In-Room Technology: What Do Your Guests Really Want?

In-Room Technology: What Do Your Guests Really Want?

As technology continues to change the way we live our lives, hotels around the world are utilising the newest in-room tech to wow their guests.

At Hotel 1000 in Seattle, USA, electronic sensors have been implemented in guest rooms that can scan and determine if the room is occupied. This information is transmitted to a panel on the door which notifies housekeeping if the room is empty or not – no more disturbances.

Meanwhile, at Henna-Na Hotel in Sasebo, Japan, suites are armed with facial recognition devices. Forget about lost or demagnetised keycards. Guests can also control light settings using a mobile device, while motion detectors switch off light automatically if the room is vacant.

While these tech toys and amenities are certainly cool, they’re obviously not practical for everyone. International chains and big corporations have million dollar budgets to throw at things like this. How can smaller properties compete?

Technology needn’t be all sci-fi to add value for your guests. A few ideas for those operating on a smaller budget.

Outlets and Charging Stations

Research by J.D. Power & Associates confirms that the modern traveler expects connectivity. Free wifi used to be a perk, now it’s an absolute assumption. Take things a step further by adding handy outlets in all guest rooms. Device-dependant guests (most people) will appreciate this, and perhaps adding a charging station in the lobby would be useful to foster social interaction in the common area.

Mobile Check-In/Out Options

If guests can board an airplane with nothing more than their smartphone, make it the same for your property. A poll by Tripadvisor found that 34% of respondents wanted a mobile check-in service. The saturation rate of mobile users is only going to get higher, so expect that 34% to grow as well.

Social Messaging

Make it simple for your guests to get in touch with staff if they need something or if a problem comes up. Creating messaging channels is an easy way to enhance guest experience, head off complaints and engage with people. Millennials in particular love these types of services.

Interactive Smart TVs

After a long day of trekking around or sightseeing, you’re probably going to have a decent percentage of guests who want to put their feet up and relax. A smart TV with streaming capabilities and a user-friendly guide can make them feel right at home.

There is so much technology out there these days it can be hard to know where to start. Honourable mentions include biometrics, virtual reality, smart showers, Ipad rentals and in-room touchscreens. The bottom line is finding a few clever ways to serve your guests with in-room technology that – most importantly of all – is consistent with the identity of your property.

 

Sources:

Hotel 1000
Henn-Na Hotel
J.D. Power & Associates
BenBria