US: Travel search engine KAYAK has announced its first hotel in Miami Beach, leveraging the KAYAK app and developing the on-site technology in partnership with Life House.
The hotel is housed in a 1934 art-deco building with a wrap-around public rooftop area that contains the hotel’s bar and restaurant Layla.
All check-ins/outs are contactless through KAYAK’s mobile app, which will also provide 24/7 access to hotel staff and support. Guests will be able to connect to their own inbox through the app, receive real-time alerts, manage itineraries, housekeeping requests and more.
Tech amenities in every guest room includes Apple TVs and Marshall speakers.
In the backend, where the software is in early development, KAYAK will add integrations to cloud-based property management systems, wireless lock and access controls, and distribution channel management. Consumer and pricing insights will also be incorporated.
Life House, a hotel brand and management company, is helping to develop the technology and will manage the hotel operations.
“We see a big opportunity to apply our audience and technology to the accommodations space to level the playing field for independent hotels,” said Steve Hafner, CEO of KAYAK. “Our Miami Beach property will serve as our hotel design lab and deepen our knowledge of hospitality and showcase our growing capabilities.
“We’re excited to reimagine accommodations with Life House,” Hafner continued. “KAYAK Miami Beach provides a playground for guests and our development teams alike.”
Rami Zeidan, founder and CEO of Life House, added: “Our mission is to create value for independent lifestyle hotels and their owners. Together with KAYAK, we can accelerate our leadership in this quickly evolving space.”
KAYAK is exploring additional locations for different property sizes and types.
