Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

GuestTouch, HotelKey integrate platforms for hotels

The software solutions will provide end-to-end services to guests

GuestTouch, HotelKey integrate platforms for hotels

GUESTTOUCH AND HOTELKEY are integrating their products to provide services to hotel guests from check-in to check-out. The companies say the partnership will provide a more seamless experience, with personalized, pre-arrival or check-in texts and emails, a personalized digital concierge page and upsell, as well as a feedback/reviews management system with an integrated reviews response system.

Both GuestTouch’s guest reviews and messaging system and HotelKey’s cloud-based property management system are AI-ready, according to HotelKey. HotelKey's PMS manages the end-to-end guest journey while GuestTouch's system helps hotels boost operational efficiency, control online reputation and provide a personalized guest engagement. The integration of the two systems allows hotels that register for either service to expand more easily to include the other service as well, the companies said.


"Our partnership with HotelKey is a natural fit," said Pinak Soni, CEO of GuestTouch. "As hotels increasingly seek effective solutions to manage the end-to-end guest journey and provide exceptional service, HotelKey is at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality industry. Together, we aim to streamline their operations and provide a more personalized guest journey.”

HotelKey's cloud-based PMS is designed to improve hotel operations, including front desk, accounts receivable, housekeeping and maintenance, retail and inventory management. The system also integrates with third-party OTAs and on-premise systems, allowing hotel owners, managers and staff to manage their properties from any device, including desktop, tablet or mobile.

"HotelKey is thrilled to be partnering with GuestTouch, the leading automated guest engagement and reviews platform," said Aditya Thyagarajan, HotelKey co-founder and president. "Our two companies share a commitment to providing hoteliers with the tools they need to deliver exceptional service and elevate the guest experience. Together, we will continue to revolutionize the guest and hotelier's experience, making it easier for hoteliers to connect with guests and deliver the personalized service they expect."

Both companies have been a common platform for the AAHOA award-winning sister properties, Lexen Hotel North Hollywood and Lexen Hotel in Newhall, California. The HotelKey and GuestTouch integration allows for automating guest communication, managing brand reputation and monitoring guest satisfaction.

In April, HotelKey added its central reservation system to an already existing portfolio of its products for Extended Stay America.  ESA already uses a portfolio of HotelKey products across its properties, including HotelKey’s property-management system since 2018 and call center module since 2020, HotelKey said in a statement.

More for you

U.S. Hotel Construction Hits 20-Quarter Low in June

CoStar: Hotel construction drops in June

Summary:

  • U.S. hotel rooms under construction fell year over year for the sixth straight month in June, hitting a 20-quarter low, CoStar reported.
  • About 138,922 rooms were under construction, down 11.9 percent from June 2024; the luxury segment had 6,443 rooms, up 4.1 percent year over year.
  • Lodging Econometrics recently said Dallas led all U.S. markets in hotel construction pipelines at the end of the first quarter, with 203 projects and 24,496 rooms.

THE NUMBER OF U.S. hotel rooms under construction declined year over year for the sixth straight month in June, reaching a 20-quarter low, according to CoStar. Additionally, more than half of all rooms under development are in the South, mostly outside the top 25 markets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chart showing decline in U.S. extended-stay hotel occupancy and RevPAR in May 2025

Report: May fifth month for drop in extended-stay occupancy

Summary:

  • Extended-stay occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth straight monthly decline; ADR and RevPAR also dropped for a second consecutive month.
  • May marked 44 straight months of supply growth for the segment at 4 percent or less, with annual growth below the 4.9 percent long-term average.
  • Extended-stay room revenues rose 0.5 percent, while total industry revenue grew 0.9 percent, led by segments with little extended-stay supply.

EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly decline, exceeding the 0.7 percent drop reported for all hotels by STR/CoStar, according to The Highland Group. Extended-stay occupancy was 10.5 percentage points above the total hotel industry, at the lower end of the long-term average premium range.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

Summary:

  • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
  • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
  • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

Summary:

  • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
  • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
  • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI threats in hospitality

Study: Cyberattacks on hotels to surge

Summary:

  • Around 66 percent of hotel IT and security executives expect more cyberattacks this summer, and 50 percent anticipate greater severity, according to VikingCloud.
  • Guest-facing systems most at risk include POS and payment technology at 72 percent, guest WiFi at 56 percent and front desk systems at 34 percent.
  • About 48 percent of executives lack confidence in their staff’s ability to detect and respond to AI-driven attacks and deepfakes.

APPROXIMATELY 66 PERCENT of hotel IT and security executives expect an increase in cyberattack frequency and 50 percent anticipate greater severity during the summer travel season, according to cybersecurity firm VikingCloud. In summer 2024, 82 percent of North American hotels experienced a cyberattack and 58 percent were targeted five or more times.

Keep ReadingShow less