Hotels walk the fine line between comforttech and tech overload
The future of hotel rooms blends smart upgrades with human service needs
Hotels are racing to upgrade their in-room technology, but the latest Hotels.com survey shows that guests still want comfort, simplicity, and personal interaction. While smart TVs, AI concierges, and even robot chefs are on the horizon, the real sweet spot is tech that’s intuitive, useful, and easy to navigate.
Key takeaways
- Tech pressure on hotels: 56 percent of hotels feel the need to keep upgrading their technology to stay competitive.
- Comfort over gimmicks: Practical innovations like smart fans, customizable lighting, and fast Wi-Fi are prioritized over flashy robots.
- Human touch still essential: 70 percent of hotels report that guests prefer speaking to staff, especially for check-in and support.
- Smart bathrooms lead upgrades: From digital water controls to smart mirrors and Japanese toilets, bathrooms are becoming tech hubs.
- Guest confusion is real: Half of hotels now provide a tech walkthrough at check-in to help guests navigate complex systems.
- Future vision: Hotels are eyeing AI-powered concierges, voice-activated room controls, and robotic services as the next wave of personalization.
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