Netflix founder Reed Hastings once said, “Stone Age. Bronze Age. Iron Age. We define entire epics of humanity by the technology they use.”
As for hospitality, we’re in the Convenience Age, where guests expect everything to be fast, easy, and frustration-free. Because let’s face it; the best hospitality tech isn’t about flashy gadgets, it’s about the things that just work when they’re supposed to. Most people won’t leave rave reviews about perfect Wi-Fi or lights that turn on when you flick a switch. But when those things don’t work? You can bet most guests will notice that.
If you’ve ever wished for a way to keep guests happy, reduce stress for your team, and make hotel life a little easier, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about some small but mighty tech upgrades that can make a big difference in 2025.
Why Mobile Room Keys Are a Game-Changer
Let’s face it, no one enjoys fumbling with keycards or making a late-night trip to the front desk because theirs mysteriously stopped working. Guests expect convenience, security, and a hassle-free experience, and mobile room keys help deliver just that.
With keyless entry, there’s no more digging through bags for a plastic card or realizing too late that it got demagnetized next to their phone. Instead, guests can unlock their rooms straight from their phones. A small upgrade that makes a big difference.
That’s why Sirvoy has partnered with Locky to make mobile access easier for hotels looking to simplify room entry. So fewer lost keycards, less front desk hassle, and a smoother check-in? Yes please!
Wi-Fi Guests Won’t Complain About (For Once)
Ah, Wi-Fi. The silent deal-breaker of any stay. A massive 92% of travellers say reliable internet is a deciding factor when booking, so weak Wi-Fi is more than just an annoyance. It can start to damage a hotels reputation as soon as a guest is able to connect to the internet so they can vent about the rubbish signal to the world!
Surprisingly, speed isn’t the biggest complaint either, signal coverage is. A Hotel Internet Services survey found that guests care more about staying connected everywhere than how fast they can stream.
So how do you fix it? Talk to your provider about Wi-Fi boosters to eliminate dead zones. Make sure coverage reaches not just rooms, but lobbies, pools, and restaurants, basically anywhere guests might work or unwind.
Stronger Wi-Fi means fewer complaints and better reviews. A simple upgrade with a big impact.
Smarter Stays Start with IoT
If you’ve never heard of IoT (that’s the Internet of Things), don’t panic, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Think of it like this: gadgets like lights, blinds, and thermostats are connected to the internet so they can work together like a well-trained team. Imagine a room where the lights know when to dim, the blinds politely shut at sunset, and the air conditioning keeps things perfectly comfortable, all without anyone touching a button. It’s like having an invisible butler who actually listens. Amazing, right?
With IoT handling the little things (and a strong Wi-Fi network powering it all), your staff can focus on the important stuff like making your guests feel like VIPs. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
AI Chatbots That Never Call in Sick
Running a hospitality business means answering the same guest questions over and over again. What time is check-out? Can I get late check-out? Do you offer breakfast? Is breakfast included? Now imagine if someone else could handle all of that for you, instantly, without ever needing a break. That is exactly what AI-powered chatbots do. They give guests quick answers, manage bookings, and handle service requests without your staff having to stop what they are doing.
With Sirvoy’s integration with Akia, setting up a chatbot is easy. Your guests get the information they need, your team gets fewer interruptions, and you finally get a break from saying the word “breakfast.” Everybody wins.
Guest Data Security: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Picture this: your guest has had the perfect stay. An immaculate room, top-notch service, and Wi-Fi that never let them down. But then they get a fraud alert. Their credit card details have been stolen. And just like that, the trust is gone.
Keeping guest data safe shows your guests you’ve got their back. Secure payment gateways, regular system updates, and strong cybersecurity practices keep their information exactly where it should be, safe and sound. Because let’s face it, no one’s writing a five-star review if their personal details end up being someone else shopping spree!
New Social Media Platforms: Hello, Gen Z!
TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges anymore, it’s where Gen Z is planning their next adventure. A quick swipe can lead them to stunning hotel tours, dreamy local spots, and experiences they didn’t even know they wanted. If you’re not showing off your hotel’s unique vibe with short, snappy videos, you could be missing out on some great opportunities. And it’s not just TikTok. Platforms like Snapchat and BeReal are getting more attention too, thanks to their casual, unfiltered vibe.
Eco-Friendly Tech That Saves Money (and the Planet)
Today’s guests are checking more than your thread count; they’re checking your carbon footprint. Small changes like energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats can make a big impact.
Not only will these upgrades impress your environmentally conscious guests, but they’ll also save you money. It’s a win-win that’s great for the planet as well as your bottom line.
Cloud-Based HMS: The Upgrade That Simplifies Everything
Running a hotel is already a juggling act so why make it harder with outdated systems that only work when they feel like it? A cloud-based HMS is like your trusty sidekick, handling bookings, check-ins, payments, and more from anywhere. Whether you’re at the front desk, in the office, or sneaking a coffee break, it’s got you covered.
Even better, it plays nice with your other tools, so everything works together without the chaos. Real-time updates? Done. A simpler life for your team? Absolutely. A smoother experience for your guests? You bet. If running a hotel is hard enough, then your tech should make it easier, not harder.
Conclusion: Tech That Works So You Don’t Have To
We’ve all stayed in hotels where everything just worked. And we’ve stayed in hotels where we’ve spent 10 minutes trying to turn the lights off. We all know which one won our vote. The best tech does not need to be flashy. It just needs to remove the little frustrations that make or break a guest’s stay. A few small upgrades can mean fewer complaints, better reviews, and guests who cannot wait to come back.
