Automation is everywhere, from self-driving cars to chatbots, and technological innovations within the next decade will primarily center around automating our daily tasks. These changes will have a significant impact on the hospitality industry and are contributing to the rise of the smart hotel.
Smart hotel automation utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) devices to streamline operations. With IoT technology, many devices can send and receive data in ways that were not possible before.
As internet connectivity and communication capabilities become more accessible, smart hotel guests can enjoy the benefits of this new technology. Furthermore, hotel management, owners, and stakeholders can streamline operations with the power of AV technology.
The Rise of the Smart Hotel
Smart hotels are growing in popularity. The primary reason for this swift expansion is the rise of the “experience economy,” which is defined as the consumption of experiences that improve consumers’ lives.
Modern AV technology has the power to create fulfilling, memorable experiences for guests while lessening the workload for smart hotel staff. Smart hotels offer the following benefits to guests, employees, and hotel owners:
- Convenience and Personalization. Smart hotels leverage technology to offer guests a more convenient and personalized experience. With mobile check-in and keyless entry features, guests can skip the front desk and go straight to their rooms. Smart devices within rooms allow guests to easily control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems, tailoring the environment to their preferences.
- Enhanced Guest Services. By utilizing smart technologies, hotels can offer enhanced guest services. For example, guests can use mobile apps or in-room tablets to request room service, housekeeping, or concierge assistance. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots can respond instantly to guest inquiries and recommend local attractions or dining options.
- Energy Efficiency. Smart hotels incorporate energy-efficient systems and devices to reduce environmental impact and lower operating costs. Sensors and automation technologies regulate lighting and HVAC systems based on occupancy, optimizing energy consumption. This sustainability aspect appeals to eco-conscious travelers.
Smart hotel owners can leverage intelligent AV technologies in multiple ways to enhance their guest experience, empowering guests to have frictionless stays from check-in to checkout.
5 Smart Hotel Technologies to Enhance the Guest Experience
If you want to create a smart hotel with AV technology, these innovative technologies will help you streamline operations and reimagine the guest experience.
1. Contactless Check-In and Checkout
Contactless check-in, also called “mobile check-in,” has become more popular in recent years. Guests can utilize this technology to check in and out with minimal assistance from staff.
Contactless check-in solutions will enable you to collect more information about your guests and leverage the data to optimize their experiences. Meanwhile, contactless checkout makes it easy for guests to request a later checkout, streamlining operations for the housekeeping department. Contactless checkout solutions may also prompt guests to leave a review by ensuring that hotel management receives the review immediately.
Furthermore, the speed and ease of contactless check-in and checkout technology improve guest satisfaction and encourage repeat stays.
2. Guest Messages and Mobile Keys
Recent reports state that 89% of consumers prefer to communicate with businesses over text. When guests can communicate with your staff via text message, it comes with the following benefits:
- Automatic replies to common questions, freeing up staff to assist other guests
- The ability to share critical information with all guests at the same time
- Stored conversation histories, organized within an easy-to-use dashboard
In addition to guest messaging, mobile keys are another way to enhance the guest experience. When guests can complete routine tasks using their mobile devices, it reduces the need for physical contact between guests and the hotel staff, thereby streamlining the guest journey for a frictionless experience.
3. Automated Room Controls
Smart hotels can deploy IoT technology to facilitate automated room controls. This technology lets users control air conditioning, heating, and lighting with a single control point. Additionally, these IoT devices will automatically respond to changes in the environment.
For instance, automated room controls may allow heating to automatically begin when the room drops to a specific temperature and then turn off once the room reaches a certain temperature. Automatic room controls with IoT-enabled sensors also enhance energy efficiency by adjusting lights or temperature to accommodate occupancy rates.
4. Voice Recognition Technologies
Data from Statista found that 4.2 billion digital voice assistants were used worldwide in 2020, and this figure is expected to reach 8.4 billion by 2024. Smart speakers make integrating voice recognition technology easy for those in the hospitality industry. Guests at your smart hotel can deploy these speakers in many different ways.
Studies show that the average hotel guest spends 12 to 15 minutes figuring out how to operate the room’s TV, lighting, thermostat, and other controls. Voice-activated technologies streamline the guest experience and ease any friction that may occur when guests are learning how to use these amenities. With voice-activated controls, hotel guests can have greater control over their stay at your smart hotel.
5. Provide AI Concierge Services
Smart hotels may also find it beneficial to offer AI voice-enabled concierge services. With these tools, guests can utilize virtual agents to receive restaurant recommendations or book an appointment at the spa. As AI technology tends to these tasks, your front desk staff can direct their efforts towards building relationships with hotel guests.
Since 2020, many companies in the hospitality industry have decreased their staff and cut budgets. However, guests still expect the same high-quality customer service they received in years prior. AI concierge services make it possible for smart hotels to scale customer service using the same amount of resources as demand rises or falls.
Create Your Smart Hotel with Applied Global
If your smart hotel wants to leverage the power of AV technology, Applied Global Technologies (AGT) offers the professional guidance and implementation support you need. Our team has the tools and expertise to help your organization make the most of your space.
To learn more about our AV solutions, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the right solution for your goals and budget.
