Smart hotel rooms have taken the hospitality industry by storm, here are 7 reasons why guests love them
After years of technology playing a role in almost every aspect of our daily lives, more and more hotels are now turning their guest rooms into smart hotel rooms to deliver a more interconnected and personalized guest experience.
To start, let’s define what a smart hotel room is and answer the question, what is smart room technology? Smart rooms are rooms connected to network servers that allow the use of the Internet of Things (IoT), and examples of smart room technology include smart TVs, smart thermostats, bedside smart-room tablets, and voice command capabilities.
So, why are more and more guests craving stays at smart hotels? Here are seven reasons.
- Smart-Room Tablets Are the Perfect Room Companion
While mobile check-in and mobile key capabilities via branded mobile apps definitely have a slew of benefits, many guests enjoy not having to rely on their personal devices to access hotel features once in their hotel room. Today’s guests find it more convenient to lean over and adjust the in-room temperature or order room service via the bedside smart-room tablet. A dedicated device that acts as the room command center offers guests control capabilities, as well as additional convenience.
- They Can Watch What They Want
Today’s TV consumption is largely centered around streaming. Guests are accustomed to using their streaming services at home to watch their favorite shows and seek to have that same experience while on a business trip or a vacation. That’s why guests appreciate, and in many cases expect, casting capabilities. Now, they can continue to binge-watch “Stranger Things” on Netflix while out of town on a business meeting.
- Voice Commands Appeal To All Ages
While smart hotel rooms may have a greater appeal to younger travelers, there’s no denying that all generations love the voice features that come with a more interconnected space. Consumers of all ages are accustomed to using Alexa, Siri, or “Okay Google” in their daily lives to play their music, set an alarm, or send a text. With voice command capabilities in their hotel room, guests can be in control of their space whether they’re in bed, working at the desk, or enjoying a bath.
- Temperature Discomfort is Eliminated
Just about every traveler has a horror story about a time when their in-room heating or air conditioning didn’t work properly. Guests love smart thermostats because it’s simple to adjust the in-room temperature. And if there’s an issue, using a smart-room tablet, they can quickly put in a service request for the problem to be fixed. Smart-room thermostats, as well as in-room lighting controls, can be easily adjusted via a smart-room tablet and can drastically make a difference in keeping guests comfortable in their rooms.
- Smart Technology Improves Luxury
Smart hotel rooms undeniably add a touch of luxury to any hotel. A sleek smart-room tablet, in particular, brings an upscale element, and allowing guests to dim the lights, message staff, or place in-room dining orders while lounging on their in-room bed or balcony is just icing on the cake. Plus, tablets make guests feel like the hotel staff is always at their service just a few taps away.
- Smart-Room Tablets Show Guests What They Didn’t Know They Needed
Tablets provide the perfect avenue for guests to discover activities, browse the gift shop, or even learn about special hotel promotions, which are all easy ways to drive non-room revenue. Tablets have more screen space than mobile devices, so graphics and banners look crisper and draw more attention. Offering personalized promotions — such as 10% off at the hotel restaurant or lobby lounge — can increase revenue.
- Smart-Rooms Make the Guest the Center of The Universe
In a smart hotel room, everything can be tailored to the current guest — from the temperature, to the TV, to the lighting. And for returning guests, preferences can be saved, so they can return to a room that feels like a second home.
Want to learn more about smart hotel rooms and how to deploy this technology at your property? Request a demo today.
