Does the quality of hotel WiFi really matter?
The answer is a resounding yes, according to hoteliers participating in the recent Hotel Management survey† sponsored by Spectrum Enterprise. Research insights explain that now is the time to re-energize on-property WiFi offerings, an essential component to a high-functioning, extremely successful property.
Guests Demand Powerful WiFi
Today’s guests expect a seamless WiFi experience when they are traveling, whether for business or pleasure. Hotels can rise to the occasion and meet this technology demand, ultimately protecting coveted customer loyalty.
According to the survey titled “Taking Your Technology Pulse,” hoteliers said the top technology complaint they hear from guests at their hotels is slow, unreliable WiFi (51.6%). By contrast, lack of complimentary WiFi was at the bottom of the list, suggesting that a fast, dependable, robust WiFi experience is more important than a free one. Smart preparation today sets the stage for future success – implementing WiFi upgrades or choosing a fully managed WiFi solution that delivers a consistent experience means hotels can adapt to the reality of ever-evolving traveler expectations and the continued growth of the bleisure market and digital nomads.
There are other important considerations for elevating current WiFi. Guests carry multiple devices with them, resulting in more connections to the network. A strong, high-capacity WiFi connection can help improve interactions with guests on-property, such as delivering push notifications about on-property events or concierge chats. Also, hotels with convention space can ramp up their WiFi service as that business continues to return.
Reliable WiFi Powers In-Room Entertainment
To replicate the comforts of home in the hotel space for leisure and business travelers, fast and reliable WiFi is essential for the uninterrupted, flawless delivery of in-room entertainment.
Faster WiFi speeds and a modern network can minimize viewing issues and bolster streaming and casting quality. Recognizing the increasing importance of in-room entertainment value, hoteliers indicated that one of their top technology goals for 2023 is elevating this feature (28%). Streaming access that allows guests to watch content on their personal mobile devices, tablets and computers also necessitates strong, reliable WiFi.
Hotel Operations Also Require High-Quality WiFi
Hotel profitability depends on high levels of communication and productivity. Fast, reliable WiFi is one of the engines that powers this forward.
According to the survey, hoteliers said that slow Internet/WiFi was a top technology concern from their staff (28%). Managed WiFi services take the burden off staff and allow hoteliers to streamline operations and bolster efficiency, which impacts staff contentment and guest satisfaction.
Hotel staff need to perform tasks quickly and efficiently to enhance the guest experience. A high-quality WiFi connection ensures staff can easily access online resources, such as booking platforms, guest profiles, and digital communications tools from e-mail to messaging apps and voice calls.
Hotel WiFi should be considered a top priority for hotel operations seeking to improve the digital experience for both guests and staff.
The survey insights underscore the importance of fast, reliable WiFi to transform hotel operating efficiency and both the staff and guest experiences. Discover more about how hotels can improve WiFi services and other network needs and gain an important competitive advantage.
†The “Taking Your Technology Pulse” survey from Hotel Management, and sponsored by Spectrum Enterprise, surveyed 93 hotelier technology decisions-makers, including owners, operators, and C-suite executives. The survey was conducted from October-December 2022.