As smart technology takes hold in our homes, we become accustomed to remotely controlling our home’s air temperature, lighting, security systems, and entertainment through mobile devices. This has allowed a seamless transition to smart hotel technologies.
Hotels have always tried to reproduce what we have come to expect at home – and then enhance it. They want to provide even more comfort and convenience than you are used to. The development of smart technologies has caused hotels to once again take notice and make improvements.
A number of our hotels have a Digital Key, which allows guests to choose their rooms and check-in with their phone, and bypass the front desk. In addition, some of our hotels are also using QR code technology to cut down on touchpoints with menus, room service, and more.
- Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa
- Lodge at Gulf State Park
- The Valley Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Somerset Hills Hotel, Tapestry Collection
- The Harpeth Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Central Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
This time, many of the upgrades will change hotel stays forever. The following trends are set to revolutionize our stays.
What key smart technologies are hotels adopting?
- Contactless guest experience. Hotel rooms will be able to sense when guests have entered and adjust the heating and cooling accordingly. You won’t have to worry about turning the air or heat on when you get to your room. What’s even better is that, after your initial visit, your preferred lighting and room temperatures will be saved in your guest file. This ensures things are the way you like them when you return.
- Contactless check-in/out and mobile room keys. More and more hotels have begun to allow guests to check-in by using their smart devices as a room key. This way, you don’t have to stand in line in the lobby and can go directly to your room. As mentioned above, once in the room, you can adjust heating, cooling, lighting, etc. through an app on your phone or a smart device found in the room. The televisions used in hotel rooms will be connected to the guest’s streaming service via their smartphone. That means you’ll be able to pick up your TV series from the episode you were watching at home. You will also be able to check out using your smart device.
- Chatbots & AI robots. Think of chatbots and AI for hotels as a type of concierge service. These chatbots and AI robots will be able to help you reserve a room, make dinner reservations, request more towels, or see what time the game starts. One great resource provided by these devices is that they can speak any language, so hotels won’t have to worry about translators. They will be able to communicate with any guest. Hotels use these tools on their websites, on social media, through their apps, and in the hotels themselves on smart devices.
Conclusion
Hotels have always reinvented themselves as needed to keep up with the times. And today, there’s so much to keep up with! As homes begin to integrate new smart technologies, hotels are finding reasons to step up and showcase even more services. Hotelitarians can expect to implement new technology enhancements throughout the industry, accelerated by travelers’ desire for safer and more comfortable hotel experiences.