When Rick Klau shared the hack where you can use a hanger to close the blackout curtains in your hotel room, the internet’s response was phenomenal. The hack was liked 396,700 times and retweeted 71,500 times. Klau’s post inspired other social media users to share their own hotel hacks, and some of them are brilliant in their simplicity.
Bored Panda interviewed Dr. Gabor Forgacs from Ryerson University about the hotel industry, as well as the challenges it faces in the 21st century.
“Technology is offered as an option for convenience but not as a replacement for service. Automated check-ins and wake up calls etc. are fine, however, it is a guest preference to choose them as a lot of guests appreciate the human interaction instead. Technology is used to expedite service (curbside check-in, messaging, digital coupons, etc.) not replacing it.”
“How we leverage our data is important for hoteliers. We have a data-rich operational environment and we have to walk a fine line in terms of using our data sources for improving service without invading guest privacy and respecting sensitivities," Dr. Forgacs said.
“The philosophy of old school hoteliers, and I am one, still rules: we see everything, we know anything about our guests but never disclose anything, never reveal what we know and keep all that to ourselves. Best hoteliers are unassuming, discreet and highly knowledgeable.”
