Ibis has revealed it is rolling out a number of changes to enhance the guest experience, including mobile check-in and two new room concepts currently being trialled at the hotel chain’s Blackfriars property in London.
The company says its new strategy to bring the local community into its properties is in response to a study that found 80 per cent of those surveyed would like new hotels to be a social venue where everyone including non-guests can gather. As a result, Ibis aims to offering new and flexible spaces that “encourage social interaction and connections between customers, travellers and local residents”.
Ibis hotels will no longer feature prominent check-in desks, with guests instead to be greeted by a member of the “Ibis Smile Team” and complete check-in at the bar or in the lobby. The process requires the use of tablets and a proprietary mobile solution and the chain claims the move will allow staff to be more interactive with guests.
The brand aims to equip the entire network of Ibis hotels around the world with this technology by 2022.
As part of the new hotel concept, Ibis will also host more than 100 live music performances in its properties, with emerging artists set to take the spotlight.
In addition, the chain is piloting two new guest room concepts at its Ibis London Blackfriars property.
The Agora, designed by Innocad, features plants throughout the room, as well as yoga mats for guests to use. Desks have been moved from underneath the wall-mounted television to sit near windows to help with concentration when working.
Meanwhile, the Plaza, designed by FGMF, features a simplified and functional room layout, again with desks moved to the window.
ibis.com