The future is here!
The hospitality industry is embracing cutting-edge technology to elevate the guest experience, and AR and VR are leading the charge. Staying in a hotel is no longer just about a place to sleep — immersive tours and interactive entertainment are changing the game globally.
Virtual hotel tours before you book 🏨
One of the most popular applications of VR in tourism is the virtual hotel tour. Instead of scrolling through static images, travelers can put on a VR headset—or even use their smartphone—to explore hotel rooms, lobbies, pools, and amenities as if they were there.
The Marriott Hotels has launched VR room previews that let potential guests “walk through” suites before booking. This builds trust, reduces uncertainty and improves booking conversions.
AR navigation inside hotels
AR can make navigating large resorts or multi-level hotels effortless. Using a mobile device, guests can view step-by-step AR directions overlaid on their real-world surroundings, making it easy to find the spa, restaurant or their room.
Premier Inn in the UK has experimented with AR apps that help guests navigate to local attractions and hotel facilities directly from their phone. It has gadgets and smart devices that can be controlled by a person through an app. It lets a guest change channels on the Smart TV, using or even their own phone, as well as room temperature and lights.
The app also features a comprehensive local guide, thoughtfully put together by the Hub by Premier Inn team. Using augmented reality, guests can bring a map on their room wall to life simply by pointing their device at it.
Enhancing local exploration 🌍
AR apps in hotels can overlay cultural facts, restaurant reviews, or historical info onto real-world views from the guest’s smartphone. This is especially useful for tourists who want an interactive way to explore a new destination.
Some countries like Singapore have integrated AR-powered city guides in their apps, helping guests explore with local insight and real-time recommendations.
VR for event and conference planning 💼
For business travelers and event planners, VR offers a powerful tool to preview venues. Hotels can provide 3D walkthroughs of their conference spaces, banquet halls and meeting rooms, making it easier to plan events remotely.
Hilton offers VR tours of its event spaces so planners can see layouts and customize setups without ever visiting in person.
What’s Next? 🚀
The integration of AR and VR in hotels is just getting started. As these technologies become more accessible and user-friendly, we can expect even more personalized, interactive, and immersive experiences, like AI-powered concierge bots in AR or VR meditation rooms.
Whether you’re booking your next getaway or checking into a high-tech suite, AR and VR are set to redefine travel hospitality. For hotels, these tools are more than just tech gimmicks, they’re becoming essential for enhancing guest satisfaction, streamlining operations and standing out in a competitive industry.