In the world of techies, Internet of Things (IoT) is a thrilling topic. In our everyday lives, we can witness several objects that communicate with us according to our comfort. For example, thermostats or security systems communicate with us automatically. In fact, in the current world, IoT is the new reality. Different industries are becoming stronger with IoT solutions and the hospitality sector is no exception.
If you are a hotelier, then IoT in hospitality is great news for you. You may ask why?
Well, in the hospitality industry, IoT defines guest experience at a reduced cost. In the past, smart homes have already manifested as a reality. So, visualizing smart hotels is not a big deal.
Different guests from across the world visit different hotels. Each guest has different requirements to experience the value for money that they invest for their stay. IoT simply helps in customizing hotel stays for the guests. This takes the guest’s comfort to an entirely new level. The guests will be getting rooms where automatic adjustment of lights, calling the reception from their beds, adjusting the air conditioner temperature from any part of the room, playing their favorite music through voice control will not be a huge deal. In fact, , 30 billion devices will be connected to the internet. This will contribute a whopping 160-zegabyte datasphere by 2025.
This huge amount of data will be collected by the different IoT sensors. Through such data…
IoT provides valuable insights about the guest’s likes and dislikes
A few years ago from now, understanding the customer was challenging. But with IoT devices, hyper-personalization is now a reality. Data collected from in-room premises are utilized in designing appropriate strategies. This personalizes the guest experience. A guest’s specific preference like room temperature, lighting intensity, music choice will be automated beforehand the guests enter their rooms. This happens as IoT sensors automatically bounce back to the last saved preferences before and while the customer is in the room. Like opening/drawing the curtains, keeping the in-room climate under control, streaming favorite TV services and so on. Smartphones and iBeacon technology deliver more valuable and customized information to several more guests than ever before in the history of hospitality.
IoT understands that ‘time is money’, hence provides hassle-free check-ins
There was a time when guests used to get annoyed due to the complex and time-consuming check-in processes. This noticeably hampered the guest experience. But, the current scenario is much different. IoT has generated fresh possibilities of hassle-free check-ins. With IoT strategies, guests nowadays receive a digital key on their smartphones a few hours before the check-in process. The assigned guest room communicates with the digital key. This helps in instant unlocking of the doors. Just the one-time use of the digital key ensures to serve the guest until the checkout. This does not force the guests to stop at the reception desk and collect/hand over the physical key any longer. This adds to the guest delight.
IoT helps in improving water availability in hotels
Hospitality is less of a job and more of elevating the guest experience to a whole new level. With the intention to provide a superior experience to the guests, hotels are now conserving water. This way water-related damages stay in control. Leaky toilets are now detected faster. This saves enough money that otherwise would have gone in maintenance. Budget-friendly water meters measure water lines. This can help a hotel in getting promising Return on Investment within a time period of approximately 5 years. Just the availability of water on time can enhance the guest experience to an entirely new level.
IoT identifies predictive repairs and maintenance
In a hotel, several operations run throughout the day. These operations require various kinds of devices and appliances. With IoT, the hotel staff can get up-to-the-second information about the operating status of those devices. IoT thus alerts the hotel staff with warning signs that denote deterioration or unusual device performance.
The most of this parameter is that it allows the time and space to the hotel managers to carry out repairs. Replacements that are required to be fitted before chaotic machinery break downs could be set well. When dealing with crucial appliances, just an early indication of a device/appliance break down can save lots of money in no time.
IoT provides location-based information
Bluetooth, GPS and beacon technology have unlocked gates of tremendous possibilities for the hospitality sector. They deliver location-based information that is sent to the customers at the precise time when they are the most comfortable to receive them.
For example: Sending an SMS about the dishes in the menu at a particular restaurant when targeted individuals are crossing it.
Sending information about gym services when targeted individuals are nearby a gym. Plus, sending the latest information about local transport, links of nearby attractions are also included.
On a concluding note
With the supportive arm of technology, several innovations have taken place across the globe. If we will revisit the past, we will know that hotel stays were much more different. They required improvements in several angles to attract ‘happy guests’. In fact, a few years down the line, guests will be experiencing a much satisfying staying experience than the current day.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is smart. Through its strategies, hotels and resorts are becoming more productive at providing the customers a satisfying experience. IoT intelligence has long said goodbye to the check-in processes, manual door locking/unlocking and calling the reception for the required service. Hotels can now achieve In-Room-Automation, Hassel Free Check-In, Voice Controlled Customer Service, Hyper-Personalization and more with smart IoT strategies. IoT sensors collect data and send messages to the guests about the latest coupons and offers on hotels. This updates the guests about specific facilities provided by the hotels at different times of the day. These facilities include therapeutic spa sessions, pool parties etc. In a gist, IoT focuses on transforming hospitality services into gateways of automated guest satisfaction platform.
