07 Aug 2014
Luxury West End hotel The Montcalm London Marble Arch is the first hotel in the capital to train its staff to use Google Glass, in order to enhance its guests' experience.
The five-star property is giving its Guest Experience Managers pioneering training in the use of the cutting-edge technology so they are able to offer guests advice on local restaurants, shops, travel plans, attractions and activities, or simply to give directions.
By using Google Glass, staff will be able to engage better with their guests, maintaining eye contact and a natural dialogue while accessing information, rather than having to keep looking down at a screen. It also frees them from the restrictions of being based behind a desk – removing a physical barrier between them and the guest.
Google Glass, which became available in the UK in late June, is still at a prototype stage. It is marketed as a hands-free alternative to smart phones and tablets. It features a transparent display that creates the illusion of a 60 centimetre screen floating about 2.5 metres in front of the wearer's right eye, which can be used to display information from apps. A built-in camera and microphone can record photos, video and audio, while the device can play back audio by sending vibrations through the wearer's skull using a bone conduction transducer, or via traditional headphones.
The new technology has a multitude of possible applications in the hospitality sector, and The Montcalm will be at the cutting edge of the advances, with plans already in place to introduce Google Explorer packages, enabling the hotel's guests to use Google Glass while they are at the property. The hotel is also planning to sync the guest Explorer Package with its in-room iPads, enabling guests to order room service and control the in-room technology using Google Glass.
Rahul Arora, Managing Director of Luxury Hotels Group, who led the training, said: "The Montcalm London Marble Arch is always looking to be at the cutting edge of guest services and technology, and the use of Google Glass is a great way to combine the two. It's early days for Google Glass in the UK, and we are excited to be a pioneer in our industry. As a wider selection of suitable apps becomes available, the staff here at The Montcalm will be the first in the hotel sector to use them. It's great fun for the staff to use and a real talking point among the guests, encouraging interaction between guests and staff."
"The basics of providing a great hospitality experience don't change – our staff are knowledgeable, friendly and courteous, but by using Google Glass we are enabling them to provide an extra dimension to an immaculate service," added Arora.
Guest Experience Manager Janine Mallia, one of the first members of staff at The Montcalm to receive Google Glass training, said: "It's been a really good experience learning how to use this new technology. It's fun to use and by having so much information literally right in front of our eyes, we will be able to offer our guests an even better service."
Notes to editors
About The Montcalm London Marble Arch
The five-star Montcalm London Marble Arch hotel is just moments away from both Park Lane and Oxford Street, making it ideal for all the delights of London's West End. The hotel features 153 luxurious bedrooms including 14 lavish suites, embellished with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable and pleasant. The rooms come complete with complimentary Wi-Fi, an iPad and a docking station, satellite TV, 24-hour room service, mini bar, pillow menu and personalised aroma scents. Pampering services include bath, fragrance and shopping butler, sleep concierge, complimentary mobile Sim, and complimentary wellness treatments. Home to one of London's grandest ballrooms, gourmet restaurants and a pampering spa, The Montcalm London Marble Arch promises truly memorable experiences.
@MontcalmUK
About Luxury Hotels Group
Welcome to Luxury Hotels Group, a collection of properties in the world's most popular destinations and capitals, personally selected with the luxury traveller in mind. As every traveller's tastes and preferences are different, our properties are recognized and appreciated for their unique character, charm and outstanding service. Every property meets the highest standards and the Luxury Hotels Group name stands for distinction, luxury and excellence. To help select hotels to meet each personal taste, Luxury Hotels Group is divided into three distinctive collections: Luxury Hotels Collection, Luxury Boutique Collection and Luxury Residences Collection. The collections provide luxurious accommodation, world-class facilities and outstanding service to each and every guest. Whether it's a business trip, a memorable leisure holiday, a special occasion or a unique experience, Luxury Hotels Group has a selection of hotels and resorts to reflect your personal taste and suit your travel needs.We invite you to discover the collection through our website and learn more. Each hotel has a destination guide to help you take full advantage of the city and the hotel. Beyond, our team of experiences travel specialist can enhance your experience with special bookings, requests, a personalised service and all destination requirements. Exceptional customer service to us is not a goal, it is but a pre-requisite. At Luxury Hotels Group, you are the connoisseur of luxury, and we are the curators.
@LuxHotelsGroup
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