In the competitive hospitality sector, in-room technology has emerged as a key differentiator. Hotels need to stand out in a crowded market, so the race is on to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Technology is more important than ever, but where is investment best placed?

Meet the experts

Surjit Potsangbam regional sales manager, TeleAdapt
Potsangbam oversees sales in the UAE, Bahrain, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, and has more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

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Santhosh Nair IT manager, Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai
Nair has previously worked with Starwood Hotels in Kuwait as a complex IT manager, and was a member of the pre-opening team at Swiss-Belhotel International, Qatar. He has also worked with Kerzner International’s One and Only Kanuhura, Maldives, as an assistant IT manager.

David Adelson CEO and president, Intelity
Intelity offers integrated guest services software for the hospitality industry. Since the company began, Intelity has installed its ICE platform on multiple devices (TVs, smartphones, tablets and PCs) at more than 500 hotels on six continents. It was the first company to allow hotels to offer guest services on tablet.

Stefan Viard general manager, Vida Hotels and Resorts
German-French born Viard brings a wealth of experience to his role, especially in the F&B sector, having previously worked for leading international hotel and resort properties in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Martin Chevally CEO, InnSpire
With a 10-year background starting up, creating and launching home electronics and software-oriented brands, products and companies, Chevally co-founded the software company Zebor Technology, which delivers software to Intel and other key players, and was later part the world’s first Android TV launch in 2009.

Andreas Bellof general manager, KOMTECH
Bellof has more than 20 years of industry experience, having studied mechanical and precision engineering. He joined manufacturer of innovative and customer-oriented connector panels, Komtech in 2006.

Prem Kumar senior vice president and managing director, Quadriga Middle East
Quadriga offers guest-facing technology for the hospitality and healthcare sector. Kumar has been working in hospitality-related technology businesses for the past 15 years across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTORS A HOTELIER SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN REVIEWING IN-ROOM TECHNOLOGY?

David Adelson: The main consideration for any hotelier should be whether the technology enhances the guest experience. In-room technology investments should not be led by what is “flashy”, but rather by what is practical and useful to the guest.

Stefan Viard: A prime consideration is to ensure that the software and hardware provided both offer seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. At Vida Downtown Dubai guests can bring their own devices, connect to our smart system, and take advantage of all the technological services provided by our network without the hassle of downloading an app.

Prem Kumar: Hoteliers should aim to give guests the same experience that they get at home: a wide selection of good TV channels and technology that will help the guest use the hotel facilities. I think hoteliers should also consider placing more features under guest control from a single device.

Martin Chevalley: Don’t complicate things with specific hotel-owner devices or downloads that guests have to use; they don’t want this! Rather, guests should be able to use their own device, regardless of platform.

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