The world of Shangri-La at your fingertips

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts launches a mobile app for the iPhone, the first of two phases of the smartphone technology.

The new app, an extension of the brand’s recently revamped website. encompasses all its functions in addition to providing easy access and booking for Shangri-La’s 72 hotels and resorts.

In English and Simplified Chinese the app’s key features are:

• Explore, book, view and edit room reservations at over 70

Shangri-La, Traders and Kerry hotels and resorts

• Join Golden Circle quickly with just a few taps.

• Check Golden Circle Award Points balance and manage

the membership account.

• Redeem points for complimentary stays plus dining and

vouchers for CHI, The Spa.

• Get travel tips, read and share travel stories with Golden

Circle members.

• Integrate with popular social media platforms.

• Connect to the nearest international toll-free numbers for

24/7 customer support using location-based GPS

technology.

• Retrieve offers and stories at Shangri-La hotels with the

built-in QR code scanner.

The hotel group is currently developing the second phase of this app, which will be launched in Q1 2013. New features will include:

• Retrieve room text and voice messages

• Set up and cancel a wake-up call

• Folio review and express check-out

• Make a turndown request

• Luggage service request

• Individual hotel directory

• In-room dining menu and order

• Table reservations at different restaurants

• Local weather

• Airline arrival and departure flight status

Wee Kee Ng, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ director of corporate loyalty and partner, said the app was part of the group’s global mobile strategy that included the launch of its new website in May, as well as free Wifi in all its hotels. ,

“All these initiatives will empower our guests and members by allowing full engagement with our hotels at their convenience,” he added.

The free app is available for download at Apple App store. The app for the iPad, and Android and Blackberry devices are under development.

As part of the launch campaign, from now until October 15, 2012, all users who download the app and share their travel stories in Your Circle that features personalised contributions within the programme’s travel site, Inner Circle, stand to win a three-night stay in an executive suite at any Shangri-La hotel or resort of their choice.