Sausalito, Calif. (June 1, 2015) — Today, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, one of the Bay Area's most innovative hotels known for being at the forefront of technology, will unveil its new augmented reality (AR) tool showcasing the standout 5,000-square-foot Alexandrite Suite, located within the historic Mansion at Casa Madrona. Due to the amount of travel industry taste- makers that will be in NYC this week for the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference and the Boutique Lodging and Lifestyle Association Conference, the hotel's street team will be on the ground to feature its new offering at both events being held on June 1-2 and 3, respectively, and at various other Manhattan locations over the same three-day period. Using a tech-savvy team of experts, outfitted in attire reflective of the nautical spirit synonymous with Sausalito and Casa Madrona, conference attendees and passersby on the streets of Manhattan will be introduced to Augment 3-D.
Among the first of luxury boutique hotels to adopt this technology, AR is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Over the course of three days in New York, Casa Madrona will share this innovative technology among the industry's finest – a premiere example of high-touch and high-tech hospitality combined.
"When we launched The Mansion and Alexandrite Suite in 2014 we celebrated with a champagne toast like no other – delivered by drone. To celebrate our one-year anniversary, we are taking over the streets of Manhattan to bring The Mansion to life with our new cutting-edge AR technology," said Michael Mohr, Principal for MetWest Ventures. "No matter where you are in the world, with the click of a button, you'll find yourself standing on the deck of the Alexandrite Suite taking in the spectacular seaside views of Sausalito and shortly thereafter will be booking your trip to experience it in person."
Further positioning Casa Madrona as leaders in the hospitality and tech industry; the hotel will use this new tool to increase sales and revenue through v-commerce versus the more traditional e-commerce. In addition to becoming a sales tool, AR will be used to enhance the guest experience. This state-of-the-art technology will impress hotel guests pre- and post-stay via multiple communication initiatives including virtual sneak peaks of the Alexandrite Suite for potential events during the location selection process. Prior to arrival, confirmation letters will include the AR tour to surprise and delight guests and even account for any noted special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons. In the instance of a special event, a wedding for example, consumers can visit the wedding venue through AR and experience Alexandrite in advance. Following each guest stay, the AR tour will be sent as the ultimate post card and guests will be able to post a virtual mansion on all social media outlets as a unique way to share their experience
"Always looking to stay on the forefront of technology within the hospitality business, this state- of-the-art, modern tool further pushes Casa Madrona to the next-level in keeping hospitality, innovation and service synonymous with our brand," said Sietse Nabben, General Manager. "This is just the beginning of our dedication to the roll-out of AR into the guest experience."
Encouraging conference attendees, passersby, and those from afar to experience the AR app, the property is offering a chance to win a two-night stay in the Alexandrite Suite with luxury amenities and activities included. The Casa Madrona AR tour and a chance to win a Mansion stay and experience are available with just a few clicks on any Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device with these step:
- Download Augment 3-D App on your mobile device.
- From your mobile device, search for "Casa Madrona" in the app and find yourself
immediately transported to the deck of the Alexandrite suite for a 360-degree augmented tour of the suite and gorgeous bay views or experience the entire miniature virtual mansion. - Post a photo with the "Augmented Mansion" on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram with #MansionGetaway @casamadrona to enter the contest.
- For more information and terms and conditions, please visit www.CasaMadrona.com and look for links to The Mansion Experience.
