Welcome to the new era of hospitality technology, where captivating guests goes beyond warm welcomes and cozy beds. Today’s travelers crave seamless, high-tech experiences that enhance their stay and make life easier.
Incorporating the latest hotel technology trends isn’t just about keeping up; it’s essential for staying competitive in the hospitality industry. These innovations can save costs, attract more guests, and significantly improve their overall experience, ensuring they return time after time.
As you revamp your hotel strategy for the upcoming year, let’s explore these exciting advancements that can transform your offerings and make your property the preferred choice for travelers seeking memorable stays.
1. Room service apps
Say goodbye to cumbersome menus and awkward phone calls; now guests can order room service as easily as they do with other food delivery services. Many hotels are introducing web-based room service apps accessible via laptops and mobile devices. Guests can either type in the URL or scan a QR code on their nightstand to view the up-to-date menu, place their order, and even track their delivery.
2. Wine-on-demand
Luxury hotels are now equipping their properties with wine dispensers stocked with local, award-winning selections, resembling the familiar water and ice dispensers found in smart fridges. This technology caters to travelers who prefer enjoying a glass of wine rather than an entire bottle, allowing them to feel more at home and encouraging them to enjoy their rooms to the fullest.
3. Personalized experiences from social media messages
While direct messaging isn’t a novel marketing tactic, it has evolved to allow guests to connect with hotel staff without needing to download any extra apps or make phone calls. Using popular platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, guests can complete automated surveys prior to their arrival, enabling hotels to tailor their services and create a more personalized experience.
4. HD voice-controlled and touch screen thermostats
Brands like Angie are elevating room temperature control with interactive voice and touch screen interfaces, adding a modern touch to essential hotel features. These devices come equipped with sensors that detect when a guest has left the room for an extended period, automatically dimming lights, adjusting the temperature, and conserving energy. Plus, it’s convenient to adjust the thermostat without getting out of bed—just voice your request, and the smart device will handle it.
5. Appless hotel staff video chat
Experts predict that customer support videos, whether recorded or live, are key to enhancing guest satisfaction. This innovative mobile feature allows guests to simply scan a QR code to connect directly with the front desk or customer service team, enabling real-time problem-solving. This approach reintegrates a personal touch into our increasingly tech-driven world while leveraging the latest technologies.
6. Service robots
Although a significant percentage of hotel guests may initially be apprehensive about robots roaming the halls, many are likely to change their minds once they see how beneficial they can be. Devices like Relay, Botir and Techmetics look like friendly mobile carts, assisting with tasks such as laundry transport and snack delivery—freeing up staff to focus on more critical responsibilities.
7. Smart bathrooms
These futuristic bathrooms are equipped with features such as:
Voice assistant capabilities that sync with devices provided by the hotel or guests’ personal devices
Automatic software updates to ensure users always have access to the latest features
Subtle reductions in water and energy usage that can decrease consumption by as much as 30% per room
Systematically sanitized pipes for optimal cleanliness
Automatic temperature controls for children and sensitive users
8. Interactive TVs
With guests now accustomed to the best in entertainment, upgrading in-room televisions is essential. Even the average Airbnb guest expects high-quality displays. If you're looking to enhance your hotel’s amenities, consider adding modern TV models featuring Ultra HD, Wide Color Gamut, and HDR.
9. In-room tablets
Why should guests have to use their laptops or iPads when they can borrow a tablet provided by the hotel? This amenity not only adds a unique touch but also helps engage guests more effectively. Use the tablets to promote events, special offers, and loyalty programs through pre-installed apps and customized backgrounds.
10. Smart energy management
The average hotel incurs energy costs of around (USD)2,196 per room. With a growing focus on sustainability, many hotels are implementing energy management systems that help reduce environmental impact. Investing in this technology is not only beneficial for the planet but also helps lower operational costs in the long run.
11. Maintenance AI
While not every hotel stay will be flawless, you can strive for near perfection by integrating maintenance AI tools. IoT analytics can provide predictive insights, alerting hoteliers to potential maintenance requests from specific guest demographics, remote electronic issues, and routine equipment servicing needs.
12. Showers customized to your body temperature
Experts predict that smart showers featuring keypads and displays will soon become standard. Luxury brands have begun offering bathroom innovations such as shower keypads and display screens for adjustable settings. In the near future, showers that automatically assess a guest's body temperature and adjust the water temperature accordingly may be commonplace.
14. Air filter systems
For allergy sufferers, issues such as pollen and pollution can be significant concerns. As our understanding of air quality improves, advanced air filtration systems are becoming essential in hotel rooms. Whether implemented throughout all properties or selectively available in upgraded suites, guests will appreciate having access to clean air, especially in light of alarming statistics from the World Health Organization regarding global air pollution.
15. In-room exercise
In-room fitness is becoming as standard as hotel gym facilities. Guests are responding positively to options like in-room gym equipment and on-demand workout videos.
Examples of hotels with in-room exercise: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Hilton Kuwait Resort, Jumeirah Al Naseem, W Dubai - The Palm, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Atlantis The Royal, Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
16. Location-based recommendations
Location-based services can enhance the guest experience at every stage. Providing in-room resources for local events, entertainment, dining, and sightseeing empowers guests to make informed decisions, whether it’s their first visit or their hundredth. Push notifications with local coupons and predictive services, such as calls from room service when guests return from outings, significantly enrich the overall experience.
Now you’re equipped to elevate your in-room hotel strategy and secure more bookings! To stay ahead in the ever-evolving hospitality technology landscape, explore some of the innovative solutions featured on ExploreTECH. These cutting-edge tools can help you stay at the forefront of the hospitality industry, driving both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
ExploreTECH Content Team
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