There is a lot involved in creating somewhere that is comfortable to stay. Attention to detail is important regardless of what type of hotel you are running. Often, those owners that stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the latest technology are the ones that people want to stay with again and again.
Take for example digital screens. Today, many hotels find their use to be essential. They make life much easier for visitors and, in many cases, for the hotel staff too. As you will see, there are many ways hotels, B&B owners, even serviced accommodation providers, can use them.
The use of digital signs in foyer and reception areas
For any hotel, the foyer and reception desk are both important. First impressions really do count. Guests need to feel welcome and comfortable. These areas have to be clean, nicely presented, and practical. But above all else, guests need to be able to easily navigate them.
The last thing a hotel owner wants is someone to step into their hotel and feel immediately lost, alone or anxious. Clear signage helps to make sure that does not happen. Directional signs can be digital or traditional static ones. The fact that the wording does not change means most hotels choose to use a traditional sign to direct visitors to the reception desk.
But increasingly, those that have lots of guests from different parts of the world are choosing to use digital screens instead. Doing so enables them to translate the word reception into several languages, as well as offer some helpful instructions for each language. It is an easy way to instantly make someone feel at home and cared for.
These screens can also potentially be used as mini billboards. For example, to tell people who are passing through the lobby area about special offers. Or events that the hotel is holding.
To attract more guests
It is possible to buy digital screens that can be used outdoors. These enable hotels to use them as advertising hoarding to attract the attention of potential guests. They can share details of room rates and types, availability, and special offers. As well as using short videos to show off what they have to offer.
There is the potential for hotels to create several short videos. One for each type of guest they are hoping to attract. These can be shown on a loop. This is ideal for those hotels that operate in big cities where there are lots of large groups of tourists, convention attendees and business people who are from different countries.
Using digital signage in hotel bars and restaurants
The use of digital signs for hotel bars and restaurants is becoming increasingly common. They are a great way to advertise specials and promotions. As well as showcase the full range of drinks a bar has to offer.
In restaurants, digital menus are increasingly replacing the traditional card and paper ones. This means nobody has to wait for a server to arrive at the table to begin the process of making their choice. In fact, many hotel restaurants are taking things a step further and installing touch screens that customers can use to pre-order when they enter the restaurant. That speeds up service considerably, which is something that many hotel guests appreciate. It is also good for the restaurant. Because things move faster, they can serve more covers.
Digital signs can be set up so that they can easily be viewed from outside the bar or restaurant. They are the perfect way to inform guests about serving times and how to book a table. Potentially this information can be translated into different languages, the text is turned into images and displayed as a slide show. You can find out how to do it by watching this video.
The way digital screens are used behind the scenes
Things need to run smoothly behind the scenes. If they don´t, guests will not have a good experience. Digital display screens can play a significant role in making sure that is exactly what happens.
They can be used in staff changing or assembly areas to remind people of important information. For example, safety reminders, details of special events and rotas. Even to remind staff of the role they play in making each guests ‘stay a pleasant one.
Many hotels also now use them in areas like kitchens or housekeeping to keep track of things. For example, to display to the chef and their staff which dishes need to be prepared next. Or, which rooms are yet to be cleaned. Several software packages have been specifically designed for use in these environments. Here are some examples.
There is no doubt that, for the accommodation industry, digital screens are here to stay. They will likely evolve and become even more widely used by hotels.
