News Briefs

InnSpire, a provider of innovative hospitality technology solutions that help drive seamless, world-class guest experiences for some of the world’s most iconic hotels and brands, has announced that its advanced IPTV, InnSmart and Proxy Casting guestroom entertainment solutions have been implemented at the newly renovated historic property that opened as Mondrian Cannes in March 2023.

The first Mondrian hotel in France, Mondrian Cannes is situated in a stunning seaside location on the legendary boulevard de La Croisette. Recognized as the town’s oldest luxury hotel, the iconic property originally opened in 1863. As part of a recent renaissance, the facilities underwent extensive renovations to its 75 guestrooms and three suites, meeting and event facilities, and two full-service restaurants.

“When we began renovations, we made the strategic decision to upgrade our guestroom television system to a higher standard in order to provide seamless connectivity and maximize guest satisfaction,” said Victor Basquin, Deputy Manager of Mondrian Cannes. “After researching the best available options, InnSpire was chosen due to the exceptional adaptability of the solution. It was also by far the best option in terms of allowing guests to mirror their screen from both Apple and Android devices, providing additional flexibility that seamlessly works with each guest’s mobile operating system.”

According to Basquin, InnSpire delivered a state-of-the-art, modular solution that surpassed all expectations. The deployment was also seamless and efficient. “During the renovation, InnSpire had worked closely with us to ensure that we implemented the correct technology specification so when it was time for implementation, the process was well-planned, quick and seamless. InnSpire sent a very professional team to the site and all the equipment was installed in a very short amount of time. We also benefited from the expertise of Piotr Nowis and their knowledgeable technical team.”

“We understand that hoteliers today need true solution partners, not just individual products working in silos,” said Martin Chevalley, InnSpire’s CEO. “We were happy to be able to provide that to Mondrian Cannes and look forward to working closely with them in continuing to bring a uniquely personal luxury experience to their guests.”

InnSpire's IPTV solutions continue to redefine in-room entertainment. The system supports seamless Casting (securely using Chromecast just like at home) and on-demand video for iOS and Android devices, as well as providing a range of additional features, such as mobile check-in/out, room service ordering, guest requests, concierge services, promotions, payments and much more. InnSpire’s system also seamlessly supports both Smart and non-Smart TV (even simultaneously), which offers great flexibility when hotels are upgrading TVs and may have a mix.

InnSmart, designed specifically for Smart TVs, stands out as a robust solution with advanced connectivity and flexible features. Its user-friendly, and cost-efficient applications include integrated cross-platform Proxy-server casting and upsell capabilities. This all-in-one guestroom entertainment and information system not only ensures an immersive on-brand experience, but also offers a diverse array of apps and video options, encompassing both premium and free services.

Legion Technologies, an innovator in workforce management (WFM), announced the integration of its award-winning Legion WFM platform with SAP SuccessFactors solutions, allowing companies with hourly workers to simplify their employee lifecycle management. Now available on SAP Store, Legion WFM provides companies in labor-intensive industries such as retail and hospitality with the ability to maximize labor efficiency and employee engagement simultaneously with intelligent, automated, employee-centric workforce management.

• Strategic Insight: Get instant insights into employee engagement, manager productivity, labor optimization, and compliance trends.
• Automated Labor Budgeting: Combine accurate long-term demand forecasts with your detailed labor model and scheduling rules to create precise labor budgets.
• Demand Forecasting: Precisely predict demand across all customer touchpoints every 15 minutes.
• Labor Optimization: Empower managers with staffing guidance and labor insights to generate the optimal labor plan.
• Automated Scheduling: Create optimal schedules that match business needs with employee preferences and skills.
• Automated Time and Attendance: Automate timesheet approvals, corrections, and premium calculations.
• Frontline Communication: Unlock the power of digital communication to dramatically improve the experience of frontline hourly workers.
• Instant Wage Access: Support financial well-being and increase retention with access to earned wages in the same app employees use every day—without IT resources.
• Performance and Rewards: Engage and motivate hourly employees with instant feedback and recognition to help them grow and feel valued.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas, Vox AI's advanced machine learning technology  for  the drive-thru is making its debut. 

The W Barcelona hotel, situated on the famous Barceloneta Boardwalk, recently partnered with IRIS, the leading provider of digital F&B and guest experience platforms, to offer a broader digital ordering experience resulting in a boost in revenue and efficiencies. 

It selected both its mobile dining solution to deliver an in-room dining service and a world of culinary delights direct to its guest’s doors, in addition to its digital guest directory solution to provide all guests with direct access to hotel and local area information, whilst at the same time maximising revenue and profits. 

The luxury hotel, which is popular with both residential and day guests, has reported significant results since implementation. Most notably, a 60% increase in average guest spend across all operations via mobile dining compared to traditional dining. More specifically, since deploying digital dining, 35% of all F&B room service orders are now placed digitally, accounting for nearly half (46%) of all revenue.  

Commenting on the results following installation, Martin Daniel Voštiar, B&F Coordinator, W Barcelona said, “Guests appreciate the ease and efficiency of serving themselves and enjoy the convenience of being able to access information wherever they are, in their own time – they are fully in control of their experience.

“The IRIS app is a convenient and holistic tool that ensures guests have all the information at their disposal and the ordering and booking process is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Remarkably intuitive, it boasts a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and manage. Considering the increase in guest spending through online orders, it’s undeniably delivering a substantial return on our investment. 

Operationally, the team has reported significant improvements in efficiencies and guest service management. In-room dining has reduced the workload for its “Whatever/Whenever” team who previously took all room service orders over the phone. They now have more time available to focus on other aspects of their role and enhance guest service, particularly during peak times when phone lines are congested, eliminating the need for guests to wait on hold to place an order. It has also assisted the In-room dining team, allowing them to concentrate solely on preparing and delivering orders more efficiently. 

Alongside mobile dining and ordering, the digital guest directory means guests can easily access information on the hotel facilities, fitness classes, special events and what’s on in the local area. Additionally, guests can download a range of newspapers and magazines, book appointments at the Spa, barber and Tattoo Studio, and view information on the hotel’s services and sustainability policies. A wealth of information is clearly visible and accessible in the palm of the guest’s hand, wherever they are in the property or local area. 

From a guest perspective, they have found it simple and easy to use, and have been swift to adopt the simplicity of self-service ordering from the comfort of their own device, particularly during peak times when staff are busy. 

The hotel has invested heavily in promoting the app (accessible via QR codes) at check-in to ensure guests are provided with complete and accurate information on its facilities and services in the most convenient way possible.  

Offering a more cost-effective, sustainable alternative to traditional paper menus and directories, the hotel team can simply edit and add information online as and when required without the costly and inconvenient job of re-printing and replacing material in all 473 bedrooms. Likewise, they can amend and keep menus and opening hours up to date to ensure the app is always accurate with correct information at no extra cost. Multi-lingual, it delivers a consistent experience for guests, regardless of their nationality and reduced guest wait times with a direct integration to the Micros POS.  

Voštiar continues, “Following its success we are now planning to extend digital dining in 2024 to our Salt Beach Club. Guests will be able to access digital menus via QR codes printed on the sun beds. They will be able to place their order, have a dip in the sea and return to their lounger with their order waiting for them and we look forward to fulfilling this enhanced guest experience next year.” 

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, the Fast Casual Restaurant destination for their authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, announces a new collaboration with Gift A Meal, an innovative cause-marketing platform committed to addressing local hunger in the local communities where Naf Naf restaurants operate.

Through this collaboration, every customer who captures a photo of their delicious Naf Naf order will trigger a donation to a local food bank. The initiative is designed to provide a meal to those in need, aligning with Naf Naf Grill's commitment to bring people together and share a meal beyond the dining table.

"We are very excited to embark on this journey with Gift A Meal, we remain focused on making a real positive impact in the community. The goal is to contribute in helping those facing food insecurity especially after the holidays which is a critical time when donations drop. We look forward to the shared success and impact this program will bring, as we work together to make a difference, one photo, one meal at a time." -Nico Nieto, CMO of Naf Naf Grill.

"GiftAMeal is thrilled to join forces with Naf Naf.. Everything on Naf's is delicious, fresh and beautiful, and their craveable food leads to mouth-watering photos and now customers can turn those into a meal for their local community food bank! We are excited to watch the Naf Naf customers help heal hunger across 12 states - spice it up and share a photo!" - Gift A Meal's Alison Van Bergen

The program will be available across all Naf Naf Grill 39 locations nationwide, until the end of February.

To learn more about Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, visit nafnafgrill.com