Following up from our travel trend story last week, we’ve listed six wicked hotel trends from ‘social’ hostels to retreat for introverted travellers…
1. Hotel installs complimentary smartphones in every room
December 2014 saw the Grand Park Orchard Hotel in Singapore install complimentary smartphones in all 308 rooms. Guests can make unlimited local and international calls for free; each phone also comes with unlimited 3G data and a built-in city guide. The scheme was implemented in partnership with Hong Kong-based Handy Hotels.
2. Group vacation designed for introverted travellers
Hosted in the UK during May 2015, the Sacred Introvert Retreat Tour is designed to appeal to introverts. Priced at USD 3,795 (excluding flights), over ten days, participants visit Glastonbury and other sites in south east England, with no obligation to join in social activities.The tour includes visits to mystical, historical sites such as the stone circle and the Chalice Well — where the Holy Grail is supposedly hidden. There are relaxed day trips to medieval churches and roman baths, optional yoga sessions and evening activities such as torchlit walks and bonfires.
3. Beer brand opens ‘social’ hostel
In January 2015, Argentinian beer brand Quilmes opened a 14-room ‘social’ hostel in Costa Atlantica: a beach resort just outside Buenos Aires. Rooms could not be booked, rather guests had to request a stay via social media-submitted videos, demonstrating how much they needed a vacation.
The hostel was designed to foster integration and connections between guests, with facilities including a selfie photo booth, ping-pong tables and a piano.
4. Hotel’s social media campaign promotes inclusion and diversity
5. Hotel opens sustainable organic market
6. Uber unveils members’ partnership with hotels chain
