20 January 2014 – If there is one word to describe the Novotel Melbourne On Collins, it would be “smart,” with a prime city address and sharp new look following its comprehensive makeover in February 2013.
Smart is also the perfect way to describe the four and a half star hotel’s newest update behind the scenes, courtesy of Novotel’s contracted housekeeping supply company and staffing agency, AHS.
“AHS has made an investment in one of the industry’s top-line housekeeping management tech tools, REX from Newmarket International, Inc. (“Newmarket”) to enhance Novotel’s guest experience,” said AHS Managing Director Craig Coughlin.
“In support of this, the Novotel Melbourne On Collins also invested to install HotSOS, a complementary Newmarket product that in partnership with REX, streamlines room readiness and housekeeper productivity on not just a day-to-day, but minute-by-minute basis.”
AHS engaged McLaren Technologies, Asia Pacific’s leading hospitality technology and communications specialist, to install and advise on the project.
“McLaren Technologies is one of the region’s specialists in installing HotSOS and REX,” said Mr Coughlin. “These products were in turn developed by Newmarket who we consider to be market leaders worldwide in crafting best of breed housekeeping software and hardware solutions for hotels.”
Mr. Coughlin said that AHS’s decision to invest in REX to add to the AHS offering and service at the Novotel Melbourne On Collins and their selection of McLaren Technologies was an easy one given their reputation in the market.
“While AHS could best visualise this update from a practical housekeeping perspective, McLaren was instrumental in providing an easy-to-understand framework for the tech component. It’s now in place and very simple for the hotel team and AHS members to implement and use on a daily basis.”
A preventive maintenance and task management system, the automated HotSOS solution is McLaren’s choice of product for hotels looking to enhance and better resolve service orders and guest requests intuitively.
Housekeeping management solution REX is also one of the industry’s most progressive tech tools, the first of its kind to streamline the entire room assignment and cleaning process. REX optimises the order in which rooms are allocated, arming attendants with Apple iPod Touch handheld technology and integrated smart PMS to ultimately ensure that guests access their rooms faster, and with less fuss.
McLaren Technologies Managing Director Matthew White said, “McLaren’s forte is implementing best of breed technology solutions for the hospitality industry, and we particularly love working with like-minded operators like AHS who understand and execute the true benefits of the software we install.”
“AHS is now looking at using REX for all of the hotels they service with premium contracts to improve the efficiency and productivity of the housekeepers and also to deliver value by improving room readiness for arriving guests therefore enhancing their experience and satisfaction ratings. It’s a progressive and wise move, and one bound to keep them a preferred housekeeping partner with appreciative clients.”
Novotel Melbourne On Collins General Manager Hayden Hughes said that the subtle but important impact of the tech update by AHS and McLaren is already being noticed by guests.
“The hotel invested more than $200,000 earlier this year to refurbish its upper and lower lobby levels, food and beverage outlets and reception area, and so we were very excited for the opportunity presented by AHS to accompany that update with a more technological and digital approach to housekeeping and its associated services. The result is a more consistent appearance and service approach across the entire hotel.”
“The Novotel brand is all about contemporary comfort and style, and an important part of that beyond furnishing is the actual servicing and ambiance of rooms and public spaces at the hotel.”
“We’re already enjoying some great direct and indirect feedback from guests, and we can attribute that to the streamlined flow of service and housekeeping duties beyond the hotel’s facade made possible by this latest technology investment by AHS and Novotel under the guidance of McLaren.”