Skift Take

Technology for hotel employees has made significant strides in the past five years, but there are still new frontiers to be addressed such as putting staff in guests' hands via mobile concierge apps or communicating with guests through messaging platforms.

seedlingsHotel employees are expected to be many things these days — from destination experts to personal assistants to crisis resolution staff.

Technology that’s being widely adopted by brands, such as mobile platforms or messaging apps, often dictates the direction that brands move in rather than brands creating custom technology themselves. Of course, there are exceptions with intuitive brands making the first move and charting their own course. Some hotels are creating software or apps that address challenges their specific brands are facing instead of taking platforms meant for mass audiences and trying to make them fit.

This week we’re looking at startups that want to help hotels create and access the technology that will make their brands stronger, whether that’s helping employers find talent or creating mobile concierges that will make guests’ lives easier.

Temper is a platform for finding on-demand hospitality employees and for freelancers to also discover employers.

>>SkiftTake: This could help employers in a last-minute bind in desperate need of help, but more often than not hospitality employers are looking for permanent employees to make sure they cultivate a culture that understands their guests and their brands.

Hocaboo is a mobile app connecting hospitality employers to local talent. An individual property can create an account on the app and so far Hocaboo has more than 50 hotels using its platform including Sofitel and Radisson Blu properties.

>>SkiftTake: As with any kind of app that involves connecting two strangers, it’s easy to fabricate certain details. Job candidates using an app like Hocaboo will require just as much screening as those that don’t.

Hoteligent helps hotel employees correct inefficiencies and assign work to and collaborate with other employees.

>>SkiftTake: Many hotels are dissatisfied with guest management software they use because they don’t allow everyone to be on the same page or the user interface is clunky. Hotels can’t meet guests’ expectations if they’re constantly obstructed by technology.

Hotelcloud builds e-concierge platforms for hotels and apartment rentals.

>>SkiftTake: At a time when several hotels desire to promote their concierge staff as local experts, Hotelcloud’s platform enables that strategy to take form.

Direct 2 Guests is a proprietary mobile app specializing in providing hotels with tablets for guest rooms. The tablets offer integration with hotel services and local insider information such as dining, activities and weather.

>>SkiftTake: Putting technology in rooms makes communication easier between staff and guests and better encourages a conversation to take place than if the tablets weren’t there. Travelers aren’t being asked to download anything, but on the other hand they still enjoy using their own devices.

For all of our SkiftSeedlings collection, check out our archives here.

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Tags: skiftseedlings, startups

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