Smart Hotels: Making Tech Work for You, Not the Other Way Around
The Unseen Assistant
Hotels have been integrating technology for years, but often, these features fall short. For business travelers and tech-savvy tourists, the best tech is the kind you don't notice—quiet, helpful, and unobtrusive.
The Modern Hotel Room
Today's hotel rooms serve multiple purposes: offices, video call studios, and relaxation spaces. Technology must support these functions seamlessly.
Power Outlets: A Necessity
- Standard outlets: Placed where guests need them.
- Power strips: Easily accessible.
- Wireless charging: A modern convenience.
Wi-Fi: The Lifeline
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi should be a given. Charging extra for it feels outdated. Guests shouldn't have to deal with slow connections or complicated setups.
The Functional Desk
Desks should be more than decorative. They should provide:
- Enough space for laptops and other devices.
- Adequate lighting and glare control.
- Easy-to-use automation with physical switches and clear labels.
Sustainability: The Invisible Helper
Energy-efficient systems should reduce energy use without asking guests to change their behavior. The goal is to preserve comfort while saving energy.
Check-In and Checkout: The First and Last Impressions
Mobile keys and kiosks can make these processes faster and more predictable. Technology should reduce unnecessary conversations and delays without removing access to human help.
Yotel: A Model of Practical Design
Yotel focuses on practical design and real behavior. Their self-service kiosks, mobile-first check-in, and robotic luggage system, Yobot, are examples of technology that solves real problems.
The Real Luxury
The most tech-forward hotels may not look futuristic. They feel calm and nothing breaks. For modern travelers, especially those blending work and travel, that's the real luxury—not more screens or apps, just a space that works the way they do, without getting in the way.
