Digital compendiums: The latest innovation for guest satisfaction

The hospitality industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with accommodation providers increasingly turning to technology to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. A significant innovation in this space is the rise of digital compendiums–intelligent, interactive platforms that are rapidly replacing traditional in-room guides.

Old-style bulky paper booklets filled with information that quickly becomes outdated won’t cut it anymore. Today’s travellers expect instant access to hotel services, local recommendations, and personalised experiences at their fingertips. Digital compendiums deliver this, providing guests with real-time updates, tailored suggestions, and seamless connectivity to hotel amenities, all accessible via in-room tablets, personal smartphones, or smart TVs.

First published in the new Autumn print edition of AccomNews HERE

More than just a modern alternative, digital compendiums are redefining how hotels engage with their guests. AI-driven personalisation allows for curated recommendations based on individual preferences, while seamless integrations with booking systems, room controls, and concierge services create an elevated guest experience. Beyond convenience, digital compendiums also present new revenue opportunities, enabling hotels to promote on-site services, upsell experiences, and partner with local businesses.

A seamless shift from paper to digital

As guest expectations evolve, hotels and resorts are moving away from printed compendiums in favour of digital solutions that offer greater flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Unlike static paper guides, which require frequent reprints and manual updates across every room, digital compendiums can be updated instantly with the latest menus, event schedules, or local attractions, ensuring that guests always have the most current information at their disposal.

Beyond convenience, the shift to digital brings operational and environmental benefits. By eliminating paper waste and printing costs, hotels can reduce their carbon footprint while also improving workflow efficiency. Staff can spend less time replacing outdated materials and more time delivering personalised service, ultimately enhancing the overall guest experience.

Comworks Creative Director Paul Stubbs shared his insights on the rise of digital compendiums and discussed how hotels can leverage these devices in their accommodations.

In what ways are managers replacing traditional paper guides, and what benefits does this offer?

Primarily, they are adopting digital compendiums to enhance the guest experience and reduce routine enquiries.

Smart compendiums allow managers to incorporate necessary information about the property and to provide helpful information such as local restaurants, activities and events.

Paul highlighted some key benefits

• Real-time updates­: Unlike printed materials that require costly reprints and have to be added manually within each room binder, smart compendiums for example, can be updated instantly online to reflect changes at the property such as maintenance events, as well as providing local restaurants, attractions and convenience information as businesses come and go.
• Enhanced guest convenience and reduced support enquiries: Guests can access all hotel or resort information with just a few taps, eliminating the need for phone calls or front desk visits.
• Sustainability and cost reduction: By going digital, hotels reduce paper waste and printing expenses, aligning with environmentally friendly green initiatives while also cutting costs.
• Integrated smart room controls: Many digital compendiums integrate with room automation systems, allowing guests to adjust lighting, temperature, and entertainment settings directly from the interface.
• Increased upselling opportunities: Hotels can strategically promote special offers, upgrades, and services, leading to higher revenue per guest.
• Multilingual accessibility: Unlike static printed materials, digital compendiums can dynamically switch between multiple languages, improving accessibility for international guests.
• Device independence: Some digital compendiums require mobile apps while others are web based, and do not require any app to be installed. Many consumers, particularly more senior travellers are reluctant to add more apps to their mobile devices.

By embracing digital compendiums, hotels and resorts enhance guest satisfaction, streamline operations, and stay competitive in the evolving hospitality industry.

Can digital compendiums provide an elevated guest experience and personalisation?

Personalisation is key to today’s guest experience, and digital compendiums make it seamless. Smart compendiums, for example, make it simple for a manager to add personal smart places with curated AI content for café, restaurant and entertainment options in a handy digital map. Since the information is available on the go, the guests can view, contact and even book recommended options, rather than risking a hit or miss experience at a random destination.

Whether suggesting a spa treatment, offering a personalised dining experience, or providing language-specific content, these platforms create a more intuitive and engaging stay.

How can integrations with PMS, CRM and other platforms contribute to a more seamless stay and improved operations?

In large hotels, it is critical to provide e-commerce interactions within compendiums for in-room purchases. For individual building managers and resorts in most Australian accommodation venues, the focus is on providing as much local information, entertainment and activity planning ideas as possible. Integration with tourism providers and the ability to book tours directly is becoming more popular as the tour providers are moving towards more online booking technologies.

What strategies are hotels using to maximise revenue through digital compendiums?

Hotels are leveraging digital compendiums to create targeted upselling opportunities. Many properties also integrate their loyalty programs, encouraging guests to engage with future promotions and specials. Additionally, partnerships with local businesses allow hotels to generate commission-based revenue by recommending tours, experiences, and transport services—all conveniently accessible through the compendium.

Sarah Davison

Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.