Hilton to launch several iPhone hotel apps
updated 12:35 pm EST, Mon November 9, 2009
Aimed at simplifying, promoting bookings
Hilton Worldwide has announced plans to launch several free iPhone applications, supporting the company's various hotel chains. When arriving in a particular city, users will be able to locate the nearest Hilton-owned hotels, and make, cancel or alter reservations. Other planned options include room service, and the ability to check loyalty points.
Although the apps are interoperable, allowing booking at any chain, the existence of several titles is said to be based on a desire to distinguish brands. The Hilton, Embassy and Doubletree apps will feature a "Request Upon Arrival" option, letting users order room service before check-in. Conrad, Hampton, Homewood and Hilton Garden apps will lack Request Upon Arrival, but like the others allow remote check in up to 48 hours in advance, with various room customization options.
The Hilton and Doubletree apps are expected to appear first, within one or two weeks depending on Apple's approval speed. All others will only be submitted within the next two weeks, and likely appear at the App Store a similar stretch afterward. A Waldorf-Astoria app currently has an unknown development timeframe.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009
Practical Apps!
Assuming the company's backlines and infrastructure are comprehensively coordinated to this "front end", this should be quite a practical app, especially for frequent travelers.
There is obviously a plethora of free/cheap apps on the App Store that are junk or fluff, but "free" doesn't necessarily mean useless.
The outstanding free app for us is PayPal's which provides a convenient method to check our debit card's balance.
Such apps can incrementally change people's lives, giving the iPhone that much more perceived value.