Most of us have requested extra towels at a hotel. But extra burritos? Who could dream that big? Now you can order all you want, or anything in GrubHub’s Marketplace, if you stay in one of the 600 locations run by Home2 Suites by Hilton, an all-suite extended stay hotel, in news shared by the parties this week. This follows last year’s announcement that GrubHub Onsite would be collaborating with Homewood Suites, which is also owned by Hilton.
“We are proud to expand our relationship with Hilton after a successful Homewood Suites launch,” said Rob DelaCruz, vice president and general manager of Onsite Hospitality at Grubhub. “Digital platforms can simplify the search for dining options when guests are on the road.”
Hotel patrons will be able to order meals and convenience items from the app through geolocation and QR codes around each property, which will direct them to Grubhub’s Marketplace. The hotel location and courier drop-off instructions will populate at checkout. Easy and done.
As an additional perk, guests who affiliate with the hotel will receive one free month of Grubhub+, the provider’s loyalty program that offers unlimited free delivery on eligible orders.
Does this announcement indicate that third-party ordering is on its way toward eliminating hotel room service? Maybe, maybe not. What we know is that not long ago hotels would have reacted to an entreaty from a third-party provider like a bear reacts to mace. But the reality is hotel staffs are shrinking. Sixty-seven percent of hotels have a staffing shortage, according to a February survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Outside food is better than no food. You do the math.
