Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Every home, office, and shop has technology that makes things easier, faster, or more efficient. The hospitality industry is no different. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the hospitality sector have all embraced various technologies to improve the guest experience and increase operational efficiency. Because of the convenience that it can offer, technology is drastically changing how hospitality businesses operate in many ways.
Take a look at some of the most convenient ways technology changes how hospitality businesses operate.
1. Online reservations
In the past, making a hotel reservation typically involved calling the hotel directly and speaking to a customer service representative. This process could be time-consuming, especially if you are trying to book a room during busy periods.
Thanks to online reservation systems, you can quickly check room availability and make a booking with just a few clicks. This is convenient for guests, but it also helps to free up staff time as they no longer need to field calls from potential customers.
This also allows hotels to keep track of bookings and manage their inventory more effectively. The hotel’s system is updated in real-time when a room is booked online, so there’s no risk of overbooking.
2. Automated check-in and check-out
Another area where technology has made things more convenient for guests and hospitality staff is the check-in and check-out process.
Guests would have to queue up at the reception desk to check in, and then again to check out when they’re leaving. This could often lead to long lines and frustrated customers. But many hotels now offer self-service check-in kiosks that allow guests to quickly and easily check in on their own.
When it’s time to check out, guests can simply drop off their key card at the kiosk, and they’re all set. This helps to streamline the check-in and check-out process, and it can also free up staff time so they can attend to other guests.
3. Better room service
Room service is another area where technology has made things more convenient for guests. Ordering room service is always a bit of a hassle, as you need to call down to the kitchen and then wait for your food to be delivered.
But thanks to new room service apps, guests can now order room service directly from their smartphones. This means that they don’t have to wait on the phone or for a waiter to deliver their food.
Some apps even allow guests to customize their orders to get exactly what they want. And because the order goes straight to the kitchen, there’s no risk of miscommunication. Many hotel kitchens now use advanced appliances like a commercial bun toaster or an industrial pizza oven to cope with the high demand and deliver hot food quickly.
4. Mobile apps
Mobile apps are another area where technology is changing how hospitality businesses operate. Many hotels, restaurants, and other companies in the hospitality industry now have mobile apps.
This allows guests to easily access information about the business, such as contact details, opening hours, and directions. Guests can also use the app to do bookings or reservations, order room service, and even check in and check out.
Some apps also offer exclusive deals and discounts, encouraging guests to use the app more often. And because customers can use some mobile apps offline, they’re even more convenient for guests traveling in areas with poor or no internet connection.
Depending on the app, businesses can also use it to collect data about their guests. Companies can use this information to improve the guest experience by tailoring services and offerings to their specific needs and preferences.
5. Social media
Of course, every business needs to be on social media these days, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent ways for businesses to connect with their guests.
Businesses can use social media to promote special offers, share news and updates, and answer customer questions and queries. And because social media is so accessible, it’s a great way to reach a broad audience with minimal effort.
Some businesses are even using social media to crowdsource ideas and feedback from their guests. For example, many hotels now use Twitter to solicit guest suggestions on improving the hotel experience. This helps to create a more personal relationship between the business and its guests, and it can also help build loyalty and repeat business.
As you can see, technology has changed how hospitality businesses operate in several ways. These changes have made things more convenient for guests, which is always a good thing. And as technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more changes in the hospitality industry.
