Both hotels and guests are becoming increasingly accustomed to innovative technologies that improve services and the hotel experience. Contactless payments, online check-in, contactless access… But also to a much more professional and efficient sales service.
It is already a necessity for hoteliers to modernize and anticipate future trends in the hotel industry, in order to keep up with guest expectations and be able to offer them a superior experience. Let’s take a look at the latest trends in hotel technology!
Hotel technology trends
In order to streamline their daily activities, increase their revenue and improve the customer experience, hoteliers must keep up with the future trends in the hotel industry.
That said, while hotels implement more and more digital technologies, it is important to remember that all these innovations are not a replacement for workers. Technology is a simple tool to facilitate operations, increase efficiency and automate certain routine tasks.
In this way, the hotel staff can focus on having a more personalized and caring contact with the guests. Human treatment will prevail even if technology advances.
Customers are very used to using electronic devices in their day-to-day lives, both at work and in their own homes, which is why they also have a series of requirements in their hotel experience.
It is clear that hotel technology will not stop growing in the coming years, so it is necessary to keep up with hotel technology trends as much as possible to increase customer satisfaction.
Online check-in
Online check-in allows guests to check-in through a mobile application. This trend in hotel technology allows improving the customer experience by reducing waiting times upon arrival at the hotel. In addition, they will not have to arrive at a certain time as it does not require interaction with the staff.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is already part of many people’s daily lives, so they expect to find it in their guest experience as well. The Internet of Things is the connection of objects through the network and applications with sensors. IoT technology is essential in smart hotels. These hotels incorporate devices that send data and information to each other.
For example, sensors can be installed in the rooms to know when guests leave the rooms for cleaning. Guests can use voice control from their room to request different services, such as room service, or products. Lighting, air conditioning and heating controls also work via sensors or voice controls.
Big data
Studying customer behavior patterns helps us to anticipate future trends in the hotel industry and adapt the technology of the place according to their needs. Big data tools collect thousands of data and information about guests to analyze and identify patterns to improve the experience and gain new customers.
Applications
More and more hotels are developing their own applications so that guests can have a more comfortable and personalized experience: online payments, augmented reality tours of the hotel and rooms before making a reservation, direct contact with chatbots or with reception …
Cybersecurity
Hotels have a very valuable amount of information about customers and employees, which is why it is important to have an adequate level of cybersecurity. Data theft, phishing, ransomware… We live in an increasingly digitally connected world, so the threats are growing.
Translation Technology
Obviously, a large number of potential hotel guests prefer to communicate and book in their native language. Having effective translation technology on your website that adapts not only the content, but also the instant messaging platform and the forms, makes your service much more professional.
Conversations
The instant messaging that we talked about in the previous point allows you to establish a direct connection with the potential guest via SMS, WhatsApp or chatbot within the web itself. This direct communication channel is used to clarify doubts and to attract potential customers with personalized offers.
An example could be a discount for certain dates, a room with extra amenities, room service included… Options tailored to each customer increase satisfaction and increase the probability of obtaining a reservation.
