Modern hotel guests value convenience above all else. They want fast, seamless, and contactless service—without losing the personalized touch that makes a stay feel special.
Smart hotel technology is changing the way hotels meet these expectations. By combining devices, apps, and automated systems, hotels can boost their operational efficiency and create more memorable experiences for their visitors.
In this guide, we’ll explore how hospitality technology solutions like AI chatbots, QR Codes, and the Internet of Things are transforming hotel management. You’ll also find real-world examples and essential features to consider when upgrading your hotel’s technology.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
How does smart hotel technology work?
Smart hotel technology focuses on three key elements of the hospitality experience.
First, there’s automation—handing off routine tasks to systems (or even robots) that can tackle them faster and more accurately. By automating these processes, hotel staff can dedicate their time to solving more complex, human-centered challenges. For example, smart tech can take care of:
- Managing check-ins and check-outs via kiosks, QR Codes, or mobile apps.
- Adjusting room settings, such as temperature or lighting.
- Scheduling housekeeping or maintenance requests.
These systems can also provide real-time, data-driven insights to help you identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies and streamline your operations further.
Next is personalization. Today’s hotel guests expect fully personalized stays that reflect their preferences, past visits, and special requests. Smart technology gives guests control of their stay, whether it’s selecting entertainment on a smart TV curated to their interests or quick-ordering items on a customized room service menu.
The final element is connectivity. There was a time when everything revolved around the front desk—managing reservations, placing a special request, or simply getting more towels. With cloud-based technology, guests can access services and support from anywhere, whether via smartphones, kiosks, or in-room smart devices.
Can’t wait to leverage smart tech in your hotel? Check out our “Getting Started Guide: Bitly for Hospitality” to see how Bitly’s solutions can modernize your hotel operations.
Benefits of adopting smart hotel technology
In a 2021 survey, hoteliers identified three primary reasons for adopting smart hotel technology: enhancing the customer experience, increasing profits, and staying ahead of hospitality industry challenges.
It’s no coincidence that these goals align with the strengths of smart hotel technology. By automating routine procedures, hotels can work more efficiently. Personalization tools go a step further, ensuring guests feel valued through thoughtful messaging and tailored services.
While happier guests directly contribute to higher profits, smart technology goes even further by reducing operational costs. From optimizing energy use to improving room occupancy rates, the right tools eliminate waste and boost productivity.
Hotel businesses that adapt to evolving guest needs and streamline their processes position themselves as industry leaders. These changes not only build customer loyalty but also pave the way for sustainable practices—benefiting both your bottom line and the environment.
Worried about the complexity of implementing smart tech? While some solutions, like room service robots, may take a while to pay off, many options—such as Bitly Codes—are affordable and quick to deploy. These versatile tools take just minutes to set up yet deliver a significant impact on the guest experience.
Examples of smart hotel technology in action
Here are five ways that hotel owners can implement the latest technology, from individual smart devices to hotel-wide energy management systems. These innovations not only improve guest convenience but also simplify day-to-day operations.
IoT devices for room controls
The Internet of Things (IoT) brings intelligence to electronic devices. Guests can manage room features like smart thermostats, air conditioning, lighting systems, smart TVs, and even curtains—all through the cloud.
There are several ways to incorporate room technology into your hotel:
- Upgrade to devices that respond to voice commands, allowing guests to adjust their environment hands-free.
- Equip each smart room with a voice-controlled speaker, such as Amazon Alexa, to centralize controls.
- Offer guest room controls through a mobile app that guests can access by scanning a QR Code.
QR Codes for contactless services
QR Codes for hospitality are a flexible, contactless solution that simplifies guest services while reducing strain on the front desk. Quick Response (QR) Codes are compatible with nearly all smartphones, and guests scan them to access apps, websites, PDFs, interactive forms, or even instructional videos.
And hotels can use them to:
- Share digital menus, local city guides, or event schedules.
- Provide instant access to Wi-Fi login information or smart speaker setup instructions.
- Display important information on printed materials or digital screens around the property.
With Dynamic QR Codes, you can track which codes generate the most engagement, allowing you to optimize their placement and maximize their effectiveness over time.
AI-powered chatbots
A recent Hotel Tech Report survey revealed that 70% of hotel guests appreciate chatbots for their speed and round-the-clock availability. Think of these AI-powered tools as tireless night shift managers—handling routine tasks such as providing check-in details, giving directions, or handling room service requests.
By shortening wait times and automating common questions, chatbots contribute to greater guest satisfaction. They also free up your human concierge to focus on more nuanced or specialized requests.
Chatbots can be integrated into various platforms, such as your hotel website, kiosks, a hotel app, or SMS. There are numerous chatbot providers offering solutions tailored specifically to the needs of the hospitality industry.
Smart energy management systems
Reducing energy consumption is a cornerstone of sustainable hospitality. With hotels contributing 1% of global carbon emissions, even small reductions can make a meaningful difference. Plus, you could lower your energy costs at the same time.
Modern energy management systems provide a comprehensive view of your property’s energy usage, helping you identify inefficiencies and optimize resources. These systems also give you more control. For example, sensors can automatically adjust lighting or HVAC systems based on guest presence, turning them off when rooms are unoccupied.
To get started, partnering with a specialist provider is usually the best approach. They can assist with installing the necessary hardware and ensuring your team is equipped to use the system effectively.
Advanced keyless entry systems
Keyless entry is transforming check-ins for both guests and hotels. By replacing traditional keycards with digital room keys accessed via QR Codes, hotels offer a streamlined, contactless process.
No more panicked searches for lost keycards—guests can now access their rooms with a simple QR Code scan and enjoy vacation stress-free. It’s also a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for hotels looking to make an environmental impact, as it reduces the need for plastic key cards and paper sleeves. Additionally, digital keys provide enhanced security, as they are more difficult to duplicate or tamper with.
With contactless technology, guests can check in at a self-service kiosk and then scan a QR Code to receive their digital room key. This system allows for a smoother, independent check-in experience while aligning with sustainability goals.
Important features of smart hotel technology to seek out
There’s a wide range of options for hotel owners and managers looking to upgrade their tech. To help you decide, here are four key features to focus on when choosing smart hotel tools, apps, and systems.
Automation and efficiency
According to a recent survey, 80% of hoteliers say that automation makes their operations more efficient. It also boosts staff satisfaction by freeing them from repetitive tasks and allowing them to spend their time on more meaningful work.
Thankfully, you don’t need to take things as far as the Henn na Hotel, which is exclusively staffed by robots. Practical solutions like energy management systems, automated reservation software, and self-service check-ins offer ways to streamline behind-the-scenes work without losing the human touch.
Personalization
Smart technology helps you deliver personalized experiences by responding to guest requests and tracking guest preferences.
For example, Marriott’s mobile app allows guests to save their favorite locations, manage loyalty memberships, check in, order room service, and access digital room keys—all from one platform. Guests simply scan a QR Code on Marriott’s website or at the hotel to get started.
When selecting personalization software, look for intuitive solutions that make it easy for guests to engage and provide data to enhance their future stays.
Seamless connectivity
One of the greatest benefits of smart technology is its ability to connect systems across the hotel. On the operations side, IoT and cloud platforms keep everything from energy usage to room occupancy in sync.
Connectivity also strengthens guest experiences. In-room entertainment, for example, is a top priority for many guests, who expect effortless access to Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and other conveniences.
Choose solutions that make it easy for guests and staff to take control. Guests should be able to order room service or adjust settings like the room temperature with just a quick smartphone scan. Meanwhile, staff should have the tools to identify and resolve issues promptly.
Real-time updates
In the competitive hotel industry, delays in addressing special requests or resolving issues can impact guest satisfaction and loyalty.
When selecting tools—whether energy management, property management, or guest communication—look for ones that provide real-time data. This helps you pinpoint and fix problems quickly, analyze performance, and even prevent future issues.
For example, QR Codes can do more than just facilitate guest services—they can also provide actionable insights. With tools like Bitly Analytics, you can track when users are most likely to scan specific codes and which ones get the most engagement. This data can then inform your operations, helping you allocate staff to key services at peak times, and strategically position QR Codes where they’ll be most effective.
Stay ahead in the hotel industry with smart technology
Smart technology is revolutionizing the way hotels connect with guests and offer services. From automating routine tasks to creating more personalized stays, these tools help you meet guest expectations while keeping your staff focused on what matters most. Whether it’s offering contactless check-ins, energy-saving solutions, or convenient access to amenities, smart tech makes it easier to stay competitive.
One of the simplest—and most effective—ways to get started is with QR Codes. Bitly makes it easy to create branded, customizable QR Codes for a variety of uses, including digital room keys, room service menus, and special promotions.
With Bitly Analytics, you’ll gain valuable insights into which codes strike the most interest, when they’re scanned, and even the types of devices being used. This data helps you refine your offerings and ensure you’re meeting guests’ needs seamlessly.
Give every hotel guest a smarter stay with Bitly Codes—offering instant, contactless, and personalized services. Get started today!
