Progressive web apps are one of the latest and greatest developments in mobile web development. Having originally been proposed by Google back in 2015, this new type of web app has attracted plenty of attention due to its relatively simple development process and great user experience.

If you aren’t familiar with this concept or, are eager to take the next step with your hotel website’s design to offer a more up-to-date user experience, read on to find out what they are and whether or not your hotel brand should be considering developing such a tool.

A progressive web app harnesses the best of both web and mobile apps, providing a combination of web technology which takes the form of a particularly effective application. Progressive web apps are possible due to the recent advancements in technology which allow web developers to install web apps, receive notifications and work offline. As a general rule, progressive web apps are easier to develop and maintain than conventional native apps, and can be built in less time than a mobile responsive website.

Whilst apps often secure early interest on their release, many app developers find their offering starts to gradually lose customer interest over time, sometimes losing as much as 20% of its audience by the second use of the app. However a progressive web app helps cut down on some of the steps necessary when using a traditional app, including removing the need to download and install it to a device. The user will only receive a prompt to install and upgrade when revisiting the app.


Does Your Hotel Need a Progressive Web App?

Google defines progressive web apps as a new way to deliver an amazing experience on the web. The search engine says progressive web apps are:

 
With all of these benefits, it’s easy to make the business case for a progressive web app for your hotel.

When deciding whether you need a progressive or native app, first consider the uses your hotel’s web app will have and the most crucial actions you expect your users to take when in practice. Key benefits of a progressive web app include it’s applicability in all browsers and the continually improved user experience every time a user updates their browser.

There is no compromise in quality when choosing a progressive web app versus a ‘traditional’ hotel websites design. Ultimately the decision over whether to invest will come down to whether your hotel requires a degree of online functionality which is only really possible via a progressive web app, or whether the same actions you require can be obtained using a traditional native application.