The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a cornerstone of modern hospitality, fundamentally transforming how hotels operate and serve their guests.
Starfleet Research’s 2024 survey of 372 hotel organizations and lodging properties found that 76% of hotels have already integrated IoT to improve guest engagement and operations. This digital revolution isn’t devoid of risk, as 83% of those surveyed reported having experienced at least one IoT-related security breach in the prior three years. This stark reality emphasizes the vital balance between innovation and protection when adopting such technologies in a dynamic hospitality environment.
Despite being at a critical technological crossroads with IoT in hotels, the question isn’t whether to embrace IoT but how to implement it securely and effectively. Success belongs to those who can master this balance between leveraging innovative IoT technologies while protecting against the threat of cyber attacks.
What is IoT in Hospitality?
IoT in hospitality represents an ecosystem of interconnected devices and systems that communicate with each other through the Internet to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.
Think of IoT in the hospitality industry as a digital nervous system running throughout your property, where everything from room thermostats to door locks becomes “smart” through embedded sensors and computer systems.
In practical terms, IoT in hospitality creates a network that enables hotels to:
- Automate Services
- Personalize Guest Experiences
- Optimize Operational Efficiency
Popular IoT implementations include voice-controlled customer service that allows guests to use simple voice commands to::
- Order Room Service
- Book Restaurant Tables
- Schedule Spa Sessions
IoT-enabled smart room systems can adjust temperature settings based on occupancy, while connected maintenance sensors can predict equipment failures before they occur.
These interconnected systems collect and analyze real-time data about guest preferences, room conditions, energy usage, and countless other metrics that can improve service delivery and reduce costs. But beyond guest-facing applications, IoT solutions for hotels are optimizing hotel operations behind the scenes.
Connected maintenance sensors monitor equipment performance in real time, predicting potential failures before they occur and scheduling preventive maintenance. These operational efficiencies may not only help to reduce costs but could potentially contribute to sustainability goals.
Essential Examples of IoT in Hotels
The hospitality industry is witnessing an unprecedented digital transformation through IoT implementation, with leading hotels leveraging connected technologies to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. From smart room controls to personalized services, hospitality IoT solutions and innovations are reshaping how hotels operate and serve their guests.
Augmented Reality
AR technology is revolutionizing how guests interact with hotel environments, creating immersive and interactive experiences throughout their stay. Premier Inn in the United Kingdom pioneered this technology by implementing AR-enabled wall maps that allow guests to point their smartphones at maps to discover detailed information about local attractions and points of interest. This integration of digital information with physical spaces demonstrates how AR can enhance the guest experience while providing practical value.
The Singapore Tourism Board showcases another innovative application through their AR platform, where guests use smartphones to participate in interactive scavenger hunts throughout properties, discovering hidden virtual items that unlock rewards and room service discounts. This gamification of the hotel experience represents a growing trend in the hospitality sector, where AR/VR adoption has been predicted to grow by 34.2% from 2022 to 2028.
Sustainability Technology
Smart technology is revolutionizing how hotels manage their environmental impact through automated systems and real-time monitoring. The Excelsior Hotel Ernst exemplifies this transformation, having reported a switch to 100% green electricity and district heating while implementing an advanced building management system that continuously monitors and optimizes energy usage across their operations. Their tech team works to ensure optimal settings across all building systems, resulting in significant reductions in both energy consumption and operational costs.
Hotels are also leveraging IoT devices and sensors to create comprehensive resource management networks. For instance, Marriott International’s AI-driven energy management system optimizes HVAC operations in real-time, while their smart thermostats and occupancy sensors automatically adjust room conditions based on guest presence, reducing natural gas consumption by 24.5% within five months of its implementation in 2021. This technology-driven approach to sustainability may not only help to reduce hotels’ carbon footprints but also has the potential to deliver substantial cost savings while maintaining guest comfort.
Hotel Mobile Check-In
Mobile check-in technology has revolutionized the traditional hotel arrival experience, with recent data showing that properties implementing this solution have seen significant operational improvements.
Mobile room key integration allows guests to bypass traditional check-in processes and use their smartphones to access rooms, elevators, and parking facilities, while also enabling them to select room upgrades during the digital check-in process.
The impact of mobile check-in extends beyond mere convenience, transforming how hotels allocate their human resources and enhance guest satisfaction. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts demonstrates this evolution, reporting that this technology not only enables staff to focus on more valuable guest-facing tasks but also helps protect hotels from chargebacks through advanced guest information verification. A recent case study of City Center Business Hotels suggests that other properties implementing these hospitality IoT solutions may see a similar 35% reduction in check-in and check-out times, with promise to enhance overall guest satisfaction.
Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition transforms the traditional hotel experience through advanced biometric systems that streamline operations while enhancing security and personalization.
The Jumeirah Hotel Group is a testament to this technology, which has implemented cutting-edge facial recognition technology that enables guests to manage their entire journey—from digital check-in to room access and amenity ordering—using only their facial biometrics. This contactless system not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes a more sophisticated and secure guest experience.
Hotel facial recognition technology extends beyond basic identification, incorporating AI-powered features that enable hotels to deliver unprecedented levels of personalized service.
When guests approach various touchpoints throughout the property — whether it’s the restaurant, bar, or concierge desk — the system can instantly recognize them and provide staff with relevant contextual information, such as dining preferences, allergies, or recent service interactions that may warrant special attention.
This level of personalization transforms routine interactions into meaningful experiences that enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Service Robots
Service robots have emerged as versatile solutions for streamlining hotel operations and enhancing guest experiences through automated assistance. Relay Robotics and other leading providers have developed sophisticated robots that can deliver amenities, toiletries, and room service items directly to guest rooms, with the current CTO of Relay Robotics reporting delivery times as quick as 5-6 minutes. These robots navigate hotels autonomously, use sensors to avoid obstacles, operate elevators independently, and even notify guests upon arrival at their door.
The impact extends beyond simple deliveries, as hotels deploy robots for multiple service functions. Modern hotel robots can handle everything from vacuum cleaning during off-peak hours to transporting dirty linens to laundry facilities, allowing staff to focus on more complex guest interactions. This technological integration has proven particularly valuable during staff shortages, with properties like the Radisson Hotel in California successfully implementing robots to maintain service standards while reducing direct human contact when needed.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality has evolved from a novelty toward being an essential tool for modern hotel operations and guest experiences. Marriott Hotels leads this transformation with their innovative VRoom Service, offering guests immersive 360-degree tours of destinations and rooms while also providing virtual experiences of local attractions and cultural sites that guests can enjoy from their rooms. This technology enables potential guests to make more informed decisions about their stays while providing unique in-room entertainment options.
The adoption of VR/AR in hospitality continues to increase, with industry analysis showing implementation is expected to grow at a rate of 34.2% from 2022 through 2028. Hotels are finding innovative applications beyond guest entertainment, with Hilton pioneering VR technology in staff training programs. Their Hotel Immersion program uses 3D computer graphics and video to simulate real-world scenarios for room service, housekeeping, and front desk employees, allowing staff to practice and perfect their skills in a risk-free environment.
Support Secure, IoT-Optimized Hotel Technology
As hotels embrace hospitality IoT solutions, the demand for reliable technology partners has never been higher. Blueprint RF stands at the forefront of hospitality technology, delivering robust managed networks and WiFi solutions that power the next generation of guest experiences.
With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, Blueprint RF helps to protect your IoT infrastructure through enterprise-grade security protocols, advanced threat detection, and real-time monitoring. Contact Blueprint RF today to learn how we can support you property’s transformation with secure, cutting-edge hospitality IoT solutions that promote both innovation and peace of mind.
