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Advanced Technology
With the increase in technological advances, hotels are taking full advantage of smart phone apps for their patron's convenience. The apps allow guests to unlock their hotel room doors and guest only areas with the use of their mobile phones. The lock system connects via Bluetooth to an iOS or Android App. It may be a challenge to take this type of residential technology and adapt it to a hotel environment due to security issues. The main benefit of this entry lock system is that it will give guests the freedom from the traditional key card and unless you lose your phone, you will never again be locked out of your room. There are always potential issues with security, but one safety precaution is to have the guest download the key into their app only when they are on the hotel premises. Hotel chains need to be ready to adapt immediately to any possible security breaches. Doors will need to be opened with an alternative device in the case of an emergency.
The purifier reduces bacteria, dust mites and other possible irritants for allergy sufferers.
A Clean Air Stay
Guests are requesting allergen friendly suites, which require the removal of feather duvets, carpeting, drapes and rugs. Providing mattress and pillow covers to protect from dust mites, installing cleanable antimicrobial hard surfaces to guarantee low bacteria, and using cotton bed and bath linens. Currently one hotel chain utilizes a seven-step process to reduce allergens through a high quality air purifier. Guest rooms undergo a 4-hour ozone shock treatment to remove any remaining living organisms and lingering odors. Tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant, is often used for the general cleaning in these types of rooms. Hotels are enlisting outside companies such as Pure Room to convert a portion of their existing guest rooms to hypoallergenic guest rooms. Pure hotel rooms are also known as featherless rooms, or enviro-rooms.
Bed & Breakfast Lodging
Millennial consumers are driving a shift to urban rather than resort destinations. This younger demographic has a yearning for a one of a kind experience. They strive to share their most interesting images and experiences on social media outlets such as; YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Vine. There is a noticeable upswing in occupancy of B&Bs, short stay apartments, or rental communities. Some Millennials find it appealing to stay in a residential type environment, having all the conveniences of home. In all cases the B&Bs provide a cost effective alternative to hotels. Another benefit of the Bed & Breakfast is when the owner is actively involved in the local businesses where discounts, and friendly advice on the sights of the city, are plentiful and reliable. In an effort for Bed & Breakfast owners to capitalize on this new trend, they must provide amenities, which will attract this generation such as free Wi-Fi plug ins, comforts of home and the feeling of community to create authentic and memorable personal experiences. Websites must include mobile apps and provide information on current events happening in the area. This youthful group is looking for low cost luxury combined with unique, personal experiences.
Multigenerational Travel
Today's seniors are living longer, in part to healthier lifestyles, and are eager to make up for lost time and long distances away from their cherished grandchildren. A large majority of these trips are planned around milestone events, often exploring rental properties where they can capitalize on all of their time spent together.
Active Exploration
This type of travel combines nature with physical activities. The desire to check something off one's bucket list, participate in a first athletic event: marathon, mud run or obstacle course. Individuals are seeking ways to stay active and healthy on the road.
