In-room automation buoys hotel sector

RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business

At a time when a technology-driven revolution is sweeping across most of the industries, the hospitality sector is in no way planning to stay aloof.
Waking up to the demands of
digital age, hotels across the UAE are opting unconventional technical practices to live upto new-age expectations of their customers. As per industry estimates, UAE hoteliers are expected to pump in upto $10 million in technology sector to brace their operations.
One of the novel digital practices
is ‘in-room automation’ which enables hotel owners to provide their guests the convenience of controlling multiple functions right from their comfy room.
Next time during a hotel stay in UAE, you don’t have to dial the reception for booking a spa appointment or asking about the play area access time for your kids; you have a ‘GENIE’ at your disposal. Hard to believe? Try staying at Address Hotels + Resorts.
The five-star premium hotel brand of UAE-based Emaar Hospitality Group, is drawing on the power of advanced in-room automation services with the launch of iGENIE – an iPad that works as per your swipes.
“iGENIE sets a new standard in the hospitality industry by pushing the frontiers of how advanced information technology solutions are leveraged to benefit guests,” said Chris Newman, corporate director of operations, Emaar Hospitality Group.
He added, “We aspire to provide them with first-class service standards that ensure a comfortable and seamless stay. The launch of iGENIE is a testament to our efforts to remain at the forefront of the industry by leveraging the latest technologies that appeal to our guests.”
Assuring the full range of guest services at the tap of a finger, the new automated service facilitated through in-room iPads provided to the guests, offers unbeatable convenience and value. From booking leisure and recreation appointments from the comfort of their rooms to ordering for any of the hotel services across concierge, housekeeping, engineering, to name a few, as well as exploring the internet for infotainment and entertainment, iGENIE is being considered as path-breaking for the region’s hospitality sector.
Stating that intuitive technology is the future of the hospitality industry, HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel told Emirates Business, “Intuitive technology basically means taking advantage of innovations in technology and
implementing solutions that allow anticipating and serving the needs
of a guest.”
“Some examples can be in-room iPads that are interfaced to allow guests to order room service, schedule wake-up calls, book spa appointments, use smart phones as room keys or electro-responsive fibres in sleepwear and soft electronics in pillows that can monitor your blood pressure, sleep patterns and stress levels, and accordingly music and lighting can be adjusted to help you relax,” pointed out Voivenel.
Comforting complete in-room control, the innovative iGENIE platform enables guests and residents of all hotels and serviced residences under The Address Hotels + Resorts to access services such as navigating the entire network of The Address Hotels + Resorts to make informed decisions about restaurants, spas, business centres and other amenities.
Additionally, guests will also be able to experience Dubai’s most admired attractions including KidZania, Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and At the Top, Burj Khalifa, allowing them to take advantage of all that is being offered, through a simple touch or swipe of the screen.