The benefits of smart hotels extend beyond delivering an outstanding guest experience. Smart technology can also reduce costs for hotel owners and improve energy efficiency. Here are eight examples of how hotels integrate smart technologies into hotel room designs.

Voice Activated Room Features

Voice-activated room features can differentiate a brand by bringing the guest experience to a new level. An Alexa in each hotel room can allow guests to play music, request more towels or order room service without using the phone, control the TV, adjust the room’s light and temperature, and more.

Integrated voice-activated features add to the luxury and comfort of the guest experience. Once installed, it’s an effortless way to make them feel pampered.

Remote Check-In/Check-Out

Contactless hotels are a feature that some guests will appreciate, while others will still prefer to interact with a live person at the front desk. Having both options available can simplify and streamline operations.

Remote check-in and check-out can be done using mobile apps on guests’ smartphones or with self-service kiosks similar to what you would see in the airport. With a mobile app, guests can check in and access their room key when convenient, without waiting in line or needing to stop at the hotel if they are arriving at a location and have things to do. The mobile apps that allow contactless check-in can also have other functionalities, such as ordering room service.

Mobile Room Keys

Smart hotel technology pairs a smartphone device and a mobile key lock. Guests receive a digital key on their smartphone and then can push a button or hold the phone close to the lock to open it.

Mobile room keys support contactless check-in and avoid the potential transmission of germs by physically transferring room keys at the front desk. They are encrypted to ensure that only the right users have access. If the smartphone is lost, hotel management can restrict mobile access, protecting the hotel and guests.

Sound Masking Devices

Hospitality furniture manufacturers have long worked with designers to reduce ambient noise in hotel rooms by selecting materials for hotel casegoods and seating that absorb rather than reflect sound waves, but these choices are not always in line with the aesthetic of the hotel.

An emerging alternative is sound masking devices. This technology emits an unobtrusive background noise that sounds like gentle airflow.

Smart Reserved Parking

Smart reserved parking can improve the guest experience and reduce management headaches. Instead of paying for parking at the gate and driving around until they find an empty parking space, guests access the system on their mobile phones.

The parking app will drive guests to their reserved spot in the structure or lot. Once safely parked, they can pay through their phone.

Smart Energy Management

Smart energy management offers ways for hotels to reduce costs and increase efficiency. For example, smart thermostats allow staff to program energy consumption around daily occupancy or employ sensors for real-time occupancy.

Other energy management systems include lighting, solar, and water management systems. Automatic shutdown sockets reduce the electricity consumption of devices like TVs and lamps in empty hotel rooms.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses technology and sensors to minimize unexpected maintenance needs. It can save time and money in building management, avoiding the cost and hassle of emergency repairs.

The smart hotel technology collects and analyzes data to identify patterns and abnormalities in the air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and lighting systems. It uses thermal imaging, vibration analysis, and oil analysis to prevent unexpected scenarios. Staff receives alerts when equipment is at risk or needs maintenance and repair.

Hotels Are Getting Smarter

Smart hotels can improve the guest experience in automated, elegant ways. From parking and contactless check-in to voice command room service, the emerging technology gives hotels new ways to provide convenience and customer service. At the same time, smart hotels can run more efficiently, automating maintenance schedules and allowing owners of multiple properties to monitor energy usage and maintenance staff remotely. While adopting new technology at any scale takes time, smart hotels are here to stay.

At LCM, we utilize advanced technology to efficiently and consistently build the highest quality hotel casegoods and seatings available. Connect with our resourceful and results-driven team to discuss your next project.