News & Stories

Munich. Check-in, drop off your suitcase, freshen up and jump into the Internet – this is the daily routine among many business travellers. And, at the latest, that is often when the trouble starts, as accessing the web comes with additional charges. Free Internet is usually only available in the lobby – if at all – but with a reduced bandwidth. Those who need high-speed online access have to pay most of the time. Marriott's case in the US shows how particularly major hotel chains vehemently battle free online access. The court penalized Marriott's actions with a fine of 600,000 dollars. Many chains are quite subdued in this respect and not transparent when directly asked and/or on their websites.

Amsterdam/Brussels. Last Monday, Booking.com agreed to soften the "rate parity clause" part of its agreement with European hoteliers. Under investigation in several countries, the Amsterdam-based company seems to have moved fast in order to end EU probes. But it only seems to be a smart move.

Norderstedt. The new booking portal "HotelDeals Direct" arose like a Phoenix from the ashes this week. Here, hoteliers in German-speaking Europe will pay a commission of only 5 percent per booking. Until then though, there's still a long way to go as the start-up must first drum up capital. It's here that the scepticism begins.

London. One of the large software companies in the hospitality industry, which up to now has only distributed its products via "white labels products" or as supplier to third parties and remained in the background, is entering the market directly now. Next Gen Opti wants to distinguish itself from other businesses through affordable and customised modules for private hotels and chain hotels. This is possible through accessing its own large software pool.

New York. According to information from the US, Amazon plans to sell hotel rooms. Contrary to initial assumptions, this has not resulted in a storm from the hospitality sector, but has been greeted with excitement and approval.

London. Sabre developed a smartwatch which will allow travelers to receive real-time flight alerts and other travel information conveniently on one's wrist.

Paris/London. "Customer focussed not product focussed" was the heart of the message transmitted by Accor's top management during a morning-long presentation of the chain's new digital strategy in London on Tuesday, 30 October. Clad in a black t-shirt and black trousers, standing on the podium barefoot, Accor's CEO, Sébastien Bazin had more the air of a Silicon Valley 'guru' addressing a crowd of tech business angels than the head of Europe's largest hotel group. Aside of this show, the main message quickly was clear: All Accor distribution channels are supposed to increase significantly in near future.

Paris/London. Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin announced the group's digital strategy during its big "Digital Day" in London yesterday. Starting in 2015, eight programmes shall strengthen Accor's leading position in this segment.

Cologne/Berlin. Booking.com is strong in the leisure segment, but is vigorously attacking in the business segment within the German-speaking market at the moment. Competitor HRS, strong in the business segment, is now taking over a leisure portal. Perceptible from this: The pressure on the competitors to scavenge market shares is tremendous. HotelTonight varied its strategy a few days later. They also want more – from the pie of the competitors.

Wiesbaden. Cursed by some as a further restriction of services, others value the expedited and anonymous access and departure to and from their room: Online and Mobile Check-in and Out are on the advance and can no longer be stopped. B&B Hotels, Marriott and Scandic Hotels had initially tested internally and can now report on their first experiences on a broader basis. Marriott is already undertaking the next trials in the USA that will strengthen the personalised service. Moreover, the guests should soon be able to chat directly with the staff members.