Intercontinental Hotels has put up interactive maps of cities
Here is a screen shot of Delhi
While maps is not a new thing, this one is different, better and here is why:
1. They list other food & beverage outlets
that is right. its not about the hotel, its about the city. Intercon has actually put up Shalom, Punjabi by Nature etc in the dining (where to eat) section.
2. It is Interactive
you can move around, choose by sections - shopping, etc and can see how far the place is vis-a-vis the hotel. this makes it easier to plan or look at options
3. It is aesthetic
it looks good!
here is a screen shot from tajhotels
I know. Taj really needs to do something about this.
What is not so good with the Intercon maps?
1. you cannot make an itinerary yet. I would love to be able to click the places I want to go to, mail it to the concierge and have the whole thing planned before I land.
2. Social feedback. this is still controlled. today we are no longer dependent on specialists to tell us what is good. I would have loved to see what other Intercon guests said about these places, would they recommend it or not etc.
What should you do?
Here are some Ideas for you to look at:
> As a General Manager - Please check your website to see what is up there for the city/area.
Also it is a good idea to see what your concierge/Front Office is pushing. you have to start talking about other hotels and food & beverage options. it is now considered rude to only sell or talk about your own outlets.
> As a Front Office Manager - make a list of stuff you would want your staff to talk about. tell your IT and your concierge. Monitor the suggestions. your brand, your expertise will be judged by this.
> As a Concierge - ensure your recommendations are made on first hand knowledge. please do not tell your geusts a restaurant is good because the HT or TIMES NOW guide mentioned it.
Find out yourself and then share knowledge with confidence.
Tell your bosses stuff that should be on the website.
here is something from The Oberois
It is a basic use of google maps and all they have to do is add some layers to make it so much more useful.
The four Season Mumbai also uses google maps, but it is a little better.
The Hyatt Regency Delhi is way behind in the game
It is a simple jpeg
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