Hotel Propeller Blog

How Technology Is Changing the Face of Your Hotel

It’s no surprise that we live in a digital age. Many people today have great expectations when it comes to their access to the very best in technological conveniences.

Technology impacts every part of our lives, and because of this, we are increasingly dependent on it.

Because of this, you can expect that technology is impactful in the hospitality industry. If you’d like to be currently up-to-speed on the latest and greatest ways to increase your customers’ experience and ease of use, we’ve got some info for you.

Let’s look at how technology is changing the face of your hotel and what you can do to stay on top of it.

The Mobile Key

One of the fastest growing trends in technology is the mobile key. The most important thing to note here is that nearly 50% of hotel guests want this feature, and just 16% of hotels offer it.

Take advantage of this trend and get there before your competition.

Physical card keys really are a thing of the past. They get lost, and they often aren’t as secure as you’d like.

Hotels across the globe are allowing their guests to go key less. One way to do this is to allow customers to access their “key” using their smartphone.

This works when the guest holds their phone up to a scanner at the door. Instantly the door unlocks, and the guest enters without having to keep track of a physical card.

This ultimately saves you money as well as you don’t have to reprint and reorder plastic keys.

Automated Service Options

Today’s hotel customers don’t want to be inconvenienced. Time is precious, and for the most part, they want what they want when they want it.

You’ll find many of your guests even prefer technology over human interaction especially when it comes to simple tasks.

For example, your guests want more towels. They really would rather not pick up the phone and place a call to your front desk. They’d like to access your app and request them.

Many hotels are offering this type of service to their guests.

In addition, some hotels offer remote check-in and check-out so there’s no waiting in line for their busy guests. You’ll also find hotels with apps that let their guests order room service and even wake up calls right from their smartphones.

You can automate a myriad of tasks with the right technology. This frees up your hotel staff to provide even better customer service and helps you meet all the needs of your guests.

technology

High Speed Wi-Fi

First you had to pay for Wi-Fi in hotels. As times changed, then you were offered free Wi-Fi, but you had to pay for high speed Wi-Fi.

Today, more hotels are going to an all free, high speed Wi-Fi for all their guests and not just the premium members.

Why? Because everyone is digitally connected through phones, tablets and laptops, and hotel guests are frustrated by super slow internet access. Many hotels don’t want to inconvenience their guests with broadband or pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi isn’t a perk any longer. Bottom line – your guests expect free high speed Wi-Fi, so you should give it to them.

High Tech Meeting Rooms

Many hotels are transforming their meeting rooms to provide better media stations for their guests. This is intended to streamline digital operations for customers and make access as easy as possible.

You’ll find that in addition to high speed, free Wi-Fi, hotels are offering computers, multiple screens, power outlets, projectors, smart televisions, conference phones and more.

The goal is to provide all the amenities of the office right in their hotel. If you aren’t offering this, it’s time to think about it. Groups are more apt to book at hotels with the latest technology in their meeting rooms.

Smart Appliances

Another way to incorporate technology is through personalized smart appliances.

Hotel rooms in the very near future should expect to outfit rooms with adaptable appliances. Consider using a platform like Nest in hotel rooms. It adapts to the needs of your guests.

Your guests can use your hotel’s Nest app (or other technology platform) to run the air conditioning or heating. It can tell when your guests leave and return, helping keep the room at the best temperature and ultimately saving you money.

They can also use an app to control the lights, smart television sets, coffee machines and multi-media hubs.

The possibilities are endless, and the options will continue to improve.

Mobile Apps

We’ve mentioned apps a few times, so you can see how powerful they are. It’s time for your hotel to have its own app. If you already do, consider amping up its capabilities.

Because most everyone has a smartphone, you want a mobile app for the convenience of your guests.

Your guests can use the app to reserve rooms, pick rooms, cancel or change reservations, pay, call room service and much more right from the comfort of their own cellphones.

Work on your own app to improve its features yearly for the best customer experience.

Chatbots

Today, your customers expect they can contact you at any time. They want to be able to interact at their convenience.

Having staff on hand to monitor your website and social media channels 24 hours a day probably isn’t the most feasible option for you. So, this is where chatbots and artificial intelligence come in.

Chatbots on your website and social media platforms can understand and answer simple questions immediately for your customers.

You’ll find chatbots and artificial intelligence a great tool for meeting the most immediate needs of your customers.

Final Thoughts

Technology is and will continue to change the face of your hotel.

In order to meet the challenge of customer expectations that increase on a regular basis, you’ll want to turn to technology.

Current and future innovations will help you meet the needs and expectations of your guests as well as help you stand out from the competition.

The more you do to provide the best technological experience to your guests and increase the user experience, the more you’ll drive your revenues. (tweet this)

Looking to showcase your hotel? At Hotel Propeller, we build functional, beautiful websites that highlight your hotel to help you stand out in the crowd. You’ll find everything you need to attract guests to your website and compel visitors to make a reservation. Take a look at our showcase and contact us today.

 Images: Photos by Ales Nesetril and Eunice Stahl on Unsplash

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