Hotels can no longer afford to ignore the prevalence of mobile devices and connectivity, as it only plans to become more all-encompassing: By 2019, there will be over five billion mobile phone users. When you consider the importance of connectivity and devices to these modern times, it becomes impossible to ignore the necessity of outlets for charging in hotels. Even more, when you look forward to the future of hotel design, you begin to see even more reasons to have a comprehensive power and charging solution.

The hotels of the future will be armed with many high-tech features, including smart technology in rooms, touchscreen amenities and intelligent lighting systems. Guests and hotels alike will depend on them to provide a highly connected, intuitive experience. Outlets and connectivity solutions can no longer be disregarded as they will be supporting both guests’ devices and the technology that fuels their new, immersive experiences.

In an effort to bring additional insight to this landscape, Legrand recently commissioned a survey, conducted online by Harris Poll, to determine the precise wants and needs of the modern traveler when it comes to power and charging. The results show that power and charging is no longer something to ignore: It’s a must-have for every hotel.

Charging Matters

In fact, 57% of guests (defined as Americans who have stayed overnight at a hotel/motel in the past 12 months) report that charging their devices is one of the first things they do upon entering their hotel/motel room. This shouldn’t be that big of a surprise, as over 85% are bringing smartphones with them. After long days of traveling, both business and leisure travelers look for ways to refuel their dying batteries. Outlets can no longer be an afterthought that is halfheartedly retrofitted into hotels; power and charging needs to be at the crux of the hospitality design process.

It isn’t simply enough to provide any means for charging: It also better be easy to find. For 74%, not being able to conveniently charge their devices when staying overnight is a “primary concern.” 83% report being frustrated if an outlet isn’t near them, directly by their bed or nightstand, when staying at a hotel/motel. Despite designers often choosing to tuck outlets behind dressers or along the walls, people are looking for them to be front and center.

Guests are also losing patience with faulty outlets. It’s imperative that hotels provide functional ones, as a whopping 95% of guests expect outlets/light switches to function well at the hotels/motels they stay at and 61% notice if they do. Reliable, easily accessible power is what travelers look for and demand from the hotels they visit.

Looking At The Lobby

Other trends in hotel design will also influence the need for power and charging. Designers report that guest rooms will become less and less focused on extraneous features and spaces, stripping them down to the necessities. Instead, lobbies and other gathering areas will start to take over, becoming central hubs for mixed use.

This can only help a hotel’s revenue, as providing support for guest technology can encourage them to stay longer. Nearly half of guests (46%) would spend more time at a hotel/motel indoor common area if there was easy access to an outlet for charging. While they’re there, they may be encouraged to spend more on food and beverages.

Exploring The Outdoors

Additionally, outdoor and indoor areas are starting to merge, as more natural elements are being incorporated into architectural and interior design. As they are, providing power and charging outdoors becomes more and more important. Half of guests (50%) wish they had access to an outdoor power station in outdoor common areas when staying at a hotel/motel, while 27% would use an outdoor power station if it was available in outdoor common areas. Many hotels might not even know that outdoor power stations are a possibility, but there are safe, attractive options available on the market that can bring charging to any outdoor area.

Smart, Stylish Solutions

Previous design habits may have relegated electrical to the bottom of the priority list. However, the bottom line is that power and charging matters. Designers don’t need to fear electrical anymore. There are now many options stylish enough to complement any environment: switches and outlets with multiple finishes, power and charging centers that fit right into existing furniture and low profile, spill-proof outlets for horizontal applications like desks and tabletops. Solutions like these can support the growing need for power and charging in a way that’s considerate of the designer’s intentions, all while creating an atmosphere that works with both current and future hospitality trends.

Add mobile device charging to your property with Legrand.  Visit www.legrand.us/hospitality for samples and mock room support.

 

 

The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.