Hotel innovations refer to the introduction of new ideas, new business operations, new technology, and ways of approaching challenges within the hotel industry. It is important to keep innovating, as it helps you enhance guest experiences, gain a competitive advantage, and improve your reputation. In this article, you can explore some of the most important hotel innovations within different departments and learn new ways to revolutionize your business.

Table of Contents:

Understanding the Hotel Industry

Before getting into hotel innovations, defining the term ‘hotel industry’ is worth defining. This refers to the industry surrounding providing overnight accommodation or lodgings for paying customers. However, this accommodation must not be permanent or designed to facilitate long-term stays.

The hotel industry is also somewhat misleadingly named because it does not only include hotels. Instead, all forms of temporary guest accommodation, including inns, motels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts, fall under this definition. It is also important to understand that this industry is part of the broader hospitality industry.

In the “Hotel Industry: Everything You Need to Know About Hotels!” article, you can delve deeper into this subject, clearly understanding what defines a hotel business. At the same time, you will learn about the types of accommodation that exist and access links to useful articles offering advice and insights.

What Are Hotel Innovations?

Next, it is important to establish what a hotel innovation means. Hotel innovations are generally described as new hotel operations, ideas, processes, technology, or approaches. Innovation is primarily about changing an established way of doing things by introducing something new or different.

Innovation can take many forms. For example, you may make a conscious effort to introduce a new technological solution, which then makes specific tasks much easier for guests or your employees. However, innovation can also mean adopting a new or more creative approach to solving problems or delivering memorable experiences.

Hotel Innovations - What Are Hotel Innovations

Why Should You Innovate Your Hotel?

The hotel industry strongly emphasizes delivering memorable experiences and providing pleasant stays. Many guests are willing to pay significantly more money in exchange for a superior guest experience. However, hotel innovations are essential to keep up with and exceed their expectations.

Failing to innovate can lead to other hotels gaining a clear competitive advantage, especially when using the latest technology and providing the most up-to-date services. Beyond this, hotel investment in innovation can improve productivity and efficiency levels, help to make a hotel more eco-friendly, and boost financial results.

Table: Reasons to Innovate Hotel Technology

Reasons to Innovate Hotel Technology Advantages Risks and Considerations
Enhancing Guest Experience Increased guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Customized experiences and personalization.		 Privacy concerns with data collection and use.
High implementation costs for advanced tech.
Operational Efficiency Reduced administrative workload for staff.
Better resource allocation and cost savings.		 Dependence on technology; service disruptions.
Staff training and adaptation to new systems.
Competitive Advantage Stand out in a crowded market.
Attract tech-savvy travelers.		 Rapid technology obsolescence; ongoing upgrades.
Ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

Top 3 Hotel Innovations in Technology

In the sections below, you will learn about some of the most significant hotel innovations related to hotel technology. As a result, you can avoid falling behind other properties that may implement this tech.

1. Mobile Check-In and Check-Out

Mobile check-in and check-out services are among the more common hotel innovations seen across the industry right now. This technology enables guests to arrive at the hotel, check in using a mobile app, and do the same when leaving. For guests, this means checking in and out is much more seamless, with reduced wait times.

Yet, this technology is also able to assist hotels too. For instance, it frees reception staff to carry out other tasks, which means that the hotel can operate a more flexible policy regarding check-in and check-out times. The improved guest experience also makes repeat visits more likely, potentially increasing revenue.

Video: Touchless Check-In at Hilton Norfolk

2. Guest Apps

Another of the top technology-related hotel innovations is the increased use of guest apps. With the modern prevalence of smartphones, hotel owners and decision-makers are constantly exploring ways to implement the technology within the standard guest experience, and apps serve as a great way to achieve this.

Your hotel app could allow guests to order room service without having to speak to a staff member, and it could also be used to provide basic tourist information. Furthermore, the app can communicate with individual guests, offer them discounts at the hotel restaurant, or promote other hotel services.

Hotel Innovations - Guest-app
Photo credit: stay-app.com

3. CyberSecurity

Cyber threats are constantly growing, from phishing attacks and conventional hacking of devices, which are often designed to steal data, to DDoS attacks and ransomware, which aim to disrupt day-to-day work life and bring systems to a halt. With this in mind, hotel innovations must include the latest cybersecurity solutions.

This means installing anti-virus and malware software on computer systems, training staff to recognize phishing and other scams, using encryption to keep data secure, and regularly backing up data, preferably using a cloud-based solution. Cyber security is essential for business continuity and keeping customers and staff safe.

Video: Cyber Security for Hotel Businesses

 

For more Hotel Technology trends, read “Hotel Technology Trends: Upcoming Innovations You Must Know”.

Top 3 Hotel Innovations in Hotel Housekeeping

Some important hotel innovations are specific to individual hotel departments. Below, you can learn about some of the most important innovations for housekeeping teams.

1. Housekeeping Software

Housekeeping software is perhaps the most important hotel innovation when focusing purely on the housekeeping department. According to the Global Housekeeping Platform Market Report by Verified Market Reports, the global housekeeping platform market is projected to reach $7.16 billion by 2027. This software may be standalone or form part of a hotel PMS (property management system). Regardless, certain key features will need to be present within the software.

For instance, it should be easy to update the current roster of housekeeping staff continually and to manage schedules and shifts. On top of this, the software should include options to allocate specific tasks to specific workers or teams, such as cleaning a room, and users should be able to access the current status of each room within your hotel.

Video: ALICE Housekeeping: How it Works

2. Air Purifier Technology

Air purifying technology is one of several hotel innovations that grew popular during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the global response to COVID and in the following months, guests demanded that steps be taken to improve air quality and decrease the risk of spreading the virus.

Nevertheless, air purifiers have uses far beyond this. They can reduce pollution and alleviate problems associated with allergies, greatly improving the guest experience for anyone affected by those issues. It is also worth highlighting that air purifying technology can be promoted in your hotel marketing efforts.

Video: Time to Clear the Air

3. Robotic Housekeeping Team

The use of robotics may not be widespread throughout the industry just yet, but it is growing in popularity all of the time. Beyond this, there is no disputing the fact that robots are among the most exciting hotel innovations of all and can greatly assist your housekeeping department when implemented intelligently.

Robotics can be used within a housekeeping team in several key ways. Some hotels use robots for repetitive tasks, with robot vacuum cleaners being a good example. Robots can also clean carpets or assist with laundry. Ideally, robotics should enhance your housekeeping team rather than replace human staff.

Video: Meet the LeoBots

 

Top 3 Hotel Innovations in Hotel Restaurants

A good hotel restaurant can make a big difference, but it is also important to invest in hotel innovations that will appeal to your restaurant target market. The sections below will provide insight into the key innovation areas that restaurant staff can benefit from and help a hotel improve performance.

1. Digital Inventory Tracking

Inventory tracking is a major part of effective hotel restaurant management, but it is also an area that can be time-consuming and prone to costly human error. A great way to enhance the quality of your inventory tracking is to implement a digital inventory tracking system so that stock issues can be avoided and customers are kept happy.

Using an electronic inventory tracking system, stock levels are continually updated, and the software provides visibility into some of the key trends in this area. This allows restaurant staff to better understand the most widely used ingredients while providing insight into customer tastes and behavior. Improving your inventory management has the added bonus of helping you optimize your financial results.

Video: Restaurant Inventory Management – Benefits & Best Practices

2. Cloud-Based POS Systems

Cloud-based point-of-sale systems are another key hotel innovation worth investing in to improve operations within a hotel restaurant. According to the Cloud POS Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Staits Research, the global cloud-based POS market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.7% in the period of 2023-2030. While much of a hotel’s money is made via direct bookings, the sale of hotel packages, and bookings generated via third-party platforms, POS systems allow additional money to be earned. At the same time, guests stay in the hotel, and the restaurant is a great example of this.

A cloud-based POS system has many advantages over using on-site deployment. These systems are generally managed by a third party, which takes responsibility for security, data storage, and updating the software. Cloud technology also enables the POS system to be remotely accessed via many internet-enabled devices, including tablets and smartphones.

Video: Cloud-Based POS vs. Traditional POS Systems

3. Restaurant VR Training

One of the more fascinating hotel innovations has been the introduction of virtual reality technology. Within restaurant environments, virtual reality-based training sessions are gaining traction because they allow training to be carried out without disrupting the day-to-day running of the kitchen.

New recruits can get to grips with the kitchen layout using a VR headset, learn where everything is kept, and understand how the restaurant operates. Of course, 360-degree virtual reality tours can also be used on the hotel website to highlight the restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance.

Video: How Hilton Uses Virtual Reality for Training

 

For more hotel restaurant trends, read “Latest Restaurant Technology Trends You Need to Know About.”

Top 3 Hotel Innovations in Hotel Marketing Strategies

Hotel innovations can also have a major impact on your hotel marketing strategy. This is especially true as new digital technology becomes more mainstream and adoption rates for these technology solutions increase. In the sections below, you can learn about the hotel innovation trends impacting hotel marketing strategies.

1. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality technology has had several false dawns. Still, as virtual reality headsets become more affordable, adoption rates grow, and 360 camera technology is better understood, its use within hotel marketing is only starting to take shape. In truth, from a customer perspective, VR is the ultimate tool for making booking decisions.

For instance, a virtual reality tour of a hotel made available through the hotel website or online travel agencies means potential customers can fully explore a hotel and get a realistic sense of what it is like before booking. VR can also allow users to experience nearby attractions or better understand the area. Many VR tours can be viewed on a simple web browser, but the experience goes to the next level with a VR headset.

Video: How to implement Virtual Reality Marketing in Hotels and Resorts

2. Non-Fungible Tokens

In recent years, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have exploded onto the scene. Businesses in all industries seek ways to maximize this technology, especially in marketing. These serve as unique identifiers, recorded using blockchain technology. An NFT certifies ownership of digital items, such as images or audio.

Some companies have explored using NFTs in marketing campaigns within the hotel industry. For instance, it may be possible to work with a local artist or musician and sell NFTs relevant to the campaign’s core themes. The underlying technology can also be used within the metaverse or to record digital data, making it valuable for everything from powering customer loyalty schemes to selling digital entry keys.

Video: NYC hotel rolls out NFT reservation system

3. Hotels and the Metaverse

The metaverse refers to fully immersive digital spaces, typically powered by augmented, virtual, and blockchain technology. Many brands worldwide are investing heavily in the metaverse, believing it to be the future of the internet, digital communication, and retail. However, it is also an area of technology showing potential in hotel marketing and drumming up brand awareness.

Some hotels have already opened up digital hotels within virtual metaverse spaces. This allows users to control an avatar and explore the hotel, gaining an understanding of the brand, its values, and its offerings. Others use the metaverse to power virtual meeting spaces or provide their guests with additional entertainment.

Video: Hotels in the metaverse. New Idea or old? Good idea or bad?

 

For more hotel marketing trends and innovations, read “Hotel Marketing; The Latest Trends in the Hotel Industry.”

Keeping Up with the Latest Hotel Innovations and Trends

A lot goes into owning and running a hotel, from securing hotel financing to optimizing your marketing and revenue management strategies. However, one of the most important ways to boost the long-term success of a hotel business involves staying up-to-date with the latest trends. This could include the emergence of new technology, changes to customer habits and behaviors, or trends within the labor market.

In “Hotel Trends: Discover The Latest Developments in The Hotel Industry!” you can read about some of the major trends within the hotel industry today so that you meet customer and staff expectations.

Hotel Innovations FAQs

Internet of Things (IoT), AI, contactless check-in, and digital security or biometrics have proven quite popular. Eco-friendly options also help to draw in environmentally aware guests. Data analytics have proven effective in tracking how these and other elements drive loyalty and growth.

Data analysis, machine learning, and AI have produced innovative ways to work with guest data. This data is also useful for guest-focused innovations like personalized services, VR tours, and automation.

Water management is an important trend, as is sustainable sourcing of applicable resources. Green energy as a whole and individual elements like energy-efficient lighting can make a big difference. Hotels can also use eco-certifications to prove their commitment.

Smart tech provides a new level of personalization for guests. Set options like minimalist, themed, or green biophilic designs can also provide guests with expertly designed experiences. One hotel can often provide a multitude of uniquely appealing rooms.

Innovations that drastically change how the hotel industry and larger market operate. This includes new models like Airbnb’s peer-to-peer methodology. Disruptive innovations usually provide unique and cost-effective alternatives to existing options.

Hotel industry businesses must constantly introduce new technology, new ideas, and shakeups to the current order. Some innovations are broad and impact multiple hotel departments, while others focus on a specific area. Regardless, using innovations wisely to revamp your offering and improve business outcomes is important.

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This article is written by:

Martijn Barten

Hi, I am Martijn Barten, founder of Revfine.com. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I specialize in optimizing revenue by combining revenue management with marketing strategies. I have successfully developed, implemented, and managed revenue management and marketing strategies for individual properties and multi-property portfolios.