What is smart hotel technology?

A smart hotel is one that uses technology to create a system of connected digital tools which automate operations, enhance the guest experience and improve efficiency.

This smart tech comes in the form of smart TVs, lighting, air conditioning, blinds and in-room tablets that allow you to control all these items as well as interact with the hotel.

In this guide, we’ll drill down on smart hotel room technology, specifically how small, independent hoteliers can use it to enhance the experience they offer their guests.

Use the best hotel technology for small properties.

Little Hotelier’s all-in-one software solution does all the heavy lifting for you, boosting bookings, revenue and overall performance.

Learn more

Why smart hotel rooms are becoming more popular

Smart hotel rooms are all about customisation and convenience. They allow guests to adapt a room to their needs, often from the comfort of the bed.

Some level of hotel smart room technology has almost become an expectation within certain guest demographics. Most people, at least in the western world, now have homes filled with smart devices, and tend to arrive at a hotel expecting a similar level of convenience, maybe more. 

As an independent hotelier, you need to be aware of this shift and provide the level of smart hotel solutions that your guests are likely to expect.

What technology is found in a smart hotel room?

What smart hotel room technology should you invest in? A few smart hotel example technologies include:

Smart lighting

Give guests the ability to turn lights on and off from an app on their phone or an in-room tablet. Dimmers and colour LEDs can also help your guests to control the mood of the room.

Smart thermostat

A smart thermostat allows the guest to adjust the temperature of the room without leaving the comfort of the bed.

Smart TV

A basic but critical element of a smart hotel room is the smart TV, which allows guests to watch content from streaming services. You can either supply these services yourself or allow guests to sign in with their own accounts.

Tablet room control

There are two main ways that guests can control hotel smart devices: through a guest app on their phone or an in-room tablet. The tablet could be the wiser choice, as guests may be hesitant to download an app, and the tablet lets you promote your other offerings, such as spa services or a room service menu.

smart hotel

Smart hotel solutions & software you need to know

Any smart hotel devices you choose to offer will need to be backed by smart hotel software – the tools and systems that ensure the devices work properly, and that can gather data and insights on how each is used, to help you further enhance the experience you offer your guests.

Examples of simple yet smart hotel software and solutions include:

Mobile check-in

Why make guests wait? By allowing guests to check themselves in on their smartphones, you save both your time and theirs. Rather than hanging around the front desk for five or ten minutes, you can collect all the information you need ahead of time, so they can head straight to their room when they arrive.

Hotel smart lock

When you install hotel smart locks, lost keys no longer represent a danger, enhancing security and potentially saving you serious money. Your guest uses a card or code to gain access to the room, and the lock gets ‘changed’ as soon as they check out.

Property management systems

A property management system (PMS) helps you to operate your hotel smarter. It gives you a central portal from which you can manage every aspect of your property: finance, bookings, guests, shifts, maintenance, marketing and more. Look for a PMS designed specifically for small, independent hotels.

Channel management systems

Ideally, your property will have a presence wherever potential guests look for a hotel like yours. But between direct bookings, metasearch and endless OTAs, you could quickly rack up dozens of listings across different platforms. Smart channel management systems bring all these listings together in one place, and let you update info, pricing and availability across them all in a matter of clicks.

Guest experience apps

The guest experience is your point of difference: the reason that people choose you, and the reason they keep coming back. Apps for digital concierge, room service ordering, activities, and upgrades can ensure the experience you deliver is a memorable one.

Best smart hotel examples around the world

Looking for some technological inspiration? Here are a few real-world examples of smart hotels done right.

  • Eccleston Square Hotel: The Eccleston Square hotel in London is a luxurious, 5-star, family-owned property that effortlessly combines history with cutting-edge design, including features such as smart glass in the bathrooms and concierge tablets.
  • Schani Hotels: With four boutique hotels dotted around Vienna, Austria, the Schani brand is known for its forward-thinking, smart solutions. It offers guests mobile check-ins, mobile keys, and well-equipped coworking spaces ready to host digital nomads.
  • The Maison Albar – Le Victoria: A 5-star operation located in the heart of Paris, this hotel comes with a smart tablet in every room, so guests can control every aspect of their stay from the comfort of their bed.
  • Hotel Milano Scala: Best known as the world’s first zero-emission hotel, this luxury property has placed itself at the leading edge of hotel tech too, with smart room features like voice-controlled lighting/thermostats and a virtual concierge service.

With the help of a smart software solution like Little Hotelier, your independent hotel could eventually find itself on this list, too.

Bring smart hotel capabilities to your property effortlessly with Little Hotelier

Little Hotelier is the all-in-one solution that forms the basis of your smart hotel. Built specifically for small, independent hotels, it is designed to streamline your operations and elevate the guest experience.

It also simplifies bookings, automates routine tasks, and gives you the opportunity to focus on what matters most – your guests.

  • Manage everything in one place: Save serious time by using Little Hotelier’s integrated PMS to effortlessly handle bookings, guest profiles and housekeeping.
  • Maximise direct bookings: Capture more direct reservations with Little Hotelier’s booking engine, and keep the 15-25% commission fees charged by OTAs.
  • Prevent double bookings: Instantly sync room availability across all platforms with Little Hotelier’s channel manager, ensuring every booking is accurate and up to date.
Try for free Learn more

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).