The demands of the guests have changed over the years, as today they constantly seek comfort, leisure, and personalisation in their stays. Apart from these demands, safety and security have become a primary concern for them owing to the unpredictable world we live in. After all, it is evident that individuals might refrain from staying in a place where there is a constant threat to their lives or belongings.
Here, trust is an unwritten contract between the hotelier and the guests. Whenever they walk through that door, they hold certain expectations that the staff members will take care of them and their possessions during their complete stay. As guests today have a myriad of options to choose from for their stay, it is critical for hoteliers to maintain that trust. Therefore, balancing guest comfort with safety has become crucial for a hotel to gain an edge and build customer loyalty.
Harmonising comfort and safety
Be it a chain hotel or a vacation rental, the guests look for more than just a bed and shower. When it comes to the experience, the services must be seamless, the staff must be welcoming, and the stay must be cosy. In total, elevating guest satisfaction becomes the ultimate goal for hoteliers. However, it must not be at the cost of security, as it can become one of the key parameters of how customers gauge a property. Therefore, having a robust security system in place can protect the guests from any unwarranted theft or crime. In this context, hoteliers can utilise new-age technologies that can aid them in enhancing the safety of their customers as well as the property.
Securing the entrance
The first impression for any guest entering a property is the entry point, which must be secured on a primary basis. It includes mandatory vehicle checks before entering the premises and other added security measure includes scanners, frisking, luggage checking, and more. There can be IP-based high-security cameras that can be installed to gain optimum coverage of every nook and cranny of the property. Furthermore, hoteliers can also leverage the automatic number plate recognition system (ANPR) on the entry and exit gates, which can ease the recording and storage of information about a vehicle. Moreover, a boom barrier should be set up to control traffic flow and ensure additional safety. Lastly, a guard tour monitoring system (GTMS) can be installed to ensure the officers perform their duties with efficacy.
Access control with RFID
Due to its ease of use, installation, and operational efficiency, RFID (radio frequency identification) can act as an efficient security solution for hoteliers who look forward to elevating their guests’ experiences. Primarily, this technology can be leveraged for guestroom entry and can also be used to control access to amenities, parking, event spaces, and more. When compared to the traditional key card, RFID-enabled cards provide the hotel staff with more control over security. The front desk staff has the provision to activate or deactivate the cards remotely and additionally, they can also view the information stored on the card to check when and where the card was used. As this data is secured on the card, it can be used to comprehend the preferences of the guests and deliver an immaculate experience.
Cloud for digital security
With the emergence of digitalization, hoteliers have started to gain tonnes of data that can be efficiently leveraged to enhance guest experiences. However, this sensitive data can be prone to hacking or cyberattacks, which can lead to a loss of finances or reputational damage for a hotel. This is where cloud technology can be utilised to ensure digital security as it allows for managing the data remotely without the requirement of any physical servers installed on the site. This means hoteliers can be assured that their backups and security copies are safe on the cloud as they are encrypted with high security protocols. Furthermore, the cloud also allows hoteliers to manage multiple locations from a single screen and get real-time updates at their fingertips, ensuring staff members get all the updates they need to respond immediately.
Future forward
The significance of safety and security in today’s unpredicted times cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, the hoteliers must always be on the front foot while creating a safe environment for the guests. With the increasing demand for the protection of guests and their belongings, hotel security and safety have become paramount for hoteliers today. Apart from a comfortable property that has all the amenities, cosiness, and culinary excellence, having a safe stay is also becoming a concern for the guests. Therefore, hotel owners can enhance the stay of their guests by securing the entrance, using new-age technologies such as RFID for access control, and leveraging the cloud for digital security.
Here, the role of technology has changed the narrative of the security system for the hotels. It is anticipated that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will be accelerated in terms of predictive analysis, which will lead the security teams to stay ahead of the issues and prevent them in due time. Moreover, AI-based video analysis will help spot unauthorised access, weird behaviour, or any odd activities, making the hotel premises safer for guests. In addition, repetitive and tedious tasks such as check-in, booking, and more can be automated, minimising human intervention and reducing errors. This will ensure the customers enjoy a stay that is comfortable as well as secure.
