you have the freedom to choose your own level of privacy . You can go to a common table where you can speak and interact with people you don ’ t know , or you can go to the very comfortable eating space and be by yourself . The design is definitely a new era for Mövenpick .”
SLEEPING SMART Technology is also influential in shaping Mövenpick strategy in this new era .
For example , a new ‘ smart mattress ’ concept has proven to be a successful new revenue stream in a series of trials carried out last year . Inspired by a Swedish innovation called YouBed , it allows guests to alter the firmness of their mattress via a remote control , and comes as part of an upgrade package costing € 15 ($ 18-19 ). “ This has been something of a home run for us ,” Chavy comments . “ The repeat business for it is remarkable . People want to try it , and we are going to deploy it in the Middle East and Asia . At the end of the day , we are in the business of selling sleep .”
Chavy is also acutely aware that he is in the business of selling customer experience , and of the fine balance between technology adding or detracting from any one guest ’ s perception of a hotel stay . So , as CEO , what is his approach to technology ? “ You can ’ t ignore technology , but it should not be a cult ,” he says . “ It ’ s all based on the freedom you give to your clients and to the people . If I travel to London today , I like to check in with my phone , go to the plane without speaking to anyone , fly , land , call my Uber and go to my meeting . But , if I am flying
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