The hotel industry is undergoing a technological transformation as properties across the nation implement modern solutions to meet guest expectations and economic pressures.
From smartphone room keys to AI-powered service, hotels are investing in innovations that promise to redefine the guest experience while streamlining operations. Industry analysts point to five key technologies that are gaining rapid adoption across both luxury chains and budget hotel properties.
These advancements come as the hospitality sector faces continued pressure to enhance service while managing labor costs and meeting post-pandemic expectations for hygiene and convenience.
What are the new tech trends you can expect in the hotel industry? Here are several to keep watch of.
Contactless Check-In Technology
People now prefer the flexibility of checking in on their own without stopping at the front desk.
The hospitality industry is rapidly moving to offering self-service hotel kiosks that let travelers check in, verify their identity, then gain immediate access to their rooms. This trend focuses on minimizing physical interactions and enhancing safety and convenience for guests.
Contactless check-in plays a significant role in this trend. Kiosks and virtual receptionist kiosks streamline the check-in process, allowing guests to access their rooms without delays. Integrating contactless check-in solutions like Virdee with property management systems adds efficiency and enhances guest experiences.
Going a step further, contactless payments let guests complete transactions effortlessly using mobile wallets or contactless cards. This method removes the need for keypads or direct staff interaction, ensuring a safer environment.
The shift to contactless options reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry, aiming to improve customer service and streamline operations.
Smart Rooms and Internet of Things (IoT)
Smart rooms, powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, enhance the guest experience significantly. Hotels can connect devices such as thermostats, lighting, and entertainment systems to the internet, allowing guests to control settings via smartphones or tablets. This convenience leads to a more comfortable stay and boosts energy efficiency.
Examples of smart room technology include smart thermostats that adjust temperatures automatically and voice-activated systems managing room features. For instance, apps like Marriott’s enable guests to tailor their room environment before arrival. Hilton’s Connected Room lets guests control over 100 features, including streaming services, through voice commands.
Smart sensors optimize cleaning and maintenance by detecting room occupancy, improving overall efficiency for hotel operations. Hotels elevate the guest experience, ensuring satisfaction and fostering loyalty. Virdee exemplifies this shift by offering a seamless room access management solution that integrates easily with property management systems, enhancing convenience.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability and energy efficiency shape the modern hospitality landscape. Hoteliers emphasize these practices to enhance the guest experience while reducing their environmental impact.
Adopt Energy-Efficient Lighting—Carry out LED lighting solutions. These options consume 50% to 70% less electricity compared to traditional bulbs, offering significant energy savings. More and more rooms will dim or shut the lights off when no one is in the room.
Integrate Smart Controls—Smart thermostats adjust temperatures based on occupancy, leading to energy savings and improved comfort.
Guests increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices. Implementing these strategies enhances guest satisfaction while aligning with the hospitality industry’s shift toward responsible practices, so be on the lookout for these advances.
Data Analytics and Personalization
Hotel operators use data analytics and guest experience tools to personalize your stay. These systems include property management systems and integrated systems that streamline operations. Insights from these tools enable hotels to enhance revenue management strategies, ensuring optimal pricing and maximizing occupancy.
The integration of chatbots with customer service tools provides instant responses and recommendations, making it easier for guests to answer quickly.
For a contactless check-in experience, solutions like Virdee streamline processes by offering an expedited way to get to your room. When arriving, you visit the hotel kiosk found in the lobby, confirm your identity, and you’re on your way to your room using your smartphone.
Free Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is now the norm throughout the hotel industry. Hotels offer these services to meet the demands of modern travelers who expect seamless internet access for both leisure and business purposes.
Providing High-Speed Internet: Hotels carry out high-speed internet connections to accommodate multiple devices. Guests often use smartphones, tablets, and laptops simultaneously. When your cellular coverage is weak, their Wi-Fi is strong.
Integrating with Property Management Systems: Hotels leverage integrated systems, which connect Wi-Fi access with property management systems. This connection streamlines guest access and enhances security.
Enhancing Reputation Management: Providing free Wi-Fi contributes to positive guest reviews. Satisfied guests share experiences on social media, improving hotels’ overall reputation in the competitive market.
Through these strategies, hotels elevate their ability to meet guest expectations, driving loyalty and fostering positive experiences across various platforms, including room service and check-in solutions like Virdee.
Binge Your Shows Securely
Hotels enhance the guest experience by providing secure streaming options for platforms like Netflix. Guests use their accounts by connecting securely to the hotel’s Wi-Fi instead of relying on unsecured networks.
High-Speed Internet Access—Hotels offer reliable high-speed internet. Strong connections support uninterrupted streaming and avoid lagging.
Secure Networks—Hotels have secure, connected televisions that have adequate network capacity for video streaming. These modified TV sets let you temporarily sign into your Netflix account so you can pick up on your favorite shows while on the go.
Easy Pairing Options—Alternatively, you can stream video from your mobile device to the screen over the room’s Wi-Fi. This lets you enable easy streaming device pairing, allowing guests to connect smart TVs via Cast or AirPlay. Guests can enjoy personal libraries without hassle.
Integrating these technologies into hotel offerings not only boosts guest experience but also enhances reputation management. Happy guests share positive feedback, contributing to the hotel’s credibility and appeal in the competitive hospitality industry.
Mobile Concierge
To round out the modern guest experience, getting room service via your phone is the ultimate in convenience. The remote concierge feature revolutionizes guest interactions by offering personalized requests through smartphones.
Room Service Ordering: Guests can access menus and order food and beverages directly from mobile apps. Apps streamline the room service process, allowing for efficient order management.
Personalized Recommendations: Mobile concierge apps analyze guest preferences and provide tailored suggestions for local attractions and dining options. This feature enhances engagement and enriches the overall stay.
Guest rewards: Guests can communicate easily with hotel staff through chatbots or in-app messaging for inquiries and assistance. These customer service tools improve response times and overall satisfaction.
Integrated Systems Compatibility: Many mobile concierge solutions integrate with property management systems, optimizing workflows and enhancing revenue management. Integration allows hotels to manage bookings, room assignments, and guest data effectively.
Access to Travel Services: Mobile concierge platforms allow guests to book travel services directly, including tours and transportation. This convenience leads to greater guest satisfaction and encourages return visits.
With mobile concierge technology, hotels create a more engaging and seamless guest experience. Utilizing software solutions that connect various services helps improve operational efficiency while enhancing guest loyalty.
Consumer Tips for Improving Your Experience
Look for modern hotel stays enhanced by technology. Embracing the latest hotel tech trends can significantly enhance the travel experience. Guests should look for hotels that offer mobile keys for easy access a chatbot for instant assistance. These innovations not only streamline communication but also elevate overall comfort.
Book direct for loyalty perks and discounts. When booking accommodations, prioritize properties that use smart room technology. This allows for personalized environments that cater to individual preferences. Also, consider booking directly with the brand so the property has all your information before you arrive and can offer the best amenities and rewards for your stay.
Sign in and check in remotely for the fastest experience. Travelers can enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable stay from the moment they walk in the lobby to sleeping in on a late check-out. If you’re not sure, just ask the concierge what digital amenities are available to make the most of your hotel experience.
