Technology, especially intelligent technology, is playing an increasingly important role in the hotel industry to provide considerate service and make guests’ stay more convenient and efficient.

“Technology and living life to the fullest are the future … and the important thing is saving time and doing more of what is important for you, and intelligent technology is there to assist,” says Sonny Ang, head of sales and marketing of Marco Polo Hotels Group.

Many hotels have launched apps to let guests check in before their arrival. Guests of all Marriott hotels can enjoy mobile check-in. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers an app for both check-in and check-out. Its guests can also use an app to order all hotel services, such as dining and spa.

Mobile technology can also be used to expand hospitality services beyond the hotel. A mobile phone customized by a hotel extends the concierge service citywide, as guests can travel throughout the city without asking locals for help or carrying a guidebook.

Technology also can free up human talent, reducing a hotel’s operating cost. Aloft Cupertino in Silicon Valley, California, part of Starwood Group, became what might be the first hotel in the world to use a robot butler named A.L.O., who’s smart enough to work as normal staff, from doing check-in and out at the front desk to delivering room amenities.

“In the future, any technology that will be easy to use and is not time-consuming for any guest before, during and after a stay will be applied more. Time is possibly the most valuable besides life itself,” says Rainer Burkle, regional vice president and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong.

This week we introduce the latest technology used in hospitality industry.

Tailor-made phone

Each guest staying at Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong is given a customized smartphone called “handy,” which redefines travel. The phone distinguishes itself by providing guests access to the world digitally and to local lifestyle. You don’t need to buy a new SIM card when traveling in another country. Phone holders can enjoy unlimited local calls to connect with friends or clients. Unlimited 3G mobile Internet is available. The smartphone itself can function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, tethered to laptops and tablets, allowing business travelers to work and everyone to communicate.

Popular social media apps such as Facebook and WeChat are preloaded, allowing immediate status updates and sharing travel experiences. A currency converter, news services and iTranslate are three more apps useful for travelers.

Guests can use the phones to get wind of the latest lifestyle events in town, from art exhibitions to German beer fests, as well as promotions of more than 450 shops in Hong Kong and newly opened restaurants.

Handy phone is available as a complimentary amenity at three Marco Polo hotels — Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel.

Call (852) 2113-0088 or send e-mail to hongkong@marcopolohotels.com

Pure room

Business travelers with allergies no longer need to suffer from itchy skin, watery eyes, running nose and sneezing. Hyatt on the Bund recently opened 14 hypo-allergenic rooms, including one suite, where the latest technology is used to purify air in the room, filtering dust and other impurities. The hotel is one of the first in Shanghai offering such service.

“The whole floor of the rooms are designed as pure rooms … surfaces of the corridor are also treated to minimize the growth of bacteria,” says Jessie Zhai, assistant director of rooms.

When stepping into these rooms, guests are first impressed by clean and refreshing air thanks to tea tree oil aromatherapy and then greeted with a cup of mint tea to soothe the respiratory system.

Rooms are embedded with a 7-step procedure, highlighted by spreading a so called pure shield, acting as a barrier to minimize allergens on surfaces in the room, from carpet to sofa, mattress to bed linens and a specially made anti-mite mattress and pillow. Also, air purifier is installed in the room working 24 hours a day.

Most of these rooms have amazing views of the Huangpu River, embracing the historical Bund and modern Pudong skyline. Reservation is required three days prior to arrival.

Tel: (021) 6393-1234

Address: 199 Huangpu Rd

New app

Guests staying at Marriott hotels worldwide don’t need to wait in the queue at the front desk with their luggage but simply press their phone button. The hotel group recently launched its mobile app used for check-in. Marriott Rewards members, after downloading the app, can check in through their smartphone as early as 4pm the day before arrival. They will receive a notification message when the room is ready. Each Marriott hotel has a mobile check-in desk, where room keys are waiting.

“After Marriott developed the app, we engaged customers, asking for their feedback to perfect the experience and learn what mattered most to them,” says Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels.

“Mobile check-in is just the start. Our guests are more mobile and global than ever before, and technology is increasingly important to them, which is why we will add check-out soon,” Cahill adds.

For MICE customers, the hotel launched an app named “Red Coat Direct.” Meeting organizers using this app can make their meeting requests and adjust their preference without leaving the meeting room.

Tel: 4008-300-250

iPad in room

Each room at Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai has an iPad Mini for guests to customize their room ambience and enjoy all the hotel facilities. Through the iPad, guests can customize the lighting to create the ambience they feel most comfortable with. They can also easily control every part of the room, from television to curtains, from thermostat to Internet, from ordering spa to in-room dining.

Tel: (021) 2310-1234

Smart TV

All rooms at Wanda Reign Wuhan are equipped with electronic door eyes. When the doorbell rings, a note appears on the TV screen asking guests if they would like to see who’s outside. If clicking “yes,” the view out of the room will show up on the TV screen.

Moreover, hotel guests no longer need to turn the TV down when the telephone rings. The TV volume will be lowered automatically until the phone is hung up.

Contact: rsvn.reignwh@wandahotels.com