InterContinental Hotels Have Finally Put Together an iPad App We Like

December 21, 2010 at 10:55 AM | by juliana | Comments (3)

While the debate rages on in the travel world over whether or not paperback guidebooks have been replaced by the internet, there's a new way to carry travel information with you--on your iPad. A few hotels have been release iPad apps here and there but most of them only work when you're staying in the hotel or if you're looking to make a reservation for a hotel and are too lazy to use your regular computer.

But InterContinental's new iPad app, Concierge Insider Guides, drops a ton of info on more than 120 destinations that you can use whether you are staying at one of their hotels or not. Here's what their app includes:

· Destination-specific concierge videos packed with useful insider information not normally found in travel guide books;
· Interactive maps with Google Maps technology of recommended shops, restaurants and local attractions;
· Recommendations and suggested itineraries for a concierge�s perfect day (morning, afternoon and evening) for each location;
· Insider tips around the local culture, what to pack and interesting facts

Of course, we had to download this app for ourselves to see what it was all about. Fortunately it's free at the iTunes app store!

Right away, the app asked if we wanted to see hotels near our current location. Since we're currently in the Bay Area, we decided that would be cool except the app pulled up recommendations for Los Angeles, which is where we usually live.

Nevertheless, we saw a feature from the concierge Jerome Jeannest who is Chief Concierge at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. We were then taken to a clean page describing the Perfect Day in Los Angeles starting with breakfast on the terrace of the guest rooms and ending with dinner at Spago. What we liked most about this guide was that all of the recommendations from restaurant picks to shopping hotspots were mapped out on Google Maps. Very cool.

There was no video on this page but we did find that for the InterContinental San Francisco which featured their Chef Concierge taking us around to his favorite spots in town.

Aside from concierge recommendations and maps, the app includes Insider Tips on things to do in the city as well as little-known facts and what to pack, and of course, you can book a room at the InterContinenal Hotel directly from your iPad.

Overall, we love this app because it's truly a city guide, not a hotel brochure and you can use it whether you are staying at the InterContinental or not. Not to mention, we're tickled to be able to watch some of these concierges walk the walk on video (We're already loving the video from the concierge at InterContinental Park Lane in London.) So big ups to IC for a job well-done! Other hotels please take note.

Comments (3)

Return to » InterContinental Hotels Have Finally Put Together an iPad App We Like

Glad you like this nifty new iPad app. We always believe technology should enhance (not replace) the role of a hotel concierge. We invite all HotelChatter readers to say hello to an InterContinental Concierge next time they are in or near one of our hotels. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the coming year!
Charles

Great read and glad to see this from InterContinental. Per the last comment, print and traditional media isn't being replaced, but things like iPad and iPhone apps are where it's going. InterContinental is way ahead of the game in my opinion. I've never understood why hotels didn't tap more into travel guide content type of things. That's the most important thing i want to know when I check in is what's nearby. Kudos to InterContinental.

Understanding the needs of the traveler defines the quality of a hotel. Keeping up with technology guests value is genius and so respectful of a travelers time and experience.

Providing a free, informative app tops it all - Intercontinental has some talent behind the scenes!

Looking forward to checking these apps out on our travels.

Thanks Juliana for an informative post, and Intercontinental for providing another valuable amenity- one that gives to the guest before they even arrive!

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