How can hotel smartphone apps enhance hotel guest experiences? An integrated model of experiential value

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among the experiential value of hotel apps, the cognitive and affective evaluation of hotel apps users, hotel apps users' satisfaction and their endorsement for the hotel apps. Specifically, this study examined the relationships that enhance hotel guests' experiences through hotel apps. Design/methodology/approach The measurement items were developed through extensive literature review. This study used a web-based survey to test an integrated model of the experiential value. With a total of 320 usable samples, partial least squares structural equation modeling was carried out to identify key "driver" constructs and validate the proposed model. Findings A significant relationship was found in the playfulness of hotel apps and hotel guests' cognitive and affective evaluations of the hotel apps, which positively influence hotel guests' satisfaction and their endorsement for the hotel apps. Hotel apps should create fun and entertainment features in the hotel apps so that the users of hotel apps can be enjoyable during their usage. In addition, providing hotel apps users with time saving and easy use of the hotel apps can affect their satisfaction and endorsement for the hotel apps. Originality/value This study confirmed the positive links among hotel apps users' experiential value, their cognitive and affective evaluation of the hotel apps, their satisfaction of using the hotel apps and their endorsement for the hotel apps. This study also revealed that hotel apps can be hotels' effective communication tool that enhances existing and potential customers' overall experiences.