In-room technology
Accommodation establishments provide in-room technology to make the guest’s
experience as comfortable as possible. Leisure guests expect to be entertained and
business guests expect to be able to conduct business from the comfort of their
rooms. There are a number of different categories of in-room technology.
1 Technology for information
For guests requiring information, an interactive TV will allow them to:
• access information about the available facilities and services such as a gym,
business centre, valet service, and airport transfer
• view menus so that they can either preselect food from the restaurant or
decide on room service
• access interactive maps to locate restaurants, nightclubs, and other attractions
• check the news, local and international weather, and financial investments
• access their email via the TV in the room
• programme a wake-up call
• request housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services.
2 Technology for comfort
Guests expect comfortable accommodation. Good lighting, a comfortable
temperature, and soundproofing are important. Other in-room technology to add to
a guest’s comfort can include:
• electronic toilets that automatically flush after use
• heated towel rails to warm up towels before use
• bathroom extractor fans to remove odours and prevent moisture
condensation on the mirrors
• sensor activated taps and hand drying machines
• remote controlled TV, air conditioner, and curtains
• a mini-bar with electronic sensors to monitor items.
3 Technology for entertainment
An interactive TV system allows guests access to options such as:
• the interactive programming guide, which provides up to date programme
information
• a choice of satellite channels, such as M-Net, DSTV, and international channels
such as CNN and Sky News
• games, music, and movies on demand
• the Internet for social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
4 Technology for safety
Guests need to know that they are safe and secure in their rooms and that personal
valuables can be stored safely. Technology promoting safety includes:
• a programmable electronic safe in the room to store valuable items
• an electronic door lock that allows access using either a card or a pin code
• an electronic key card with a special chip or sensor to open the door
• a sensor system that records the time people enter and leave the room.
5 Technology for environmental responsibility
Tourists who are concerned about the environment prefer accommodation
establishments that have environmental responsibility programmes in place. In-room
technology to demonstrate this commitment can include:
• An electronic key card. This saves electricity, as power is automatically
turned off seconds after the card is removed from the activation slot.
• Digitally controlled showers that let each guest program a specific
temperature setting so that the selected water temperature remains constant.
• Low-flow shower heads that reduce water flow, or aerated shower
headsthat mix air with the water and so effectively use less water.
• Energy-saving night-lights in the bathroom.
• Occupancy sensors that turn off lights after a certain length of time if there is
no movement in the room.
6 Technology for work
Business tourists want to be able to contact their families and friends, their place of
work, and their clients. It is important that accommodation establishments provide
them with the necessary equipment to do so.
In-room technology for work can include:
• Hotspot Internet access
• Wi-Fi networks for the guest to connect wirelessly to the Internet
• Interactive TV for accessing the Internet for emails or information
• International multi-power point/plug, power leads, and a charger for the
guest’s personal electronic equipment
• High-speed Internet access (HSIA), commercially referred to as broadband
• A cordless telephone or a telephone with a long cord so that it can be
moved across the room.
Electronic key card with microchipensures personal safety in the room.
Hotspot – Internet access via a publicly accessible point for wireless Internet access.
Wi-Fi – wireless fidelity; a means of wirelessly connecting electronic devices.
