Do you manage or work in an independent hotel and are you looking for solutions to attract more clients? Are you looking for technological solutions that help you strengthen your competitiveness against other hotels? In the context of the arrival of the fondos recovery europeans, now is the key moment to commit to technological renewal and the digitization of independent hotels. Are you going to stay behind? Do not miss this article with some tips to focus on improving infrastructure and technology in your hotel.
6 technological bets to strengthen competitiveness in independent hotels
An independent hotel is an establishment that operates, as its name indicates, with a Independent ownership and management, which implies the great advantage of being more autonomous and flexible, with greater freedom in its management and operation, being able to quickly and efficiently adapt its pricing policy and other operational decisions to market behavior in every moment. They also have greater financial autonomy and can implement any improvements or changes in processes or technologies faster than a chain.
These intrinsic characteristics, together with the imminent arrival of European recovery funds for the sector, also represent a great opportunity for independent hotels, which can benefit from new aid to accelerate their digital transformation.
Here are 6 key lines on the road to competitive improvement in independent hotels:
Migration to a GPON fiber optic network
It does not matter that your independent hotel is several stories high, that its facilities are far apart from each other or that it has a complex layout in its different rooms or halls, with the technology GPON, English acronym for Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (in Spanish, Red Óptica with Gigabit Capacity) it is possible to bring fiber optics to all rooms and offer the best connection quality.
At this point it is vitally important to have a specialized integrator, with experience in the sector and knowledgeable about the present and future technological needs for your business. The technology strategy of the hotel is going to be determined by its network infrastructure and should not be left in the hands of just anyone.
GPON is an advanced technology that allows you to provide WiFi coverage to any space in your hotel, as well as services such as: VoIP, CCTV, IPTV, data, videoconference, video surveillance, access control, IoT home automation, etc.
The great value of GPON networks is that they allow all IP services to be integrated into a single system, requiring a single fiber optic cable to provide high-quality connectivity, right at the point where the end customer is.
It may interest you: GPON fiber optics: what is it and benefits for your hotel
If you are concerned about meeting sustainability goals and Energy Efficiency of your independent hotel, the GPON system can also help you in this matter, since it reduces network consumption by 60%, expressed in this way you can save 60% of the energy consumption of your hotel.
Study and adaptation of WiFi infrastructure
Hotels are the establishments with the highest demand for temporary Internet access systems. However, many independent hotels have outdated systems, with quality and services clearly insufficient to meet the current needs of guests.
It is absolutely key to invest in Wi-Fi solutions adapted to the needs and possibilities of small and medium-sized hotels. To be viable and useful, Wi-Fi Internet access systems must be characterized by: being safe, easy to install and maintain and also affordable for independent hotels, which do not have the financial possibilities of the large chains.
En Cerium we have more than 15 years of experience in technology and Hospitality. Contact us and tell us more about your new project or needs.
IPTV: the television of the future
Do you know what is the IPTV television for hotels? It is an Internet-IP Protocol Television system and, roughly, it can be defined as an evolution of traditional television; a true private network and a direct communication channel between the hotel management and guests, where the personalization of content is key to improving customer satisfaction.
Why should you include it in your independent hotel? According to the latest ITH study, IPTV television is one of the most valued aspects of technology, with 51,5% preference by guests and almost 20% preference by hoteliers.
And this is due to its ability to have a very positive impact on the guest experience, since they can enjoy a wide range of television channels, personalized according to the user's origin or preferences, with great image and sound quality.
Do you know the additional services that can be added to an IPTV? The wide range of channels is just the tip of the iceberg of an IPTV system, since you can add: streaming, video on demand, video games, or all kinds of multimedia services, such as videoconferences. And not only that, you can turn hotel television into a powerful marketing tool, since internal channels can be installed to promote services, offers, events, etc.
Compliance with basic cybersecurity measures
Hotels in general, both those belonging to large chains and independent ones, are in the crosshairs of many hackers, with the aim of stealing data from guests and the hotel itself or blocking their computer systems.
For this reason, it is essential that you take cybersecurity very seriously, implementing the necessary technologies, such as high-performance Wi-Fi systems with controlled access through a captive portal or endpoint security systems, which allow you to locate threats or security breaches in devices. connected to your hotel network.
Another important point is to promote cybersecurity training among your employees. with the aim of being able to improve prevention and implement security protocols against possible threats.
At Cerium we have a highly specialized team in cybersecurity applied to the hospitality sector. We invite you to contact us to find out about our different cybersecurity solutions adapted to any type of hotel.
Obtaining guest data via hotspot captive portal
Because the hotel users have the need to access the network from anywhere: their own room, the cafeteria, swimming pool or the hall, as responsible for an independent hotel, you are going to have to invest in the infrastructure that guarantees said access with total security for your guests and clients. So, why don't you take the opportunity to implement a software that allows you to control access and, in addition, obtain relevant data from your customers?
Today, there are tools, such as the captive portal, that allow you to control and manage access to WiFi networks through an authentication or login process. In this way, a double objective: guarantee the security of the connection to the hotel networks and collect useful information for future marketing campaigns: email, telephone, age, origin of the guest or reason for the trip, reservation data, satisfaction surveys, etc.
Maybe you are interested: What is a captive portal hotspot and why do I need one at my hotel?
The data obtained can be used later to have a greater knowledge of the different profiles or people who visit your hotel, which can be translated into: providing a better experience for guests, getting more reservations, launching additional services or building loyalty.
The definitive commitment to a PMS system
Have you heard of Hotel Property Management System or PMS, an acronym for Property Management System? If you still do not know this system or you do not plan to implement it, you are missing an excellent opportunity to optimize the management of the different hotel services and improve the relationship with your customers.
But reservation management is only part of the numerous functionalities that a PMS can perform, a computer system that allows you to manage a complete database, control the status of the room at all times, including the financial management of your hotel.
Once you have become familiar with its use, you will be able to fully enjoy the advantages of a PMS: optimization of services, minimization of errors, rapid resolution of problems, management in the cloud and, in short, achieving a plus in the general management of your hotel that allows you to speed up processes and improve the productivity of your employees or communication with your guests.
Of course, to get the most out of a PMS it is essential that you achieve a correct integration with other tools and technologies of your hotel: marketing automation, loyalty programs, marketing actions in RRSS. At Cerium, as technology integrators in hotels, we are used to integrating platforms and different PMS systems.
How does Cerium help you attract new clients in your independent hotel?
En Cerium We are specialists in the installation and design of different technologies and network and communication infrastructures for the hotel sector, as well as in the provision of GPON networks, Captive portal WiFi hotspot, IPTV and more.
On the other hand, at Cerium we are aware of how important it is to understand cybersecurity in a comprehensive and global way. For this reason, all our services incorporate an additional layer of cybersecurity.
