TECHNOLOGY
available that provide a greater sense of security .
Of course , upgrading in-room systems requires an investment at a moment in time when cost controls have become ever important . But vendors in the space say there are flexible solutions , and they are willing to work with hoteliers to deliver solutions that match budgets . The goal , they say , is to implement a solution that integrates with guests ’ personal devices , uses a touch-less , familiar interface and emphasizes a reliable network connection that can work over an existing network and with current televisions . They can integrate with the PMS in place and fit within brand standards .
“ We believe that the best experience provides the most options with an intuitive interface to simplify discovery ,” says Amir Ahmed , senior vice president of sales , DISH Network . “ I also believe we ’ ll continue to see a convergence of guest entertainment and connectivity . The TV will continue to be the focal point of in-room
entertainment , but I think it will likely also play a bigger role in guest engagement with property amenities and even smart products .”
Great connectivity will be a driver of not just entertainment , but all aspects of the guest experience ; and another major factor to consider over the course of the next five years is 5G , according to Ahmed . “ This will bring a new level of innovation to the future guest experience – not just in-room , but throughout the property . 5G will expand coverage , improve the bandwidth ( particularly mobile ), reduce latency , increase reliability and deliver improved security . This increased connectivity and the deployment of IoT devices powered by 5G networks will provide greater insights into guest ’ s experiences than has ever been possible . All of this will transform the expectations and experiences of hotel guests .”
IN THIS ISSUE
COMPANY ................................... PAGE
Aimbridge Hospitality ..................................... 104 Archipelago International ................................. 30 Best Western Hotels & Resorts ............................ 11 Blackstone ........................................................... 52 CoralTree Hospitality .......................................... 18 Four Seasons ........................................................ 12 Hilton .............................................................. 11 , 60 Hyatt .................................................................... 36 IHG Hotels & Resorts ............................................. 11
46
After stepping back during COVID , restructuring to manage with a revenue share model versus leasing space in buildings , The Guild ’ s Brian
Carrico told HOTELS he has another 2,500 units in some 50 buildings in the pipeline .
82
“ We have 18 operating properties only in Goa and 17 properties in Delhi-NCR . No other group can dream of coming close to this number and that ’ s what we strive for .” – Puneet Chhatwal , IHCL
Indian Hotels Co . Ltd . ( IHCL ) ............................. 82 Lotte Hotels Corp . ............................................... 42 Marriott ............................................................... 60 Mint House ........................................................... 46 One & Only ............................................................ 68 The Red Lion Inn .................................................. 118 Shangri-La ............................................................ 12 Starwood Capital ................................................ 52
118
“ Nothing beats good old-fashioned human connection . The consumer trend we see right now is a desire for genuine interactions and experiences in easy drive-to markets .” – Sarah Eustis , Main Street Hospitality
The Guild .............................................................. 46
110 hotelsmag . com September / October 2021