Leading hotels that stay on top of the latest technology, not only offer enhanced, modern guest experiences but reduce costs and improve management, security, environmental impact and governance. However, for hotel owners, management and IT personnel — responsible for the decision-making process and management of hospitality tech — the wide range of devices and rapid pace of tech innovation present several challenges.
Finding the right technology that outperforms expectations while driving return on investment can be daunting. Walmart Business invites hoteliers to explore its comprehensive Hotels page to discover a new way to equip their hotel with the latest tech trends and do business.
Jump to:
- Trending hotel technologies for 2024
- What to consider when purchasing tech for hotels
- Where to get the best deals for hotel tech?
Trending hotel technologies for 2024
Hospitality technology has taken a leap forward in the past year, driven mostly by innovations such as 5G, artificial intelligence and new hardware. While most hotel managers are familiar with what it takes to drive business outcomes at their hotels, many new products are emerging and rapidly becoming a differentiator for hotels.
Traditionally, hotel technology has focused on enhancing guest experiences and streamlining operational processes. As technology progresses, new products are expanding the scope of hotel technology, catering to evolving guest expectations and addressing emerging needs.
Leading companies like Walmart Business are helping the hotel sector modernize and digitally transform by offering a diverse portfolio, bulk sale deals, cost-efficient solutions and professional guidance and support.
Entertainment
As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, hotels are embracing new technologies to provide guests with an array of immersive and engaging experiences. This allows hotels to provide a more personalized and convenient entertainment experience, catering to the diverse preferences of modern travelers.
Some entertainment technologies becoming increasingly common in hotels include:
Comfort
Creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests is paramount in the hospitality industry. Leading hotels are turning to smart and climate technology to personalize guest experiences, offer convenience and even reduce energy consumption. Some of the technologies hotels are using to drive comfort and retain and attract guests include:
Guest services
Streamlining guest interactions and enhancing service delivery are crucial aspects of hotel operations. As a result, hotels are increasingly purchasing technologies that improve efficiency, provide business guests with a dedicated space to work and give guests greater control over their stay. Some of these devices include:
Security
Ensuring the safety and security of guests and property is a top priority for hotels. Advanced security systems, such as alarms, motion sensors and access control systems, play a vital role in deterring crime and protecting guests’ belongings. Other technologies hotels may use include:
Administration
Efficient and effective management of hotel operations demands the right technology to streamline processes, improve communication and even reduce energy costs. The digital transformation of the hotel industry has not only driven a cloud migration but also equipped the hotel administrative workforce with state-of-the-art hardware and software, such as:
- PCs and laptops.
- Connectivity and network devices.
- Printers.
- Voice-over-IP.
- Smartphones.
- Energy-efficient appliances.
What to consider when purchasing tech for hotels
Rushing into buying the latest technology just because the competition is using it is not the best strategy. Buying hotel tech requires careful planning, considerations and an integral strategy. The technology must be well-aligned with business goals.
Even for hotels that have an in-house IT team, solutions that are intuitive, reliable and adaptable to changing needs should be prioritized. Additionally, there are several factors to consider, including ease of use, dependability, scalability, security and cost-effectiveness.
Ease of use, management, reliability and durability
Unlike most industries, the technology in hotels will be used by a significant number of people, from guests to employees, administrators and top executives. Furthermore, hotel operations require agility combined with hospitality.
Therefore, it is paramount to prioritize tech that is durable and easy to maintain, has remote troubleshooting capabilities and robust customer support and requires little to no training to be intuitive. The last thing a hotel wants is to spend time and money training workers, explaining to guests how technology works or experiencing downtime that can lead to costs and reputational damage.
Scalability and adaptability
Most technology is designed for a specific number of maximum users, and the great majority of them require connectivity. But hotels need to provide scalable and adaptable services when operating at full or medium capacity. It is imperative that technology and digital services can be scaled up and down rapidly to meet peaks when demands are high and avoid extra costs when traffic is slow.
Hoteliers should select solutions that can accommodate changes in guest volume, service offerings and technological advancements without requiring costly overhauls or replacements. Modular systems, cloud-based solutions and flexible subscription models can help ensure adaptability and scalability in the dynamic hospitality landscape.
Security and compliance
Any hotel that suffers a security incident, such as ransomware attacks or a data breach, is likely to face serious legal, financial and reputational problems. Complying with all the laws that apply to operations and a strong security and privacy posture are more vital than ever.
When purchasing new technology, hoteliers should make sure the solutions have been designed with security and privacy at their core. Data encryption, access control technologies, regular security updates and layers of security software are a must.
Cost-effectiveness and ROI
Whether running a small operation or making decisions for an international hotel chain, budget and cost-effective solutions are undoubtedly top of mind. Bulk buying offers many benefits, reduced costs, added services, less waste and lower carbon footprints. However, it is critical for hotel leaders with purchasing decision-making responsibilities to establish a healthy relationship with their vendors, ensuring they deliver exactly what their business needs.
When calculating cost-effectiveness and ROI, consider long-term scenarios, total cost of ownership, hardware, software, maintenance and support. Companies should always assess the true financial impact of purchases and find solutions that align with their goals. There is value beyond the price tag and often this value is difficult to measure. Consider how the tech will drive financial gains, improve operational efficiency, reduce costly threats, provide better guest and worker experiences and generate trust and brand value.
Where to get the best deals for hotel tech?
There are many leading hotel equipment providers in the high-paced hospitality industry. These include Hospitality Supply, Hotel Concepts, Guest Amenities, American Hotel Register Company, E&S Equipment and MANNA Group, to mention some. However, most of the top companies are either dedicated to specific regions or work in niche sectors like beds, kitchen appliances or furniture. More importantly, many of them still do not offer the latest in technology.
Walmart Business for hotels: A one-stop-shop solution
As the use of technology in the hotel industry has become more prevalent, tech wholesalers like Amazon, Alibaba, eBay or Walmart come into play. However, Walmart has taken a step beyond when it comes to the hotel industry, offering a one-stop solution for everything needed.
Walmart Business’s hotels category caters to the diverse needs of hotels, offering a comprehensive range of devices and systems to enhance guest experiences, streamline operations and optimize costs. From smart TVs and streaming devices to security systems, access control solutions and energy-efficient appliances, Walmart Business provides traditional and innovative products specifically tailored for the hospitality sector.
Walmart Business also offers numerous benefits for clients. It stands out as a trusted partner for hotels, offers competitive pricing on a wide range of hotel tech products and allows them to access the latest technology — from essential guest-facing technologies to sophisticated behind-the-scenes solutions.
In addition, Walmart Business offers attractive bulk discounts, reliability and professional dedicated guidance and support. Hotels that work with Walmart have access to an industry professional who will help them navigate the entire life cycle, from product selection to installation and troubleshooting.