You've got hotel perks in your future

A virtual concierge via iPad. Checking in using a smartphone. No more pricey security deposits for your pet to stay with you. What do these have in common? They could be coming soon to a hotel near you.

“As the economy improves, there’s more focus on how to stay competitive and give guests more reasons to experience the hotel,” says Andrew Freeman, president of Andrew Freeman & Co., a consulting service that studies industry trends.

So what does this mean for the consumer?

Digital hospitality.

“Some of the smaller hotels don’t have the luxury of a concierge, so having an iPad that’s connected to the city’s best is something I definitely see happening,” Freeman says.

How else can these devices be used? Freeman says digital checkout will become more common, as will tablets being used in hotel restaurants as digital wine lists and menus.

Smartphones are also going to have more of a role in hotels. Marriott hotels, for example, are looking into virtual check-in and other services for guests with the phones.

“A guest services app for setting up a spa appointment or ordering room service or even telling housekeeping you’re ready are coming onto the scene,” Freeman says.

“Another big trend is allowing people to plug in their computer to run off the flat-screen TV,” says Ed Watkins, editor of Lodging Hospitality. “Most people come with their own media, their own movies and music.”

Living-room lobbies.

Freeman says more hotels are converting their lobby space into a public living room, where guests can come down and socialize in a comfortable area.

“People are so used to the Starbucks kind of atmosphere, where people can go to have a cup of coffee, relax, do some work,” Watkins says.

Some hotels are using long, communal tables in common areas. “People can eat their breakfast, do some work, interact,” Watkins says.

Greener hotels.

“Hotels should be using eco-friendly practices wherever possible. There’s a real movement using recycled materials to localize chain hotels and give them a sense of the place,” Freeman says, citing artwork, locally grown food and relationships with local companies as ways that hotels will minimize their carbon footprint.

Pets welcome as guests.

“People are traveling more with their pets, so there’s a real opportunity to market it,” Freeman says. Instead of hefty security deposits for a pet to stay in the room, a waiver might be offered instead.

“Today, there are a wide range of products available to sanitize rooms once pets are gone,” Watkins says.

Fitness first.

Some hotels have gone all-out, featuring such amenities as yoga equipment that can be delivered to a room like room service. Watkins says hotel fitness centers need to be open 24 hours to cater to guests’ busy schedules, and it’s crucial that they offer things such as TV screens built into cardio equipment and options for MP3 players.