For hotel owners, it is important to keep up with the latest video marketing trends, and the 360 video hotel tour is one of the most significant trends of recent times. In this article, you will learn more about 360 movie technology, how it differs from the VR hotel offerings, and 10 of the best examples of its use within the hotel industry.
Table of Contents:
What is a 360 Video?
A 360 video, also known as a spherical video, is a video recording filmed using an omnidirectional camera, resulting in all directions being filmed simultaneously. As a result, a user viewing a 360 video can pan around during playback, with a 360-degree field of view and freedom to explore that full 360 degrees at will.
There are several ways to consume 360 video content, including traditional flat displays, head-mounted displays, and virtual reality headsets. This includes high-tech virtual reality headsets from the likes of Samsung and Sony and budget alternatives, including Google Cardboard.
It is one of the most powerful forms of video marketing due to the levels of immersion it can offer.
What is the Difference Between a 360 Video and a Virtual Reality Video?
The terms ‘360 video’ and ‘virtual reality’ are sometimes used interchangeably and use similar technology. After all, 360 videos can be viewed through virtual reality headsets. However, the two concepts have some subtle differences, and it is worth familiarising yourself with these differences.
In simple terms, virtual reality refers to a computer-generated simulation where the user can interact with the digital environment in a seemingly realistic way, whereas 360 videos are made purely to be observed. Additionally, while 360 videos can be enjoyed on various devices, virtual reality requires a VR headset.
One way to think of the difference is that 360 video resembles a 360 movie. In contrast, virtual reality is more common with video games due to the potential for interactions with digital environments.
What is a 360 Video Hotel Tour?
A 360 video hotel tour, sometimes promoted as a VR hotel tour, is a form of video marketing used to advertise the physical qualities of a hotel. Such a tour uses 360 video technology to showcase hotel sections through immersive video footage, such as a hotel room, the hotel lobby, and the pool area.
The primary benefit is the ability to give users a clearer sense of what it is like to be in the hotel.
Why Are 360 Video Hotel Tours Becoming Popular?
Several factors explain why 360 video hotel tours have become more popular, including technological improvements and the increased prevalence of virtual reality headsets. However, there is also a growing belief that marketing works best when it provides its audience with an experience.
In the past, hotel websites and other platforms have had to rely on photographs to convey what the hotel is like. With 360 video and VR hotel tours, users can experience what a hotel is like for themselves, all from the comfort of their own homes. As a result, they can make a booking with much greater confidence.
10 Amazing Examples of 360 Video Hotel Tours
While the concept of 360 video hotel tours has grown in popularity in recent years, it is fair to say that some hotels are making better use of technology than others. Below, we examine 10 of the best examples to date.
#1: 360 Video Tour of Atlantis Dubai Hotel
An immersive 360 video tour of the Atlantis Dubai hotel. The video tour showcases several key hotel sections, including the main entrance, the hotel suites, and several nearby features and attractions. It also gives users a clear idea of the views on offer from the hotel, and the contents of the hotel rooms.
#2: 360-degree video of Pullman Brisbane King George Square Hotel
The Pullman Brisbane King George Square is a 5-star hotel in Brisbane, Australia. This VR hotel tour offers a 360-degree view of several different sections from it, including the hotel reception area, various room types, and the executive lounge, providing users with a clear idea of the hotel’s aesthetics.
#3: Grand Oasis Hotel 360º Hotel VR Tour
The Grand Oasis Hotel is situated in Cancun, Mexico, and this 360 movie provides an intriguing look at some of its best features. The tour is presented with full narration and shows and describes the hotel rooms, along with numerous other features, including its famous gardens.
#4: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa 360 Video Tour
Situated in Cape Town, South Africa, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is a picturesque, upscale hotel. The manager introduces this 360 virtual hotel tour and guides users through a number of the most important areas of the building, including the reception, hotel rooms, entertainment areas, and dining areas.
#5: Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel VR and 360 Video Experience
This VR hotel tour for the Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel takes a more understated approach, allowing the 360 videos to speak for itself. During the tour itself, the user gets a close look at the hotel’s reception area, lounge, bar, poolside area and hotel rooms, including the view seen from the hotel’s balconies.
#6: Hotels 360 VR, 360 Virtual Tour for Holiday Inn Express Adelaide
This hotel tour from Holiday Inn Express in Adelaide, Australia, takes a slightly different approach to video marketing, offering a 360 video with a view of guests engaged in typical hotel activities. Some of the areas shown in the tour include the check-in desk, the lounge, a conference room, and the hotel rooms.
#7: Vythiri Resort of Wyanad in VR and 360 Video Presentations
The Vythiri Resort of Wyanad tour takes users through the main hotel facilities in a fully narrated 360 movie. In particular, it places a strong emphasis on the broader themes of the hotel and on the natural beauty of the resort and its surrounding area, serving as a compelling piece of video marketing.
#8: Bora Bora’s Overwater Bungalows In 360 Video
This 360 video produced for the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa highlights the beauty of Tahiti and the classic appeal of the overwater bungalows. With the guidance of a narrator, the tour shows users the inside of the bungalows, balcony views, the spectacular surroundings, and the room service delivered by canoe.
#9: Maldives 360 Video, Scuba Spa 360 VR Experience
Centered on the Scuba Spa Floating Resort in the Maldives, this 360 video hotel tour focuses on the fun that can be had during a visit. In particular, it highlights a cocktail lounge, a dining area, professional massage services, and more, building up the image of a luxurious resort for those looking to unwind.
#10: Cape Dara in Pattaya, Thailand | 360 Video Presentation
Finally, this 360 movie highlights the main offerings of Cape Dara in Pattaya, Thailand, which is a five-star hotel. These offerings include a beautiful pool area, suites overlooking the beach, views of natural surroundings, jacuzzis, luxurious hotel rooms, and quiet, secluded spaces for relaxation.
More Ways How VR Can Enrich the Hotel Industry
Virtual reality is one of the biggest emerging technology trends, and the business world is gradually coming to terms with its various opportunities. In the article “How Virtual Reality (VR) Can Enrich the Hospitality Industry,” we describe three of the best current uses of virtual reality.
Ultimately, 360 video is a powerful video marketing tool because of the immersion it can provide. This allows users to experience something akin to being in a hotel without being physically present. The 10 examples listed in this article help to highlight the ways hotel owners can use the technology effectively.
More Video Marketing Tips
Videos are a powerful marketing tool, especially for the hospitality and travel industry. After all, they can capture the attention of the audience much quicker than text or images. In the following articles, you will learn more about video marketing:
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This article is written by:
Hi, I am Martijn Barten, founder of Revfine.com. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I specialize in optimizing revenue by combining revenue management with marketing strategies. I have successfully developed, implemented, and managed revenue management and marketing strategies for individual properties and multi-property portfolios.
