W Hotels Launches Mobile App

Recently, W Hotels launched an iPhone app to bring signature sounds and insider access to guests at their properties around the world. The W Scottsdale, a swanky property nestled in the heart of old town, came to us to help create a few pieces to help them market the app to visitors.

Splinter designed and produced collateral to announce the app, as well as strategically placed QR promotional decals that scan to “Get the App!” We were also commissioned to create iPhone replicas, which were used to train their staff on how the app works. After some creative brainstorming, we came up with a solution that resembled the actual size, shape and look of an iPhone. They were a hit! Another W property saw images of the replicas and actually thought the W Scottsdale had used real phones for training. Needless to say, the replicas were pretty spot on.

The new app is way rad, allowing guests to book their stay, order in-room service, or even request fresh towels. My personal favorite feature of the app streams music curated by Michaelangelo L’Acqua, the W’s global music director. The app gives you an option to listen to it at that moment or to purchase it on iTunes. It also detects your location to display any hotels near you and offers the ability to post on Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare.

This effort by W Hotels will surely add value to your stay and provides the progressive type of service their brand has come to be known for. Now, if I could just replicate their poolside experience, sitting at my desk today might not be so bad.