Xeros Technology : Hospitality Trends to Watch For in 2017

What will hotels be focusing on in 2017? Let's look at a few of the trends that may impact the industry next year.

Increased Service Offerings

Hotels, particularly luxury properties, distinguish themselves through their services. According to Travel Market Report, two of the most popular service offerings are valet parking and dry cleaning. But in 2017, look for hotels to offer even more for their guests.

As travelers are presented with more and more options while traveling, they will look for the best overall experience-and that means more than just a nice room to sleep in. Expect dining, entertainment, and spa and beauty services to become a bigger part of the hotel scene, as well as services that provide comforts above and beyond those of being at home: superior laundry and cleaning services, luxurious feeling towels and bed linens, and personalized attention and service.

Utilizing Customer Feedback

In recent years, hotels have realized the value of customer reviews and feedback-particularly on the internet-but in 2017, look for more in the hospitality industry to use that feedback to their advantage.

U.S. News and World Report notes the recent Hyatt Regency social media campaign, 'It's Good Not to Be Home,' that resulted in the creation of an in-room food and fitness routine and an on-the-go beauty bar-both suggested by consumers. While many hotels are now utilizing social media to interact with guests and provide customer service, fewer have taken it to the level of soliciting suggestions or actively putting those suggestions into action-at least at this grand a scale.

As technology continues to bridge the divide between brands and their consumers, more hotels will likely take advantage of that connection for brand research, insights, and marketing purposes.

The Internet of Things

It isn't just people that will be more connected in 2017. More and more devices are becoming a part of the Internet of Things, from crockpots to washing machines. It might seem needless to some, but the possibilities it presents for hotels in laundry services alone are truly impressive.

Imagine the ability to monitor the amount of hot and cold water used, how much energy is consumed, and how many chemicals are used, and keep that data for overall cost and efficiency analysis. It could have a huge effect in an area where the hospitality industry has historically struggled to calculate accurate costs.

If you're not sure what your hotel laundry operation is costing you, 2017 may be the year to consider a technology upgrade. Click the image below to learn more.