who anticipates your dining preferences and curates a list of restaurants without you even having to ask . In this new era , AI orchestrates a symphony of chatbots and virtual assistants , creating a seamless , personalized experience for each guest . Hotel design , too , is experiencing a renaissance with AI . By analyzing guest data , AI empowers architects and designers to create spaces that feel curated for each visitor . Think hotel rooms that adapt lighting , temperature and even artwork to match your preferences , crafting an environment that feels uniquely yours . AI can also help hotels optimize energy efficiency and sustainability .
Behind the scenes , AI can also improve the way hotels manage their day-to-day operations . By deciphering patterns and predicting peak demand , AI enables hotels to optimize staff schedules and manage resources with unprecedented efficiency . This translates to a smoother , more harmonious experience for guests , ensuring that their every need is met with the grace and precision of a well-rehearsed ballet .
ELEVATING ON-DEMAND SERVICES Imagine walking into a hotel and being greeted by a troupe of charming , multilingual robots , who manage every aspect of your stay . From check-ins to housekeeping , these metallic maestros provide a one-of-a-kind experience that captivates and delights . They can also offer personalized recommendations , book reservations and help around the clock , making guests feel at home in a world of technology .
Many hotels around the world have already embraced this technological frontier . Current examples include :
Trip planning : One international hotel chain offers guests a virtual assistant that can book rooms , keep track of flight schedules and process amenity and service requests .
Digital concierge : A Las Vegas hotel created a chatbot that assists guests with personalized recommendations , making reservations and answering queries in real-time . Another property provides guests with in-room virtual assistants that manage lighting , room temperature , room service and more .
Luggage storage : Robotic bellhops in a New York hotel deftly manage luggage storage , providing an efficient and memorable encounter for guests .
SUPER-CHARGING SUSTAINABILITY One of the most exciting aspects of AI is its ability to take sustainability to new heights . These AI-powered systems can allow guests to control the temperature , lighting , and even room service , while operators can use new platforms to help optimize energy consumption and minimize waste .
NEXT-LEVEL ENERGY EFFICIENCY A Las Vegas hotel uses AI to control the heating , ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC ) system . This system has helped the hotel slash energy consumption by 15 %, saving millions of dollars in the process .
WASTE MANAGEMENT WIZARDRY A hotel in Davos has adopted an intelligent waste management system with AI sensors that detect when trash cans are full and alert the waste management team . This cutting-edge system has reduced the hotel ' s waste management costs by 30 % while boosting recycling rates .
TRACKING BEST PRACTICES New AI-powered sustainability hubs provide a data-sharing infrastructure for travel and hospitality providers , distributors , and certification entities to assess the performance of sustainable best practices and ensure they are implementing the most effective ones on their properties .
OPERATING WITH PRECISION AI is impacting hotel operations in new ways , allowing human staff to attend to other essential tasks . AI-powered robots can be programmed to clean the property , deliver supplies and even man the front desk . On the food and beverage side , automated kitchens whir to life , preparing meals in record time , while robotic couriers deliver meals at the property restaurants or room service orders .
AI can also assist the hotel by developing bespoke marketing campaigns for guests , offering access to personalized experiences and special rates , depending on their interests and travel schedules . This curated approach can help turn guests into repeat customers and potentially increase revenue .
Despite the ways AI can help maximize operations , we must also consider the ethical implications that come with it .
NOW THAT AI HAS ARRIVED , THE POTENTIAL NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ARE PRACTICALLY ENDLESS
– GABI DIAZ , ASSOCIATE DESIGN MANAGER , GENSLER
Jul / Aug 2023 hotelsmag . com 47