As technology advances, more and more businesses are using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to improve their operations. VR and AR offer a number of benefits for hotel businesses, including the ability to increase guest satisfaction, improve customer service, and boost sales. In this article, we will discuss how VR and AR can be used in a hotel business and the benefits of these technologies.
What Is Virtual Reality?
First, let’s talk about virtual reality. Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or experience. VR simulations can be experienced through headsets that allow users to see, hear, and interact with the simulated world.
You’ve probably heard of some popular VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Samsung Gear VR. These headsets are used for gaming, but they can also be used for other purposes, such as training, education, and entertainment.
What Is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality, on the other hand, is a live view of the real world that has been enhanced by computer-generated images, sounds, or other information. AR can be experienced through devices such as smart glasses, head-up displays, and mobile phones.
One of the most popular examples of AR is Pokémon Go. This game uses your phone’s GPS and camera to display Pokémon in the real world. As you walk around, the Pokémon appear on your phone’s screen, as if they are in the same location as you.
How Can Hotels Use VR and AR?
Now that you know a little bit about VR and AR, let’s talk about how hotels can use these technologies to improve their business.
Virtual Hotel Tours
One way that hotels can use VR is by offering virtual tours of their property. This is a great way for potential guests to get a feel for the hotel and see what it has to offer.
Hotels can create a virtual tour of their property using 360-degree photos or video. These can be viewed on VR headsets or on websites and social media platforms that support 360-degree content.
Some hotels are even taking things a step further by creating interactive VR experiences that allow guests to explore the hotel and its amenities. For example, Marriott Hotels has created a virtual reality experience that allows guests to view different room types and check out the hotel’s restaurants and bars.
Virtual Travel Experiences
In addition to virtual tours, hotels can also use VR to offer guest’s unique travel experiences. For example, Marriott Hotels has partnered with the travel company, Airbnb, to create a VR experience that allows guests to explore different destinations.
This VR experience is available on Marriott’s website and can be viewed on Oculus Rift headsets. Guests can choose from a variety of different locations, such as Paris, Tokyo, and New York City.
Virtual Bookings
Another way that hotels can use VR is by allowing guests to book rooms using VR headsets. This is a great way for hotels to increase bookings and give guests a unique booking experience.
Some hotel chains, such as Hilton, are already using VR to allow guests to book rooms. Hilton’s VR experience, called “Hilton Honors Experience Center,” allows guests to view different room types and amenities before making a booking.
In addition to allowing guests to book rooms, hotels can also use VR to allow guests to make other reservations, such as restaurant reservations and spa appointments.
VR Games
Hotels can also use VR to offer guests unique gaming experiences. For example, some hotels are offering VR gaming rooms that allow guests to play popular video games, such as Call of Duty and Minecraft.
In addition to VR gaming rooms, hotels can also offer guests other VR experiences, such as escape rooms and haunted houses. These experiences are a great way for hotels to offer guests something unique and exciting.
Translation Services
Finally, hotels can use VR and AR to offer translation services to guests. This is a great way for hotels to provide guests with a better travel experience.
Some hotel chains, such as Marriott, are already using VR to offer translation services. Marriott’s “Language Lab” allows guests to select a language and then view translations of common phrases in that language.
This VR experience is available on Marriott’s website and can be viewed on Oculus Rift headsets. Guests can choose from a variety of different languages, such as Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many ways that hotels can use VR and AR to improve their business. These technologies offer a great way for hotels to provide guests with unique experiences and increase bookings.
If you are a hotel owner or manager, we encourage you to consider implementing VR and AR into your business. You may be surprised at how these technologies can benefit your hotel.