By Lea Mira, HTN staff writer - 1.9.2024
Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has announced a pilot program for a new virtual concierge service, RENAI By Renaissance. This service aims to provide guests with instant access to local recommendations for dining, attractions, and more, directly from their smartphones. RENAI By Renaissance is an evolution of the brand’s Navigator program, which connects guests with local experiences recommended by hotel associates known as Renaissance Navigators.
RENAI By Renaissance is powered by both human expertise and artificial intelligence. Renaissance Navigators have trained RENAI By Renaissance with their top local picks, which are designated by a compass emoji. The service also uses ChatGPT and open-source outlets to provide a curated directory of recommendations, which are vetted by human Navigators.
Currently, guests can test out RENAI By Renaissance at The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel, Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel, and Renaissance Nashville Downtown. The service is accessed by scanning a QR code, which connects guests to RENAI By Renaissance via text message or WhatsApp.
After the pilot period, Renaissance Hotels reportedly plans to expand the service to over 20 properties globally by March 2024. Future enhancements to the service may include additional communication platforms and curated recommendations from local tastemakers.
Radisson has long been at the forefront of technology innovation. Last year, for example, the hotel group advanced its digital transformation with the expansion of its Book It Easy online booking platform for meetings and events. The platform, developed in partnership with EY, allows event organizers to check real-time availability of meeting spaces, view rooms through 360-degree view technology, and receive instant confirmation of their booking. The Book It Easy platform includes tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions. The group also offers a 100% Carbon Neutral Meetings offering, which offsets the carbon footprint of every meeting and event at no cost to organizers.
Radisson Hotel Group also recently revamped its loyalty program, Radisson Rewards, to provide personalized benefits to its members. The program has been streamlined to three tiers and includes a dynamic redemption model that allows members to book any room type in any hotel.