InterContinental Hotels Group
(IHG) is testing
amenities guests would access via their mobile devices.
IHG will offer mobile check-in in its Americas region; guests
will receive text notification when their rooms are ready. At some properties, IHG will test an
app enabling guests to use a smartphone as a room key.
IHG will debut a Guest Request feature, in which guests can use an app to ask for
services from hotel staff. The company has also introduced an app for Apple
Watch users where guests can speak into the smartwatch and have English
translated into one of 13 other languages.
Also, IHG is collaborating
with Stay.com, which later this month will start
providing personalized travel guides for IHG guests.
IHG franchises, manages or owns
more than 4,900 hotels in almost 100 countries. Its brands are Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, Even Hotels and Hualuxe. IHG also owns boutique hotel company Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.