The days of paying for movies on demand and phoning the front desk to adjust the thermostat are long gone (as annoying as it was even in the early 2000s). The modern guest is looking for in-room technology to control the room, access more amenities and make requests quickly.

Wi-Fi

Who wants Wi-Fi? Everyone. Everyone. All travelers must check their email and share their photos on social media. In 2018, 98 percent of guests expected high-speed Internet. Wi-Fi should be a priority unless you are on a mountain retreat that promotes “disconnecting.”

It is essential to use an encrypted network. It’s important for business travelers who might be sharing sensitive data, but it’s for anyone who does not want their credit card used to fund a criminal’s new Corvette.

Ensure your provider has bandwidth management software so that only one room can use all of the bandwidth. It’s better to have plenty of bandwidth from the start. So your guests can enjoy Netflix with chocolate after a long day of exploring the city. Video calling and streaming services (for business travelers) both use a lot of bandwidth. This leads us to…

Streaming

Allow guests to stream or cast content they want rather than restricting them to live or on-demand TV. As of 2019, 40% of guests said intelligent TVs and streaming content were essential to choosing a hotel. Providing guests with their content allows them to personalize their experience. You can give your guests exactly what they want rather than what you believe they want.

Logging in should be as simple as possible. Using the remote, it can be frustrating to type each letter in your email address. Casting can be your friend. Guests can connect content from their devices to the larger screen. The guests don’t need to log in as they are already logged into their devices. You still need a secure, simple platform with clear instructions, or you’ll run into the same problem (guests screaming at the screen rather than watching it). By integrating your casting solution into your property management software, you can ensure that only guests who have checked in can connect. This prevents the casting of incorrect rooms.

Outlets and USB Plugs

Include USB plugs and multiple outlets. A guest may want to charge both their laptop and phone simultaneously. It would be great if guests could charge their phones and laptops without unplugging the lamp.

Outlets are best placed in an accessible location, beside the bedside or desk. They should not be hidden in a corner. You can also offer guests an octopus cord to charge their devices if they forget their chargers.

Apps and Messaging Solutions

As of 2019, almost Three-quarters would use an application if a hotel offered it, while another 58% wanted to check in via the app. This was all before the pandemic and people’s new love for hand sanitizer.

There are several advantages to using a guest messaging application on guests’ own devices. Guests are familiar with how their devices work and the apps they use. Guests can take their devices with them to stay in touch with you while they are out. Lastly, guest messaging applications can automate communication and make it easier for guests to customize their stay. This will drive efficiency, guest satisfaction and revenue.

WebRezPro works with companies such as Akia Breezeway and Reinate to provide guests with a seamless guest messaging experience. No more cumbersome phone calls!

Mobile Keys

Mobile keys can be used to accelerate the Check-in Process. During their stay, they also allow guests easy access to their rooms and other hotel areas (e.g., the gym). The key to contactless check-in (excuse me! Mobile keys are a great way to save guests and staff time and eliminate the inconveniences and environmental impact of plastic keycards.

Depending on how you implement keyless entry in your property, you can send guests an access code for the keypad that is valid for their booking or let them use the app of your mobile key provider.

The Sustainability of the Economy

We are in the Greta-Thunberg era, and guests are concerned about sustainability. (Unfortunately, there is no backup planet for now). A 2021 study conducted by Booking.com found that 81 percent of travelers wanted sustainable accommodations in the future. You can make this happen with in-room technology (there are many options, not just low-flow heads).

Install loT sensors to detect if a room is being used. This will allow you to adjust the temperature and lighting accordingly. The Internet of Things includes anything connected to the Internet to monitor a process, collect data, or exchange information with another device. Innovative room technology can seamlessly integrate into your property management system to automatically sync room settings with check-ins and check-outs. This will increase energy efficiency.

Do you use many paper brochures in your rooms and menus? Instead, consider putting the information on your guest’s tablet or hotel app. You can also use this opportunity to upsell. Would you like to offer your guests a mocktail of strawberry ginger to welcome them?

These eco-friendly hotels will inspire you to go beyond the in-room technology and incorporate it into the construction of your hotel.

Personalization

There are different guests, and they all require other technology (except Wi-Fi). Business travelers will appreciate the coordinated wakeup (alarms, curtains, and lights all on simultaneously), while family members with children may enjoy the Disney+ subscription.

You can use your property management software to determine what your guests want and provide it. The data in guest profiles will give you an overview of the guests that visit your hotel. You can also drill down to know them at a more personal level. It’s their anniversary. Are they allergic? Are they frequent visitors? This makes them a VIP!

This knowledge can create a customized guest experience, from the in-room amenities to offers and communications.