Serviced apartment provider Cheval Residences has launched a new website with a booking engine powered by an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Allora and has also released a guest app using technology developed by Criton.
Cheval is the first serviced apartment group to adopt Criton’s technology, which allows properties to build their own concierge app to offer to guests. Using an integrated instant messaging service, guests can contact concierge, housekeeping and maintenance teams from within the apartment or while they’re on the go.
Additionally, guests can request extra services or items and the app includes a local area guide, as well as all the information they need for their stay and instant booking links.
The Cheval app can be downloaded to mobile devices from today.
The brand’s new website features a new design and upgrades to optimise the user experience on mobile.
AI elements have been integrated by booking engine and conversion specialist Avvio, with Allora displaying personalised content based on user interactions. It also facilitates location-based translation and other specialist functions.
Cheval says the new website will help it convert visitors into customers and will help it grow direct bookings. The group aims to reduce online travel agent (OTA) bookings to 10 per cent of booked revenue by 2019.
George Westwell, director of Cheval Residences, said: “Our guest experience is always of the upmost importance to us from start to finish, and for many our website is the first impression they will get of both our accommodation and the brand. With the inclusion of Allora across our website, the customer journey becomes tailored to the individual from the off-set, so users get a sense of personalisation even ahead of their stay. We have now developed a new Cheval app in partnership with Criton, with the focus on further enhancing the guest experience.”
Frank Reeves, co-founder and CEO of Avvio, commented: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as the partner of choice for Cheval Residences once again. It’s been fantastic to work with their forward-thinking team on such an exciting project, particularly with the next generation of booking engine that we’ve been developing over the past two years. We’re confident that we will continue our successful relationship between Cheval Residences and Avvio.”
Julie Grieve, founder and CEO of Criton, added: “Our new product will be transformative for groups of serviced apartments and hotels as they wrap all guest-facing technology into one unique portal, and we are delighted that the team at Cheval Residences is already benefiting from this new functionality. Group functionality is a game-changer for multi-site operators like Cheval, enabling them to showcase the unique personality of each property while reinforcing their brand, increasing direct bookings and driving loyalty from new and repeat guests.”
chevalresidences.com; avvio.com; critonapps.com