There’s no denying that millennials have a remarkable influence on modern society. For that reason, many new hospitality amenities cater to their values and needs. Implementing these cutting-edge features can also enhance guest comfort, support staff duties and advance the hotel brand. With more competition than ever, staying current is essential for hotels and resorts. Here are five major hotel tech trends we’re seeing in 2017.
1. Energy Efficiency
Adopting energy efficient products and processes benefits everyone. Some of these products include smarter thermostats and laundry units with water recycling. Making a major change in this direction can save a business thousands of dollars in utilities and energy bills.
Eco-friendly in-room features contribute to efficiency while also reinforcing positive habits. For instance, keycard-activated lighting is both practical and environmentally beneficial. Many guests also appreciate eco-friendly practices as they align with their personal ethics.
2. Smart Screens and Entertainment Streaming
Screens and streaming are emerging everywhere and certainly in the hospitality realm. Hotel elevators are beginning to introduce touch pad controls and wall art is now exhibited on big screens in some hotel rooms and lobbies for a more innovative presentation. Hotels are also realizing the value of offering popular steaming services such as Hulu and Netflix in guest rooms. Adding the ability to control room functions such as blinds, smart thermostats and lighting on smart devices will also be an exciting amenity.
3. Social Media Influence
At this point, all businesses are expected to have well-managed social media accounts. Consequently, the emphasis shifts to strategy. For the hospitality industry, proficiently tracking guest feedback and engagement is perhaps the most crucial component of social media. The voluntary data that social media provides is invaluable for improving guest experiences and attracting new guests.
4. Location-Based Services
Guest personalization has become a major concern of hotels, evidenced by the industry’s focus on geolocation-based technologies. Interestingly, 74 percent of hoteliers surveyed by Zebra Technologies, a technology company that provides hospitality tech solutions, said they plan to use geolocation to assist with guest check-in by smartphone. Additionally, 69 percent report plans to track guests’ location, facilities used and preferences. For hotels, this is ideal for leveraging the sales of their other onsite facilities.
5. Mobile Functions Across the Board
Many bookings are made on smartphones—8 percent, according to a study by Hospitality Net. Within a year or two, this number is expected to reach at least 35 percent. The growth of this platform also indicates the importance of having an optimized mobile website, which is a reflection of the entire brand. To stay ahead of the curve, many hotels are developing mobile check-in and room service apps.
