Source: H World International

Deutsche Hospitality is proving itself to be a real digitalisation trail blazer in the hotel sector. Several digital solutions are currently under development in order to be able to provide customers with state-of-the-art communication and reservation services, and a new web check-in function and further online payment methods are being introduced.

The company has also become the first German hotel chain to present the "Alexa Voice Service Skills Kit". "Alexa" is an Internet-based language assistant delivered via Amazon Echo which supports guests in the selection of their next travel destination. Users are asked targeted questions about their preferences and then receive individual hotel recommendations. "Alexa" is able to suggest suitable locations for upcoming health and beauty spa weekends, city trips or beach holidays. If the potential guests so wish, relevant links to the booking sites of the respective hotels can be sent out by e-mail. The "Steigenberger Hotel Search" skill is available for download free of charge in the Alexa app or in the Alexa Skill Store here.

As well as this personal language assistant, Deutsche Hospitality is also offering a facility to make bookings via a chat function with immediate effect. The implementation of such a system very much reflects current user habits. "Mobile end devices are assuming an increasing number of purposes in our everyday lives", explains Dr. Jan Sammeck, Director of E-Commerce at Deutsche Hospitality. "We have taken the opportunity to map hotel reservations in an intuitive and playful way. People are familiar with such an approach thanks to services such as WhatsApp or Facebook-Messenger. Our chat function enables mobile users to book their hotel stays quickly, automatically and interactively." This system has been created in conjunction with web developers from workmatrix, a company which specialises in the provision of hotel services and is already available on the Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts mobile website. It will now be rolled out to the other brands in the Deutsche Hospitality portfolio following a successful trial phase.

Deutsche Hospitality is also continuing to digitalise the check-in process. Guests who wish to avoid possible waiting times at reception will soon be able to access a new web-based check-in function via the relevant website. This service has already been incorporated in the apps for the IntercityHotel and Jaz Hotel brands. The app can also be used to open room doors and settle bills. In order to go one step further in future and offer all guests the possibility of checking in online without needing to download a dedicated app, plans are in place to make a stand-alone web check-in service available by the second half of the year.

In light of the growing significance of international hotel visitors and given the rise in cashless online transactions, Deutsche Hospitality is increasing the diversity of its payment options. Payments via Alipay will be accepted in future for reservations made via the company's websites. Alipay is an online payment system offered by the Alibaba Group in China. Boasting more than 520 million users, it is one of the largest platforms of its type in the world and is particularly popular amongst Chinese guests.

About H World International

H World International combines the strengths of seasoned brands with international hotel expertise. The company is represented in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region, and is advancing expansion with a balanced blend of lease, management, and franchise hotels. Nine unique brands are united under the umbrella of H Rewards – the consumer-focused and simple booking platform and unique loyalty program with more than 218 million members worldwide. H World International is part of H World, one of the world's largest and fastest growing hotel groups. Further information is available at int.hworld.com.

Steigenberger Icons are extraordinary hotels that combine unique historical value with modern concepts. Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels combine the distinctive Porsche Design Lifestyle with hospitality and service. At Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, guests enjoy an unforgettable and top-class hotel experience. Jaz in the City is a lifestyle brand concentrating on music: always in sync, lively, and unique. House of Beats supports local heroes and is an innovative brand with an uncompromising community approach. IntercityHotel is synonymous with flexible mobility and central locations and offers high standards for design and comfort. Maxx stands for what is most important in the mid-scale range of the market. Zleep Hotels offer Danish design, quality, and Scandinavian simplicity at an affordable price. Ji Hotel serves guests with a reserved eastern aesthetic, well-designed technology, and plenty of room for individuality. Book your stay at hrewards.com.

Anne-Christin Markert
Deutsche Hospitality
+49 69 66564-360
H World International