Do we really need smartphone apps for individual hotels?

Perhaps it was inevitable: Smartphones now control about 35% of the US market, and in response to that growth, hotels are creating dedicated apps for their guests.

But Im not referring to apps by broad-based chains, like a Starwood or a Hilton app. No, individual hotels are contracting with programmers to create single-property apps.

I dont see the point.

Ily enerally in favor of making things available online, and I, too, have embraced the mobile web. I like the idea of, sayg room seg room service using my phone or laptop. (Though I also see room for abuse by pranksters, or worse, if the web-based application doesnt have some way of sorting out who the real guest is. Knock knock You ordered 20 lobster dinners, sir?)

So Im all f downloading an app that downloading an app that... [via Upgrade Travel Better]