The hotel industry is constantly evolving, and technology plays a major role in this transformation. Technology is used to enhance the guest experience and streamline hotel operations from online booking systems to virtual reality tours. From the use of artificial intelligence to improve guest service to implementing technology in hotel rooms, these trends are helping hotels boost the guest stay experience.
According to IBIS World, currently, there are 184,596 hotels and motel businesses in the US. However, the number has grown on average by 9.4% per year from 2018 to 2023. Also, the hotel business is more dependent upon capital, i.e., machinery, plants, and equipment, rather than employees.
Whether you’re a hotel owner or a frequent traveler, this article will provide valuable insights into the latest technology being used in the hotel industry. With these technology trends, hotels can improve their guest’s stay and increase their revenue and overall business efficiency.
This article explores six technological trends that are revolutionizing the hotel industry.
1. Television Casting Solutions in Rooms
Television casting solutions in hotel rooms are a new trend in the hotel industry that allows guests to easily stream their content from their devices onto the hotel room’s TV. This technology is typically implemented for in-room entertainment purposes and also to save thousands of bucks. It uses a casting device connected to the hotel room’s TV.
This technology enhances the guest experience by providing more flexibility and personalized options. It also saves hoteliers the cost of purchasing and maintaining a large inventory of in-room entertaining options.
Guests can connect their devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to the casting device using their Wi-Fi network. It allows guests to watch their shows, movies, or videos on the hotel room’s TV, rather than being limited to the hotel in-room entertainment options.
2. Eco-Friendly Hospitality
The eco-friendly hospitality trend involves implementing environmentally-friendly practices in the day-to-day operations of hotels, such as using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, recycling, and reducing water usage. Many hotels also switch to using eco-friendly cleaning products, linens, and amenities and incorporating green roofs, solar panels, and other sustainable building features.
According to Statista, 78% of the guests were willing to stay in an eco-friendly accommodation for at least a year so that they could contribute positively to the global warming problem.
Many hotels also work to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing sustainable transportation options, such as electric vehicle charging stations. They also encourage guests to participate in eco-friendly activities, such as recycling and conserving energy.
It not only helps to reduce the environmental impact of the hotel, but it also helps to attract environmentally conscious guests. It can even help to reduce the hotel’s operating costs.
3. Digitalized and Customer-friendly check-in systems
Digitalized and customer-friendly check-in systems are revolutionizing the hotel industry by providing guests with a more efficient and convenient check-in experience. This technology allows guests to check in and access their rooms using their mobile devices, eliminating the need for a physical check-in process.
It can include features such as digital keyless entry and the ability to pre-register and submit information before arrival. It also provides the ability to make room and special requests through a mobile app or website.
According to the Hotelier Technology Sentiment Report-2, 81.7% of all hotel owners reported implementing at least one new technology in their hotels in 2020 and 2021. The others reported that they plan to implement new technology in their hotel in 2022.
Implementation of new technology not only saves guests time and gives them more control over their check-in process and can help hotels reduce costs by eliminating the need for front desk staff. Furthermore, digital check-in systems can also collect data on guest preferences and behavior, which hotels can use to personalize their stay and improve the overall guest experience.
4. Automated Services in the Hotel Lobby
This technology allows guests to access various services without needing human interaction. It can include self-check-in kiosks, self-service baggage storage, and interactive digital directories. Additionally, automated services in the hotel lobby can include virtual assistants, such as chatbots, that can provide guests with information and assistance, like answering questions and providing directions.
Furthermore, Automated services in the hotel lobby can also be integrated with other hotel systems, such as housekeeping, to provide guests with real-time information about the status of their room and amenities.
Overall, Automated services in the hotel lobby are a major step forward in the hotel industry, providing guests with a more seamless and efficient check-in process while providing hotels with valuable data and cost savings.
5. Smart Rooms
Smart rooms are revolutionizing the hotel industry by providing guests with a more personalized and convenient stay experience. This technology allows guests to control various aspects of their room, such as lighting, temperature, and entertainment, using their mobile devices or digital assistants.
Smart rooms can also include:
- Voice-controlled lighting and temperature.
- Automated curtains.
- Order room service or request housekeeping through a mobile app or website.
Additionally, smart rooms can also integrate with other hotel systems, such as security and energy management, to provide guests with a more secure and energy-efficient stay.
6. Personalized Guest Experience
Personalized guest experience is a trend that is revolutionizing the hotel industry by providing guests with a more tailored and customized stay experience. This technology allows hotels to collect and analyze guest preferences and behavior data, such as their booking history, room preferences, and dining choices, to create a more personalized stay experience.
It can include personalized room settings, tailored room service options, and targeted marketing and promotions. Additionally, the personalized guest experience can include virtual and augmented reality, which can provide guests with immersive and interactive experiences, such as virtual tours of the hotel and surrounding area.
This technology not only enhances the guest experience by providing more personalized and tailored options but also can help hotels to increase customer loyalty and repeat business by providing a more memorable and enjoyable stay experience. Furthermore, a personalized guest experience can make guests feel more valued and satisfied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hotel industry is undergoing a technological revolution that changes how guests experience their stay. From digitalized check-in systems and automated services in the hotel lobby to smart rooms and personalized guest experiences, technology is being used to provide guests with a more efficient, convenient, and personalized stay experience.
These trends not only enhance the guest experience but also help hotels to reduce costs, increase customer loyalty, and improve their overall sustainability. As technology advances and guest expectations evolve, hotels need to stay current with these technological trends. The hotel industry is changing, and hotels must adapt to provide their customers with the best experience.