Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF IN-ROOM TECHNOLOGY HOTELIERS SHOULD BE INVESTING IN TODAY?

Prem: Uninterrupted wi-fi and internet access throughout the hotel premises ranks as the most important amenity that a guest looks for in a hotel. We live in a world where 24/7 connectivity is expected.

David: Based on current trends and guest preferences, I would say automated guest services technology is top of the agenda. It can both enhance the guest experience and improve the operational efficiency of the hotel. Both the guest-facing and the back-of-house components of in-room technology should work together to benefit both guests and staff.

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Martin: I think it’s difficult to name just one piece of technology that all hotels should invest in because, when used right, in-room technology can be a huge boost in multiple ways.

Depending on whether a hotel wants to focus on increasing revenue and in-room spend, or offer a more consistent and easily accessible brand experience, or if it is top-of-the-line in-room entertainment that they are after, a great hotel technology solution can solve it! You simply can’t pick one element as more important than the others because hotel technology operates like an ecosystem these days.

The phone talks to the TV in order to stream the guests’ own photos, movies and music; guests can order food and drinks directly from their TV or handheld device and the hotel can communicate effectively with all guests at all times. Focus on getting the ecosystem consistent and easy-to-use.

Stefan: An important advancement is Hotel Interactive Television (HITV) and the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend for e-concierge services. HITV allows the guest to watch television, order room service, check their bill, stream their devices over a wireless network, connect to social media channels, surf the web and so much more! These features are available on guest devices through an app once they are connected to the hotel network.

Surjit: We supply connectivity panels to help guests enjoy their personal content. They can connect to most gadgets on the market. When travelling, guests often carry multiple devices — a smartphone, laptop and camera, for example. Our MediaHub product provides a single solution to charge their devices and play their own media content on the in-room TV screen.

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