Montreal-based startup GuestDriven has released The James Pocket Assistant, an app created specifically for The James Hotels, a brand of ideally situated, residentially-styled luxury hotels with locations in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Miami’s Collins Ave, and Soho, New York.
GuestDriven helps hospitality brands build guest engagement, loyalty and drive advocacy. Along with its Montreal location it also has offices in San Francisco, Trieste, Italy, and Monterrey, Mexico. In February we wrote about how the startup raised $3 million from Plaza Ventures, Real Ventures, Structure Capital and hospitality angels including Tony Cohen (CEO of Global Edge Investments), Bob MacDonald (Maritz Loyalty), Joe Poulin (Luxury Retreats), Peter Kern (Expedia) and John Granger (Drake Hotels).
Now they’ve landed a well-known (in the US) client in The James Hotels, which charge around $400 per night for luxury rooms. Its Penthouse Suite in Soho goes for $5,000 USD per night.
The James said in a release it embraces technology, celebrates culture and understands the evolving needs and values of its guests. As an extension of its anticipatory service, mobile phone, tablet and desktop users “can now experience immediate convenience with The James’ PA, by being able to book a hotel reservation; extend a stay; check-in; receive express check-out; schedule a spa appointment; make dinner reservations; find tickets to local attractions; order in-room dining; request valet or luggage pick-up; contact a front desk or concierge agent; and more.” PA allows guests to access information including hotel special offers, check out photos of the properties, view maps, contact the hotel; and connect to the property’s social media.
As if the app isn’t for a swankier brand, it actually allows user to take “self-guided art tours” throughout the hotels’ art collections, comprised of local, national and international artists. The app’s “Explore: Art@TheJames” feature provides descriptors of the works and artists, artists as well the location within the hotel, leading guests on a personal journey throughout the carefully curated permanent collections.
GuestDriven already works with 115 properties around the world, providing insights to hotel management about a guest’s history, spending power, interests and social media influence. Hoteliers can provide useful and relevant local tips, recommendations and on premise perks to loyal guests right to their smartphone or tablet. The company said it has shown to drive up on-premise orders and revenue per stay, increasing sales.