Hotel Indigo, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, has launched a new guest service they call “Neighborhood Guide,” an interactive touch screen that will be installed in hotel lobbies across the system.
Much like a virtual concierge, the display allows guests to look up local attractions, restaurant recommendations and interact with guests from other properties around the world.
But what makes the service particularly interesting is that recommendations aren’t carbon copied from guidebooks, but curated from hotel staff: everyone from the bartender to the room attendant contributes addresses of their favorite hangout, like the best place in the city for a burger or late night jazz.
“Our guests want to experience something unique and different when they travel. For them, it’s not about doing what’s trendy or popular.”
“They want to be with interesting people and make a meaningful connection to the neighborhood,” said Americas brand manager Mary Winslow.
Integrated Google maps also allow guests to send directions from the Neighborhood Guide directly to their mobile phone by email or by scanning a QR code, while photo-sharing features enable travelers to share their photos with the other 54 Hotel Indigo properties around the world.
