Let even the most jaded guest be surprised by your hotel’s technology
The smart hotel room might sound like a cliche. But the truth is that emerging technology has seeped through – and elevated – every industry over the past years. This does not exclude hospitality. So, it is only normal that, as part of your business’s digital transformation, your hotel has adopted tools like contactless payments, NFC and RFID technologies, and even self check-in/-out kiosks.
But what about the hotel bedrooms? How has technology improved in your hotel rooms? You may have improved your connectivity connection and provided smart televisions fully equipped with services like Netflix. But is this enough to keep up with the competition and provide a superb guest experience?
In this guide, we’ll explore some hotel guest room ideas that have become must-haves in hotels looking to surf today’s digital wave. Let’s dive in!
1. Wireless Charging Devices
The number of devices owned by each person has been consistently growing over the past years. It has reached a whopping average of 3.6 devices per person (9.4 and 13.4 in Europe and North America, respectively).
The problem with this sharp rise is that most hotels were originally built or renovated before the digital boom that occurred over the past decade. Simply, this means that customers don’t have enough charging points and connections for a comfortable stay.
Fortunately, this issue is easily addressable with the right hotel room technology ideas. One of these is investing in wireless charging devices. This type of technology reduces the need for messy cables and unsightly charging ports. It also provides a seamless, comfortable experience to your guests, who can now count on fully-charged, fully-functioning phones and laptops.
2. Smart Entertainment Options
Imagining the perfect hotel room experience: your guests check in, get to their rooms, kick off their shoes – and they realise they have access to a smart TV, the gatekeeper to a world of entertainment. This is the epitome of the smart hotel room.
Not only can this portal give them access to streaming services and on-demand movies, but it can also provide ambient sound, access to endless games, and, ultimately, a truly personalised hotel experience. If you are looking for just one tech strategy to invest in, this may be the best of the smart hotel room ideas in this guide!
3. High-Speed Wi-Fi Connectivity
There’s no doubt about it: your hotel needs to provide at least one Wi-Fi connection. After all, nearly 100% of hotel guests today expect to find Wi-Fi in their hotel room. But the question is, how fast should the connectivity be? Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer you can apply here.
However, there are a few theories and guidelines that can help you make sure you are doing it right:
⦁ A “good” Wi-Fi speed should provide at least 25 Mbps (megabits) per second.
⦁ Guests should be able to stream movies in 4K and enjoy Zoom calls without interruption. Test the Wi-Fi speed in each of your rooms.
⦁ Consider investing in range extenders for each floor and adding extra routers if your hotel is expansive.
⦁ Provide a backup connection, in case your main Wi-Fi is down, under maintenance, or unavailable.
⦁ Meet the expectations of your guests. If you are marketing your hotel as a meeting point for digital nomads, your priority should be to provide the highest possible Wi-Fi speed.
Make sure to provide details about connectivity in your website, alongside the expected connectivity speed in the rooms, so that your guests know what to expect.
4. Intelligent Lighting Solutions
It goes without saying: ambience is critical in a hotel room. And, every GM, hotel designer, or room service director, understands that it’s critical that each room has several working lighting points, lamps, access lightings, and task lights. While these lights play a major role in creating the perfect relaxing environment, they can be challenging to manage for a guest new to the room’s features.
That’s why the list of best hotel guest room ideas can’t be complete without mentioning intelligent lighting solutions. This is an easily accessible tool that allows your guests to control the intensity, temperature (i.e.: cool vs warm light), and even colour. Partner with a designer to better understand how to create a unique light signature in your guest rooms.
5. Advanced Security Features
Besides boosting your guest’s comfort and convenience, technology can enhance your hotel’s safety and security. Some hotel room ideas that are aimed at improving the security of your guests could include keyless entry door locks and alarms.
However, the power of technology does not end here. Think, for example, of the benefits of introducing biometric safes, discreet panic buttons, and alarms that allow people with disabilities to be always aware of their surroundings (i.e.: vibrating mattresses and vibrating pillow pads).
6. In-Room Digital Concierge
An unmissable hotel guest room idea? An in-room digital concierge! This technology allows your guests to have the full range of services offered by your hotel at their fingertips, 24/7. Even better, with these cutting-edge systems, you can streamline staffing hours and ensure that your guests always enjoy a consistent, superb experience, regardless of what time of the night they may require assistance!
7. Smart Bathroom Fixtures
Smart bathroom fixtures are a strong hotel room idea to implement to make the jump into a digital-first hospitality industry. But there’s more to it.
Touchless taps and heated seats, as well as a smart thermostat that keeps your bathroom warm, can enhance the comfort of your guests. However, interactive LED mirrors, adjustable privacy glasses, and smart showers can truly take the level of comfort provided by your hotel to the next level. Last but not least, these features can also provide enhanced accessibility to guests with disabilities and those with reduced mobility.
Importance Of Incorporating Emerging Technologies Into Your Hotel Room Design
SureThe , you may already have smart entry features in your hotel rooms. But how will you wow your guests once they are inside their rooms?
If you are struggling to find the right tools for your hotel or you need guidance to understand how to invest your resources, specialists can help. Get in touch with our experts at 1300 503 657 or request a quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Wireless charging devices reduce cable clutter and ensure guests have fully charged devices, enhancing convenience and the overall guest experience.
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Smart TVs provide access to streaming services, games, and personalised content, creating a more enjoyable and immersive stay for guests.
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Provide high-speed Wi-Fi with at least 25 Mbps, test speeds in rooms, use range extenders, and offer backup connections to ensure reliable Internet for guests.
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Intelligent lighting allows guests to control light intensity, temperature, and colour, creating a comfortable and personalised ambience in their rooms.