The use of technology to connect the world has changed everything. And the Internet of Things (IoT) has been more than just connecting existing products and services in such a way that products have become services and services have become more intelligent.
As IoT has left its mark in almost every industry, hospitality has not been left behind.
Many businesses in the hospitality industry have already incorporated IoT into their operations because the technology provides a number of key advantages that are particularly relevant to hotels. These advantages range from allowing businesses to save money on energy to providing a better customer experience.
Why should the hospitality industry embrace the Internet of Things?
There’s no denying that guests look for “customizations” everywhere. It could be their bedrooms at home or their desks at work.
Individualization makes people feel special. And, because the primary goal of the hospitality industry is to provide the best possible guest experience, IoT should be embraced for this purpose.
IoT-connected devices improve the guest experience and streamline the hotel management system for staff and administrators.
There are numerous opportunities to use automation solutions to improve smart hotel rooms in the hospitality industry. Hotel owners and operators benefit from increased efficiency, cost savings, and guest satisfaction, while guests enjoy greater convenience and comfort.
5 IoT Applications in the Hospitality Industry
The industry is implementing a plethora of IoT-centric systems in order to better serve its customers and increase operational efficiency. The following are the top applications of IoT in the hospitality industry:
Several smart hotels are moving toward IoT-enabled self-service kiosks to automate their guests’ check-in procedures. Self-service kiosks, similar to the standard kiosks found at airport check-in counters, allow guests to bypass reception desk lines and easily access their room keys.
Several leading hotel organizations, such as Marriott and Wynn, have adopted IoT’s voice-controlled consumer service.
This voice-controlled IoT helps customers request hotel room services, book tables at the hotel restaurant, or sign up for activities such as gym or spa sessions by simply relating what they want and giving commands to the voice-controlled service in their room.
There are a variety of smart solutions available to make hotel room lodging easier and more convenient for guests. While the appropriate IoT devices are set up and connected, the following smart room customization and control options are available:
- Lighting – It provides lighting options such as switching between colors, shifting colors, and modifying the light temperature.
- Room Temperature – Smart hotels use smart thermostats where guests change temperature conveniently. These thermostats can schedule, turn themselves down when nobody is around, and balance temperatures around your space to make you comfier
- Adjusting windows – Guests have complete control over the automated window treatments by simply pressing a button or using applications.
- Smart TVs – In today’s hotel rooms, smart TVs are an indispensable luxury. A smart TV makes it easy to stream movies and shows, and newer models of this IoT device offer voice control and smart home integration.
Today’s smart locks are known for their versatile ways to unlock and these types of locks are commonly seen and used in hotels.
Smart locks enable guests to use phone apps as their room keys, eliminating the need for a traditional key card or room key. Various protocols can be used to connect and configure integrated IoT security devices.
Smart locks can bring some connected convenience to your front door, making it much easier to manage access to your hotel room.
Key card integrations powered by IoT provide a high level of convenience and amenity.
Hotels are facilitating more advanced key card alternatives such as mobile keys or room key applications. These keys enable guests to control door locks, temperature, and window shades with their smartphones.
Conclusion
IoT Is the way of the future! People in the hospitality industry should start to think about how they can take advantage of the immense benefits of IoT in hospitality and get ahead of vulnerabilities.
Today, the IoT opportunities for the industry can elevate the guest experience. Hotels that incorporate IoT into their establishments will have a leg up on the competition.
If you’re interested in learning more about smart hotel solutions or equipping a building with IoT technology, get in touch with Aerion Technologies today!