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Tech That Works: How Modern Hotels Are Using Technology to Save Time, Make Money, and Impress Guests

  • Writer: Liam Crofton
    Liam Crofton
  • Aug 1
  • 4 min read

The hotel industry has always balanced tradition and service with innovation and change — but let’s be honest: the last few years have turbocharged that change.


Between rising costs, staffing issues, and ever-increasing guest expectations, technology has gone from “nice to have” to absolutely essential. But with so many tools out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure what’s actually worth investing in.


So, this post isn’t about futuristic robots and gimmicks — it’s about real, practical tech that hotels (just like yours) are using today to improve efficiency, drive direct bookings, and enhance the guest experience.


Let’s dive in.


1. Mobile Check-In & Phone-as-Key Technology


Let’s start with something simple that guests really appreciate: skipping the queue.


More hotels — from big brands to small independents — are offering mobile check-in and digital key access. It means guests can head straight to their room and unlock it using their smartphone.


This tech relies on NFC (Near Field Communication) — the same thing that makes contactless payments work — and it’s secure, quick, and convenient.


Why it works:


  • Guests love not waiting around after travel

  • Staff love not having to manually check in everyone at 3 PM sharp

  • You’ll love that lost keycards are no longer a daily drama


📍 Brands like Hilton and Marriott have rolled this out across thousands of properties — and now it’s becoming more affordable for independent hotels too.


2. Smart Room Features That Guests Notice


You’ve probably seen (or maybe even stayed in) a hotel room with:


  • Lights you can dim without getting out of bed

  • Air con that adjusts based on occupancy

  • Voice controls for music or curtains

  • Built-in streaming options


These might feel like luxury touches, but guests now expect a more personalised room experience — especially younger travellers and business guests.


Why it works:


  • Less call-outs for temperature issues or missing remotes

  • Energy savings when rooms detect no occupancy

  • Higher perceived value = better reviews and repeat visits


💡 You don’t have to go full “smart room” — even a few tweaks can help your property feel more up-to-date and guest-friendly.


3. AI Messaging & Virtual Concierge Services


Struggling to keep up with guest questions via email or phone? Many hotels now use AI-driven messaging tools that handle routine questions automatically — whether it’s “Can I get more towels?” or “What time’s breakfast?”


These systems can work via:


  • Live chat on your website

  • WhatsApp/SMS during stays

  • In-room tablets or voice assistants


Why it works:


  • Guests get quick answers, 24/7

  • Staff deal with fewer repetitive tasks

  • You provide better service without hiring more people


🗨️ One London-based hotel group saw a 20% drop in front desk workload just by introducing AI messaging during peak check-in hours.


4. Automated Upsells That Don’t Feel Pushy


Let’s say a guest has booked a room for two nights. That’s a great opportunity — not just to provide a good stay, but to increase the booking value.


Modern hotel CRMs and booking engines can now automatically:


  • Offer room upgrades (based on availability and price thresholds)

  • Suggest add-ons like late check-out or spa treatments

  • Promote restaurant bookings or welcome extras pre-arrival


And all of this can be triggered via email or text without you lifting a finger.



Why it works:



  • It drives more revenue without needing extra staff

  • Guests appreciate relevant offers (not generic spam)

  • It helps you maximise occupancy and upsell potential



📈 Hotels using upsell automation tools report up to an 18% increase in average guest spend — often without changing anything else operationally.



5. PMS & Back-End Tools That Make Everything Run Smoother


Not all hotel tech is shiny and guest-facing. Some of the most powerful upgrades happen quietly in the background.


If your Property Management System (PMS) still needs manual workarounds, Excel sheets, or constant patching, it’s probably holding your team back.


Modern PMS platforms can:


  • Sync with your booking engine and channel manager

  • Feed guest data into your CRM automatically

  • Help automate rates and availability changes

  • Simplify housekeeping and maintenance tracking


Why it works:


  • Reduces human error

  • Saves hours of admin each week

  • Gives your team better visibility on what’s happening, when


⚙️ Whether it’s Cloudbeds, Guestline, Mews, or another — the right PMS doesn’t just organise data, it makes life easier.


6. Technology Should Support Your Team — Not Replace It


Let’s be clear — tech isn’t about turning your hotel into a robot-run operation. It’s about using tools that help your team work smarter, not harder.


If you’ve struggled with staff shortages or burnout, the right systems can reduce the pressure, improve consistency, and free your team up to focus on guest experience rather than firefighting all day.


What’s Next?


You don’t need to implement everything at once — in fact, we don’t recommend it. But starting small, with the tech that solves your most urgent pain points, is a smart move.


Whether that’s:


  • Streamlining your check-in process

  • Driving more direct bookings through automated upsells

  • Cutting repetitive admin in half



There’s technology that can help — and it’s more accessible than ever.


Thinking of Upgrading Your Hotel’s Digital Setup?


At Mintly Digital, we work with hotels across the UK and Europe to help them grow direct revenue, modernise guest journeys, and make tech work for them — not the other way around.


If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to take a look at your current setup and recommend tools that match your goals and budget.


👉 Book a free discovery call

Let’s make your tech work harder — so your team doesn’t have to.


Sources & Further Reading



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