Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand founded by Sir Richard Branson, has launched Lucy, a new mobile app designed to integrate guests’ personal devices with their hotel experience. Lucy functions as a personal hotel assistant, allowing guests to request services, control in-room features, and access hotel information from their smartphone.
“Our mobile app Lucy will put guests in the captain’s chair,” said Doug Carrillo, vice president of sales and marketing for Virgin Hotels. “The technology is smart and intuitive and will make stays more immersive. We look forward to expanding the platform as the brand and guest needs evolve.”
Lucy offers tools for every stage of a stay. Before arrival, guests can search availability, make reservations, and complete a digital check-in. While on property, the app enables users to adjust the room climate, stream personal media to the in-room TV, and use their phone as a TV remote. Guests can also contact the concierge, front desk, and dining outlets directly through the app, live chat with staff or other guests in the hotel chat room and message center, and make or modify dining reservations.
Operational requests are simplified through Lucy: guests can order in-room dining, request housekeeping services, ask for extra amenities such as pillows or toiletries, and receive updates about service status. At the end of a stay, the app supports digital check-out and provides an option to review the guest experience.
Virgin Hotels opened its first property in Chicago, with additional hotels planned for Nashville in 2016 and New York in 2017. By combining mobile convenience with in-hotel services, Lucy aims to make stays more personalized, efficient, and connected for modern travelers.