J. David Flagg
Published: February 23, 2025
As I strolled through Cape May County in the summer of 2025 something seemed a bit different, but in a good way, maybe even invigorating way!! We hit some of our favorite spots like the Cape May Mall, the Wildwood boardwalk, the Cape May Zoo, and…the beaches. And I cannot forget… the beaches! My family and I are always eager to experience the blend of historic charm this coastal gem is renowned for, but this time it had this slightly modern but very enjoyable flair to it. Little did I know before we arrived, that the hospitality industry here in Cape May County had undergone a remarkable transformation, seamlessly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate guest experiences to what I would describe as unprecedented heights. I know this may sound a bit scary, but let me explain.
A Warm Welcome with AI to start the vacation off right
Upon arriving at our hotel, we were greeted by the traditional concierge and he asked if we wanted to try their new AI-powered concierge. I was hesitant, but the kids insisted, so we gave it a shot. , We walked over to the kiosk and tapped on the check-in button, immediately a pleasant, female-sounding voice introducing herself as “May”, started to engage us. I am guessing May was short for Cape May since we were in Cape May. I must say, “May” efficiently handled our check-in process with a few extra questions we had never asked before at check-in, she recognized the preferences from our previous stay, and even suggested new, but very interesting local attractions that seemed to be personalized for what my family had a liking for. This new, tailored interaction set the tone for a stay and it didn’t feel robotic at all, despite being checked in by an “AI bot”. It felt more personable dealing with “May” than some people I know.
Smart Rooms Tailored to Every Guest
My family was really blown away when we got to our room, and the room was setup, like “May” said it would be based on the questions she asked during the check in. The thermostat set was to my preferred temperature, not my family’s, I like it freezing cold, they do not, the lighting was lowered for an instant feeling of relaxation, and the kids were blown away that the TV was on and queued up to their favorite streaming service, and the WiFi password was displayed directly on the screen. I didn’t have to perform any of my “mom” duties getting the kids settled in, it was amazing! These AI-driven amenities anticipated my needs, made my family feel at home, in a beautiful setting, creating an ultra comfortable and personalized retreat.
A Dining experience…AI style
Dining in Cape May County has always been one of our favorites. But this year was the best so far, as the AI innovations were like a surprise sundae with extra whip cream, which we did actually have a few of during our vacation! We stopped at our favorite local restaurant, and they offered us to scan a QR code to access their digital menu or asked if we preferred the normal one. The kids and I popped our phones out to scan, but my husband opted for the regular menu. He wasn’t a big fan of the QR feature, but the way the room was setup to our liking, he loved that! Somehow, because we mentioned to “May”, I am assuming, that we were going to our favorite restaurant tonight, by name, the restaurant knew where we were staying an offered us a 10% discount for participating in a 3 question survey of how we enjoyed our meal. The server offered personalized dish recommendations based on our dietary preferences, that yet again “May” asked me about at check in. I was not sure about how I felt about this AI-powered thing, but now I think I am starting to love it! The ordering process and the service, whether using the virtual server or the human one, left us with a delightful and memorable culinary experience. Additionally, we never had to “wait” for the server to bring us the check, I paid it effortlessly on my phone and I was able to tip the server directly through Venmo, although I don’t feel it was an AI change, I liked it nonetheless. As a former waitress in my teens and early 20’, I really, really liked that option!
Exploring with AI-Driven Insights
When we arrived at the hotel, “May” asked my phone number, and sent me a text to download the personal AI concierge app. So, needless to say, Planning my family’s daily activities became a fun, and exciting activity in and of itself. With the help of “May” my AI-enhanced concierge, this vacation went to a whole other level! “May” provided us with real-time updates on local events, daily weather forecasts and even sent me an alert as a summer evening storm was rolling in. She sent us personalized recommendations for attractions, including special discounts for staying at the hotel. Whether it was suggesting a visit to a nearby vineyard or securing tickets for us to a local winery live music festival, “May” ensured we made the most of our stay, and she left me with a summer vacation experience my family will never forget. Oh, and “May” even gave us updates on how crowded the beaches were by the street in Stone Harbor, my family’s favorite beach. That was such a nice touch!
A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Innovation
To say that I, and my family were thoroughly impressed by the blend of technology in the form of AI during our trip is an understatement. What stood out most during my stay personally was how our hotel, the restaurants we visited, all the places we went all had seemed to harmoniously blend its rich traditions that we have come to adore about Cape May County with cutting-edge AI technology. The warmth and personal touch that define this area were not lost; instead, they were amplified by AI’s ability to anticipate and cater to my family’s preferences and experiences.
In conclusion, our summer 2025 visit to Cape May County was a testament to how AI-powered innovations have redefined the hospitality industry and life, in general. The seamless integration of technology into every facet of our guest experience ensured a stay that was personalized, efficient, and memorable. I am sure as AI continues to evolve, it will continue to surprise me in how it not only adds to our vacation experience, but redefines it entirely. I can’t wait to see the changes in Cape May County in the summer of 2026! Maybe my husband and I will have to plan a winter getaway weekend to see how “May” is doing, I for one, am going to miss her!
Signed,
A very happy, and will come back, again, and again guest!
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