What are smart hotels?
Smart hotels are hotels that use the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate and simplify how guests interact with the hotel and their room. Devices such as phones, lights, TVs, air conditioners, blinds, and more can be connected via the internet to communicate with each other – thus becoming ‘smart’.
This allows guests to control multiple devices from a single location, making their experience more convenient and less reliant on hotel staff.
Other technologies such as apps and AI also play a part in how a smart hotel operates to provide guests with fast, easy, service.
What is the concept of smart rooms?
The concept of smart rooms is to equip them with features and technology that allow communication between devices, so that tasks and operations can be achieved quicker and easier. This might mean controlling window blinds from a tablet by the bedside or using an app to order breakfast to be delivered in the morning.
How smart hotels are revolutionising the hospitality industry?
Smart hotels are revolutionising the hospitality industry by offering guests a level of comfort and convenience that is more advanced than in the past. Smart hotels not only boost guest satisfaction, but can also help hotels become more efficient and profitable via enhanced operations and increased insights.
How big is the smart hotel market?
The smart hotel is growing rapidly, with more and more hotels starting to implement smart devices, artificial intelligence, apps, and internet-connected devices throughout their properties and in their rooms.
In fact, the market size of the smart hospitality industry is projected to reach USD 49.9 billion within the decade.
As more technology becomes available and more guests show a preference for it, even more accommodation providers will begin to jump on board.
This blog will give you a full overview of smart hotels, including some examples that you can take inspiration from.
Table of contents
Why is the smart hotel room becoming more popular?
Smart hotel rooms are becoming more and more popular as guest expectations continue to rise.
Today’s guests crave convenience – in the form of being able to do things easier and faster. For example, ordering room service from a tablet or app instead of needing to call down to the front desk or speak to a staff member.
Here’s a list of why guests love smart rooms:
- Enhanced experience: Being able to use voice or app controlled lighting, heating, mattresses, and entertainment creates a sense of comfort and luxury.
- More convenience: Clicking a button or simply speaking to control all of their in-room amenities makes the stay ultra convenient for guests.
Greater personalisation: With smart features and services, guests can more easily communicate their preferences and requirements. - Enhanced safety: A lot of the time, smart rooms can be safer to operate and will also have the ability to alert guests and staff when there is a problem or error.
- Affordability: As technology advances, more and more guests can afford to pay for smart hotels.
Overall, the majority of society is embracing technological advancements, including during their travel and in their accommodation.
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IoT hotel: What are the advantages of taking your smart hotel online?
One of the major advantages of implementing the Internet of Things and becoming a smart hotel is what we talked about above – your guests will thank you for it. Being able to market yourself as a smart hotel with modern technology features will not only attract more guests but also allow you to charge higher rates and boost your revenue.
However, there are other benefits too, such as:
- Increased operational efficiency: Using the IoT can allow you to automate a lot of tasks, reducing the amount of manpower and time it takes to complete them.
- Data-rich insights: Smart devices can collect and deliver a lot of data that you can analyse to optimise their effectiveness or to make strategic decisions.
- Smoother guest interactions: Smart devices can help you streamline the check-in/check-out process as well as help you upsell, allowing you to maintain positive guest relationships.
- It gives you a competitive advantage: If other hotels in your area are not as quick to upgrade or don’t see the value in doing so, you can capitalise on this opportunity and attract guests who are looking for an enhanced experience.
- Security: IoT devices can be used to deter theft, detect damage and wrongdoing, or control things like parking and access.
- Cost management: By using the IoT to operate and manage things like lights, heating and water, you can optimise energy use to lower your utility bills.
10 of the best smart hotel examples
There are plenty of great smart hotels spread across the world now, as the technology becomes more commonplace. In fact, some of them are even our very own SiteMinder customers.
Here’s a list of 10 hotels that are making guest stays even more enjoyable by using smart practices.
1. Hotel Gran Bilbao
The Gran Bilbao hotel in Spain is known for its modern amenities and commitment to providing a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests, providing a unique design and experience in every room.
2. Eccleston Square Hotel
The Eccleston Square hotel in London is a luxury 5-star property combining history with cutting edge design, and includes features such as smart glass in the bathrooms and concierge tablets.
3. The Westin Boston Seaport District
Known for its stunning Boston waterfront views and commitment to wellness, this hotel offers a memorable stay for both business and leisure travellers. It includes smart rooms with voice-controlled lighting and temperature, as well as in-room tablets for controlling the TV and ordering room service.
4. Schani Hotels
Schani Hotels are a group of boutique hotels located in Vienna, Austria. The brand is known for its unique and comfortable atmosphere, as well as a focus on modern design and digital solutions.
5. OKKO Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette
A modern, hip hotel located in the heart of Lyon, France. It offers stylish rooms with river views, a guest lounge, and a bar. With modern amenities to boot, guests will have all their needs covered.
6. Maison Albar – Le Victoria
The Maison Albar – Le Victoria is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Paris, France. It offers elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and impeccable service. With smart tablets, guests can control their stay from the comfort of their bed.
7. Kuching Park Hotel by Infinite Hospitality Group
Kuching Park Hotel is a convenience-lover’s dream located in Malaysia. Guests are treated to the ultimate digital experience, from self-check-in and mobile room access to robot room service.
8. Potato Head Suites & Studios
Potato Head Suites & Studios is a must-visit destination in Indonesia that is ranked in the world’s top 50 hotels, thanks to stunning decor, supreme comfort, amazing views, and all the key features a guest needs to enjoy a relaxed and convenient stay.
9. Hotel Milano Scala
In the centre of Milan, Hotel Milano Scala is known for being the world’s first zero-emissions hotel. This luxury hotel also offers smart room technology, including voice-controlled lighting and temperature, as well as a virtual concierge service.
10. Pestana Palace Lisboa
This iconic hotel in Lisbon, Portugal features smart rooms with voice-controlled lighting and temperature, as well as in-room tablets for ordering room service and accessing hotel information. Topped off with elegant historical architecture and stunning views, guests are never disappointed.
Raúl Amestoy, Assitant Manager Hotel Gran Bilbao
Smart hotel solutions and systems
In the traditional sense, the definition of a smart hotel refers to the amenities and features a guest will interact with. These solutions and systems can range from something as simple as an app to something as expensive as motion detectors.
Here’s a list of the main smart hotel solutions you might consider implementing for guests at your property:
- Voice control: Guests can communicate with digital assistants such as Google to give commands for controlling lighting, heating, blinds and more.
- Tablets: Guests can use in-room tablets to order food and beverages, book amenities, or submit requests without the need to call staff.
- Mobile technology: Guests can use their smartphone to access their room and lock their doors, eliminating the need for physical keys.
- Apps: Guests can use mobile apps to activate and control other devices in their rooms.
- IoT: The internet of things can digitise items, allowing features like glass to frost when it senses a person enter the bathroom, heated floorings, or smart lighting that also responds to movement.
Of course, there are also backend systems that allow you to run your hotel in a smarter way too…
