The California hotel is looking to improve the trip-planning and stay experience for consumers through the app. The app is available for free download from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

“We are the first Hyatt in southern California to our knowledge to have a fully interactive app with these features,” said Daniel Kuperschmid, general manager at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA.

“It is not a Hyatt initiative, but more a hotel-based decision to develop the app to give guests a tech-savvy way to access great service throughout property,” he said. “We want convenience for guests to be at the touch of a button.”

Stay on mobile
Using the app, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach guests can place room service orders and connect to the hotel’s concierge service.

Consumers can also place food orders while at the hotel’s pool or from the hotel’s restaurant.

There is also a map of the property and information about the area for guests. Consumers can also reserve a complimentary shuttle pick-up via the app.

Furthermore, users can set-up wake-up calls via the app.

In addition to helping on-site guests, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach app also helps consumers plan their trips beforehand.

Users can access information about the hotel’s events and connect to social media.

The hotel is using printed materials that are given to guests at check-in with information about the app. Additionally, the app is being promoted via signage around the property.

As an incentive to get consumers to download the app, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is offering the first 100 consumers who download the app special offer codes for discounts on guest room rates and merchandise.

Social media and the hotel’s media partners are also being leveraged to spread the word.

Mobile reservations
Using a stand-alone app can be an effective way for a hotel to build loyalty with its guests and keep them coming back.

Hotels are in a particularly interesting position with mobile nowadays to think beyond enabling mobile bookings with their efforts.

Additionally, the hotel and hospitality sector is increasingly becoming more competitive with online travel agencies, airlines and hotel brands all clamoring for consumers’ attention.

What is unique about the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach app is the focus on both planning and on-site services.

In this case the app both enables a booking and helps guests along every step of their stay, which could be helpful in retaining app users.

“We wanted to provide guests with cutting-edge technology,” Mr. Kuperschmid said.

“Now that we have the technology designed, as guests provide feedback on what they would like to see on the app, we can continue to enhance based on that feedback,” he said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is associate reporter on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York