Improve the guest and staff experience with three connectivity and technology shifts
Rapid changes are taking place in the hospitality technology industry, particularly as guests and businesses continue to demand the fastest, most reliable internet connectivity. According to the 2024 Lodging Technology Study: Digital Transformation & ROI report, seven out of 10 hotel operators say guest-specific technologies are empowering, such as platforms enabling them to check in and out, use digital keys, in-room tablets, contact-less payments, and much more.
WHY IT MATTERS
One in five hotel operators say guest-facing technology is a potential source of friction. This insinuates hoteliers and their technology providers must continuously focus on improving challenges that include connectivity issues, seamless app usage, and human interactions.
Further, the 2023 Lodging Technology: Embracing Mobility & Self-Service study revealed that travelers consider Wi-Fi the top amenity for a positive guest stay, with most saying they wouldn’t rebook at a destination after a subpar Wi-Fi experience.
Hoteliers must be aware and work to stay ahead of top-of-mind hotel connectivity shifts that are changing the game for guest experience, staff satisfaction, and overall facility operability.
1. THE RISING NEED FOR MANAGED WI-FI
Today’s guests expect a seamless experience connecting their devices to the property’s Wi-Fi, as it’s often one of the first things they do when they get to their room. For them, high-speed Wi-Fi is not a “nice to have” but a necessity.
Dig deeper: Beyond traditional guest connectivity needs, hoteliers require sufficient Wi-Fi solutions to install and run IoT technology solutions that ultimately drive cost savings and guest retention, like smart locks and keyless entry, contactless check-in, and streamlined maintenance processes.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-provided gateways are being standardized across national brands while there’s limited patience for longer installation cycles from OEM partners, making it more important than ever for managed Wi-Fi to run seamlessly without interruption to the guest experience or business team.
Of note: Integrated, managed Wi-Fi networks support both guest and enterprise needs. Further, hoteliers are looking for fewer providers to handle more services for less expense.
2. PRIVATE WIRELESS NETWORK SOLUTIONS
As the hospitality industry continues to grow and expand its suite of technology solutions, we likely will see an uptick in private wireless network adoption. Private wireless networks help hotels increase security and control because a tech provider manages it, unlike a public network.
Market impact: These solutions are designed to streamline network reliability and mobility within hotels. With the ability to separate and prioritize critical business operations, guests can still use public bandwidth to enjoy uninterrupted services, thus enhancing the guest experience and business benefit. Private wireless networks also improve guest and staff safety, for example, by enabling panic buttons and enhanced indoor cellular coverage to contact help during an emergency.
Another benefit of private wireless networks is their scalability and modular ability. They allow hotel staff to change gaming floors or site layouts in real-time, without re-cabling, or provide coverage for temporary events like concerts, weddings and conferences.
3. ALL-IN-ONE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTION PROVIDERS
With the changing tides of hotel connectivity requirements and the technology priorities to drive business growth, hoteliers should seek experienced vendor partners to support their new and unmet tech needs.
The bottom line: A single tech provider can offer reliable internet connectivity, managed Wi-Fi, private networks and managed services platforms to help hoteliers optimize operations while staying connected to guests inside and outside the property.
A vendor with a full suite of solutions to innovate guest experience at scale should evolve with hotels as they modernize their connectivity platforms and be ready with a tailored solution for each unique situation.
MAKING TECH WORK FOR YOUR HOTEL
Technology is constantly evolving and redefining the way the world works, communicates, lives, and travels. While it can feel overwhelming to stay ahead of the curve, it’s critical today’s hoteliers don’t fall behind the wave of technology that will drive greater results for their business. Regularly communicating with their teams about the latest technology and finding ways to use these innovations to improve the guest experience will set one facility apart from the rest.