Digital Services Enhance Comfort and Productivity

The effect of technology on travel continues to evolve. It’s no longer just about the use of computers to plan and book flights and hotels. Electronic devices are increasingly challenging clothes for space in the average carry-on bag, as travellers bring more of them on the road. Studies show that more than half of hotel guests carry at least three devices with them. About two-thirds have smartphones, more than half bring a tablet, and almost two-thirds pack a laptop.

If the mounting Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement is anything to go by, bringing your own devices with you to use when travelling for work or pleasure simply makes sense. They have the platforms and apps that do what you need them to do. You’re familiar with how the devices work. They already store the files and material you’re working with. You’ve got the security software and apps that you demand. And they work wherever you travel.

When you’re staying at the Civic Hotel, our digital services are designed to use or support unlimited personal devices in order to enhance comfort and empower you to complete everything on that ‘To Do’ list. Most of our services don’t involve downloading lots of apps or programs that need to be mastered. Whether you’re transmitting a confidential report or asking for a couple extra towels, our digital services keep it simple while helping you make your guest experience more comfortable and productive.

Digital Guest Services

For comfort and care at Civic Hotel, guests can use our ‘text for service’ SMS platform. Whether it’s a request for a wake-up call, turndown service or a question you want to ask our concierge, simply enter the number on your device’s keypad and text our Guest Experience team. You can also direct message using your favourite messaging application, from Google Hangouts and Apple Messages to WhatsApp, Skype and WeChat. We’ll respond immediately and deliver or pick up most items within ten minutes.

When it’s time to take care of work or personal business, the hotel offers every guest a seamless wireless experience throughout the building. As a new-build, we’ve been able to integrate advanced IT infrastructure that supports hi-speed, gigabit Wi-Fi, avoiding the irritating internet dead zones that are found in some older hotels. This free service comes without limits to the number of devices. It can be accessed by using a password provided during check-in or on Google, Twitter or Facebook.

If you’re one of our guests who prefers or is required to use a dedicated network connection, we’ve got you covered. Every room includes a secure, hard-cabled CAT-6 Ethernet port. Cables can be obtained by texting our Guest Experience team.

Regular guests who have a Marriott Reward membership can access a whole menu of additional digital services. This menu of digital services, called Mobile Guest Services, is provided by an app. It provides services that include mobile notifications of your room’s readiness, express check in and check out, records of guest preferences and support for mobile requests from Civic Hotel’s Guest Experience team. It also has searching and booking functions for Marriott properties worldwide and provides members with access to their Rewards accounts.

There’s no doubt that digital services are an increasingly vital tool for connecting guests quickly and effectively to what they need to be comfortable and productive. That’s especially true here in Surrey’s City Centre, where guests are doing important work in the hi-tech, business and academic districts surrounding us. Not only is Civic Hotel stepping up to provide those services but our amazing team of Civics will offer it with a warm smile (or smiley face!).