UpMarket’s latest innovation isn’t just a new feature, it’s a strategic upgrade that unifies guest communication and boosts efficiency for property managers. By introducing Progressive Web Apps (PWA) for our Communications Hub and Guest App, we’re transforming UpMarket into the central hub for guest interactions, helping you respond faster, reduce operational workload, and deliver a more modern guest experience from one integrated system. In a world where over 80% of guests won’t bother downloading a one-off native app for a short stay, our web-based apps ensure no friction: no app store needed, no device compatibility woes – just instant access for both hosts and guests. The result? Happier guests and less stress for you as a host.

Two Apps, One Unified Experience

We’ve rolled out two PWAs that work together on the UpMarket platform, creating a unified experience for hosts and guests alike:

Comms Hub PWA – Your Unified Inbox, On Any Device

Our Communications Hub is the heart of UpMarket’s messaging system, unifying all your guest communications in one place. Now, with the new Comms Hub PWA, you can manage those conversations as if you had a native app for it. The first time you log in to your UpMarket account on the web, you’ll notice a prompt at the bottom-right corner of the screen inviting you to “Install UpMarket Comms Hub”. In one click, you can install this hub on your device. If you happen to miss the notification, simply look to the top right of your browser (near the address bar) for a small cog icon (it looks like a configuration icon) and click it. Once installed, the Comms Hub will launch from an icon on your home screen or desktop, just like any other app!

Why is this great for hosts? 

With the Comms Hub PWA, you have all your guest messages at your fingertips. There’s no need to log into the website each time or juggle multiple OTA platforms – simply tap the UpMarket app icon and jump into your unified inbox. You can receive notifications (just like a native app) for new inquiries or guest messages, enabling you to respond faster. Whether you’re on your computer or your phone, the Comms Hub app provides a clean, focused interface for communications, so you never miss an important message while on the go. Its convenience and peace of mind all rolled into one.

Guest App PWA – A Personalized Concierge for Your Guests

We didn’t forget about your guests! UpMarket’s Guest App PWA is a front-facing application that hosts can easily create and share with their guests. Think of it as a digital welcome book or concierge for your property, accessible right on your guest’s phone. Here, your guests can find everything they need for a great stay, from check-in details to local recommendations. When a guest opens your property’s guest app link for the first time, they’ll be prompted (via a small banner at the bottom of the screen) to “Install” or “Add to Home Screen.” Once they tap that, the app will be added to their device. An UpMarket icon, labeled with your property’s name, will appear on their home screen, giving them one-touch access to your property’s info and services. (And if they skip the initial prompt, they can always use their browser’s install option later.)

Why will guests love it?

It’s like handing them a custom travel app for your property. The Guest App PWA is especially useful on mobile devices, where it behaves just like any other app they’re familiar with. Instead of digging through emails or papers for information, guests can simply tap an icon on their phone to find what they need. This not only makes your guests’ lives easier, but also showcases you as a modern, thoughtful host who’s committed to a great experience!

Key Features Available in the Guest App:

1. Wi-Fi Access Details: No more hunting for the Wi-Fi password. The app can display your property’s Wi-Fi network name and password prominently, so guests can get online instantly upon arrival.
   
2. Emergency Contact Info: Provide essential phone numbers at a glance, whether it’s your direct contact, property management, or local emergency services. Guests will feel safer knowing help is just a tap away if needed.
   
3. House Guides & Information: Share your house manual, check-in/check-out instructions, appliance how-tos, and any other important details in one convenient section. This ensures guests have all the extra information about the property (like how to work the thermostat or where to find spare linens) right when they need it.
   
4. Guest Services & Requests: List any extra services you offer, from airport pickups to mid-stay cleaning or equipment rentals. Guests can request services directly through the app, making it easy to upsell amenities and ensure they’re aware of everything you provide.
   
5. Local Recommendations: Curate a list of local attractions, restaurants, and neighborhood highlights. Whether it’s the best café down the street or an upcoming event in town, guests will appreciate insider tips on local accommodations and experiences. This not only enhances their stay but also reduces the barrage of common questions hosts often receive.
   
6. Direct Booking & Payments: The guest app isn’t just informational, it’s interactive! Guests can book additional services or future stays through the app and pay securely on the spot. For example, if they loved their stay and want to extend a night or book your property again next season, they can do so right from the app. It’s convenient for them and beneficial for you, streamlining transactions without third-party platforms causing unnecessary confusion.

All of these features are packaged in your branded guest app, which means your guests get a professional, personalized digital experience. It’s like giving them a pocket concierge for your property!

How to Install UpMarket’s PWAs (Step-by-Step)

Getting the new UpMarket apps on your device is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open UpMarket in your browser: If you’re a host, log in to your UpMarket account using a Chrome, Edge, or Safari browser. If you’re a guest, click the unique Guest App link provided by your host (or scan the QR code, if they gave you one).

2. Look for the install prompt: When the page loads, you might see a small notification or banner prompting you to “Install App” or “Add to Home Screen.” On desktop, this might appear at the bottom of the browser (for example, a ⬇️ icon in the address bar). On mobile, it often shows up as a banner along the bottom of the screen.

3. Click “Install” (or “Add”): Simply click or tap the install prompt. Your browser will ask for confirmation to add the app to your device. Confirm the installation to proceed. (If you don’t see a prompt, you can manually install: on Chrome/Edge, click the three-dot menu or the install icon and choose “Install UpMarket app”; on Safari for iOS, tap the share button and then “Add to Home Screen.”)

4. Confirmation and download: Once you confirm, the PWA will quickly install. There’s no lengthy download – it just takes a second, and no app store login is needed.

5. Find the new app on your device: After installation, look at your device’s apps. On a computer, you might get a standalone app window or find UpMarket in your Start menu/Applications folder. On a phone or tablet, you’ll see a new app icon on your home screen. For the Comms Hub, it will use the UpMarket logo; for the Guest App, it will show the UpMarket logo with your property’s name and information beneath it.

6. Launch and enjoy: Tap or click the new icon to launch UpMarket. It will open in its own app window, giving you a clean, seamless, and immersive experience. Log in (if required), and you’re all set! UpMarket is now just one touch away whenever you need it.

Pro Tip: If you ever choose not to install when first prompted, you can still add the app later! Just use your browser’s menu or the small icon in the toolbar to initiate the install process at any time. UpMarket’s interface also has an “Install App” option under the settings menu (top right of the page) for added convenience and accessibility. Our communication hub also offers translations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese for effortless global communication.

Power Your Property with UpMarket’s PWA Advantages

Our new PWAs don’t just streamline; they offer real advantages for both hosts and guests. Here are some key benefits that make these downloadable apps a game-changer for your hospitality business:

• No App Store Needed: PWAs remove the friction of traditional app downloads, meaning you and your guests can install the app directly from the browser with just one click. That eliminates searching the app stores, no tedious account setups, and no worrying about compatibility or device storage limits. It’s a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
  
• Fast & Always Up-to-Date: Because PWAs are lightweight by design, UpMarket’s apps load quickly and run smoothly, even on mobile networks. Better yet, they automatically update to the latest version whenever you’re online meaning you’ll always have the newest features and fixes as we roll them out.
  
• Seamless Communication (for Hosts): The Comms Hub PWA ensures you can stay on top of guest communications in real time. You can enable notifications to alert you of new messages or inquiries, just like a native app would.
  
• Enhanced Guest Experience: For guests, having an easy, one-tap app interface greatly enhances their experience. They don’t need to fumble with web links or contact the host for minor questions, everything is at their fingertips.
  
• Improved Engagement & Revenue: By using the guest app, you open new channels to engage with your guests. You can send them updates or special offers via the app (such as a discount for a late check-out or a partner deal with a local tour). Guests engaging with your app are more likely to use your services, which can translate into additional revenue through upsells (think airport pickups, extra cleaning, local experiences, etc.). It’s a win-win: guests enjoy personalized service, and you boost your income.
  
• Cross-Platform Convenience: Whether your guests use Android or iOS, or whether you check messages from a Windows PC or a Mac, PWAs have you covered. UpMarket’s PWAs work on virtually any device with a modern browser. 

In essence, these PWAs help streamline how UpMarket integrates into your day-to-day workflow. Hosts can manage and monitor everything in one place without technical hurdles, and guests get a smooth, app-like journey from booking to check-out.

Bringing UpMarket to Your Fingertips

By introducing PWAs, we’re focusing on convenience and accessibility for everyone using UpMarket. It’s all about making technology work for you in the easiest way possible. Hosts can run their business on-the-go without skipping a beat, and guests receive top-notch service through a modern interface. This is another big step in our mission to streamline operations and make the overall experience more enjoyable for both new and veteran users of UpMarket. Ready to streamline your messaging? Activate our new Avantio Unified Inbox and manage every guest conversation in one place. Prefer to level up your guest engagement? Connect your WhatsApp number and start branded, automated chats in just minutes.

Our innovative AI technology not only improves guest satisfaction through personalized, efficient interactions but also boosts your operational efficiency by smartly automating routine tasks. Don’t miss the opportunity to lead in hospitality innovation.

Try Our Live Demo: See the Virtual Concierge in action and discover how easy it is to integrate these features into your daily operations.

Embrace the future of hospitality with UpMarket, where innovation meets guest satisfaction.