What are smart hotels?
The term "smart" is now used in many industries to describe technology that acts smartly, like humans. In a smart hotel, technology is used to make things run smoother behind the scenes, like using automation or chatbots to speed up service. It also enhances guest experience during their stay.
Smart hotels use the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, mobile apps, smart room features, and digital amenities to make guests' stays better and more convenient.
Internet of Things
The IoT uses a series of connected devices, smart controls, and in-room optimization to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Hotels can use them to enhance guest safety with features like smoke sensors and promote environmental friendliness through motion detectors that automatically turn off lights when no one’s present in the hallway or room. Connected devices such as voice control, temperature adjustment, and scheduled on/off functions improve the in-room experience, all managed conveniently from a central dashboard by hoteliers.
Artificial Intelligence
Technology like virtual assistants and chatbots can be used on hotel websites and mobile apps to help guests throughout their stays. AI can also be used to access important data like guest preferences. Demand forecasting and price adjustments through smart revenue management is yet another area where AI shines.
Digital apps, platforms and smart room controls
Mobile check-in and hotel apps that unlock doors provide a seamless check-in experience for guests. These apps also allow guests to manage room temperature, communicate with the concierge, and send questions to a virtual assistant. This helps reduce stress at the front desk while using technology to personalize the in-room experience.
Smart speakers in rooms empower guests to control devices, seek assistance, and access services using smart room technology.
Advantages of smart hotels
Smart hotels offer many benefits, including delivering an unparalleled guest experience while enhancing operational efficiency through automation. This not only saves money but also boosts staff satisfaction. As guests increasingly depend on technology in all facets of their lives, hotels must identify these touchpoints in the guest experience and explore ways to enhance and connect through its integration.
Personalization
Personalization stands out as one of the most compelling features of smart hotels for guests. Imagine arriving in your hotel room and finding a smart mirror that you can customize to display the weather and local attractions and select your preferred language. Language barriers vanish, and guest experience effortlessly becomes highly personalized.
Guests can also specify their in-room preferences during check-in or reservation. Their room can be set to their preferred temperature upon arrival, with their favorite music playing in the background. Imagine controlling lighting and ordering room service with voice commands without leaving their beds.
Personalization represents the future of hospitality.
Improved check-in experience
Hotels can use check-in kiosks and chatbots to optimize the check-in and check-out experience. That way, guests can enjoy a faster service and take control of their hotel experience, regardless of their arrival time. You can also offer mobile check-in, which is great for guests on the go.
Automation
Smart technology enables devices to assist guests more efficiently, freeing up the front desk and other employees to focus on other responsibilities. Simple inquiries can be handled by smart technology, allowing staff to dedicate their time and energy to revenue-generating tasks.
Main technologies for smart hotels
There are so many kinds that can be employed in smart hotels – energy-saving systems, facial recognition technology, mobile key technology, automation solutions, voice control interfaces, and room control apps.
1. Mobile key technology
Guests can conveniently access their rooms using a smartphone app. Through the hotel app, they can scan a code to unlock their room. When combined with mobile check-in, this method can entirely bypass the need to visit the reception desk.
2. Facial recognition
Facial recognition works much like mobile key technology, removing the need for physical keys by enabling guests to access facilities through their stored facial ID in the hotel app. This not only enhances security but also streamlines the check-in process as there’s no need for any documentation.
3. Check-in and check-out automation
Virtual assistants, hotel apps, check-in kiosks, and facial recognition automate the check-in process. These technologies tend to boost guest satisfaction and relieve pressure on the front desk.
4. Energy saving with the IoT
Through a series of interconnected devices, your hotel can achieve significant energy savings. Start by integrating smart technologies such as motion detectors, smart lights, and other in-room tech, all of which can effectively reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint.
5. Voice control and room control apps
Voice control like Alexa in rooms lets guests turn off the lights and music and control temperature from their beds. It creates a more personalized in-room experience. Your guests can easily (de)activate settings remotely, like putting on the air conditioning before they arrive. Such convenience creates an unparalleled guest experience.
Conclusion
We've explored the concept of smart hotel rooms through the most popular examples of smart technology and the advantages they offer. As technology continues to drive the hospitality industry, improving efficiency and enabling hotels to deliver superior guest experiences, modern hoteliers should use smart technology to differentiate themselves from competitors.
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