Tablet Hotels - Detailed Review
Travel Tools
Tablet Hotels - Product Overview
Tablet Hotels Overview
Tablet Hotels is a specialized hotel booking platform that stands out for its curated selection of boutique and luxury hotels. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Tablet Hotels is dedicated to providing travelers with a hand-picked selection of hotels that offer more than just a place to stay. The platform focuses on hotels that deliver memorable experiences through their extraordinary style, service, and personality. Founded in 2000, Tablet Hotels has been a go-to source for travelers seeking unique and high-quality accommodations.
Target Audience
The target audience for Tablet Hotels includes both leisure and business travelers who are looking for a unique and personalized experience. This diverse group values hotels that offer a distinct character, design, and service, rather than just a standard room.
Key Features
Curated Hotel Selection
Tablet Hotels lists around 3,500 carefully selected properties, each evaluated to meet specific quality standards. Hotels are added or removed based on reviews from verified guests, ensuring that only the best hotels remain on the site.
Michelin Integration
Since its acquisition by Michelin in 2018, Tablet Hotels has become the official hotel selection of the MICHELIN Guide. This integration also includes access to every Michelin-rated restaurant, allowing users to book hotels and make restaurant reservations through the app.
Tablet Plus Membership
Users can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Tablet Plus, which offers VIP upgrades, amenities, and private member rates at hundreds of participating hotels. Members also receive concierge-grade customer service from Tablet’s Travel Specialists.
User Reviews and Ratings
The platform uses reviews from verified guests to create the Tablet Score, which helps maintain the quality of the listed hotels. Hotels with less-than-stellar scores can be removed from the site.
Location-Based Search
The app allows users to quickly find Tablet-approved hotels and Michelin-rated restaurants near their location. Users can also create and view wishlists of hotels and restaurants.
Marketing and Growth
With the support of Michelin, Tablet Hotels has increased its marketing efforts and is expanding its reach to more diverse audiences globally.
Conclusion
Overall, Tablet Hotels is a valuable resource for travelers who seek more than just a standard hotel experience, offering a curated selection of unique hotels and integrated dining options, all supported by excellent customer service.
Tablet Hotels - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Experience
The user interface and experience of Tablet Hotels are crafted to be intuitive, user-friendly, and highly engaging, particularly for those seeking unique and curated travel experiences.Interface Design
The Tablet Hotels app and website feature a clean and stylish design that reflects the boutique and luxurious nature of the hotels they curate. The interface is organized to make it easy for users to find and book hotels, as well as discover Michelin-rated restaurants. Users can quickly locate hotels and restaurants near their location, creating a seamless experience for planning trips.Ease of Use
The app is designed to be easy to use, allowing users to create their own hotel and restaurant wishlists, view lists from other users, including Michelin chefs and hotel aficionados, and make bookings with ease. The search functionality is straightforward, enabling users to filter and find hotels based on their preferences. The checkout process, although it has seen some improvements over time, is generally user-friendly, with iterative testing ensuring that any confusion is minimized.User Experience
The overall user experience is enhanced by several key features:Curated Selection
Tablet Hotels offers a hand-picked selection of hotels known for their extraordinary style, service, and personality. This curation ensures that users are presented with high-quality options that meet their expectations.Customer Service
Users have access to concierge-grade customer service from Tablet’s Travel Specialists, who are available to assist with every step of the journey. This level of support is highly valued by users, as evident from positive reviews.Reviews and Ratings
The app incorporates reviews from verified Tablet guests to create the Tablet Score, which helps maintain the quality of the hotel selection. This feedback loop ensures that hotels with less-than-stellar scores can be removed, maintaining the integrity of the recommendations.Additional Perks
For users who sign up for the free 30-day trial of Tablet Plus, there are VIP upgrades and amenities available at hundreds of participating hotels. This adds an extra layer of value to the user experience.Integration and Features
The app also integrates features such as the ability to book Michelin-rated restaurants and view lists from other users. The partnership with Michelin, which acquired Tablet in 2018, adds significant value by including every Michelin Star and Bib Gourmand restaurant, as well as the new Green Star designation.Feedback and Improvement
The development process of the app involved extensive user testing and feedback. For example, during the development phase, users were engaged through phone and person-to-person interviews, and questionnaires to ensure that the app met their needs and expectations. This iterative approach has helped refine the app to provide a smooth and satisfying user experience. Overall, the user interface and experience of Tablet Hotels are focused on providing a seamless, stylish, and highly curated travel planning experience that is both easy to use and engaging. Tablet Hotels - Key Features and Functionality
Tablet Hotels Overview
Tablet Hotels, a platform acquired by Michelin in 2018, offers a range of features that make it a valuable tool for travelers seeking unique and high-quality hotel experiences. Here are the main features and how they work:Curated Hotel Selection
Tablet Hotels features a hand-picked selection of hotels that stand out for their extraordinary style, service, and personality. This curated list includes boutique hotels, indie boutiques, and grand old palaces, ensuring that users find hotels that offer more than just a place to stay.Michelin-Rated Restaurants
In addition to hotels, the Tablet app includes every Michelin-rated restaurant, allowing users to find and book tables at these esteemed dining establishments. This integration is particularly useful for travelers who value culinary experiences as much as their accommodations.Tablet Score and Guest Reviews
The platform uses reviews from verified Tablet guests to create the Tablet Score, a system that helps maintain the quality of the hotel selection. If a hotel’s scores are not satisfactory, it can be removed from the list, ensuring that the selection remains fresh and reliable.Location-Based Search and Wishlists
Users can quickly find Tablet-approved hotels and Michelin-rated restaurants near their location. The app also allows users to create their own hotel and restaurant wishlists and view lists from other users, including Michelin chefs and hotel aficionados.Concierge-Grade Customer Service
Tablet offers concierge-grade customer service through its Travel Specialists, who are available to assist with every step of the user’s journey. This service is available without any additional cost or membership requirements.Tablet Plus VIP Program
Users can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Tablet Plus, which provides VIP upgrades and amenities at hundreds of participating hotels. This program enhances the travel experience with exclusive perks and benefits.Personalized Recommendations
The “Take Me Away” tool allows users to input their desired criteria and curate a personalized list of hotel recommendations based on design, atmosphere, local activities, and amenities. This feature is driven by guest feedback and analysis of popular hotels among Tablet users.Integration with Fora Travel Advisors
Tablet Hotels has partnered with Fora to enable travel advisors to access rates, live availability, member discounts, and perks for nearly 1,000 Tablet Plus hotels directly within the Fora Advisor Portal. This integration streamlines the booking process for travel advisors and their clients.AI Integration
While the primary features of Tablet Hotels do not heavily rely on AI, the broader context of hotel technology suggests that AI can enhance the hospitality experience. However, based on the available information, Tablet Hotels itself does not currently integrate AI into its core functions. Instead, AI is more commonly associated with in-room hotel tablets and other hospitality technologies that are not part of the Tablet Hotels app.Conclusion
In summary, Tablet Hotels focuses on providing a curated selection of hotels and restaurants, enhanced by user reviews, personalized recommendations, and top-tier customer service, all without the direct integration of AI into its main features. Tablet Hotels - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Tablet Hotels
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Tablet Hotels in the context of AI-driven travel tools involves looking at several key aspects of their service.
Hotel Curation and Selection
Tablet Hotels is renowned for its rigorous curation process, which involves evaluating hotels across every price point to ensure they meet high standards. This curation has led to partnerships with prestigious entities like the MICHELIN Guide, indicating a high level of trust and accuracy in their hotel selections.
User Experience and Engagement
Tablet Hotels focuses on providing a memorable experience rather than just a room. Their platform is user-friendly, offering a hand-picked selection of boutique and luxury hotels that reflect the unique character of each location. The user experience is enhanced by the Tablet Plus Travel Club, which offers VIP upgrades and amenities at hundreds of their properties.
Integration and Accessibility
Recently, Tablet Hotels has integrated with Fora, a travel advising platform, to provide Fora advisors with live access to Tablet Plus private member rates, perks, and real-time availability. This integration streamlines the booking process and increases the speed and convenience for both advisors and travelers.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Tablet Hotels excels in curating unique and extraordinary hotels, there is limited information available on how they leverage AI specifically in their operations. Unlike some newer travel tools, Tablet Hotels does not appear to use AI for generating itineraries, personalized recommendations, or dynamic pricing analysis, which are features becoming increasingly common in the travel industry.
Factual Accuracy
Tablet Hotels’ accuracy in hotel descriptions and details is high, given their rigorous curation process. However, the lack of AI-driven tools for itinerary planning and personalized recommendations might make the platform less competitive in terms of automation and real-time personalization compared to newer AI-powered travel advisors.
Conclusion
Tablet Hotels performs well in terms of hotel curation and user experience, especially for those seeking unique, boutique, and luxury hotels. However, to improve, they could consider integrating more AI-driven features to enhance itinerary planning, provide personalized recommendations, and offer dynamic pricing analysis. This would align their services more closely with the evolving expectations in the travel technology sector.
Tablet Hotels - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure and Plans of Tablet Hotels
Tablet Plus Membership
- Tablet Hotels offers a Tablet Plus membership, which provides several exclusive benefits. Normally, this membership costs $99 per year, but there are instances where it can be obtained for free, such as the complimentary one-year trial offered to NYWIFT members.
- With a Tablet Plus membership, users can enjoy VIP upgrades, hotel credits, free breakfast, welcome amenities, and late check-out at over 1,000 participating hotels.
Features of Tablet Plus
- Room Upgrades: Subject to availability at check-in.
- Hotel/Resort Credits: Varying credits depending on the hotel.
- Breakfast: Included in some packages.
- Welcome Gift or Amenity: Provided upon arrival.
- Late Check-Out: Subject to availability.
Booking Through Partners
- Travel agencies like Fora and Live Luxe Travel Co. offer bookings for Tablet Hotels. Fora advisors can access live rates, availability, and member discounts directly through the Fora Advisor Portal.
- Live Luxe Travel Co. provides complimentary bookings for stays over $500 USD; otherwise, a non-refundable booking fee of $25 USD may apply.
Tablet Pro for Advisors
- Tablet Pro is a program for travel advisors, allowing them to earn commissions on bookings and access the same benefits as Tablet Plus members for their clients. This program is integrated into platforms like Fora, enabling advisors to book hotels with perks and special rates.
No Free Permanent Membership
- There is no permanent free membership option available for general users. However, promotional offers like the one-year free trial for NYWIFT members can be beneficial.
Summary
In summary, the primary pricing involves the $99 annual fee for a Tablet Plus membership, which can sometimes be obtained for free through promotional offers. Bookings through partner agencies may have additional fees or requirements, but they also offer convenient access to the exclusive benefits of Tablet Plus hotels.
Tablet Hotels - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Third-Party Systems
One of the key integrations is with IXOPAY, a payment processing solution. Tablet Hotels uses IXOPAY’s Universal Tokens to capture and tokenize incoming cardholder data, which is then securely transmitted to channel managers, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) without bringing the sensitive data back into Tablet’s internal systems. This integration significantly reduces the risk associated with handling credit card data and simplifies PCI compliance, saving the company tens of thousands in development costs and eliminating potential security risks.
Partnership with Fora
Tablet Hotels has also partnered with Fora, a platform that modernizes travel advising. This partnership integrates over 1,000 Tablet Plus hotels directly into the Fora Portal, allowing Fora advisors to access live availability, private member rates, and exclusive perks of Tablet Plus hotels. This integration is the first external API integration for Tablet Hotels and enhances the booking process for Fora advisors, enabling them to book hotels without leaving the Fora Portal.
Tablet Pro for Travel Agents
For travel agents, Tablet Hotels offers Tablet Pro, which integrates seamlessly with the Tablet Hotels website. Travel agents can book and receive immediate confirmations for any hotel listed on TabletHotels.com, earn a 10% commission on bookings, and provide their clients with exclusive discounts and Tablet Plus privileges. All reservations must be confirmed through the PRO Account on the Tablet Hotels website, ensuring a streamlined and commission-tracking process.
App Compatibility
The Tablet Hotels app is compatible with a range of devices, including iPhones, iPod touches, and Macs. The app requires iOS 15.0 or later for mobile devices and macOS 12.0 or later for Macs. It is also available in multiple languages such as English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. The app allows users to book hotels, access Michelin-rated restaurants, and create hotel and restaurant wishlists, all while receiving concierge-grade customer service from Tablet’s Travel Specialists.
Data Handling and Privacy
In terms of data handling, the Tablet Hotels app collects various types of data, including identifiers, usage data, purchases, financial information, and contact information. However, the app ensures that sensitive data, such as financial information, is handled securely and in compliance with privacy policies. The app’s privacy practices are detailed in its privacy policy, which outlines how data is used and protected.
Overall, Tablet Hotels’ integrations and compatibility across different platforms and devices are designed to provide a seamless and secure booking experience for both users and travel agents.
Tablet Hotels - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
When it comes to customer support and additional resources, Tablet Hotels offers several options to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience for its users.Customer Service Contact
Tablet Hotels provides multiple ways to get in touch with their customer service team:- You can call them using their toll-free number in the US and Canada: 1 888 644 7452. They also have an international number: 1 646 880 3634, and a Japan-specific number: 03 5772 6284.
- Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 8pm EST, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm EST.
Email Support
For those who prefer written communication, you can email the customer service team directly atcustomerservice@tablethotels.com.
Social Media
Tablet Hotels is also accessible through social media platforms. You can reach out to them on Twitter (@TabletHotels) and Facebook (facebook.com/tablethotels).Help Center and Website
While the specific resources available in a dedicated help center are not detailed, the Tablet Hotels website provides comprehensive information about their services, including details on Tablet Plus benefits, hotel listings, and booking procedures.Tablet Plus and Tablet Pro
For travel advisors and members, Tablet Hotels offers the Tablet Plus program, which includes private member rates, VIP upgrades, and dedicated assistance from their concierge-grade team. The Tablet Pro program allows advisors to earn commissions on bookings and access special rates and perks for their clients.Integration with Fora
Tablet Hotels has a partnership with Fora, a travel advising platform, which allows Fora advisors to access live availability, member rates, and perks directly within the Fora Portal. This integration streamlines the booking process and provides advisors with immediate visibility into Tablet Plus offerings.Conclusion
These resources and support options are designed to make booking and managing hotel stays as convenient and supportive as possible for both individual travelers and travel advisors. Tablet Hotels - Pros and Cons
When Considering Tablet Hotels
When considering Tablet Hotels as a travel tool, here are some key advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:
Advantages
Curated Selection
Curated Selection: Tablet Hotels offers a hand-picked selection of luxury and boutique hotels, focusing on style, service, and personality. This curated approach ensures that users are presented with unique and high-quality options rather than an overwhelming list of hotels.
Best Rates
Best Rates: Users often find that Tablet Hotels provides rates that are equal to or lower than those available on other booking platforms. This is a significant advantage, especially since the rates are not inflated to justify additional benefits.
Tablet Plus Membership
Tablet Plus Membership: For a $99 annual fee, the Tablet Plus membership offers various upgrades and benefits, such as room upgrades, late check-out, and a free bottle of wine upon arrival. These perks are consistently delivered across a variety of hotels, both chain and non-chain.
Concierge-Level Service
Concierge-Level Service: Tablet Hotels is known for its high-quality service, which includes verified hotel reviews and a focus on providing the best possible experience for its users.
Exclusive Discounts
Exclusive Discounts: Members and users can access exclusive discounts and promotions that are not available elsewhere. This can lead to significant savings, especially for frequent travelers.
Disadvantages
Limited Hotel Selection
Limited Hotel Selection: While the curated selection is a strength, it also means that not all hotels are available on the platform. Users may find that some of their preferred hotels are not listed, which could be a drawback for those seeking a specific hotel or a wider range of options.
No Loyalty Program
No Loyalty Program: Unlike some other booking platforms, Tablet Hotels does not offer a loyalty program that rewards users with free nights or other benefits based on their booking history. This might be a disadvantage for users who value such programs.
No Rebate Benefits
No Rebate Benefits: The Tablet Plus membership does not include rebate benefits or a “free night” reward after a certain number of bookings, which some users might find lacking compared to other loyalty programs.
Dependence on Membership for Perks
Dependence on Membership for Perks: To enjoy the full range of benefits, users need to subscribe to the Tablet Plus membership. While the benefits are significant, the annual fee might be a deterrent for occasional travelers.
Overall, Tablet Hotels is a great option for travelers who value a curated selection of high-quality hotels, competitive rates, and additional perks through the Tablet Plus membership. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a broader hotel selection or loyalty program benefits.
Tablet Hotels - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Tablet Hotels
- Tablet Hotels is known for its curated selection of boutique and independent hotels, each handpicked for their style, design, and character. This curation is a result of a rigorous selection process, ensuring high-quality experiences for travelers.
- Tablet Hotels offers a membership program called Tablet Plus, which provides members with VIP upgrades, amenities, and dedicated assistance from a concierge-grade team of travel specialists. This program is highly valued by both travelers and travel advisors.
- The platform has recently integrated with Fora, a travel advising platform, allowing Fora advisors to book Tablet Plus hotels directly through the Fora Portal, enhancing the booking process with real-time availability and exclusive member rates.
Competitors and Alternatives
- Mr & Mrs Smith: This site is a top competitor to Tablet Hotels, offering a curated selection of luxury hotels that have been tried and tested. It has a strong focus on boutique and design-driven hotels, similar to Tablet Hotels. Mr & Mrs Smith attracts a significant audience, with 839K visits in January 2025.
- Design Hotels: Another competitor, Design Hotels, specializes in boutique and design-driven luxury hotels worldwide. It has a slightly lower traffic volume compared to Mr & Mrs Smith but still maintains a strong presence with 191.7K visits in January 2025. Design Hotels is known for its handpicked selection of unique hotels.
- Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH): SLH offers over 580 hotels in more than 90 countries, focusing on small, luxury properties. With 272.1K visits in January 2025, SLH is a significant player in the market, offering exclusive rates and a loyalty program.
- i-escape: i-escape provides a handpicked collection of boutique hotels, luxury villas, and apartments worldwide. It is known for special offers and free gifts, attracting 103.7K visits in January 2025. i-escape is another strong alternative for those seeking unique, curated accommodations.
AI and Technology Integration
While Tablet Hotels itself does not heavily emphasize AI-driven tools in its core offerings, the broader travel booking industry is seeing significant advancements in AI technology. For example:
- Expedia: Expedia has introduced Romie, an AI-powered travel assistant, and updated its app with features like itinerary builders and AI-generated review summaries. This shows how other platforms are leveraging AI to enhance user experience.
- Kayak: Kayak has launched Ask Kayak, an AI tool that streamlines travel planning by providing options for flights, lodging, and car rentals based on user prompts. This indicates a trend towards more AI-driven travel planning tools, though these tools still have room for improvement.
In summary, Tablet Hotels stands out for its curated selection of boutique hotels and its membership program, but it does not currently emphasize AI-driven tools as some of its competitors and other travel booking platforms do. However, its integration with Fora and other travel advising platforms enhances its booking process and user experience.
Tablet Hotels - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Tablet Hotels
What is Tablet Hotels and what kind of hotels do they offer?
Tablet Hotels is a hotel booking site that specializes in curating boutique and luxury hotels. They feature over 6,000 hotels in more than 130 countries, each hand-picked for its extraordinary style, service, and personality.How does the Tablet Pro for Business program work?
The Tablet Pro for Business program offers several benefits, including 10% cash back on completed stays, no additional fees for cancellations or modifications outside the hotel’s penalty period, and easy automatic booking through their website or API integration. It also includes Tablet Plus VIP privileges, such as automatic VIP upgrades and amenities at over 1,000 top hotels, and unparalleled customer service from dedicated travel specialists.What are the benefits of Tablet Plus?
Tablet Plus provides several exclusive benefits, including automatic VIP upgrades and amenities at over 1,000 top hotels, private member-only discounts, hotel credits, free breakfast, welcome gifts, and late check-out whenever possible. These benefits are automatically noted in the booking confirmation and reconfirmed by Tablet’s customer service team.How do I book a hotel through Tablet Hotels?
You can book a hotel through the Tablet Hotels website or via their iOS app. Simply select your arrival and departure dates, choose your hotel, and complete the booking process. If you are using the app, you can also save custom lists and favorite hotels for future reference.Do I need an account to use the Tablet Hotels app or website?
No, you do not need an account to use the Tablet Hotels app or website, but creating an account helps manage your bookings, keeps your booking information private and secure, and allows you to save custom lists and favorite hotels. An account is automatically created when you make your first booking.Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Yes, you can cancel or modify your booking according to the hotel’s cancellation policy. For cancellations, you can do this within the Reservations section of the app or website. The cancellation process is a two-step process to avoid accidents.How many rooms can I book at once?
You can book up to 4 rooms at a time through the Tablet Hotels app or website. If you need to book more than 4 rooms, you should contact the Customer Service team to explore potential discounts.What languages are supported by the Tablet Hotels app?
The Tablet Hotels app supports English, French, Italian, and German.Can I share hotel search results or specific hotels with others?
Yes, you can share destination search results or specific hotels by tapping the share icon in the upper right corner of the app. If the person you are sharing with does not have the app installed, it will open the corresponding page on the website.How does the integration with Fora work for travel advisors?
The integration with Fora allows travel advisors to access live rates, availability, member discounts, and perks for nearly 1,000 Tablet Plus hotels directly within the Fora Advisor Portal. This integration streamlines the booking process, enabling advisors to provide their clients with exclusive benefits and VIP services more efficiently.