Cox Hospitality Network Predicts Connectivity and Technology Shifts for Hotels to Improve Guest and Staff Experiences

One big thing: Rapid changes are taking place in the hospitality technology industry, particularly as guests and businesses continue to demand the fastest, most reliable connectivity.

According to the 2024 Lodging Technology Study: Digital Transformation & ROI report, seven out of 10 hotel operators say guest-specific technologies are empowering, such as platforms enabling them to check in and out, use digital keys, in-room tablets, contactless payments and much more.

Why it matters: Yet, one in five hotel operators say guest-facing technology is a potential source of friction, which insinuates that hoteliers and their technology providers must continuously focus on improving challenges that include connectivity issues, seamless app usage and human interactions.

Also noteworthy, the 2023 Lodging Technology: Embracing Mobility & Self-Service study revealed that travelers consider Wi-Fi the top amenity for a positive guest stay, with most saying they would not rebook at a destination after a subpar Wi-Fi experience.

To help hoteliers stay ahead of today’s tech demands, Jady West, Vice President of Cox Business’s Hospitality Network, has identified a handful of top-of-mind hotel connectivity shifts. In this commentary, Jady explores how each improves the guest experience and supports overall business success. 

The Rising Need for Managed Wi-Fi

Today’s guests expect a seamless experience connecting their devices to the property’s Wi-Fi, as it’s often one of the first things they do when they get to their room. For them, high-speed Wi-Fi is not a nice-to-have but a necessity. 

Dig deeper: Beyond traditional guest connectivity needs, hoteliers require sufficient Wi-Fi solutions to install and run IoT technology solutions that ultimately drive cost savings and guest retention, like smart locks and keyless entry, contactless check-in, and streamlined maintenance processes. 

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-provided gateways are being standardized across national brands while there is limited patience for longer installation cycles from OEM partners, making it more important than ever for managed Wi-Fi to run seamlessly without interruption to the guest experience or business team. 

Of note: Integrated, managed Wi-Fi networks support both guest and enterprise needs. Further, hoteliers are looking for fewer providers to handle more services for less expense. 

Make Way for Private Wireless Network Solutions

As the hospitality industry continues to grow and expand its suite of technology solutions, we will likely see an uptick in private wireless network adoption. Private wireless networks help hotels increase security and control because a tech provider manages it, unlike a public network.

Market impact: These solutions are designed to streamline network reliability and mobility within hotels. With the ability to separate and prioritize critical business operations, guests can still use public bandwidth to enjoy uninterrupted services, thus enhancing the guest experience and business benefit. Private wireless networks also improve guest and staff safety, for example, by enabling panic buttons and enhanced indoor cellular coverage to contact help during an emergency.

Another benefit of private wireless networks is their scalability and modular ability, allowing hotel staff to change gaming floors or site layouts in real-time, without re-cabling, or provide coverage for temporary events like concerts, weddings and conferences. Hospitality Network can help hotels provide everything from seamless, reliable Wi-Fi to IRE to a virtual private network, ensuring guests and staff members receive the technology experiences they expect.

The Need for an All-in-One Connectivity Solution Provider

The bottom line: With the changing tides of hotel connectivity requirements and the technology priorities to drive business growth, hoteliers should seek experienced vendor partners to support their new and unmet tech needs. 

A single tech provider can offer reliable internet connectivity, managed Wi-Fi, IRE support, private networks and managed services platforms to help hoteliers optimize operations while staying connected to guests inside and outside the property. 

A vendor with a full suite of solutions to innovate guest experience at scale should evolve with hotels as they modernize their connectivity platforms and be ready with a tailored solution for each unique situation.

Jady West, Vice President of Cox Hospitality Network. Connect with Jady on LinkedIn.