Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts launched the first phase of their mobile application (app) for iPhone. As a natural extension of the brand’s recently revamped website, the new app that will have two phases will encompass all the features of the website’s functions including easy access and booking for Shangri-La’s 72 hotels and resorts at one’s fingertips, anywhere in the world.

Developed to maximize the features of current Smartphone technology, the free Shangri-La app, available for download through the App Store in English or Simplified Chinese, allows guests to search and book real-time reservations at all Shangri-La hotel locations. The app will also allow guest to view all special promotions and receive location-based offers at specific hotels with GPS technology, as well as manage their Golden Circle loyalty program membership account efficiently. Apps for iPod, Android and Blackberry devices are currently under development.

Key features of the mobile app will allow users to explore, book, view and edit room reservations at over 70 Shangri-La, Traders and Kerry hotels and resorts; join Golden Circle quickly with just a few taps; check Golden Circle Award Points balances and manage membership accounts; redeem points for complimentary stays plus dining and CHI, The Spa vouchers; get travel tips, read and share travel stories with Golden Circle members; integrate with popular social media platforms; connect to the nearest international toll-free numbers for 24/7 customer support using location-based GPS technology; and retrieve offers and stories from Shangri-La hotels with the built-in QR code scanner.

Plans are already underway for the second phase of this versatile mobile app that will be launched in the first quarter of 2013 to develop additional features, including the ability to retrieve room text and voicemail messages; set-up and cancel wake-up calls; folio review and express check-out; turndown requests; and more. As part of the launch campaign, from now until Oct. 15, 2012, all users who download the app can share their travel stories in “Your Circle” -- the segment dedicated to personalized feature contributions within the program’s travel site “Inner Circle.” Users who share their stories will have the opportunity to win one of 20 luxurious vacations, each of which is a three-night stay in an Executive Suite at any Shangri-La hotel or resort of their choice.