The Dream Hotels brand is growing – physically, culturally, and technologically. From in-room entertainment to guest services, Dream Hotels’ Digital Marketing Manager, Rachel Feit, sat down with us to share some of the exciting developments and stories of Dream Hotels in New York.
1. HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN DREAM HOTELS EVOLVED OVER TIME?
“The Dream Hotels brand is rapidly evolving, and so is our digital presence. Technology has enabled us to build our digital reputation and has changed the way we market to our guests. We recently revealed a new website, which is video-optimized; now, we have the capability to stream exclusive hotel footage and provide guests with the “Dream” experience even before they arrive. Social media has also played an especially big part of our plans to grow the Dream Hotels brand. As we prepare to enter new markets like Dallas and Los Angeles, we are using social media to introduce the brand to the surrounding communities and establish our brand presence.”
2. HOW DOES DREAM INTERACT WITH GUESTS VIA SOCIAL MEDIA?
“Through social media, we give our fans and followers access both on and off property. To celebrate Dream Midtown’s recent renovation, we offered our social media fans exclusive discounts on brand-new rooms and amenities. Social media serves as an extension of Dream Hotels’ incredible guest service as my team and I are in constant communication with people online. We are adding value by interacting not only with hotel guests on Twitter but the larger community of anyone looking to come to NYC, people who just booked their travel, people looking for a hotel/things to do, etc. The appreciation and positive feedback that we’ve received from fans recently about our social media customer service has been incredible.”
3. WHAT ARE SOME NEW PLATFORMS DREAM HAS UTILIZED?
“We recently launched a Snapchat profile to share exclusive, realtime, behind-the-scenes content with guests. Ultimately, we are on the lookout for which platforms and technologies are going to help us create the best guest experience, from online booking to check-out. We also started a blog called “Dream Confidential” to bring guests and travelers an exclusive taste of the Dream Hotels brand and NYC culture, from restaurant openings and museum exhibits to theater showings and nightlife parties. The blog and our social media presence combine to digitally amplify all of our creative efforts, including music partnerships, event activations and on-site art installations.”
4. MOST HOTEL GUESTS ARE TECH SAVVY, SO WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT IN THEIR ROOM?
“We believe that technology adds value to the guest experience, so we’re constantly integrating new apps and partners wherever we can. The Dream Downtown has exclusive in-room VEVO streaming channels and media connectivity hubs so guests can easily hook up all of their devices. At our newly renovated Dream Midtown property, all rooms come equipped with Smart TVs. We believe that technology adds value to the guest experience, so we’re constantly integrating new apps and partners wherever we can.
Dream Downtown recently unveiled the “GuestHouse,” it’s state-of-the-art two-story luxury penthouse. The suite features everything from a spacious garden terrace and a glass-bottom Jacuzzi to a Savant climate and entertainment home automation system. Guests can control the entire room from their smartphones.
Dream Midtown also just underwent a huge structural renovation and with that has come a ton of technological (and cultural) enhancements. All rooms are now equipped with Smart TVs, free downloads of the New York Times app and we’re launching a “Dream TV” series that will feature exclusive content curated by the hotel.”
5. WHAT ROLE DOES COLLABORATION PLAY IN DREAM HOTELS AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?
“For Dream Hotels and the entire hospitality industry, collaboration is creating a more dynamic opportunity for event marketing. We recently partnered with Alex+Ani jewelry and Bliss spa on a Valentine’s Day sweepstakes where fans could win a weekend for two in New York City. For Dream Hotels and the entire hospitality industry, collaboration is creating a more dynamic opportunity for event marketing. Over the past few years we’ve activated at SXSW, Art Basel and Sundance with big music and media partners including AM Only and The Kills. We’re utilizing all of our channels to promote these partnerships, get the word out about the events – and ultimately get influencers to attend. Collaborating with brands allows us to interject the Dream Hotels brand into relevant cultural happenings.”
Thank you to Rachel and Dream Hotels for joining Social Media Week NYC as the Official Hotel Sponsor. Attendees traveling to New York for the conference can take advantage of a special Social Media Week offer for booking rooms.