As 2021 approaches, we present to you 21 trends in boutique hotels. Some of them started years ago, while others became popular in the last few months. We're certainly entering a pretty dynamic decade already. Technologies are beginning to be adapted massively in the field of tourism, and guests have increasingly different needs.
In the first part of the presentation, we have prepared 10 trends in the so-called smart hotels and green hotels.
Smart hotels
1. Reserving a specific room, as if you were reserving a seat on an airplane
The first trend is related to a greater degree of choice – not just of room type, but of a specific room, as if guests were booking a seat on an airplane. Hilton introduced digital check-in to the HHonors loyalty program. In the future, there will be more and more hotels that will introduce such functionality, as well as others - the possibility of an upgrade or express check-out via smartphone.
2. Check-in without keys or cards
The next level of security entering boutique hotels is keyless and cardless check-in. The possibilities are in two main directions: electronic locks or check-in via smartphone.
The R34 boutique hotel we manage has electronic locks. Thus, there is no need to maintain a 24-hour reception desk. Overnight self-check-ins are via pre-sent codes.
3. Control by voice commands
In the near future, the hotel room will be equipped with voice recognition devices. Whether you want to play music or dim the lights, you won't have to stop what you're doing.
4. A tablet that adjusts the systems in the room
Long instructions in folders that almost no one reads will be a thing of the past. Some hotels are already introducing the use of a tablet that can centrally control lighting, temperature and music. Some brands that are gaining popularity are: Crestron, INTELITY, SuitePad and Crave.
5. Smart mirror in the bathroom – to watch a movie while brushing your teeth
LG and Savvy have a joint development for the hotel bathroom – a TV built into the mirror itself. Brushing your teeth won't be boring anymore! When it is turned off, you can see a mirror and there is no way to tell that there is actually a built-in TV. This follows the trend of providing information to the user when and where they want it.
6. Ultra-fast Internet
Guests now need ultra-fast internet as the line between entertainment and work is blurring. Whether it's streaming, processing files with specialized software or uploading information, many boutique hotels now offer Internet speeds over 100 Mbps. This is especially useful for people who work from different points around the world.
7. Room service robot
A year ago, the room service robot developed by TMM Automation, called Roomy, made headlines. It was presented at the Best Western Premier Airport Sofia and caused a real sensation. Another similar project is called Relay by the American company Savioke. This robot finds application not only in Tourism, but also in Healthcare and Logistics. A few months ago, Softbank together with Bear Robotics presented a solution for restaurants - a robot waiter called Servi. This robot brings the orders to the tables, skillfully bypassing all obstacles in its path.
Green hotels
8. Vegan alternatives to meat in restaurants
Some restaurants already offer meat alternatives – the two most popular brands are Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. These are vegetable products that resemble meat and at the same time are kind to the planet due to the lack of carbon emissions in their development. Also, significantly less water is required in production. According to demographic forecasts, by 2050, the population of the planet will reach about 10 billion people. Therefore, plant-based foods will be used more widely. Competition in the industry is becoming fierce, even at the local level - there are now Bulgarian products.
9. Saving water - slow showers
Hotels make great efforts to reduce water consumption. One of the companies that act in this direction is called Interel. One of their products is a shower console that can regulate not only the water temperature but also the pressure. The water management system can reduce water consumption between 20 and 30%.
10. No plastic – replace straws, utensils and bottles with biodegradable materials
An interesting trend is the replacement of small consumables such as straws, utensils and bottles, which until now have been made of plastic, with biodegradable materials. At Hotel R34, we offer guests eco-slippers that are biodegradable. At first glance, this may seem like a small thing, but for hotels on an annual basis, it is definitely significant.
This was the first part of 21 boutique hotel trends for 2021. Expect the rest in the coming days, and in the meantime like it Facebook page us.
