BYOD: Reaching hotel guests on their own devices

In this blog post, we’ll explain why a bring-your-own-device solution (BYOD) is still a valuable component in the overall SuitePad service, and how to use it to its full potential.

What do we mean by “BYOD”?

SuitePad BYOD is a browser-based solution optimized for all mainstream smartphones, tablets, and computers. It allows guests to explore the services that hotels offer during their stay and is easily distinguishable from the information provided on hotel websites which is often directed at guests who are yet to book. BYOD works through any device that has access to a browser, so it's ideal for adding as a link to pre-stay emails or as a homepage once guests have logged into the hotel WiFi.

Features that are most useful for guests include:

• Accessing information about the hotel
• Making orders
• Making reservations – particularly before arrival
• Requesting late checkouts
• Giving feedback

SuitePad BYOD vs. SuitePad Tablets

Let's take a look at the numbers. We compared the user behavior of our SuitePad BYOD solution with that of SuitePad tablets over a limited period of time at selected hotels – these were the results:

It’s clear from the results that SuitePad’s in-room tablet is the most effective of the two solutions as it performed better in all areas and for guests, was the preferred platform of the two. The BYOD solution sounds ideal, but in practice, adoption rates were low. Guests who connect to the hotel WiFi are usually interested in checking emails, reading messages, or watching Netflix rather than exploring what their hotel has to offer. This means that links to the BYOD solution are likely to be overlooked.

On the other hand, the SuitePad tablet conveniently allows guests to explore what the hotel has to offer, and it’s unlikely they'll pick it up for any other reason. They can browse through hotel offers, reserve and book experiences, order room service, check out the spa, or offer their feedback on SuitePads because that's what they're made for! Guests can even explore the SuitePad while checking emails, reading messages, or watching Netflix shows on their own devices.

Why SuitePad BYOD is still an important part of the SuitePad service

SuitePad’s BYOD solution offers hotels the chance to introduce their guests to the SuitePad platform before they arrive at the hotel. This means they will already have some knowledge of what to expect from their SuitePad and can start booking or ordering services straight from the get-go!!

Once guests have settled in their hotel room, they are free to use the SuitePad tablet as they please. They won’t need to use their own devices and will, therefore, be encouraged to explore what the hotel has to offer. The SuitePad tablet has more functions than the BYOD solution, including push notifications, spa orders, and room service, offering guests a wide range of options and giving them greater control of their experience while driving sales for hotels.

If you think SuitePad sounds like the platform for you and your business, then request a demo and make the most of both our tablet and BYOD solutions!

_{- Published on June 05, 2019}