The world is increasingly digitalised. We can order our food online, book a trip, meet new friends and even get medical advice, all at the touch of a button. But what is the cost of such a data-driven economy? And how is it evolving to meet the increasing demands of consumers?
What do the world’s largest hotel chain, taxi company, media outlet and retailer have in common?
None of them own their products, or employ the people who work for them. And none of them existed 20 years ago. Air BnB, Uber, Facebook and AliBaba are some of the biggest examples of the digital sharing economy, companies that connect demand and supply without actually providing anything more than a platform. These four might be some of the biggest brands in the industry, but they are by no means the only ones.
The digital service model has been slowly defining our lives for the past decade. We can order food from a restaurant and have it delivered by courier, send our laundry out to others with spare washing machines, rent a car, holiday apartment, service, even pet, all from the comfort of home and at the touch of a button.
However, we are starting to see a backlash against this model. While Uber continues to perform well, its reputation has taken a battering over the last few years. Similarly, Facebook has been at the centre of controversy on how exactly it uses and shares data, while Air BnB hit the headlines as several cities and large hotel groups sought to challenge its dominance in the market.
Investment in digital service platforms has dropped, and we begin to see a return to service models that provide both convenience and quality. This is where Le Bijou steps in. When you walk into a Le Bijou apartment, the first thing you will encounter is a warm welcome from ‘James’, our digital butler. James might not be there to shake you by the hand, but he will have already prepared the apartment to your exact liking, and be on hand to connect you to the best spa, dining and experiences in the city. James is our virtual concierge, backed by an international team of professionals. It’s part of the Le Bijou difference, and key to how we provide the services of a five-star hotel experience, within the privacy of an apartment.
Key to the success of this style of digital service is a human element. The innovative app is backed by people - we know every provider on our books and can testify for their service and quality credentials. We are on top of the local scene in each of our destinations, ensuring that the recommendations we provide via our digital concierge are the best. And our innovative augmented reality technology learns from interactions, tailoring an experience to a specific guest, and becoming even more personalised with each repeat visit. It’s why tech giants such as Apple’s Steve Wozniack describe us as ‘the most elegant hotel experience’
And it is what sets service providers such as us apart. We have adapted to the ever changing digital world. Consumers are now more savvy about what they share, and with whom, and they want to know that there is quality control involved when they part with their money or details over an app. Le Bijou provides the convenience of a digital service model, with the quality of five-star accommodation. We’re not only heading the hotel revolution, but we are at the front of the digital revolution as well. Why not join us?