Implementing Automation in Hotels: Benefits and Real-World Use Cases

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Key Takeaways

• Hotel automation reimagines daily by reducing manual input with AI-powered systems and streamlining both hospitality workflows and guest experiences.
• Embracing technology in hospitality — such as AI-driven guest services, contactless solutions, automated housekeeping, and smart rooms — is essential for enhancing operational efficiency.
• Approximately 93% of hoteliers report notable enhancements in efficiency following the adoption of technology, with 58% of guests enjoying AI bookings.
• Giants like Hilton, Hard Rock, and Brown hotels are already experiencing revenue growth by automating repetitive tasks and employing AI and IoT-based solutions.

The hospitality industry is well-known for its many recurring, time-intensive tasks, from guest check-ins and reservation entries to rate adjustments and room assignments. And since these tasks can’t remain largely manual for businesses striving for competitiveness, hotel automation comes as the new normal.

With evolving distribution channels, shifting guest expectations, and ongoing labor shortages, the need for streamlined operations has become critical. Moreover, 80% of travelers prefer to stay at hotels that offer fully automated front desks.

Rated as a leading hotel IT service provider, Acropolium crafts tailored hospitality software, bringing measurable results through AI & ML automation. In this article, we’ll use the insights from our success stories to cover the fundamentals of automation in hotel industry operations.

Let’s explore the benefits and inspiring real-world use cases of the latest hotel technology!

What is Hotel Automation?

Hotel automation involves using technology to streamline daily hotel operations, minimizing the need for manual input. By automating tasks, managing equipment, and handling information more efficiently, hotel automation systems enhance both operational flow and guest experiences.

The rapid digital transformation and rising demand for contactless tech with predictive analytics have given life to numerous hospitality tech trends that are adopted globally. In 2022, about 93% of hoteliers have seen significant improvements in efficiency with technology adoption.

That’s what leads the global hospitality automation market towards steady growth: it’s anticipated to jump from $18.52B in 2024 to 23.8B in 2028.

Hotel Automation Solutions: From AI-driven Service to Automated Housekeeping

Automation in the hospitality industry incorporates various technologies and software that optimize daily workflows and elevate guest satisfaction.

This includes property management systems (PMS) to handle bookings, smart thermostats to set room temperatures, and AI-driven chatbots for instant guest support. With self-service kiosks, SaaS-based revenue management tools, and IoT-enabled devices for in-room adjustments, hotels can operate more efficiently to meet traveler expectations.

Now, let’s have a closer look at some of the most disruptive hotel tech solutions.

AI-driven customer service

No longer a buzzword in the hospitality industry, AI and ML have become instrumental in reducing the burden of manual labor and repetitiveness. Modern hoteliers invest in AI-powered chatbots to automate helpdesk activities while gathering insights on guest preferences.

Virtual assistants respond to common guest inquiries 24/7, offering instant, accurate information without additional staffing. A recent survey shows that 58% of guests feel that AI enhances their booking and stay experiences.

Self-service kiosks

As 70% of hotel guests are more likely to choose hotels with self-service technology, the trending post-pandemic contactless technology is here to stay. Self-service kiosks enable automated hotel check-ins and room selection, allowing guests to upgrade or pay without staff assistance.

It helps not only to reduce wait times but also minimizes staffing needs during saturated hours. By providing smoother check-in experiences, hotels raise their chances of turning a new guest into a repeat client.

Smart room controls

Around 75% of hotel guests want control over room temperature and lighting through in-room tech, with 71% favoring hotels that offer smart room technology overall. Guests can personalize room settings — such as lighting, temperature, and entertainment — often through a mobile app or in-room tablets.

These systems enhance guest comfort and can reduce energy use by switching off lights and adjusting climate controls when rooms are vacant.

Automated housekeeping

Smart hotel automation can also set up a new standard of housekeeping, regulating schedules based on real-time room occupancy. By assigning tasks only as rooms are vacated, hotels avoid unnecessary cleaning and maximize workforce productivity.

This approach to scheduling reduces guest disturbances, creating a seamless and more pleasant experience for customers while saving on labor expenses.

IoT integration

Interconnected devices are responsible for anything from hotel check-in automation to personalized room controls. IoT in the hospitality industry taps into guest preferences and operational efficiencies, allowing for proactive maintenance, more targeted marketing, and lower energy usage.

Advantages of Adopting Smart Hotel Technology

The adoption of smart hotel solutions gives the ease of travel and stays to your guests, which translates into your ease of doing business. When technology makes you less dependent on human interaction and manual processes, it means that you can invest more into innovating your offerings and, as a result, drive more revenue.

However, the benefits of automation in hospitality industry operations are not limited to higher revenue alone.

Enhanced guest experience & personalization

With smart hotel solutions like advanced CRMs, guests enjoy tailored experiences through in-room automation and personalized services. Automation enables hotels to store guest preferences, allowing for seamless personalization that enhances comfort, convenience, and satisfaction.

Predictive analytics from these systems help anticipate guest needs, which boosts engagement and satisfaction. Ultimately, personalized touches leave a memorable impression, increasing guest loyalty and repeat stays, with 67% of travelers focusing on loyalty programs.

Increased operational efficiency & productivity

Hotel automation software helps manage inventory, allocate resources, and optimize workflows, allowing hotel staff to operate more efficiently. The abovementioned check-in kiosks and digital keys further accelerate processes, creating a seamless experience. By maximizing productivity, hotels can effectively manage peak times and handle high guest volumes with ease.

Cost savings & resource optimization

Automated energy management systems can optimize heating, lighting, and air conditioning based on occupancy, lowering utility bills. Streamlined housekeeping schedules and inventory tracking help avoid unnecessary expenses, maximizing resource utilization.

Moreover, automated maintenance alerts prevent costly repairs by ensuring timely equipment upkeep. Over time, these efficiencies lead to significant financial savings, improving the hotel’s profitability and enabling reinvestment in guest-focused amenities.

Streamlined processes & faster service

As automated room booking systems with mobile-friendly check-ins and -outs eliminate waiting times, guests can enjoy a seamless arrival. These streamlined operations lead to a better experience, where guests receive prompt service and staff is freed up for direct interactions, which eventually saves you operational expenses.

Improved security & safety

Automated ID verification and facial recognition tools further improve safety by confirming guest identities quickly and accurately. Integrated through travel APIs, such systems can instantly alert staff to potential security breaches or unusual activity, ensuring prompt responses.

For emergency preparedness, automated alerts and communication tools help keep guests informed and safe. Multi-layered security not only reassures guests but also protects hotel assets and staff.

Real-time data insights & analytics

With the help of big data, you can make informed decisions. By analyzing booking trends, room preferences, and usage patterns from your automated hotel reservation system, management can adjust pricing strategies. Also, your team can personalize marketing and improve services to align with guest expectations.

These insights empower hotels to fine-tune offerings, anticipate demand, and stay responsive to guest needs, all while improving business agility.

Competitive differentiation & guest loyalty

Adopting smart hotel solutions sets hotels apart from competitors by offering modern, technology-driven guest experiences that appeal to tech-savvy travelers. With these added conveniences, hotels can attract more guests and build stronger relationships.

Guests increasingly seek technology-friendly stays, with 65% of travelers wanting hotel tech to be more advanced than what they have at home. Thus, smart solutions help position hotels as leaders in innovation and service excellence.

Why Automate Hotel Operations

Investing in hotel automation can be transformative for hoteliers, improving service, efficiency, and sustainability while creating a lasting impression on guests. Here’s a summary of why automation is worth the investment from a business standpoint:

• Personalized guest experience. Automated systems help deliver a more personalized and memorable experience for each guest. By utilizing tools that cater to guests’ preferences, you can increase loyalty and encourage positive reviews, ultimately driving more bookings.

• Operational efficiency. While automation streamlines check-in/check-out, housekeeping schedules, and inventory management, it reduces the need for manual oversight. These efficiencies reduce labor costs, optimize staff workload, and minimize errors, contributing to a smoother operation overall.

• Cost savings. Reducing labor and energy expenses is one of the most significant financial benefits of hotel automation. Less need for manual processes means fewer staffing requirements, which lowers labor expenses and frees resources for strategic initiatives that drive growth.

• Sustainability. For eco-conscious travelers, sustainability is increasingly a deciding factor, with over half of travelers looking for smart hotel solutions that blend comfort with eco-friendly features. Automation in hotels promotes green practices by monitoring energy use. Eventually, sustainable practices appeal to modern guests while aligning with long-term business savings, enhancing brand reputation.

Examples of Hotel Automation Technology Solutions

• Leading brands worldwide have implemented hospitality automation, proving that it’s a valuable investment. Here are some real-life examples of hotels leveraging automation to achieve impressive gains in guest satisfaction and efficiency.

• In 2023, Hilton’s Gabriel Miami South Beach introduced mobile messaging to streamline guest communication and address service requests. By June, 63% of guests used this messaging feature during their stay, with a notable 100% of on-property issues resolved through direct messaging with hotel staff. This automation improved guest satisfaction by providing immediate service responses and enabled the staff to handle requests more efficiently without interruptions.

• Brown Hotels embraces AI automation to meet evolving guest expectations. The group focuses on a highly interactive guest journey, making it easy for guests to explore the hotel’s facilities and access unique local experiences. Their AI and ML trained modules offer features like themed walking tours from the lobby, exclusive music concert tickets with convenient transportation options, and welcome packages for specific guest types.

• Known for its commitment to digital innovation, Hard Rock Hotels uses hotel automation to create rich, brand-centered experiences across the guest journey. Their optimized mobile site, designed to cater to specific guest needs, enhances online engagement and booking efficiency. Automation also powers Hard Rock’s loyalty programs, offering personalized benefits and rewards that resonate with guests.

• Marriott has adopted AI to streamline operational tasks and personalize the guest experience. For instance, they use AI-based facial recognition technology for check-in at selected properties, enabling faster, touchless guest registration. Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program leverages machine learning algorithms to personalize offers and suggestions based on guest preferences.

• Van der Valk Hotels integrates an automated hotel reservation system for personalized experiences. From automated check-ins to mobile key access, guests enjoy a seamless journey from arrival to check-out. This approach allows the staff to focus on high-impact tasks while delivering tangible value to the guests.

The Future of Automation in Hotels

While some technological trends are destined to become classic approaches for hotel management, others are only gaining traction. With AI being the cornerstone of further advancements, let’s see what the future holds for modern hoteliers.

Artificial Intelligence

With guests expecting quick responses across digital channels, AI chatbots handle routine inquiries instantly. However, beyond chatbots and hotel check-in automation, AI supports data analysis, enabling hotels to understand guest preferences, thus redefining customer interactions.

Predictive Ordering

Predictive ordering uses AI to forecast demand and automate inventory, minimizing waste and ensuring necessary supplies are always available. This system helps improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs from overstocking. This way, businesses can efficiently respond to changing demands.

Automated Waste Management

Food waste is a financial and environmental issue for hospitality. Utilizing IoT and AI, hotel automation software for waste management analyzes consumption patterns, enabling smarter purchasing and waste reduction. These technologies support sustainability goals, helping businesses cut waste while saving on supply expenses.

Robot Chefs

Robotics is revolutionizing kitchens, with robot chefs following recipes precisely, ensuring consistent quality. By handling tasks that don’t need human oversight, robot chefs free staff for other responsibilities, enhancing kitchen efficiency.

Recognition Technology

Biometrics, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, simplify hotel processes and payments, creating a secure and seamless guest experience. This technology allows for touch-free check-ins, room access, and payments, boosting convenience and security.

Why Choose Acropolium?

Acropolium stands out as an experienced vendor in this space, specializing in creating GDPR-compliant hotel automation solutions. With a strong track record and expertise in developing custom travel and leisure software, Acropolium has been recognized as a top web and app developer for the hotel sector.

Whether you need to upgrade your legacy software and integrate new features or build a brand new product to impress your guests, we know how to make it real. And here are some success stories illustrating our approach to providing value.

Software for Hotel Revenue Optimization

A luxury hotel management company needed a scalable solution for optimizing hotel revenue while managing increased stay volumes and ensuring data clarity.

Solution

We adopted an agile approach, starting with client interviews to gather requirements and create a functional specification. Acropolium’s management outlined a roadmap organized into sprints:

• We prioritized data integration from various sources, developed algorithms for accurate demand forecasting, and implemented dynamic pricing.
• The infrastructure was enhanced with user-friendly UI/UX designs.
• After thorough testing, we launched a robust revenue management system with ongoing user training.

Results

The new system boosted room occupancy by 15% and increased revenue by 18% through dynamic pricing. Additionally, operational efficiency improved by 20%, streamlining workflows and enhancing strategic decision-making.

Hospitality Property Management System

A UK-based property rental company managing multiple apartments and hotels used online CRM software and Airbnb for operations. As their business expanded, they struggled with administrative tasks, asking Acropolium for a custom property management system (PMS).

Solution

We collaborated with the client to identify key hotel PMS features:

• Developed a hotel management dashboard for efficient task creation and assignment.
• Ensured integration with various booking channels for real-time inventory updates.
• Integrated an automated room booking system for accurate room availability.
• Synced with platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to enhance property visibility and maximize revenue.
• Incorporated revenue management features for manual and dynamic pricing options.
• Implemented Stripe and Pipedrive integrations for easy payment acceptance.

Results

The new PMS significantly improved operational efficiency by 37%, leading to a 40% reduction in administrative costs and a 30% increase in booking rates.

Final Thoughts

From AI-powered guest service and contactless solutions to automated housekeeping and smart rooms, embracing the tech facet of hospitality is key to increased efficiency. When it comes to hotel automation, successful businesses have paved the way, demonstrating the benefits of embracing innovative technology.

At Acropolium, we have witnessed our clients reach new operational heights and growth opportunities with the power of sophisticated technology. And we are here to be a trusted partner on your automation journey. We will comprehensively analyze your project, offering you subscription-based cooperation with transparent costs and your objectives prioritized.

Contact us to get your hospitality business to the next level!

Sources of Information

• Hotel Automation Global Report 2024 — The Business Research Company
• Hilton Hospitality Trends Report 2023
• 2024 Market Leaders Report — Hotel Tech Report