Imagine switching on a fan, controlling A/C, moving an object from one place to another without having to move from your couch? Sounds vague right? But this is what IoT does for you. 

Any guest who checks into a hotel room or a resort expects a feel-good experience and royal treatment. Here’s when some progressive and tech-driven hoteliers have realized that to increase customer satisfaction and make the customer feel royal, the internet is the best way to provide their guests with a completely connected environment regardless of where they are. 

Many industries have already adopted IoT to innovate creative smart building solutions, including real estate, healthcare, Insurance, education, and more. There are also many opportunities for hotels and resorts to explore in IoT that impacts both hotel operations and guest experience 

But before we move on to how the hotel industry gets benefitted from IoT, let’s have a look at the core definition of IoT. 

What is IoT? 

IoT or Internet of things is simply defined as connecting all internet-connected devices for the purpose of collecting data, controlling the process, or exchanging information with another device. 

“IoT in the hotel industry is defined as a network of digital devices and machines that are interconnected via the internet to enhance guest experience and optimize hotel operations.” 

In this blog, we will explore some use cases and IoT capabilities for hospitality in general, and hotel automation in specific. 

Automated hassle-free check-ins and check-outs 

Hotel check-ins and check-outs have always been a terrific experience for guests due to certain reasons like the non-availability of rooms, waiting time, verification, and more.  

But, with the help of IoT, many hotels are becoming smart by enabling self-service kiosks to automate the guest check-in process. These self-service stations allow guests to avoid queue lines, long verification processes at the reception desk, and able to access their room keys easily. 

Asset Tracking 

How difficult would it be for a guest service staff to track guests’ equipment and luggage racks without their presence? So, to avoid bothering guests during their vacation for luggage, smart hotels are using asset tracking technology to track equipment and cleaning carts. And, real-time monitoring feature streamlines the housekeeping processes and helps hotel management to run hotels efficiently. 

Smart room customizations 

Any guest who visits resorts or hotels looks for comfort and convenience in rooms. With, the right IoT devices installed and connected, smart room customizations can be done as per the guest‘s convenience. This might include: 

Lighting: Dimming and brightening the lights for changing light temperature, including options for changing colors as per the mood. 

Room temperature: Smart thermostats allow guests to make their room comfortable without having to control the A/C units. 

Water temperature: Digital water temperature geysers and sensors allow guests to enjoy their bath comfortably. 

Controllable Fan and TV: Automated Fans and sensors give the guests total control with the press of a button or using an app. 

Digitized Menus: Smart rooms provide guests with digitized food menus that allow visitors to order food using an app. 

Voice-controlled Customer service 

Products like Amazon echo being widely sold in a home environment, this service allows guests to request hotel room staff to reserve seats in a food court and sign up for activities such as beauty and spa appointments, and cab booking for outer visits by simply commanding the voice control service available in the room. 

Security and key card integrations 

Traditionally, hotels have relied more upon physical key cards. But, with the enablement of IoT in smart rooms, new possibilities have been opened where, e-key cards are directly sent to visitors’ mobile devices allowing guests to use phone apps as their room keys, by replacing the key card or physical keys.  

Integrated security devices can be connected to one another where a security issue can trigger audio alerts, door locks, emergency lighting, and on-screen alerts.  

Predictive maintenance and repairs 

Using IoT solutions in hotels provides staff with up-to-date information about services, room equipment, and the appliance operating status. If the IoT detects any defect it alerts the hotel staff about the maintenance. 

Next evolution of IoT in the hospitality industry: 

Since IoT has been pacing up in hospitality recently, there will be more new trends emerging in the coming years with advanced technology. As the smart room in a hotel could become a norm in the coming days, hotel owners wanted to offer their customers more best service and enhance customer experience with modern amenities, and add an innovative touch to the overall guest experience. 

As the IoT doesn’t depend on a single application or device, in the coming years, the possibility of IoT combining with other technologies like video recognition, data, and analytics would be seen, and the guest would likely experience personalized communications and preferences that are stored from their previous visits. 

Conclusion: 

As guests expect automation to enhance their stay and IoT is delivering the same, it can be used to bring the highest level of comfort and convenience for guests in the hospitality industry. Additionally, IoT in hotels and resorts space helps the management to cut down costs and make the guest before, during, and after, their stay feel special. 

If you’re interested in learning more about IoT or thinking to adopt IoT for your hotel, contact Voxvalley team to learn more.