Hotel Executive Voices: How is technology changing the experience of staying in a hotel?

From mobile concierges to virtual reality vacation experiences to wearable keycards, technology is changing travel in a big way – including the hotel experience. While there are certainly things we miss about travel before the internet, properties wanting to succeed best keep up with the trends. Here's how they're doing it:

1. Mike DeFrino, CEO of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants: "From the booking process through checking in to our hotels, technology is becoming increasingly more portable and we’re seeing a few key factors important for our guests in selecting a hotel: flexible spaces with ample outlets to plug in and charge up anywhere and everywhere, reliable high-speed wireless internet connections and comfortable designed rooms in which to enjoy their entertainment options. For business travelers, we have a super easy-to-use online booking tool called Kimpton Instant Meetings (or K.I.M). The tool allows guests to book meeting spaces 24/7 and select dates, locations, catering options and A-V needs at their leisure."

2. David Berg, CEO of Carlson Hospitality Group: "Our consumer research has shown that guests want to replicate (or exceed) the experiences they have in their own homes when streaming video or music, or updating social media. The ability to seamlessly connect to and control devices, lighting, room temperature, request services, etc. are all elements that are quickly becoming the expectation, not the exception."

3. Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts: "Technology should not be used for technology’s sake, but should be intuitive and to the benefit of the guest. For example, guests can now request a chilled bottle of Champagne to be waiting in their villa or a dinner reservation with just a short text message while lying on the beach."

4. Elie Maalouf, CEO, The Americas of IHG: "At IHG, we know that technology is the best way to connect with our guests across the entire guest journey, not just when they’re in our hotels, but when they’re dreaming about their trip, planning and booking it and sharing it with their friends afterwards. Other services in test include mobile room keys, which mean guests can bypass the front desk and head straight to their room, and IHG Guest Request, which guests can use to make an instant request, for housekeeping for example."

5. Eric Danziger, President and CEO, Début Hotel Group and Hampshire Hotels Management: "We are exploring mobile technology that will greatly enhance the guest experience by providing mobile booking, mobile check-in and mobile key, as well as upgrading our Wi-Fi. As an example, at our Night Hotels properties, we’re introducing a digital jukebox via Spotify where each hotel location will offer guests a curated playlist reflective of the property’s location."

Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.