Jeri Clausing
In the world of luxury, it's all about the extras. But Covid-19 can make it challenging for hotels to deliver many of the amenities guests have come to expect.
Still, properties increasingly are finding ways to keep the services flowing, even at a distance.
Accor, for instance, which operates the Fairmont, Sofitel and Swisstel brands, this month launched in-room wellness programming at select North and Central America properties in partnership with wellness technology company Three Sages.
Guests at participating properties have access to complimentary yoga, stretching, breath-work, mindfulness and sleep practices through their in-room entertainment system.
"During these stressful times, the option of having a comprehensive restorative wellness program like this to enjoy from the comfort of your room further elevates our guests' overall experience while on property and alleviates some of the pressure from the travel experience," said Daniel Poulin, director of the spa and fitness program for Accor in North and Central America.
Also this month, a company that puts best-selling books on the nightstands of luxury and boutique hotels said it is going digital.
Bedside Reading said it has launched Bedside Reading on the Download, "a clean, green and touchless book and podcast program, delivering the same quality of books it has always delivered to hotels and their guests."
Under the program, guests are offered free downloads of six to eight bestsellers before, during and after their stay.
Acqualina Resort & Residences; Conrad New York Downtown; the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows; the Waldorf Astoria Chicago; the Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York; the Meritage Collection (including the Meritage Resort and Spa, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Pasea Hotel & Spa, Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort, Vista Collina Resort); the Dream Inn; the Jacquard; and the Morrison House are among the first hotels to offer the program.
The company said it also plans to launch in Europe in the next two months.
"We wanted to provide a safe and touchless way to continue to share the many wonderful authors to our hotels' guests," said company founder Jane Ubell-Meyer. "Downloadable books as a virtual amenity for the hospitality industry was the answer shared globally and across many platforms and provided complimentary to travelers. We are excited to still provide a novel amenity to our hotels and their guests."