IoT in Hospitality: 5 Reasons to Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology in Hotel Operations

Enhancing guest satisfaction and embracing automation are top priorities for hotels. By implementing IoT in hospitality, hoteliers elevate guest experiences through cutting-edge technologies, setting themselves apart in a competitive market.

The advancement of IoT in the hospitality industry allows hotels to automate their services using interconnected devices. Forward-thinking hoteliers leverage proactive IoT monitoring to boost efficiency and optimize essential infrastructure, enabling more intelligent resource allocation.

In this post, we’re exploring the disruptive impact of hospitality IoT solutions with potential use cases and benefits.

What is IoT in Hospitality?

The Internet of Things in the hospitality industry involves implementing interconnected devices and software systems. This technology facilitates process automation, data exchange, and seamless communication among various devices and services.

An IoT system consists of three components: smart devices, IoT applications, and a user interface. Smart devices collect data from users or their surroundings, transmitting it over the internet to an application.

Common functionality examples of the IoT in the hospitality industry that facilitate customized guest services include:

• smart room controls
• energy-efficient sensors
• connected guest service interfaces
• advanced security systems.

Global Smart Hospitality Market

In the dynamic landscape of travel and hotel sectors, the innovative hospitality market emerges as a driver for operational efficiency. Anticipated to grow from $14.30B in 2022 to $18.31B in 2023, it is poised for a 28.1% CAGR.

Acropolium

Acropolium has created over 45 hospitality software solutions that empower hotels with enhanced guest experiences and operational capabilities. With two decades in custom software development, we know how revolutionizing the power of IoT can be.

Now, let’s see how your hotel business can benefit from utilizing the technology.

5 IoT in Hospitality Use Cases & Benefits

As a prominent trend in hospitality technology, IoT in the hotel industry streamlines operations and enriches guest experiences. Through the utilization of smart devices, sensors, and data analytics, IoT contributes to enhanced efficiency.

It allows hotels in various hospitality establishments to streamline fundamental processes and deliver personalized services, presenting a plethora of benefits.

1. Contactless Room Solutions for Enhanced Guest Experiences

Enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty, contactless solutions for check-ins, check-outs, and service bookings offer increased flexibility.

An illustration of this implementation is found in Marriott International’s utilization of IoT for smart room features in their hotels. By integrating smart devices, the hotel automates room controls, adjusting lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems to guests’ preferences before arrival.

2. Intelligent Hotel Maintenance for Better Efficiency

Hotels leverage IoT for hospitality tasks like room management, inventory tracking, and maintenance scheduling, reducing human errors and improving insights into guest experiences. The implementation of IoT in hospitality optimizes resource allocation, leading to smoother workflows and enhanced overall efficiency.

InterContinental Hotels Group utilizes IoT for smart energy management, monitoring, and controlling energy usage. They optimize lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy, resulting in cost savings and contributing to sustainability efforts.

3. Guest Behavior Analytics for Data-driven Decisions

Crucial data empowers hoteliers with informed decisions, personalized services, and effective strategizing. Such a hotel data management system allows businesses to improve guest satisfaction and encourage business growth.

For instance, AccorHotels integrates IoT solutions for hotels to track preferences and behaviors, offering personalized recommendations and services during stays.

4. Keyless Entry for Improved Safety

Hotels enhance security using advanced surveillance, smart control systems, and IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring. Cybersecure hotel IoT solutions facilitate secure keyless entry via devices, offering seamless room access, thus improving convenience and ensuring security.

Hilton exemplifies IoT in hospitality, employing digital keys for keyless entry, providing guests with mobile room access, enhancing convenience, and ensuring safety.

5. Advanced Energy Management for Sustainability & Cost-savings

IoT energy systems optimize hotels’ lighting, heating, and cooling, reducing costs and promoting sustainability. Integrated with advanced hotel management systems, IoT aids in cost-cutting through resource optimization and predictive maintenance.

Wynn Las Vegas showcases smart hotel maintenance with IoT, using sensors for predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure a seamless guest experience.

Implementing IoT in the Travel Industry

Recognizing the potential challenges in adopting new technologies is essential. When considering the integration of custom hotel or travel software, be mindful of the following factors:

• Security concerns. Connecting multiple devices and systems introduces cybersecurity threats. Protecting data and networks is crucial to safeguard guest information and ensure the security of hotel operations.
• Integration with legacy systems. Integrating IoT with legacy systems can be complex, involving compatibility issues, interoperability challenges, and potential infrastructure upgrades. Make sure that your vendor has a strong record of migrations and expertise in software integration.
• Data privacy and compliance. The vast collection of guest data by IoT in hotel management raises privacy concerns. Employing robust data encryption and secure protocols helps adhere to legal requirements such as GDPR and CCPA, maintaining guest trust.
• User training. Acceptance of IoT-enabled services by staff and guests may present challenges. Adequate training for employees is essential for managing and utilizing IoT in hospitality systems. Additionally, ensuring that guests are comfortable and understand how to interact with IoT devices is crucial.

Final Thoughts

The future potential IoT in hospitality is significant for hotel owners, promising streamlined operations, improved guest experiences, and cost savings on maintenance. Before adopting this technology, it’s crucial to assess your existing systems, integration capabilities, and security measures.

With a client-focused approach and a commitment to technology-driven innovation, we provide cooperation, prioritizing your success and budget.

Having gained the trust of businesses that strive for digitization, we have helped our clients employ IoT in their operations. Contact Acropolium to discover new opportunities for your hotel business — let’s explore the possibilities technology has in store for you!