The hotel industry is constantly evolving to meet guests’ changing needs and expectations. With the rise of technology, hotels have begun to incorporate various technological advancements to enhance the stay experience for their guests.
These advancements, from virtual concierge services to smart room controls, are designed to make the hotel experience more seamless and personalized for guests. Thus, whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning your next vacation, these innovations are worth keeping an eye on.
Let’s look at some of the most notable technological advancements in the hotel industry that aim at making the stay experience of tech-savvy guests more convenient.
1. Self-Service Check-In and Check-Out
It is one of the most popular technological advancements in the hotel industry. This system allows guests to check in and check out using a self-service kiosk or their devices, such as a smartphone or tablet.
The process is simple and convenient for guests, as they can complete the check-in process by scanning their identification and credit card and then proceed directly to their room. According to Shift, in 2021, 70% of Americans already have a credit card, which abolishes the need for these guests to wait in line at the front desk and allows them to start their stay on a positive note.
Self-service check-out is as easy and efficient as self-service check-in. It allows guests to quickly and easily end their stay and move on to their next destination.
Some hotels also offer the ability for guests to choose their room, upgrade their room and pay for additional amenities through the self-service kiosk or their device, which can save a lot of time and make the check-in experience more efficient and pleasant.
2. On Demand TV and Videos
Another technological advancement becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry is on-demand TV and videos. With this feature, guests can access a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and other videos from the comfort of their room, using their device as a remote control.
Home entertainment solutions have become increasingly popular as technology has advanced. One of the most convenient solutions is “casting,” which allows users to easily stream content from their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to their home TVs. It allows users to watch their favorite shows, movies, and videos on a larger screen without additional equipment.
This feature is particularly appealing to tech-savvy guests who are used to having access to a wide variety of content on demand. It also allows guests to continue watching their favorite shows while traveling, which makes their stay feel more like home.
Casting solutions also allow guests to share their content with the hotel room’s TV, such as photos and videos. This feature can be a great way to entertain family and friends and make the stay more pleasant.
Casting solutions are also very versatile, allowing users to share their photos and videos on their TV, which can be great for entertaining family and friends. Casting solutions are also easy to use, making them accessible to everyone.
3. Online Booking with Mobile Support
Yet another technological advancement that has become increasingly popular in the hotel industry is online booking with mobile support. With this feature, guests can book their hotel room directly through the hotel’s website or mobile app using their devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
Online booking with mobile support allows guests to search for available rooms, compare prices, and make a reservation in just a few clicks. According to statistics by Stratosjet, 70% of customers in the US do their research on their smartphones.
They can also review and manage their bookings, make changes to their reservations, and receive confirmation and check-in instructions via email or text message, all from the convenience of their device.
Hotels also benefit from mobile booking by having real-time inventory management and easy access to guests’ information and preferences which can improve their ability to offer personalized services.
Additionally, mobile booking can also include the ability for guests to additional pre-order services such as room upgrades, extra bedding, or special amenities. It allows guests to customize their stay and make it more comfortable while also increasing revenue for the hotel.
4. Digital Key Experience
This technological advancement allows guests to use their devices, such as a smartphone or tablets, as a key to unlock their hotel rooms.
According to Pew Research Center, about 85% of Americans were using smartphones in 2021. In addition, smartphone-based digital keys can eliminate the need for traditional metal keys or keycards. Thus, it makes the check-in process more efficient and convenient for guests.
When guests make a reservation, they receive a digital key via email or text message. The guest can then use this digital key to unlock their room by holding their device near the door lock or using a mobile application. It eliminates the need for guests to wait at the front desk to check in and receive a physical key.
Additionally, the guest can use the digital keys to control other aspects of the room, such as the lights, temperature, and even the curtains, through a mobile application.
5. Virtual Reality Tour of the Hotel
Virtual reality (VR) is relatively new but increasingly popular in the hotel industry. This feature allows guests to explore and experience the hotel before they even arrive, using VR technology.
Guests can tour the hotel’s public areas through VR headsets or mobile devices, like the lobby, restaurants, and suites. It lets guests get a better sense of the hotel’s layout, amenities, and overall atmosphere, which can help them make a more informed decision about their stay.
Hotels can also use VR technology to showcase their unique features, such as a spa, fitness center, or exceptional view, to attract potential guests.
Hotels can also use VR tours to offer virtual tours to potential guests who cannot visit the property in person. It can be particularly useful for hotels located in remote or hard-to-reach areas or for those who want to attract guests from faraway places.
Technology is Shaping the Future of the Hotel Industry
The hotel industry is constantly evolving and utilizing technology to enhance the guest experience. The technological advancements discussed above aim to make the stay experience of tech-savvy guests more convenient and enjoyable.
These advancements improve the guest experience and allow hotels to save on staffing, increase revenue and provide more personalized service.
Technology plays a major role in shaping the future of the hotel industry. As technology advances, you can expect to see more ways hotels utilize it to improve the guest experience.
