide the best quality broadband and iPhone docks. It is also the reason why we have been looking at other technology ideas to enhance the guest experience – and the Criton app builder is perfect for that.”
Managing director Tracey Stephenson added: “We especially like the fact that the app is editorially rather than advertising driven. Every recommendation is there because we like the place ourselves rather than because we will make money from it – unlike so many concierge-style products on the market at the moment. The new app is free to download, includes information around what you need to do before you arrive, maps, video instructions for appliances and my own recommendations for local restaurants and places to visit. With business and leisure traveller in mind, it is a real time-saver and it is convenient.”
Phase two of the digital concierge rollout will see mobile check-in and room access, among other new developments, launched in quarter four this year.
Julie Grieve, founder and chief executive of Criton, said: “Staying Cool have lived up to their name and using Criton, have built a very cool, fully customised app for their guests to download. It has been great working with Gavin and Tracey because their attention to detail flows into their guest experience and I think the app will be an innovative addition for their guests.”
Criton is a sponsor of the Serviced Apartment Awards 2018 and the Serviced Apartment Summit Europe 2018.</p
