Extend Stay: the quickest ascending business model in hospitality​

Extend Stay: the quickest ascending business model in hospitality

Dec. 4, 2023

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, 2023 has brought forth a significant transformation—the surge in popularity of extended stay accommodations. This trend reflects a fundamental shift in traveler preferences, with an increasing demand for prolonged comfort, flexibility, and a home-away-from-home experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors driving the rise of extended stay hotels and how they are reshaping the hospitality landscape.

Adapting to Evolving Travel Dynamics

The travel landscape is undergoing a notable change, marked by a growing preference for longer stays. Factors such as remote work, extended vacations, and temporary relocations are driving travelers to seek accommodations that go beyond the traditional short-term model. Extended stay hotels are responding by providing fully-equipped suites, kitchen facilities, and a range of amenities tailored to the unique needs of long-term guests.

Catering to Remote Work and Digital Nomadism

The surge in remote work and the increasing number of digital nomads have become pivotal factors in the rising popularity of extended stay hotels. Professionals embracing flexible work arrangements are seeking accommodations that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality. Extended stay hotels are now offering spacious suites with dedicated workspaces, high-speed internet, and amenities tailored to the specific needs of remote workers.

Prioritizing Home-Like Comfort and Convenience

Designed to replicate the comforts of home, extended stay hotels offer fully equipped kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, and a sense of spaciousness beyond the typical hotel room. This design philosophy resonates with travelers who prioritize the convenience and flexibility of a home-like environment, especially during extended stays.

Offering Cost-Effective Solutions

In an era where budget-conscious travel is paramount, extended stay hotels present cost-effective solutions for long-term accommodation. Many properties now provide weekly or monthly rates that encompass utilities and other amenities, enabling guests to enjoy extended stays without straining their budgets. This affordability factor appeals to both leisure and business travelers seeking extended periods of accommodation.

Emphasizing Health and Safety Considerations

The global pandemic has underscored the importance of health and safety in the travel industry. Extended stay hotels, with a focus on spacious accommodations and self-contained facilities, align with the preferences of travelers prioritizing a controlled and secure environment. Private kitchens and reduced reliance on shared spaces contribute to the appeal of extended stay hotels in a post-pandemic world.

The ascendancy of extended stay hotels in 2023 signifies a fundamental shift in the approach to travel and accommodation. Whether accommodating the rise of remote work, adapting to changing travel dynamics, or meeting the desire for home-like comforts, extended stay hotels are at the forefront of reshaping the hospitality landscape. As the industry progresses, it’s evident that the extended stay model is a compelling alternative for modern travelers seeking more than a transient experience on the road.

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Defending against cyber attacks: Lessons from MGM’s $100M breach​

Defending against cyber attacks: Lessons from MGM's $100M breach

Nov. 30, 2023

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the hospitality industry has become a prime target for cybercriminals, with social engineering emerging as a particularly insidious threat. Here, we will delve into the dangers of social engineering cyber attacks on hotels, drawing attention to notable incidents, such as those affecting MGM Resorts and Caesar’s Palace.

The Rise of Social Engineering:

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. In the context of hotels, this could range from gaining unauthorized access to guest information to infiltrating critical systems.

MGM Breach:

MGM’s recent fall to a massive social engineering attack was one of the most notable breaches in history. MGM has incurred nearly $100M in losses from the event, despite their decision not to pay the demanded ransom.

See More About the MGM Breach

Caesar’s Palace Breach:

Caesar’s Palace, another iconic name in the hospitality industry, faced its own cybersecurity challenge. While not as extensive as the MGM breach, Caesar’s Palace encountered social engineering attacks that likely compromised the data of millions. These attacks often targeted employees through deceptive emails, phone calls, or other communication channels, often impersonating upper management at sensitive times like during the night shift.

See More About the Caesar’s Palace Breach

Understanding the Tactics:

  1. Phishing Emails: Cybercriminals often send deceptive emails that mimic legitimate communication from within the hotel. These emails may contain malicious links or attachments, leading employees to inadvertently disclose sensitive information.

  2. Pretexting Calls: Attackers may use pretexting – creating a fabricated scenario or pretext to obtain information – in phone calls to extract confidential data. For instance, posing as a manager or IT personnel to gain access to employee or guest data.

  3. Impersonation: Social engineers might physically enter the hotel premises, posing as maintenance staff, delivery personnel, or other trusted figures. This allows them to move through the hotel undetected, potentially gaining access to secure areas.

Preventing Social Engineering Attacks:

  1. Employee Training: Regular and comprehensive training programs for hotel staff can help them recognize and resist social engineering attempts.

  2. Enhanced Authentication Measures: Implementing multi-factor authentication and stringent access controls can bolster the security of guest and employee data.

  3. Regular Security Audits: Conducting routine security audits and assessments can identify vulnerabilities and potential points of exploitation.

As hotels continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount. Social engineering attacks pose a significant threat, and the incidents at MGM Resorts and Caesar’s Palace underscore the importance of a proactive and vigilant approach to cybersecurity in the hospitality sector. By investing in employee training, adopting advanced authentication measures, and regularly auditing security protocols, hotels can fortify their defenses against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

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Can AI really hold a conversation with hotel guests?

Can AI really hold a conversation with hotel guests?

Nov. 15, 2023

In recent years, the hospitality industry has witnessed a significant transformation, thanks to the increasing capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). One notable development is the ability of AI to engage in realistic conversations, but in an industry with such a heavy emphasis on face to face interaction, is this AI realistic for hotels?

See 10 Reasons Why Hotels Are Choosing Chat Bots

The Evolution of Conversational AI:

Conversational AI has come a long way since its inception. Early chatbots were often clunky, providing generic responses and struggling to understand the nuances of human language. However, with advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, modern conversational AI systems have reached unprecedented levels of sophistication.

Hotels are increasingly leveraging these AI systems to streamline various aspects of guest interaction. From handling reservations and check-ins to providing local recommendations and fielding guest requests, AI-powered chatbots are becoming an integral part of the guest experience.

Personalized Assistance and Recommendations:

One of the key strengths of conversational AI lies in its ability to offer personalized assistance. By analyzing guest preferences and past interactions, AI systems can tailor recommendations and services to meet individual needs. Whether it’s suggesting nearby restaurants, arranging transportation, or providing information about hotel amenities, guests can enjoy a customized experience that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional services.

Efficiency and Convenience:

Conversational AI in the hotel industry is not just about delivering a personalized experience; it’s also about enhancing efficiency and convenience. AI-powered chatbots can handle routine tasks such as room service requests, housekeeping inquiries, and even booking spa appointments. This not only frees up hotel staff to focus on more complex guest needs but also ensures that guests can access services promptly and effortlessly, enhancing overall satisfaction.

24/7 Accessibility:

Unlike human staff, AI-powered chatbots are available around the clock. This 24/7 accessibility is a game-changer for the hospitality industry, especially for international travelers who may have different time zones. Guests can get instant responses to their queries or requests, contributing to a more responsive and guest-centric service model.

Overcoming Language Barriers:

In a globalized world, hotels often cater to guests from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Conversational AI breaks down language barriers by offering multilingual support. Guests can communicate in their preferred language, and the AI system can seamlessly translate and respond, fostering better communication and understanding.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the rise of conversational AI in the hospitality industry brings numerous benefits, there are challenges and considerations to address. Ensuring data security and privacy, fine-tuning NLP algorithms for cultural nuances, and maintaining a balance between automation and human touch are critical factors that require careful attention.

 

The short answer here is yes, the right AI can hold a great conversation with a guest and ultimately be a tremendous addition to your team. It is important, however, that we use AI to enhance our guest service, not replace it.

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