Remember the last time you called the front desk for extra towels? That basic hotel service will feel as outdated as room keys and paper directories. The hospitality industry is undergoing a massive transformation, with smart technology reshaping every aspect of the hotel experience.
The numbers tell the story: the smart hospitality market is projected to reach $133.7 billion by 2031. This explosive growth reflects a fundamental shift in how successful hotels operate. Leading properties are already using AI to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver the personalized experiences modern guests demand.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Smart Hotels
Let's examine the highest-impact use cases of AI and automation in today's smart hotels.
Energy That Works Smarter
It should come as no surprise that hotels have high energy needs. However, while energy can be very costly for hotels, it also presents an opportunity for the most significant efficiency gains. Smart sensors throughout your hotel track exactly how spaces are used in real-time. When guests leave their rooms or common areas, the system automatically adjusts the HVAC, lighting, and water systems to save energy.
A conference room with only two people? The system dials back the cooling. A checked-out room? It switches to eco-mode until the next guest arrives. The sensors ensure that every space runs at the right temperature and lighting level based on actual use, with no waste and no guest complaints about comfort. This precise control over energy translates directly to lower utility bills and better operating margins across your property.
Smarter, Safer Room Access
Digital keys are replacing those easily lost plastic cards. Guests use their phones or a smart card to unlock their rooms, making check-in faster and more secure. No more reprinting lost keys or deactivating cards that were not returned at checkout.
This switch to digital access does more than provide convenience for guests. It gives you better security control across your property. You can instantly grant or revoke access, track entries, and manage staff access to different areas—all from one system. Plus, it cuts the ongoing cost of replacing lost or damaged key cards.
Contactless Check-Ins
With contactless check-in software, guests can complete everything remotely- from booking and payment to check-in and check-out. The system integrates with your property management software, letting guests bypass the front desk and go directly to their rooms using digital keys.
Staff can still monitor check-ins and provide help when needed, but this frees up your team to focus on more valuable tasks, like handling special requests or providing personalized service to guests who want it. This approach reduces front desk queues while giving guests the choice between self-service or personal assistance. Plus, all guest information stays secure within your existing booking system.
Employee Panic Buttons
We all hope that our employees will never need them, but the reality is that situations can quickly change, and it's crucial to be prepared. Hotel workers, especially those working alone in guest rooms, need reliable ways to call for help in emergencies.
Modern panic button systems provide small, wearable devices that connect to your hotel's Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth. When activated, they instantly alert security with the employee's exact location.
The system works throughout the property - from guest rooms and stairwells to storage areas and parking lots. If a staff member faces harassment, feels threatened, or has a medical emergency, one button press sends their location to security and supervisors. Some systems can also automatically alert local authorities if needed.
Beyond basic safety, these systems help fulfil legal requirements, as many cities now mandate panic buttons for hotel workers. They also give staff more confidence when working alone, knowing help is just a button press away. The technology integrates with your existing security systems, making it easy to implement and manage across your property.
Smart Security and Surveillance
Hotels often deploy smart surveillance technologies around their premises to enhance the safety of guests and staff. These include access control systems, live-feed CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, and automatic motion sensors.
More hotels are also starting to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and smart facial recognition software to monitor suspicious behavior onsite.
How We Can Help
AI is now transforming hotels, delivering tangible results - lower operating costs, reduced energy bills, improved staffing efficiency, and stronger security.
Having delivered AI solutions across multiple industries, we understand how to make technology work for the hospitality industry. Our expertise can help you cut costs, boost efficiency, and improve guest experience through smart automation. Whether you're just starting your digital transformation or looking to enhance existing systems, BP3 can guide you there.
Let's discuss how to make your property more efficient.