Hotel, Technology, Organisations & Operators,

RCD Hotels, a leading hotel company with luxury properties in different tourist destinations, with a multi-brand portfolio that includes all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, Unico 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya and other luxury brands in Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, has selected smart hospitality solutions provider, Hudini, to provide its guests with a multi-channel, contactless guest engagement experience across their hotels, resorts, and casinos.
In selecting Hudini, RCD Hotels will be able to provide its guests with a connected guest journey from pre-arrival to post departure and allow for faster, seamless, contactless and hyper personalized service delivery. Hudini, thanks to its powerful middleware and data management layer, comes preconfigured with a wide selection of APIs that seamlessly connect to over one hundred different hospitality systems. This seamless integration enables each property, and its guests, to manage every step of their journey from online booking and mobile check-in and digital room keys to in-room services, communication, check-out and payments, using a wide range of personal, wearable, and mobile devices. Guests will be able to digitally interact with the hotel from the comfort and security of their personal devices. In addition, guests can access their rooms with a mobile digital key and book, reserve and pay for spa treatments, personal training and F&B with the mobile app.“Our platform is ideally suited for organizations like RCD Hotels, that value the power of digitization.  Through our proprietary middleware we integrate with 100+ best-in-breed technology solutions, and seamlessly connect with hotels’ existing tech stacks. We are honored to have been chosen by RCD Hotels and to support the team on their digital transformation journey,” said Prince Thampi, CEO and founder of Hudini. “Once deployed, hotels can analyze and predict their guests’ needs to deliver a hyper-personalized experience, influence purchasing behavior to generate more revenue, and save valuable time by making services more seamless.”“RCD Hotels has always prided itself in giving its guests an unforgettable experience. The shift to digital services is in keeping with our goal of being a guest-centric brand. Knowing our guests better will only help us serve them better. We have many loyal guests and the digital engagement platform we are building will go a long way to making our loyal guests more satisfied with our products and services.”, said Jose Orlando Cruz of RCD Hotels.Witnessing an unprecedented demand from the hospitality industry, Hudini has doubled its growth in the past 12 months. The global pandemic has not just accelerated the demand for contactless technology to provide a safe and seamless guest experience, but more importantly, has caused a significant shift in mindset when it comes to digital transformation in hospitality.As a brand, RCD Hotels has been a pioneer in the industry since its inception. The company introduced the all-inclusive concept to Mexico nearly three decades ago and has since kept its position as an industry trailblazer with strong traditional roots. RCD Hotels’ previously established success in the luxury market has left a standard of excellence that will become even stronger with this digital transformation.

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As 2023 marks the year of sustainability, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr will complete its commitment to replace or remove all plastic items, from toiletries to water bottles. The hotel’s water-from-air bottling plant will be operational by March 2023, allowing for the substitution of the last item on the list, plastic water bottles.A first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s water bottling plant will use advanced technology to produce water from air. This air-to-water process utilises Atmospheric Water Generator, an innovative solution developed by Eshara Water.
Once produced, the water will be filtered and mineralized, and then filled into reusable, encapsulated glass bottles. Serving a total of 367 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, as well as all restaurants across the hotel, the plant will produce a total of 4,000 liters of water per day.

‌Pushing forward in line with the meaningful innovation, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr aims to continue to moving towards a better, greener and more sustainable environment for the hotel industry.
Source: https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/ADVERTISEMENT

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Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, in partnership with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), introduces Jumeirah Mobile Check-In, an industry-first biometric and digital technology solution.The avantgarde solution empowers guests to complete all check-in formalities prior to arrival through their mobile phone, delivering a seamless arrival experience and reducing the check-in process by up to 10 minutes.
Showcased during GITEX 2022, the technology allows Jumeirah guests, who booked directly on Jumeirah.com or its mobile application, to upload all essential identification documentation within 48 hours pre-stay. The process includes an industry-first verification step, where guests take a selfie from their mobile phone and upload this image to complete the check-in process. A digital or physical key, subject to guest preference, is then received upon arrival. In accordance with best practices to ensure privacy and security, and subject to guest approval, the service further uses guest identity to customise and create truly personalised experiences both on and off property.
Thomas B. Meier, Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group said: “Placing the guest at the heart of all we do is a top priority for Jumeirah Group, and we are always looking at new and innovative solutions to further enhance and personalise our hospitality experience. Jumeirah Mobile Check-In delivers on our promise of Stay Different, providing our guests with a secure, quick and easy check-in process, in addition to simplifying future reservations and facilitating payment processes.”
The innovative and user-friendly contactless check-in solution integrates Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts’ ecosystem with the UAE Government-approved check-in protocols and security features, providing guests a safe and secure check-in.
Shaikha Ebrahim AlMutawa, Director – Hospitality Affairs Department, Business and Registration Licensing Sector, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism said: “We are committed to creating unique value and providing the best guest experience, as we continue to work with our stakeholders and partners to further enhance the overall hospitality offering. We understand that time is precious for our visitors and are constantly exploring ways to make their travel experience in Dubai as seamless as possible by pushing the boundaries of innovation. This novel mobile check-in facility launched by Jumeirah Group promises an unrivalled experience for global travellers, further highlighting Dubai’s position as a must-visit destination.”ADVERTISEMENTCurrently available at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Mobile Check-In will be rolled-out across several of the group’s 13 hotels and resorts in the United Arab Emirates this year.
For more information, please visit https://www.jumeirah.com/en/online-check-in.

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Marriott International and Groups360 today announced the launch of Instant Booking for Marriott’s portfolio of hotels in the United States and Canada. Marriott International is the first brand to have a direct integration with Groups360 to offer the “Instant Book” functionality for both guest rooms and meeting space at scale on GroupSync Marketplace, providing planners with a streamlined booking process at the click of a button.
As the meetings and events landscape becomes more dynamic, many planners are currently challenged by the lengthy sourcing and contracting process, especially for smaller events. The need to book meeting space separately from guest rooms only adds complexity. GroupSync’s direct integration with Marriott now offers planners access to real-time best available group rates and inventory at over 1,500 Marriott properties across the United States and Canada, with additional growth expected throughout 2023. Once the instant booking is completed on GroupSync, hotels receive instant notification for faster handling and execution of small meetings.* This new capability significantly reduces planning time and directly addresses the needs of Marriott’s group customers.
In addition, planners now have the benefit of viewing inventory availability before submitting an RFP for more complex events at all Marriott hotels globally. The combination of these new capabilities turns the “sourcing” process into the “shopping” or “buying” process, simplifying the way planners book meetings.

“Through our collaboration with Groups360, we can now deliver real-time instant booking through GroupSync Marketplace at hotels in the U.S. and Canada,” said Drew Pinto, Global Officer, Global Sales, Distribution and Revenue Management, Marriott International. “This offers our group customers what they have told us they are looking for, which is a much more seamless and efficient booking experience. Our industry-leading integration with Groups360 will also allow all Marriott hotels globally to receive and respond to RFPs quickly and efficiently through a two-way response process. This will be a win-win for both planners and hotels.”ADVERTISEMENT“We are thrilled to have Marriott International join GroupSync Marketplace. Event organizers benefit not only from instant booking for rooms and space but from à la carte catering and equipment ordering, too,” said Kemp Gallineau, CEO, Groups360. “Their involvement is a testament to the commitment to reduce friction in group travel planning and help hoteliers, like Marriott, enhance their customer relationships. With the addition of Marriott International, we anticipate that over 20,000 leading hotel properties will be equipped to offer online group booking in the months ahead.”
Marriott is celebrating the GroupSync Marketplace launch by giving away 1 million Marriott Bonvoy® points with the Plan to Win Giveaway. To enter the giveaway, instantly book your small event for the chance to win 30,000 points, or book a larger event using GroupSync’s streamlined RFP process at one of Marriott’s extraordinary hotel brands for a chance to win 20,000 points. Visit Marriott-GroupSync Giveaway for complete details and rules.
*A small meeting is defined as 10-25 guest rooms on peak and/or events for up to 50 attendees, starting 4 days out and up to 1 year out with a maximum length of stay of 7 days.

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Traveling the world is a thrilling experience, however, soaring costs are making it unattainable for some vacationers.
For most travelers, finalizing flights and accommodations are top priorities, but the cost can put a dampener on holiday excitement. However, scouting out various hotel booking websites can help save some cash.
Travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip examined relevant data to determine which hotel booking website offers travelers the most cost-effective choices.
The study compares the prices of 50 hotels in 10 global tourist hotspots. Each city is assessed on its daily rates listed on Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and directly through the hotel’s website.
Overall, Hotels.com offers the most cost-effective accommodations. It is cheaper than other websites in 289 instances. Expedia and direct bookings are cheaper in 283 and 159 instances respectively. Booking.com is the least cost-effective option, offering a better deal than other websites in 54 instances.In New York City hotel prices quadrupled over the past two years and the study found that the average price of a hotel room will set you back $318. However, it’s also the city where you could save the most money – if you do a bit of searching.ADVERTISEMENT
On Booking.com the average price of a hotel room is $367. However booking through Hotels.com costs $293 on average, netting a saving of $74. Of the 50 hotels analyzed in the Big Apple Hotels.com offers the best deal 62 percent of the time.
With its abundance of beautiful historical buildings and vibrant culture, London is a must-see city for many travelers. However, hotel prices have steadily increased. The average price of a hotel room is $307, but this can vary greatly depending on the site you are using.
On average, rooms booked through Booking.com cost $331. While hotels booked through Hotels.com and Expedia cost an average of $286. Booking on either of these two sites is more cost-effective 82 percent of the time.
Dubai is expected to be an incredibly popular destination this year since its neighbor, Qatar, is hosting the FIFA World Cup in November. It is predicted that many travelers will take the opportunity to explore the area, including Dubai. You can save yourself some money by searching around for accommodations. A hotel room costs an average of $143, but there are some good bargains depending on which hotel booking website you use.
On Booking.com, the average price for a room is $166; while Expedia offers better rates. On average, a hotel room booked through Expedia costs $34 less, at $132. Booking through Expedia is the most cost-effective option 66 percent of the time.
In Singapore, inbound flights have dramatically increased this year. It is known for its lush green spaces and impressive marina, but it can be costly to visit. On average, a hotel room will set you back $218. On Booking.com, the average price of a room is $240, but having a look at other hotel booking websites can save you some cash. On Expedia and Hotels.com, the average price of a room is $208. Using these websites is the most cost-effective option 78 percent of the time.
Paris rounds out the top five cities where you can find the biggest bargain by searching various hotel booking sites. The city of lights is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and one of the most expensive too.
However, comparing prices can help save you some money. Booking through Hotels.com or Expedia can help you find the best bargain. Rooms booked through Expedia cost an average of $220, compared to those on Booking.com, which cost an average of $250. Booking a room through either Expedia or Hotels.com is more cost-effective 52 percent of the time.
Sarah Webber, Director of Marketing at InsureMyTrip commented: 
“The high cost of travel may be discouraging for Americans. We’re hoping this data encourages protentional-travelers to take a trip, knowing they are getting the best prices on hotel rooms.”

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